Why The Nicaragua Journey of Compassion Will Change Your Life Like It Did For Mine

Hi everyone,

I thought I would put in a shameless plug for Nicaragua as the next Journey of Compassion. It has been almost a year since I got back from the JOC, my first of hopefully many, that left me radically changed forever. I believe everybody really needs to know how special our relationship with Osvaldo and his team really is.

When I first arrived last year, the truth is my life was a disaster. I was burnt out, overworked, disillusioned and pretty much very angry at where my life was, especially when it came to my faith. When it comes to ministry, I have done a lot, including being a pastor, planting churches and preaching at conferences locally and as far as Hong Kong.

But despite how much of a superstar I was supposed to be, my heart was broken and all I wanted to know was that Christ would get a win regardless of whether I saw any miracles or not.

I learnt more about faith and calling in 2 weeks then in over a decade of ministry. It was probably emotionally the hardest thing I have ever done but spiritually I was rejuvenated and restored beyong my wildest imagination.

Many may not know, but I was so impacted that I have since joined the Impact Nations team as part of their administrative support. I get to watch Steve, Christina and Doug in action every day and I could not be more thankful for this team. This is why I gladly serve in any capacity.

Why is the Journey of Compassion to Nicaragua so special? Let me list just a few reasons here because you probably don't have all day to hear me gush about it all day--and I have gushed all day, trust me!

Why you should go on a Journey of Compassion to Nicaragua:

You will really see the full Impact Nations model in effect - From Journeys to Projects to Social Business, our partnership with El Shaddai really is an example of discipling a nation. Impact Nations is not just about medical clinics and short-term projects. There is long-term sustainability!

The people are actually unified - One of the most powerful memories I have is Steve Stewart and Osvaldo praying for another pastor who travelled many hours to join us and take an impartation back to his congregation. That pastor outworked and outprayed us that day! This was such a breath of fresh air from some of the tragic experiences I have had with churches locally.

The infrastructure is consistent and mature - From the Hotel (With air conditioning thank God!) to the transportation (Also with air conditioning, can I get an Amen?) to the food, I have never been treated so well in a third world country.

You will see wealth in spirit - When I got back to Canada, some people would say to me, "Welcome back to the land of the living," and my response was, "Ummm, not really." The people in Nicaragua may be economically poor, but they are truly alive in faith and spirit. Relationally they honestly put us to shame. Watching people who have every right to be victims step up to serve God and love their neighbors will inspire you!

Don't conform, but be transformed! - The scriptures tell us not to conform to the ways of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. It is very hard not to conform when you are surrounded with the pressures of the world all day, all week. Sometimes you need to leave your environment for the transformation God has for you.

Struggling with empty religion? You won't after this! - What killed me as a pastor was to participate in religious rituals that seemed to produce no fruit and even come in the way of our relationships with God. I was so worried about keeping a church happy on my own strength that I forgot about the power of God. If you have ever wondered what it is like to really live like Jesus and the early church of signs and wonders, get ready... there's no sitting on the bench here! You will be right in the game!

You will rescue lives on all levels! - Is there really anything better than this? Physically, economically and spiritually you will be living a legacy of purpose and passion that Christ modelled for us over 2,000 years ago. Of the millions of Christians in North America, how many can actually say they put faith, compassion and justice into such tangible action?

I promise you this. If you go, you will definitely be the funnest person to talk to at parties! People will either drink it up and want to hear more. Or they will run the other direction because it all sounds just way too good to be true!

So don't wait. Just register! If you are meant to go, you WILL go. Why? When Jesus said, "Go and make disciples of all nations..." He was NOT kidding!

Bless all of you in this next season and may you find the vision and fire to respond to your calling in Christ!

Humbly,

Ed Kang

PS. I hope to be in Nicaragua this April for a little variation on the Journey of Compassion that has us very excited. Say tuned for hopefully great news coming soon!