Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith.
- Hebrews 12:2a
So much has happened since I last updated. I apologize for not sending any updates recently. I have continued my ministry in Nicaragua, teaching at Nicaragua Christian Academy and leading the Middle School and High School Youth Groups at International Christian Fellowship. I have also assisted with a Young Life group at another school. As you can imagine these ministries consume most of my time and energy. Yet, it is rewarding as I have a passion for leading youth closer to our Lord.
The Middle School and High School Youth Groups continue to be a place where kids can come and have fun while learning more about what Jesus wants for them. Our theme this year has been Heads Up, which comes from Hebrews 12:2 (Verse above)
This is a verse that I have used countless times in my personal life. I try to continue on by keeping my head up and focusing on Jesus. He will always be leading me when I am seeking Him. When I don’t look to Him and start worrying about my problems, I am overwhelmed and am powerless.
This year has been really good because I have a good group of leaders and even a few of the upperclassmen that have stepped up and helped in big ways. Please be praying for new leaders to begin stepping up for next year as many good leaders graduate this year.
I am now in the last part of my fourth year teaching Computer and Bible classes at Nicaragua Christian Academy. Every year has had its blessings and challenges in unique ways.
Last year I was blessed with a generator for the computer lab due to the 4-8 hour power outages everyday! The challenge last year was producing a good quality yearbook with the help of my students. This year I have been blessed with a personal office and secondary computer lab connecting to the current lab!
This new room allows for more computers to be used by other High School classes while the other one is being used. We now have 30 computers available to use and it has been a great help. It was obvious that we needed the additional space. Even now we have three different classes using the computer labs during the High School elective period. I teach a Macromedia Flash class, while the Publications class is putting together this year’s yearbook and Jason Liechty’s (my brother-in-law) drafting class are working on their projects.
It is a blessing to have a personal office to be able to work on school work and youth group planning. I just praise the Lord for his faithfulness in providing for my needs. The challenge of this year has been teaching a Middle School Bible class. I love teaching them, but fourteen 8th grade boys in the same room can be a lot to handle. It has been really good going through the New Testament and learning about the gospels, Christ and the early church.
The new computer lab and my office (through the open door)
- Coaching Basketball – Coaching basketball this year has been the much more exciting than the past couple of years that I’ve been doing it. This year we have had a very successful season due to a few new players, more maturity, a lot of hard work, and a new coach. I have really enjoyed being an assistant coach this year under our new Science Teacher, Joel Kleinsausser. He is an excellent basketball player and coach. It was fun coaching with him and having him learn the differences of “Nica Basketball”.
- A New Nephew born in Nicaragua – On March 10th Noah Jason Liechty was born in a Managua hospital. It was such a joy for me to be with my sister, Maggie and her husband, Jason, soon after she gave birth to their first child. It has been exciting to see him on a regular basis and see him grow. I’m thrilled to be able to be around this nephew as my other three are back in Indiana.
Ellen and I helping out with the band at youth group
- Semana Santa – Spring Break is during Semana Santa (Holy Week, the week before Easter). This year it was really nice for two reasons. First, it was right after my nephew, Noah, was born and secondly, my girlfriend flew in for a visit from Texas! Ellen and I enjoyed our down time by hanging out with people, going to the beach, playing sports and even leading the worship at a local Church’s youth group (with the big help from our youth group band)!
- My parents visit - The day after Ellen left, my parents came to visit their new grandchild and Maggie, Jason and I. It was my dad’s first time to Nicaragua since my first month being here three and a half years ago. It was nice to spend time with them here.
- Please pray for me as I am leading three different youth retreats in April and May! The first one is the senior class trip, the second is the Middle School Youth Retreat and the last one is the High School Youth Retreat. Pray for strength for me and that God would work in the hearts of all of the kids going. Our goal is to draw closer to Him and to keep seeking Him everyday. Most of the youth know this but they need to really desire it.
- Please be praying for the youth group and for the leadership of it. Pray for God’s wisdom in the direction that He wants us to go.
- I have a very specific request. I have the opportunity to purchase an older 4 wheel drive vehicle in good condition. It is owned by a family that is leaving the country in the next few months. In order to proceed with this I would need to raise an additional three thousand dollars. They will hold it for me, but I would like to tell them soon one way or the other in the next few weeks. If you can help out with this, please let me know as soon as possible.
- For the way that God is working in our youth group this year as he has brought many closer to Him.
- For a new office which allows me to have a place to work.
- For the joy of a healthy new baby born to my sister.
- For God’s faithfulness that he continues to show me everyday as I trust Him.
New Parents, Maggie and Jason with their son Noah, and me and my parents
Thank you for your prayers! Dios te bendiga!
Luke Rosenberger
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