World Missions · Spiritual Awakening · Evangelism · Discipleship · Church Planting

The ministry of Jody and Trisha Kennedy Special Winter 2005 Update

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Managua, Nicaragua – We saw firsthand the result of decades of war, followed by 15 years of democratic growth. This Central American country (one of the poorest in the western hemisphere) is struggling to rebuild its infrastructure, its schools, its economy, and its population. More that 50% of the population is under the age of 15 years, due to the tens of thousands of deaths during the civil war and the immigration of those fleeing the violence.

Our team, mostly from Lake Charles, LA, successfully completed our short tour of duty at Hebron Baptist Church, in the northeast section of Managua. From January 1 through January 15, we conducted the English Language Evangelism Event. Jody acted as School Director as well as the Evangelist. Our team of eleven men and women taught English, made friends, gave testimony and shared Christ with our students. Almost 400 students were registered in the event and by the end of our time there, about 220 had received Christ.

Return to Managua - Trisha and Jody were so taken with the people of Nicaragua that they quickly arranged a return trip to plan future ministries there. During the first week of February, they met with four pastors about bringing teams to their churches. The result was four firm invitations.

Another exciting possibility was discussed with the President of the Polytechnic University of Nicaragua, Emerson Perez. Jody and Mr. Perez discussed the possibility of bringing a special, intensive business English course to his campus. Mr. Perez enthusiastically agreed to Jody’s proposal and even encouraged us to evangelize the students that might attend. We will be planning this during the coming year.

El Crucero, Nicaragua – An unexpected opportunity was presented to Jody and Trisha when we met the Diaz family. This family of 6 lives in a small house in the mountain town of El Crucero. They have taken in an additional 22 children who are orphaned, abandoned, or abused. They all share the small house and the meager resources. This dear Christian family told of their vision of giving a home to as many as 40 children. This family has very little to begin with, but by the grace of God they are seeking to care for these kids.

Trisha and Jody are prayerfully considering ways to raise money for the construction of proper housing, a vehicle, food, clothing, and medical care.

Meet Ignacio – Years ago, one of our students would have been considered an enemy of democracy. As the English lessons progressed during our course, a student named Ignacio shared that he had spent 15 years living in the Soviet Union. He then openly told his teacher,
Alan, he was a life-long Communist, and a member of the Sandinista party. Nonetheless, Ignacio showed great compassion for the poor people of Managua. Here we have an American and a Communist developing a friendship.

A few nights later, after experiencing the love of his teacher and hearing the gospel message, Ignacio accepted Jesus as his Savior. He was introduced to Pastor Arturo Martinez to open discussion for his family to attend church at Hebron on Sunday.

God does not care how far off the path we travel. His love is always waiting for us. Ignacio and Alan were trained as children to dislike each other, and now they are brothers in Christ!

Holzhausen, Germany Team – The team Jody sent out ministered to the International Mission Board families and their children at the annual conference in Holzhausen, Germany. For our missionaries serving in Western Europe, most of the missionary children have no contact with other American children during the year. The team provided games, Bible stories, crafts, and gifts for the children while Mom and Dad spent time in conference with the other missionaries and missionary leadership.

Operation Christmas Child – Between trips out of the country, Jody directed one of the Tarrant County Relay Centers for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. Thousands of Christmas shoeboxes were collected and sent around the world. In fact, while in Managua, Jody and Trisha saw the results of the shoebox distribution.

Disappointed But Not Discouraged - On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Trisha and Jody were to depart for Havana, Cuba for two-weeks of English Language Evangelism. As many as 1,000 adults were expected to attend the event each day. At the last minute, the Cuban government denied permission for the team to enter Cuba and the event was canceled. Pray that the Lord of the harvest will re-open the doors to this Communist island. Pray for the courageous Christians that continue to serve there in churches and house-churches in spite of government oppression.

Prison Ministry Partnership - Jody and Trisha traveled to Charlotte, NC for a weekend of prison ministry at the beginning of October. Jody took volunteers into the Albemarle Unit while Trisha ministered to women at a county jail. In November, Jody took 118 volunteers into the Robertson Unit in Abilene. At these units more than 300 men and women came to Christ and hundreds more made rededications and asked for assurance of their salvation.

The event schedule for Champions for Life prison ministries can be found on their web site at www.lifechampions.org.

Upcoming Events

*student enrollment in these locations cities is expected to be from 600-800 adults at each 2 week English Language Evangelism Event (ELEE)

Personal Note – Just before the New Year, our daughter, Sara, announced her engagement. A May 28 wedding is being planned. God has provided her with a fine Christian man who will lead their family in the ways of God.

Prayer Closet – The most essential ingredient in any work is prayer – before, during, and after. Here are some specific requests for prayer.

Financial Support – Many people do not realize that a gift of only $10 or $20 per month makes a big difference in meeting the needs of this ministry. Jody Kennedy International pledges to be led by God in how resources are used. Please consider this ministry when you are making your giving decisions.

Contact Us – We need volunteers to fill the teams during the coming year.

Telephone, write a letter, or email to be added to our newsletter distribution list, to volunteer for a team, or to make a donation.