Linking People - Changing Lives

155 Students Start School at Centro Escolar LifeLink!

2011-03-07T22:25:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a great first week of school we had at Centro Escolar LifeLink!

On Monday, February 21 Centro Escolar LifeLink opened up its doors to receive 155 beautiful students. There are no words to explain the joy that we all felt to see old and new, happy little faces of children, whom without a doubt where entering through the doors of hope and opportunity.

On the very first day our first graders surprised us by forming an orderly line right at the entrance of the school, I even thought they had been practicing during vacation time! Monday was good, but Tuesday was even better with only a few oft he 3-year-old kids shedding tears when coming to school. Then, surprisingly, by Wednesday all the students were very happy and no crying was heard from them.

By the end of the week we all were amazed to see how good this week had turned out. We’ve already seen children forming orderly lines; neatly wearing their uniforms; saying “Good morning!” with smiling faces; learning; laughing; being obedient; honoring God with their prayers; playing; eating their lunches; and parents saying “Thank you”!

We are so thankful to have such a fantastic group of teachers and assistants. Above all, they fear the Lord, and have a burning passion with legitimate commitment in their hearts to be part of this great vision.

Humbly I take the opportunity to thank, from the center of my heart, every one of you, who make this work possible. These children wouldn’t have such an opportunity, and I can certainly say, wouldn’t have any hope if it wasn’t for your love, care, and support.

We are confident that this year is going to be full of blessings. Only one week of school has gone by; we can’t wait to see how wonderful the coming weeks are going to be!

Thank you, Jesus!!
Elisa Rosa, Assistant Director

Smiles, Love & Lots of Learning

2011-02-02T22:59:00.000-08:00

Elisa and I are super excited about the work with LifeLink International in 2011! We are getting ready to, once again, take over the life-changing task of serving at the LifeLink School in Nicaragua. Soon we'll be seeing the faces of all the precious students that were part of last year's amazing journey

Also, we will joyfully welcome our new class of Level 1 students--the 3 year-old kids. Another reason to celebrate is that in three weeks 40 first graders will occupy one of the classrooms in the brand new primary school building (the first of two buildings). With a total enrollment of 155 students, it is going to be a school year full of smiles, love, joy, life-learning experiences and, certainly, education and opportunity!

It is with gratitude and humility that we move forward with God's ordained task to serve, minister, and impact hundreds of children and families in Ciudad Sandino. We are convinced that many generations shall be impacted by the fruit of the work being done in Nicaragua through LifeLink International!!

-Jaime Rosa

Elisa Rosa with a few of the Centro Escolar LifeLink students

Jaime Rosa ministering to the children.

Elisa loving on Maritza at the Centro Escolar LifeLink.

Building Walkways to the Future!

2011-01-28T22:54:00.000-08:00

I's time to build the sidewalk joining the new primary school building to the auditorium, kitchen and bathrooms! We will build the sidewalk up high enough that it won't be affected by local flooding, which leaves us with a stemwall design. Basically, we build a box with blocks off the front of the building, fill it with dirt, top it off with concrete, and in the end we have a sidewalk.

Our first step was cutting through the rock-like earth, and after that the next challenge was making sure that everything stayed level. Using boards and string, we made sure everything remained true. Once the blocks we installed, we ordered three trucks of dirt to fill it in. We spread it out, compacted it by hand and then watered it overnight to make sure the future sidewalk didn't crack.

Once the dirt is good and hard, we'll pour the cement. Purchasing concrete already mixed from a truck isn't really an alternative, so that means mixing bags of cement with rock, sand, and water in the cement mixer and moving it with wheel barrows. Once installed, we'll smooth it with a trowel and then float it with an aluminum bullfloat until it is perfect. We'll let it dry for one day and cure for five, wetting it down twice a day to make sure it doesn't dry to quickly.

And when class begins on February 21st, the students will have a well-made walkway to move about the campus of Centro Escolar LifeLink!

---Wayne Tingle - Director of Construction, LifeLink International

click link below to see video update:
http://www.lifelinkint.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=27

Workers at LifeLink Ministry Base & School preparing walkway for concrete.

Walkway ready for concrete. Looking good!

Getting Ready for School to Start in Nicaragua!

2011-01-27T22:31:00.000-08:00

School starts for the 2011 school year on Monday, Feb. 21st at Centro Escolar LifeLink and I'm really excited!

Over the last week that we've been back in Nicaragua, I've enjoyed catching up with our students and their families as they stop by the base. Everyone is looking forward to the beginning of the school year!

While Wayne has been busy with finishing the Primary School Building, I've been lesson planning, completing registrations and getting all the admin stuff squared away. But yesterday was the most exciting day yet!

Elisa Rosa and I got together for some brainstorming and then headed to the bookstore where we purchased our Preschool curriculum for this year! After some feedback from our teachers last year, we felt that changing our curriculum might be a good move for us, so we started researching our options in November. After seeing what the market had to offer and speaking to teachers and Directors of other private schools here in Nica and in the States, we found the perfect curriculum for us! Our students are going to benefit so greatly from this quality platform for learning!

We've also selected our First Grade curriculum and found a bookstore willing to give us an amazing deal on it!

God is blessing our planning and we know that with Him on our side, great things are on the horizon!

---Megan Tingle, Centro Escolar LifeLink School Director

Centro Escolar LifeLink Graduation :: Walking the Path of Hope, Opportunity & Destiny!

2010-12-05T22:37:00.000-08:00

Each student waited patiently to hear their name called - forty two in all. Then one by one each child walked on stage to receive their diploma - the piece of paper that would set them on the next step in the journey of their short lives - first grade!

Parents, family and friends clapped, cheered and yes, many even cried knowing their child was walking the path of hope, opportunity and a bright future - the opportunity that most here to witness the ceremony had never been afforded themselves.

THANK YOU to all of the LifeLink School child sponsors and ministry partners - without you this day would not be a reality. You have made an incredible difference in the lives of our school children and their families and we appreciate it more than you'll ever know.

A huge thanks also to Tony Ennis, Rilyn Colucy and Jeremy and Angel Kerns of Jostens, the graduation folks, for the beautiful caps, gowns, tassels and stoles. The sea of blue was an awesome sight and made the children feel like royalty!

¡Muchas gracias ... toda la gloria a Dios!
Thank you so much ... all glory to God!

Graduating class with teachers. Elisa Rosa is on far left.

Graduating class anxiously awaiting to receive their diplomas.

Students praying before start of graduation ceremony

Students praying before start of graduation

Megan Tingle, The LifeLink School Director, addressing the students and guests.

Mike Turner, LifeLink International President, with Anai being recognized with "perfect attendance".

Learning to Pray

2010-11-10T21:16:00.000-08:00

Chapel service at Centro Escolar LifeLink in Ciudad Sandino, Nicaragua. To watch these kids pray and worship Jesus is worth all the years and hard work it took to get to this place!

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14(NIV)

J

The LifeLink Team ... Ready for School!

2010-02-20T20:53:00.000-08:00

The first Parent-Teacher meeting was a success at the Centro Escolar LifeLink. Everyone is now ready for the first day of school on Monday, Feb 22!

120 students, 3 teachers, 3 assistants, one cook, one guard, one director and 4 missionaries!

Teacher Training at The LifeLink School

2010-02-13T20:17:00.000-08:00

We were honored recently to have Drs. Irene and Christine Prue visit the LifeLink Ministry Base in Ciudad Sandino, Nicaragua, to instruct and inspire our new school teachers and missionary team. Dr. Irene is a former dean of students at Georgia Perimeter College and is now principal and director of Victory World Church School in Norcross, GA. Dr. Christine is a scientist with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and has travelled extensively conducting research in the areas of public health issues.

Pictured above L-R: Elisa Rosa,Deborah Turner, Raquel Mendoza-Alvarez, Dr. Irene Prue, Lilliam Chan, Dr. Christine Prue, Arlen, Megan Tingle.

Newest building is almost ready!

2010-02-06T06:46:00.000-08:00

We've been working hard to prepare everything necessary to start classes on Feb. 22, and one of the big things is our bathroom! The new bathroom building is located on the left side of the auditorium, has 4 small toilets for children, and 2 larger toilets for adults. The plumbing runs to our 7,122 gallon septic tank, large enough to hold a small car. The roof line is lifted a little higher than normal, and decorative blocks surround the top course to provide ventilation.

The next steps are to install the fixtures, lay the tile, paint, and install doors. This will be a great improvement for LifeLink Education Center!

-Wayne

Building Walkways to the Future!

2010-01-28T22:47:00.000-08:00

I's time to build the sidewalk joining the new primary school building to the auditorium, kitchen and bathrooms! We'll build it up high enough so that it won't be affected by local flooding, which leaves us with a stemwall design. Basically, we build a box with blocks off the front of the building, fill it with dirt, top it off with concrete, and in the end we have a sidewalk.

Our first step was cutting through the rock-like earth, and after that the next challenge was making sure that everything stayed level. Using boards and string, we made sure everything remained true. Once the blocks we installed, we ordered three trucks of dirt to fill it in. We spread it out, compacted it by hand and then watered it overnight to make sure the future sidewalk didn't crack.

Once the dirt is good and hard, we'll pour the cement. Purchasing concrete already mixed from a truck isn't really an alternative, so that means mixing bags of cement with rock, sand, and water in the cement mixer and moving it with wheel barrows. Once installed, we'll smooth it with a trowel and then float it with an aluminum bullfloat until it is perfect. We'll let it dry for one day and cure for five, wetting it down twice a day to make sure it doesn't dry to quickly.

And when class begins on February 21st, the students will have a well-made walkway to move about the campus of Centro Escolar LifeLink!

---Wayne Tingle - Director of Construction, LifeLink International

Walkway ready for concrete. Looking good!

Child Sponsorship is Now Online at LifeLink!

2010-01-23T18:05:00.000-08:00

LifeLink International is proud to announce that child sponsorship to attend "Centro Escolar LifeLink", the school at the LifeLink Ministry Base in Ciudad Sandino, Nicaragua is now available at www.lifelinkint.org!

We currently have over 100 students enrolled in the LifeLink school that need support. This is a great opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child in Nicaragua. With your commitment of monthly sponsorship, you can help a child with study materials and supplies, a nutrious daily meal, clothing and a first-class Christian education. Find out more at www.lifelinkint.org

Preschool Children Served Daily Lunch

2009-04-05T16:03:00.000-07:00

Children attending preschool at the Minsitry Base in Nicaragua enjoy a daily lunch of beans, rice and tortillas. The children patiently wait in line to be served by two teachers.

Thank you for faithfully praying for these children and the ministry of LifeLink International.

Make Your Swing Count - Register Today for the 2nd Annual LifeLink Charity Golf Tournament May 2nd at the beautiful Château Élan Resort

2009-03-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

Play golf for a cause and make your swing count at the 2nd Annual LifeLink International Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 2nd at the beautiful Château Élan Resort in Braselton, GA.

All proceeds will go to benefit the efforts of LifeLink International. LifeLink is a registered nonprofit organization in the USA and in the country of Nicarauga.

LifeLink works tirelessly to bring education, clean water, health care, and hope to children in Nicaragua, the 2nd poorest nation in the western hemisphere, according to the UN reports.

Your participation in this event will assist LifeLink International in creating dreams. Won't you consider playing for a cause and helping children along the way?

Golf Tournament Details:

- When: Saturday May 2nd
- Time: 2pm shotgun start
- Where: Château Élan– Braselton, GA
- Benefit: LifeLink International: non-profit mission organization
- Cost: $125 per person

Naturally all gifts are tax deductible.

Thank you - we look forward to seeing you on the links!

Can't make the golf tournament but would still like to make a donation to help us educate the children in Nicaragua, just click on the "donate" button above.

For more info contact:

brian@sunbeltofficeproducts.com

jlrossi@cwatlantatv.com

Guayo - New Guard Dog at the LifeLink Ministry Base

2009-03-13T20:28:00.000-07:00

We've been considering adding a guard dog at the LifeLink Ministry Base in Ciudad Sandino for several years, and now we finally have one. Meet Guayo (pronounced gwa-yo) the new guard dog . He's a good looking dog - big and strong and, according to Walter at the base, he barks very loud at night! Hopefully many of you will get to meet Guayo when you come to visit us in Nicaragua. Pictured above with Guayo is Mike Turner, LifeLink President.

Jack Grondin - Former .38 Special Drummer Rocks the House in Nicaragua

2009-03-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

Former .38 Special rock & roll band drummer Jack Grondin and his wife Beverly rocked the church house Sunday night in Ciudad Sandino.

The church was filled to capacity as Jack and Beverly began the service with worship followed by an exhortation by Beverly, a gifted and anointed teacher of the Word of God.

Jack kept the church engaged as he gave testimony of his life as an inexperienced Catholic kid from New Jersey attending college in Florida, to fame and fortune as the drummer for the Jacksonville, FL based rock and roll group .38 Special.

For 18 years with .38 Special Jack led a luxurious rock star lifestyle including drugs, alcohol, promiscuous living, and hanging with friends such as Lynard Skynard Band and other famous musicians.

One evening after playing a concert and sitting in front of a line of drugs in a hotel room, Jack realized he needed a lifestyle change. Knowing there had to be more to this life, Jack invited a Christian friend to stop by his hotel room to talk to him about Jesus Christ.

Confronted with the love of Jesus by his Christian friend, he was then faced with a choice, and that choice was an eternal turning point. Jack took a deep breath and blew the "drug dust" into the air. That night Jack made a decision that changed his life - a decision to follow Christ - and he's never looked back since!

At the church in Ciudad Sandino Jack gave an alter call to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior and then an invitation to receive the Holy Spirit - the place went wild as people flocked to the front of the church. It was an intense celebration.

So, even in an seemingly obscure place such as Ciudad Sandino, Nicaragua, God can and will mesh two unlikely worlds - third world poverty and rock and roll, North American style - to God's Kingdom ... world without borders - world without end!

Rock on Jesus, and never, never underestimate the power of the Living God!

Jack and Beverly Grondin Minister in Ciudad Sandino, Nicaragua

2009-03-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

Jack Grondin ministers to the people in Ciudad Sandino church service to receive Jesus Christ and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. It was powerful!

Beverly Grondin brings a powerful word of exhortation from the Word of God to the congregation at the church in Ciudad Sandino. Everyone was blessed.

News Flash -- Power at the LifeLink Base!

2009-03-06T19:16:00.000-08:00

New electrical power poles in front of the LifeLink Ministry Base in Ciudad Sandino

"You shall receive POWER when the Holy Spirit comes upon you ..." is the promise Jesus gave us in His Word.

Along with the promise of Holy Ghost power, we received electrical POWER a few days ago when the Nicaragua electric company installed new power poles all along the dirt road in front and along the side of the LifeLink Ministry Base in Ciudad Sandino. This is an answer to prayer!

Training for Missionaries

2009-03-03T08:40:00.000-08:00

If you’ve ever felt a call to missions, had a heart to serve cross-culturally, or just wanted to know more about serving and how missionary ministry works, then this missionary training program is for you.

The missionary training program is 8-weeks of intensive training geared to the development of essential on-the-field skills needed by an aspiring missionary. During the 8-weeks you will live and work as a missionary on the field in Mexico, learn a second language, and receive some of the best hands-on practical ministry training available today.

Program Components::

Field Orientation
Cultural Adaptation
Language Development
Concepts of Team Ministry
Interpersonal Skills
Partner Relations
Basic Ministry Training
Debriefing Process
Platform Communication
Deployment Process

Although many missionary students do go on to serve as full time missionaries after completing the program, others have returned to serve as mission volunteers, mission directors/assistants, and mission pastors. Returning students also make excellent liaisons between missionaries on the field and the sending church. As trainers we feel there could be no better win-win situation for everyone involved.

The 8-week training program cost is $2500.00 per person plus airfare. Considering that a one-week short-term mission trip cost approximately $1300.00 - 2500.00, depending on the location, the missionary training program in Cuernavaca, Mexico is an incredible investment - possibly an eternal investment!

The spring date is quickly approaching, and class size is limited, so if you feel that missionary training is of interest to you, please contact us immediately. We would love to talk to you about the possibilities of you attending the missionary training in Mexico this year.

For more info contact us @ mturner@lifelinkint.org or dturner@lifelinkint.org
Dates: April 3 - May 29, 2009
Dates: September 5 - October 31, 2009

Location: Cuernavaca, Mexico

Cost: $2500.00 per person

Includes: Housing, meals & training in Mexico
Airfare to Mexico is not included.

2nd Annual LifeLink Int'l Golf Tournament to be Held May 2nd at Chateau Elan

2009-02-21T17:21:00.000-08:00

Brian Rossi (standing above) leading planning group discussion for the golf tournament.

LifeLink Pres. Mike Turner (above) showing photos of pre-school children and teachers attending class at the LifeLink Ministry Base in Nicaragua to those attending the tournament planning meeting.

Plans are now underway for the 2nd Annual LifeLink Int'l Charity Golf Tournament to be held on Saturday, May 2nd at Chateau Elan . The golf tournament will be held at the beautiful Chateau Elan Golf Club in Braselton, just north of Atlanta, GA.

Last year's tournament organizers Brian and Jennifer Rossi and Sunbelt Office Products in Atlanta are once again spearheading the golf tournament. Over 100 golfers participated in last years tournament with great prizes and a fabulous silent auction, all for charity - it was a huge success.

You can check out a press release and photos from last year’s golf tournament at sunbeltofficeproducts.com. All proceeds will go to benefit the LifeLink Ministry Base in Nicaragua.

Mark your calendars now for May 2nd ... more details will be coming shortly so stay tuned.

The Tingle Family - On Their Way to Nicaragua

2009-02-17T19:17:00.000-08:00

Wayne and Megan Tingle and their two daughters, Alison 6, and Emily 3, are preparing to move to Nicaragua as missionaries with LifeLink International. The Tingles attended missionary training for 10-weeks in Mexico as part of their preparation for becoming missionaries.

Wayne's background as a business owner in the building and construction and landscape industries will be a great benefit working at the LifeLink Ministry Base. Wayne also is a musician and worship leader at their home church in Orlando, FL. Megan's degrees in communication and English as well as her experience in editing, creative writing and teaching will be a huge addition to the education aspect of the ministry in Nicaragua.

The ministry of LifeLink International is excited to welcome the Tingles.

lifelinkint.org

LifeLink Donates Sports Equipment to the Ciudad Sandino Youth Program

2009-02-16T07:46:00.000-08:00

The City of Sandino, which is where the LifeLink Ministry Base is located, has become a haven for gangs and drugs. In an effort to curtail the problem, the City of Sandino has started a new program working with high risk youth to get them involved in sports and off the streets.

LifeLink donated soccer and baseball equipment for the program, and will work in conjunction with the City of Sandino and the mayor's office to help in their effort.

Pictured above with the donated equipment are two directors of the new sports program along with LifeLink Int'l President Mike Turner (center).

lifelinkint.org

Completed Walls Look Amazing at the LifeLink Ministry Base

2009-02-11T10:11:00.001-08:00

This is the completed front wall inside the LifeLink Ministry Base in Ciudad Sandino. It looks great while providing security and a view inside the base.
Pictured above is the drive-thru entrance gate along the front wall. We feel it's very important for the community and our neighbors to not feel isolated, but to offer an inviting sense of openness and comapssion while providing safety for the children inside the base. After all, we are a ministry to the community of Sandino.

Above is the walk-in gated door along the front entrance. This will allow easy access for children and families who will be walking and not driving into the ministry base.

lifelinkint.org

New Warehouse (Bodega) Completed at the LifeLink Ministry Base in Nicaragua

2009-02-11T08:41:00.000-08:00

The new warehouse, or bodega in Spanish, at the LifeLink Ministry Base in Ciudad Sandino will allow us to store all of the ministry equipment in a secure area. The two openings are covered with metal roll up doors like used at mini storage warehouse unit. Pictured inside the bodega in the top photo is the cement mixer, which is used a lot!

2009-02-11T08:37:00.000-08:00

Pictured above is Walter in front of the new warehouse located at the rear of the base property. The two large doors are the metal rool-up type doors with a drive-up ramp for construction equipment, etc.

2009-02-11T08:25:00.000-08:00

The back side of the bodega is an open shed area and will accomodate the portable 500 gallon water tank, or a ministry vehicle.

lifelinkint.org

Pre-School Begins with 33 Students at the LifeLink Ministry Base in Ciudad Sandino

2009-02-08T19:54:00.000-08:00

The 2009 school year kicked off last week with the addition of the 3, 4 & 5 year-old pre-school at the LifeLink Ministry Base. Pictured above are the teachers with the new 33 students.

Please pray for the children and teachers and the ministry of LifeLink International.

lifelinkint.org

Lunch Time for Pre-School Children at the LifeLink Ministry Base

2009-02-08T19:44:00.000-08:00

It's lunch time for these hungry 3, 4, & 5 year old pre-schoolers at the LifeLink Ministry Base.

Rice, beans and tortillas are the menu for the day.

Everything Does Depend on God

2009-02-05T07:05:00.000-08:00

In missions we are solely dependent on God, in life we are solely dependent on God, and certainly in today's economy we can do nothing but depend on God. However, we do have a part to play in the scheme of things, and that is to do the work we have been given by HIM.

President Obama quoted Saint Augustine in his 10-minute speech at the National Prayer Breakfast this morning. The quote stirred my soul to remember the words of Saint Augustine, and to always pray ... without ceasing ... knowing that God is in control.

Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.
..... St. Augustine

You're in Good Hands with Jesus Christ!

2009-01-28T06:10:00.000-08:00

Our Vision is Strong

2008-12-22T21:15:00.000-08:00

Belief and vision fuels
enthusiasm, and
enthusiasm explodes
into passion.
It fires our souls and
lifts our spirits.

Our vision is strong, our passion is great, and our hearts are full of God's love for the forgotten children who live each and every day in a world of poverty and hardship we can hardly imagine.

This is Nicaragua.
This is LifeLink International.

Missionary Training Program

2008-12-18T11:03:00.000-08:00

"I used to ask God to help me. Then I asked if I might help Him. I ended up by asking Him to do His work through me." ... Missionary Hudson Taylor

This has been our thoughts and our prayer as LifeLink International has joined forces with Victory World Church in Atlanta, GA to develop a missionary training program. With a congregation of over 6000 people, Victory World Church has a mission and ministry base located in Cuernavaca, Mexico. This is the location for the missionary training program.

As missionary trainers and developers of mission strategies, Mike and Deborah Turner, founders of LifeLink, have spent years developing and implementing on-the-field missionary training and working to help trainees become successful missionaries.

The Training Program Components include: Field Orientation, Cultural Adaptation, Language Acqusition, Interpersonal Skills, Partner Relations, Basic Ministry Training, Concepts of Team Ministry, Communication Skills, Deployment Processes, Debriefing Processes.

The fall 20008 session was awesome! Seven adults and four children, ages 2-6 years old, attended the training. Please pray for these as they begin to walk in their callings:

J & J Lambert (N Carolina) .........target location: Thailand
W & M Tingle (FL).......................target location: Nicaragua
J Wilkerson (GA) .......................target location: Restricted
D Trammell (GA) .......................target location: Mexico
J Schulte (GA) ...........................target location: USA

The missionary training program is 10-weeks and is held twice yearly: the fall and spring. The Spring 2009 program is April 3-May 29.

The application deadline is March 13th for the spring 2009 session.

For more information check out the Victory World Church website @ victoryatl.org. Click Missions/Outreach and then click Missionary Internship, or send us an email @ mturner@lifelinkint.org.

Check out the missionary training video below!

Missionary Interns Complete Training in Mexico - Ready for the World!

2008-12-12T19:56:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the Premier Class of the Missionary Training Program in Mexico. The training program ended November 22, 2008. The above group plans to take the love of Christ to the nations of: Thailand, Nicaragua, Mexico, Restricted, and the USA.

Building the Security Wall at the LifeLink Int'l Ministry Base

2008-12-03T12:01:00.000-08:00

Pictured above is the front security wall that surrounds the LifeLink International Ministry Base in Ciudad Sandino. The iron grids allow parents to see their children inside the base while providing security at the same time.

The above picture is a birds-eye view of the 10-foot security wall that surrounds the perimeter of the LifeLink Ministry Base. As you can see the flat field of green grass provides a safe and beautiful area for the children to run and play.

Building the Wall

2008-12-03T10:58:00.000-08:00

The security wall at the LifeLink Ministry Base in Ciudad Sandino, just outside of Managua, is nearing completion.
For almost one year we've been working, raising funds and building the 10 foot high security wall. Constructed of heavy block cut from the Nicaragua ground, the front portions of the wall are metal tubing as will be the main entrance gates. Because of the area the ministry base is located in and because of safety issues with children and staff, the security wall is a necessity.
Thanks to all who have partnered together with us in the "wall project". May God richly bless you many times over!

http://lifelinkint.org/

Under Construction - Cocina de Victoria

2008-11-20T16:35:00.000-08:00

Outside view of the LifeLink Ministry Base kitchen located just outside of Managua in Ciudad Sandino. The windows are wood concession stand type pull up windows. A serving window and small step will help better serve the children as they're fed a healthy and nutritious meal each day.

Under Construction and looking good! Looking from the inside out through one of the windows at the LifeLink Ministry Base kitchen.

http://lifelinkint.org

Cocina de Victoria ... Continued

2008-11-20T15:43:00.000-08:00

Over the last few months, two groups, one from Victory Church in Pevely, MO, and another group comprised of folks from Atlanta, Florida, Kentucky and South Carolina, all have worked very hard on building the kitchen at the LifeLink Ministry Base in Ciudad Sandino. The group from MO laid blocks for the walls, welded door frames and poured the concrete floor. The group from Atlanta, Florida, Kentucky and South Carolina built the wood window frames and concession stand type windows. The concession stand style windows will allow us to close off and secure the kitchen in rainy season and at night, but will allow an open-air feel during the day when open.

The kitchen plans call for a commercial stainless steel sink, gas stove and shelving - it will be beautiful. But more than that it will be such a blessing for the children who will be fed healthy and nutritious meals through those doors and serving windows.

This kitchen at the LifeLink Ministry Base will be called the "Cocina de Victoria" or the "Victory Kitchen" in honor of the Lord Jesus Christ and of all those who labored to build it.

http://lifelinkint.org

Let Us Introduce You To … Issac David

2008-11-15T14:51:00.000-08:00

We welcome the newest addition to the LifeLink Int'l family.

Issac David was born to proud parents Gerald and Doribel Hernández on September 9th in Managua, Nicaragua. Issac David was welcomed home by big brother Jeffery.

Gerald and Doribel have worked with LifeLink Int'l - Nicaragua for five years and have been on staff for two years.

Doribel and Gerald work alongside LifeLink missionaries Ben and Susan Estanislao at the LifeLink Ministry Base in Ciudad Sandino. Together they oversee the weekly children's ministry, feeding program and building construction.

http://lifelinkint.org

Bringing Hope and Education to Nicaragua's Children

2008-11-05T05:27:00.000-08:00

Part of the vision of LifeLink International is to bring quality, first class Christian education to some of the poorest of the poor children in Nicaragua. Along with education we're working to instill a hope of not only a life in Jesus Christ, but a hope of life above poverty (living in a one room shack with dirt floors, outside facilities and no clean water) to a bright future destined for greatness.

Already we have 65 first graders meeting daily on the grounds of the LifeLink Ministry Base in Ciudad Sandino. Although our facilities are far from being completed, these first graders are thrilled to have a clean, safe place to learn and play. The children can run and play in a fresh oasis - a field of green grass with trees and flowers and no trash strewn about. They are being hugged, loved and encouraged each day by our LifeLink missionary team.

There is still so much work yet to do in order to complete the education facility and kitchen, where each child will receive a healthy hot meal each day.

Our vision is strong, our passion is great, and our hearts are full of God's love for these forgotten children who live each and every day in a world of filth and hardship we can hardly imagine.

http://lifelinkint.org

Fresh Water Well at the LifeLink International Ministry Base

2008-11-04T09:09:00.000-08:00

Pictured is the well drilling team working at the LifeLink Ministry Base in Ciudad Sandino, Nicaragua. After several attempts at drilling, and even having a pipe hung in the well shaft, we finally hit strong water at around 200 feet. The next step is to build a well house with pump that will allow us to have water on demand. We can't begin to express our appreciation to all who partnered together with us to make this well dig a reality. Instead of having to drink and wash in dirty, contaminated water, we can now offer healthy water straight from the "River of Life." Fresh, clean water will change the lives of people living all around the LifeLink Ministry Base, and especially the many children being ministered to each week by the LifeLink missionary team.

http://lifelinkint.org/

Creating Opportunity ... Changing Lives

2008-10-30T21:50:00.001-07:00

"Daniel Ortega No Tolera La Democracia", read the headlines in the Nicaragua daily newspaper, The Prensa, recently. The literal translation in English is clear: "Daniel Ortega Has No Tolerance for Democracy ..."

With influence from Venezuela president Hugo Chavez, Nicaragua is in the middle of one of most vulnerable times in recent history. With the election of former Dictator Daniel Ortega in 2006, the country has been in a steady decline losing some 200 million dollars in IMF (International Monetary Fund) funds in the last 18 months. This money is critical for the nation’s poorest people in funding basic needs such as medical, agricultural, and farming subsidies.

We've been able to see the effect with the families that we're working with in Cuidad Sandino, just outside of Managua, where the LifeLink International Ministry Base is located. As the number of children increases each week in our feeding program, we’re realizing that we truly are in a strategic location at an important time in Nicaragua’s history.

The completion of the LifeLink Ministry Base, with education facilities designed to accommodate preschool through twelfth grade, will bring with it the hope for a better life for children that now face uncertain futures.

The Department of Education in Nicaragua reports that only 30% of children that begin first grade will finish the required six grades of schooling. This is partly because of the lack of educational facilities, available funds and the lack of emphases placed on education by the current Nicaragua government.

As Deborah and I spoke with some of the children we are targeting in our area, I couldn’t help but wonder what the future would hold for these precious kids. Sometimes it’s as simple as creating opportunity and hope. Our banner is Linking People – Changing Lives… one person at a time. Thank you for being a part of changing the lives and the hope of a future to those in desperate need.

http://lifelinkint.org