March 2011

Dear Praying Friends,

We are saddened by news of the recent tragedies that have hit Japan. As we think of and pray for the people there, we are reminded of the fact that all of us must rely on the Lord for our very lives. Even with the dangers and cruelties we see here in Nicaragua, there is no better place to be than in the hands of our Lord and Savior.

In my last letter I mentioned the 16-yr old girl who was killed by a stray bullet from a gang member. Since that letter we have learned that she was actually murdered point blank by a bullet between the eyes because she had witnessed some gang activity. Last month there were 4 killings in the area of our church. So far this month there haven’t been any, praise the Lord! Please continue to pray for our safety as well as those in our church in Nejapa.

Recently we had the opportunity to help in a dental clinic. Ellie Kanaar, part of Team Nicaragua, has an uncle who is a dentist. He brought a team of dental students down to hold a four-day clinic for the people who cannot afford to go to a dentist here. Matt Kanaar made the arrangements at this end, and he and Ellie and Krista and I had the privilege of helping by translating and even doing a little time as dental assistants. A big blessing in that was watching our 9-year old grandson, Isaac, doing the same things we were doing. He spent 2 days there, working without a break for hours on end, translating, comforting the terrified children, and assisting the dentists.

Another exciting development is a new Bible study we will have in the city of San Marcos. Ave Maria College is the only college in Central America that holds all its classes in English. Its graduates receive a B.S. degree from the State of Florida. This Catholic College has 400 bi-lingual Latino students from all over Central America. I’ve had a burden for some time that the door would open and I would be able to begin reaching these young professionals for Christ. I’ve approached a few of the students with the idea of Bible studies in English. We have 7 signed up and eager to begin this next Monday afternoon. Pray for us that the Lord will have a great harvest and raise up workers for his kingdom.

We are really proud of the decisions that Julio is making. We have had custody of him for 2 ½ years and have seen him grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. His mother has just given him the opportunity to join her, his sisters, and his new step dad in the U.S. He told her that he didn’t like the way she was living and really wants for his life to amount to something for God. He said that he prefers to just stay here in Nicaragua with the Dowells. Another thing that we like concerns his soccer. His coach, a Division 1 player, wants Julio to go professional. He appears to have what it takes but feels that it would get in the way of his plans to become a pastor. What a tender heart this young man has for the Lord!

Thank you for your love, prayers, and support!

Ken, Krista, and Julio