It seems like a lifetime since March 1st, before the pandemic began to take hold in the Americas.  Like many countries in Latin America, Nicaragua has suffered greatly although largely in silence, unnoticed by the rest of the world.  The population of the country is approximately the same as the Greater Toronto Area here in Canada but the death toll and infection rate far exceeds what we have experienced here.  They do not have the healthcare or government resources that we so often take for granted.

The good news is that our Skylark Staff have remained COVID-free and the few residents of Los Medranos who did presumably contract the virus have recuperated.  For this we give thanks to God.

We are pleased to announce that with our cleaning and health safety protocols in place we were able to continue the monthly clinics for patients with chronic illness without interruption.  We have also been able to resume our Best Start in Christ pre-school classes on site with over thirty children participating over different days of the week.  This program is in great demand and our staff do a great job of following the best advice of health experts.

Building a Better Future classes have resumed for the women of Los Medranos who want to learn new skills that will help them contribute more to provide for their families.  The focus this term is on cooking and baking and already one woman has put her new skills to work and is selling the products locally to gain income.

In October we begin to welcome back some groups from local churches for day events to encourage and build the faith of their leaders.  We have bookings in October, November, December and January for which we are deeply grateful.  Each of these events is carefully planned to ensure rigorous cleaning, appropriate distancing and mask use.  A big thanks to our Skylark Staff for making sure the centre is well kept and well managed so that we can safely welcome groups once again.

Life in a pandemic is far from predictable and looking ahead we will continue to pivot our operations to account for new realities. The God whom we serve and who sustains us is faithful.  We are grateful to each of you who support us in this mission to build and empower local communities in Nicaragua.  Be sure to check out our latest newsletters to read about the impact of this ministry and hear the stories of lives changed.

Yours faithfully,

Wayne, for the Threefold team