Platinum to Nicaragua

Last time we had a campaign in Managua (December), we took the King Quality "Platinum" bus.  It's not as expensive as an airplane ticket, but lot's better than taking the yellow church bus.  It was our first trip to Nicaragua using a commercial bus line and, although a 12+ hour trip is always long, it was comfortable (food, air conditioning, movies, wifi.)  The only issue we had in December is that the bus departs El Salvador at 1:00 p.m. and arrives at 12:30 a.m., which is decidedly inconvenient when it comes to someone picking us up at the bus station and causes us to pay for a taxi instead.  The return trip departs at 3:00 a.m. from Managua which means another taxi ride.

So, after checking the price of plane tickets ($450 for a 40 minute flight), we decided that King Quality was the way to go.  Because the week before Easter, called Semana Santa (Holy Week) is traditionally a week of vacation, we bought our tickets more than a week ago.  The bus left on time, about 1:00 p.m., but traffic was heavy and it took longer than normal to reach the El Salvador border.  We spent more than two hours at the border--first having our passports reviewed by immigration agents (normal) and then having two police "interview" each bus passenger asking the purpose of their trip and various other questions.  One young girl's paperwork was found incomplete so she was escorted off the bus and was not allowed to leave the country.  At this point we were about two hours behind the normal schedule.  Heavy rain hit when we crossed into Honduras, which makes for slow progress on the bad roads.  We reached the Nicaragua border at 10:00 p.m. and we all had to retrieve our suitcases from below the bus, open them and have them inspected.  We left the border at 11:00 p.m. and the bus arrived at the station about 2:00 a.m.  Forty-five minutes later after a high-speed-chase type of taxi ride, we arrived at the hotel.  

Even though the trip was long and several of the conveniences we counted on (movies, wi-fi) weren't working, we still had it much easier than the Salvadorans.  Their trip in the yellow bus took almost 18 hours with 7+ hours spent in the various borders.

Tonight was the first campaign of the week.  There was a large crowd and many professions of faith.  It was a good reminder for us to keep our eyes on the things that matter and not on ourselves and our comfort!  We are thankful that God is faithful when we "go and share."  As always, pray for the work here in Managua this week!  

Ending November in Nicaragua

We finished packing last Monday and the movers came on Tuesday.  Of course, we spent Wednesday and Thursday unpacking (except for the great Thanksgiving meal we shared with friends at the Kern home.)

Friday at lunch time, Gilma took us to the King Quality bus station to catch our ride to Managua, Nicaragua.  This time we decided not to ride the big, yellow school bus and, instead, go with the regular bus service.  The drive is still 12 hours, but it's much more comfortable with air conditioning, bathroom on board, wi-fi and snacks provided.  We pulled into the bus station in Managua at 12:30 a.m. and then took a taxi to the hotel.  Still a long day, but so much better than the 17 hours it took for the yellow bus to arrive.

Only four gringos arrived in time to go out with us on Saturday evening; everyone else came in about 8:30 p.m.  Still it was a successful evening with more than 30 professions of faith.  I had the opportunity to counsel Naomi after she prayed to receive Christ during the gospel message.  She had such a sweet spirit and a huge smile!  She and her 6-year old daughter live with her mom and she asked if she could have an extra copy of the Bible to share with her mom.

Sunday morning worship is always a highlight of the week.  There's just nothing better than singing in Spanish/English. Bro. Perry Safron preached from Hebrews 11--it's always great to hear a message in English.

Last night's campaign with the whole team was equally successful with more than 40 professions of faith.