My name is Lillian Rodriguez Flores. I am 5 years old, living in the United States because of one man’s decision to follow God’s calling to serve His people in Nicaragua. I call this man, Papa Lee. He came to Nicaragua in June of 2005 to work with the first construction team from Northshore Baptist Church, establishing a school in Los Cedros with Eben Ezer Church pastured by Pastor Manuel and his wife Pastora. Little did he know God’s larger plan as he served in Nicaragua, was to care for me. I was 18 months old living on the outskirts of the Managua dump and malnourished when Melisa Buzbee agreed to take me to her home by the request of my Mother, to nourish me back to health. During my stay at Melissa’s home I was provided care and nourishment and spent time with the team of men from Northshore Baptist Church, one of which was Papa Lee.

God has had His hands all over me, taking care of my every need. I received much care from the Buzbee family, spending time living with my parents, in an orphanage, and in the Buzbee’s Open Hearts Ministry’s rescue home called, Casa Havilah. I spent time with Papa Lee’s family when they traveled to Nicaragua on many occasions and during the time they were living here. None of us knew at that time exactly what God’s plan was, we just cherished our time together. While my life hasn’t always been easy, I know God has paved the way for me to be where I am today. Many have prayed over and for me and I give thanks to all of them.

Papa Lee and Mama Becky built a relationship of trust with my parents who agreed to give them legal guardianship of me in the hopes of educating me in the United States. This task seemed impossible to us as the U.S. embassy doesn’t usually grant this type of visa. Of course God can open any door, and He did. By the Grace of God, the U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua agreed to grant me a student visa so I could live here with my new family, the Lockridge’s. I know that this new life I have been granted is one that many children in Nicaragua will never know. I am fortunate for God’s Love and all that He has in store for me. I enjoy having my own bedroom, consistent meals, a school that accepted me, for Ms. Elyse, my speech pathologist and the many who pray for me daily. I know this is an opportunity for me to learn and grow into the women God has intended me to be.

I pray for the many people God is calling into the Mission field and that those called will follow, receiving all the Blessings God has for them. This may be you, if so, think of what you can do, spreading God’s love throughout the world, if only you will submit to Him and go where He calls you. You too can make a difference!

I Love you, Papa Lee, Mama Becky, Jeremy, Kashara, Zach and Sadie. My family forever!

-Lillian

Luisa soon proved to be a very entrepreneurial, and we began working with her to sell clothing for the community. Every time that a team came to Nicaragua they brought bags of clothes that had been donated. From the profits a portion went to her and other portion went to support the school feeding program.

During that time Luisa and her husband German where taking some business classes at Eben Ezer church; after the class the teacher told us that she was a very smart business women and had some great ideas. Within a short period of time Luisa had developed a business plan for a “pulperia” (small convenience store) and presented it to us for consideration.

UNIDOS had been working to start a micro-finance fund, and through this process Luisa became our first borrower. Today Luisa is faithfully paying back her loan and running the successful pulperia. She knows very well that her repayment is helping enable other loans for people in her community. She still cooks for our teams and remains a very loving and welcoming person.

Six years ago Tony was a 9 year old boy that walked through the streets of Los Cedros way after all the other kids had gone to bed. He carried with him a machete and if you would ask him why, Tony would say just in case the “bad guys want to do something to me”. That year Tony was invited to join the school and we are so proud that he is one the “original” students that is going to finish his primary education.

A few months ago we noticed that Tony was developing a cloud over his right eye and we asked him what happened. Tony told us that about two years ago he was hit in the eye with a sling shot and he couldn’t see through the eye very well. We became really concerned about his situation and contacted a local eye doctor to take a look at him, who said that Tony had a detached retina from the impact and had developed a cataract from the trauma.

There wasn’t much that could be done with the detached retina, but through the generous gift from his sponsor in the US Tony had the cataract removed from his eye. Today Tony has recovered partial vision in that eye, and avoided further complications that would have come. He looks very good and he is leading a very normal life. Tony is a sports lover, he plays soccer, baseball and like any 15 year old he is very concerned about how he looks. Because of the surgery Tony is no longer self conscious of his eye.

We will miss Tony at the school next year but we pray that he will continue to grow to be a great man of God and a leader in his community.