I am going on a mission to Nicaragua. Can you help?

God has provided me with an awesome opportunity. He has opened a door for me to go on a mission trip this summer with the Highlands Mission Cooperative to Los Loma Del Nance, Nicaragua. My trip will be this summer, led by my good friend Dan Brothers.

One of the things my team will be doing is installing bio sand water filters. The village of Los Loma Del Nance currently receives clean water for 3 hours every 8 days. All of their drinking water must be stored in open containers. The bio sand filter will filter out particles, sediment, and bacteria and allow them to use alternate sources of water for drinking. Given that the number one health problem in the world is the lack of access to clean drinking water, this is a wonderful opportunity to show these people Jesus’ love.

In addition to the filter project we will be hosting Backyard Bible Clubs for the children in the community. We will end our week with a community gathering on Saturday with a time of fellowship, worship and sharing. There may also be an opportunity for me to participate in ministry training with some local leaders.

No less a blessing is this mission opportunity will be with my youngest daughter, Abigail.

I have two needs related to this trip. First, I need prayer. Would you consider praying for me to have faith in God for power, health, effectiveness and that I would be sensitive to any cultural challenges I might face? Pray that God not only moves in the lives of the Nicaraguan people (I would love to see some come to faith in Christ), but in my life as well as I fully expect God to change me during this trip.

Second, I am looking for financial supporters. Would you pray about being a financial partner with me? Travel costs are not cheap, and having friends (or strangers) help bear this burden will be crucial to my participation. However you decide to support me, whether financially, prayerfully, or both, I will be thankful. I will be publishing a specific prayer list as the mission date approaches.

The total cost for this trip (round trip from Nashville) is $2,200 which includes airfare, visa, immunizations, and accommodations.

I will need the money in these stages:

$250 before March 15th
$876 before May 1st
$174 before June 1
$900 before June 15th

Donations are 100% tax-deductible through Highlands Mission Cooperative. To donate online, please go to the Highlands Mission Cooperative donation page then follow the directions. Make sure to indicate “Marty Duren” in the “special instructions to seller” box during the payment process.

If you need to mail a check, make payable and mail to:

BIMA
P. O. Box 1155
Flowery Branch, GA 30542
ATTN: Highland Mission, Marty Duren

You will be issued a receipt from BIMA at the year’s end. Any amount received above $2,200 will either help cover unforeseen expenses or be given to support another team member.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this letter. Even if you cannot participate in financial support, I would really appreciate your prayers for me and our team.