In the first year of being in Nicaragua, we held a meeting with several missionaries in the Granada area.  The topic of the meeting was the verses in the Bible regarding giving to the poor.  They are truly challenging.

We wanted to hear how other missionaries were responding to the very great need that is so present in Nicaragua.  Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the hemisphere.

The summary of that meeting was looking to the Spirit to guide in each situation.  A very Biblical position, however, I still found it difficult to look for guidance when the commands were so clear.  And, many of the commands came with promises.

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. 

Luke 6:38

In studying Christian ethics, it also became quite clear that other requirements are called of us, such as providing for our families.

We began to try to formulate an approach. We certainly could not address all the needs in our area, so how would we determine what our calling was, and when we were not in a position to give.

We have had some bad experiences with giving.  One family approached us and after giving to them once, they were at our door practically every day with a new need. 

We have been approached by a couple of individuals who are clearly able to work, but prefer to be professional beggars.  These individuals are quite unsettling to me as the situation here in Nicaragua becomes more and more critical and there are so many who are unable to meet their needs.

After much thought and prayer, I thought I had come upon an approach.  We have a church family.  We have specific ministries we are involved in.  We have individuals who work alongside us in ministry.  To these, we would help as we were able.

We have produced a view of rings starting with our church family, then our Bible studies and ministries we are committed to, like ‘Men of the Way’ recovery program, then individuals who work alongside us in ministry and specific individuals who God has brought into our lives, and then the community at large and those who come to our door.

As to the greater need and people coming to the door, we would give beans, rice, and oil as our supply lasted. 

When we could purchase larger quantities of beans, rice, and oil we found that having our pastor distribute them was the best method.  He knew who was truly in need and many people would not speak up in regard to their true needs.

This need for beans, rice, and oil has grown; however, our support for these has dropped off.

Then we have two different families that have individuals who have monthly needs for ongoing medications and treatments.  To these, we have given when we have the resources.

But, as always, we look to those of you who support us to find God’s will in these areas. 

As fuel prices go up and subsequently, as we all know these days, that translates into higher food costs, we watch life become more and more difficult for those who are around us.

We would ask that you would consider giving funds for rice, beans, and oil or to one of the two individuals with continuing medicine and treatment needs.  This would be a very big blessing.

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

2 Corinthians 9:6

Meeting the most basic need of food brings praise, thanksgiving, and glory to our Lord.

Difficult times, provide opportunities.

For His glory,

Stephen Goff
Stephen.Goff@N-Response2.com
www.N-Response2.com
www.n-response2.com/give/support-for-goffs (for our monthly support)
www.n-response2.com/give/to-give-relief-aid-to-nicaragua (for specific people, projects, and general relief aid)
My Blog Page: Nicamoments