Last Sunday marked the deadliest day in Nicaragua since the government protests and violence heated up in the spring. Reports of 38 deaths in one day seem to be flying under the radar for some reason. 38 deaths in one day. We live roughly 15 kilometers from the Nicaragua border and dating back to the late 1900s Coopevega de Cutris, Costa Rica has long been a gathering place of refuge for Nicaraguans fleeing oppression, violence, and turmoil. Many people seem to be arriving here weekly just searching for peace and a better life.
God promises us all the refuge and security we need in his word.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
-Psalm 46:1
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior ; you save me from violence.”
-2 Samuel 22:3
He is all I need /There is nothing I lack
This afternoon we visited with two young families all living under one small roof who arrived here just eight days ago. No running water, minimal lights, and just trying to catch their breathe. Their children’s schools have been shut down and their neighborhoods are quickly emptying from the violence. The men are searching for honest labor each day to no avail.
My wife and I looked at each other and realized we didn’t have much to give them but God’s word and his promises. We simply gathered around the center of the dark room and read Psalm 23 aloud with them. A peace filled the room. A hopeful silence seemed to have been ushered into their hearts. We have a faithful shepherd. God indeed is our shepherd and with him there is truly nothing we lack, even if we lack everything.
Please pray for the beautiful people of Nicaragua. Pray for peace and a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Pray for those fleeing violence and death daily.
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