We hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the summer! We are excited to share highlights from our recent mission trip to Nicaragua, which took place from June 25 to July 2. It was a week filled with incredible experiences, meaningful connections, and impactful work, thanks to our amazing team and your unwavering support.
Trip Highlights:
- Team Composition: Our team of 17 members hailed from North Carolina and Illinois, bringing together diverse skills and passions.
- Combined Efforts: We focused on both medical outreach and a baseball camp, aiming to serve the community in multiple ways.
Medical Outreach:
- Conducted home visits with local Nicaraguan health promoters, a nurse, and a doctor.
- Organized health fairs and provided training sessions for health promoters and nursing students from a local college. Training topics included Cancer Overview, Pain Assessment, The Role of Exercise in Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Splint/Bracing of injured joints.
Baseball Camp:
- Led a 4-day camp for over 100 students, teaching baseball fundamentals, health education, and bible lessons.
- Despite the non-stop rain, the camp was a huge success, ending with three simultaneous baseball games and a fun baseball piñata.
- Community Engagement: Our team also visited a nursing home, bringing joy to residents through games, nail painting, and heartfelt conversations.
- Fun Activities: In addition to our mission work, we enjoyed zip lining, swimming in a local crater lake, and shopping.
- Trade School Expo: We hosted workshops in cake decorating and woodworking, providing practical skills to the community.
- Women’s Ministry: Our female team members engaged with at-risk teenage girls through jewelry making and nail art.
- Support for Unwed Mothers: Two of our nurses dedicated time to ministering to a group of unwed mothers, offering both medical and emotional support.
Team Testimonials:
“I was on the baseball group. I was hesitant since I am not sports-oriented and I questioned how we were going to share our love of God with a bunch of young kids playing baseball. That first morning when it was pouring rain, I again questioned our decision. Boy, was I worried for nothing. Mark Moss did an outstanding job bringing baseball and Christianity together, and the rain did nothing to diminish the kids’ enthusiasm. One of my most unexpected joys was seeing our young mission team members, not only teaching baseball and games but also playing the games with the local kids. The smiles of those kids said it all, and I firmly believe they will remember this week for the rest of their lives. I truly think we accomplished our mission. I thank God for letting me be part of this mission, and like the kids, I will remember this forever.” — Deen Reed
“Being with these children was such a blessing! God used us to introduce His Holy Spirit to these awesome kids. We shared the gospel in word and deed, highlighted by the times when we played in the pouring rain. Throughout the week, God poured His blessings on all of us. I am grateful for the opportunity to share God’s love with the kids, our gracious team, our awesome translators and teachers, and all the staff. It was a life-changing experience that I wish everyone could have.” — Mark Moss
Exciting News from the Bless Back Business Academy!
We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of the inaugural Bless Back Business Academy class at Camino Ministries in Charlotte, NC!
This 16-week program was designed to meet Camino’s goals of reaching entrepreneurs in their Latino community. The program culminated with an exciting investor pitch event where ten students had the opportunity to present their innovative business plans to a panel of judges. This invaluable experience helped them refine their concepts and gain confidence in pitching their ventures.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers. Your contributions make these life-changing experiences possible. We look forward to sharing more updates with you soon!
Thank you for your continued support!
