We love sharing good news, and it is to God's glory that we have much to share!
HISTORY: Three years ago we moved to Malpaisillo, Nicaragua after having lived in Managua, Nicaragua for 16 months teaching English and volunteering in a children's burn hospital. In time we realized that to truly have a lasting impact on the lives of the poor, their financial circumstances need to change through employment. So we formed a non-profit, Sheep Not Goats, and built a farm where people work growing and selling tilapia, plantains, dragon fruit, and other produce.
GOOD NEWS SHARING: To date there are 15 employees (both full and part-time) of the farm – husbands, fathers, mothers, and college students. From these 15, 40 more lives have been impacted, as their families now eat three meals a day and are able to buy clothes, medicine, and personal necessities. Some now have bus money to go to college 30 minutes away.
We have taught the workers the concept of saving and have implemented a savings plan. Some have saved enough to purchase pigs to start their own pig farm, chain link fencing for their pigs, or cement to replace dirt floors in their homes. Others have been able to build their own 100-250 sq. ft home made of brick. People have become Christians from working on the farm. Relationships with people in the community have been forged. Everything is good, God is good.
ANNOUNCEMENT: In 2017 we hope to work with another couple (or two or three) in beginning a new (additional) project in a second location in Nicaragua. This could be a farm, could be tilapia – it all depends on the needs and opportunities. What matters is creating a viable opportunity to help change people's lives economically and spiritually.
WANTED: Couples ready to consider doing something completely different, who know they (still) have much to offer in serving the Lord and others but haven't quite figured out the how, what, or where. Living in a foreign country has enriched our lives in many ways, especially in our own personal and spiritual growth.
While our native language is English and Nicaragua's is Spanish, we have had only each other to speak English to and to laugh at each other's jokes. We are in our mid to late fifties and have been married 31 good years and yet we realize the importance of having others in our lives who know our own culture and language (and sense of humor). Please pray, consider and seek much counsel. Nicaragua is one of the safest countries in Latin America and it can cost less to get here than to fly across the United States.
There is nothing more purposeful and satisfying than stepping out on faith, doing something different and watching God lead. If you are interested in having a conversation about this, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..