Q4 2024 Update

December:
Evangelism - Church leaders are serving the communities both spiritually and practically. They provide food baskets to older people and visit communities to carry out activities in homes and repair roads; they hold joint worship services and pray for the community at large. Church leaders engage in fasting and continue to train other community leaders.
Education - The high school and university students received additional training about Nicaraguan culture. Students are often unaware of or forget different aspects of their country, and these lessons serve as Nicaraguan country education. Students also spent time catching up on activities and services they perform monthly. The Albellanas school hosted a graduation ceremony to honor and recognize all the students who successfully completed their studies; the celebration was shared with teachers, parents, and community members!
Practical Needs - In communities facing extreme poverty, volunteer work is often unheard of; residents spend all their available time making ends meet for their families. However, with the support and encouragement of Just One Opportunity, the sponsored students spend a remarkable amount of time volunteering across their communities. High school and university students tutor younger children in their studies and teach community adults and elders to read and write; others volunteer by assisting with household chores and bringing food and supplies to elderly citizens, creating bonds of hope and love throughout the community. As a result of educational sponsorships, many young ladies think of the future as full of opportunities. The number of young women having children is decreasing as they focus on school and have goals of going to college and owning businesses before starting families.

November:
Evangelism - Our mission is grounded in sharing the love and message of Jesus Christ with those who need it most. As always, evangelical leaders are at the forefront of this mission, spreading light and hope to widows, the elderly, and the sick with words of comfort and faith. Their visits are not just moments of connection; they are lifelines of hope in times of life's most significant challenges. Through biblical training, The church leaders encourage community leaders, youth, and children to foster spiritual growth and inspire the village residents to actively share God's love. These efforts build stronger, more faith-filled communities ready to embrace the work of the Kingdom.
Education - Every month, each student contributes 15 hours of volunteer service in their communities. They assist children and adults in improving their education and environment and enriching their quality of life by becoming agents of change and self-improvement. Leaders provide training in leadership, basic computing, and English. Community teachers help students in areas where they struggle the most, while some university students complete internships in hospitals and schools.
Practical Needs - This Giving Tuesday, we have a goal of raising money to provide school kits to as many students as possible. Last year, your donations raised $18,000, providing 240 students with uniforms, shoes, backpacks, and school supplies. With every $75 donation, one student can remain in school without this additional financial burden on families.

October:
Evangelism - The pastors remain dedicated to teaching children about God's love through sharing personal Bible stories. These stories help children to learn more about God and have a personal relationship with the Lord. The transformative power of God's word is evident as individuals embrace Christ's teachings, leading them to live according to Scripture. Pastors receive training to better equip themselves to spread the gospel, reaching out to those who do not know God. Each pastor diligently trains their leaders weekly, ensuring they are well-prepared to spread the word of the Lord.
Education - Students are active servant leaders in their communities, helping community elders with chores, strengthening Spanish, English, and mathematics skills, and tutoring younger students struggling to keep up. Jarid and Jessica continue their internships, acquiring practical skills for their professional development toward their university degrees. Elizabeth completed her internship and graduated with an Accounting degree; she has since begun working as a university secretary, earning a salary to provide for herself and her family.
Practical Needs - We believe in meeting practical needs to empower communities for lasting change, and now, during these uncertain times in Nicaragua, that is needed more than ever. The community of Las Avellanas urgently needs access to clean, running water; with your help, we can raise $10,000 to deepen two wells, purchase a 75-gallon water tank, and install over 3,000 feet of pipes. Your support will directly impact the health and livelihoods of families in Las Avellanas, moving one step closer to our mission of breaking the cycle of poverty.