Treasures of God

A Guest Post by Christa Brunt

Tesoros de Dios, a center for children with special needs in Nicaragua, has held a place in my heart over the past five years. After being a general volunteer at their center and growing a heart for building relationships with these kids who are frequently shunned from society, I was invited in to assist with their Sponsorship program and social media. As a photographer who had just finished up a Business Administration diploma and somewhere in that briefcase held an Education Assistant Certificate, the role seemed perfect.

I was excited to work in a position so impactful, while also being at Tesoros over the course of a year and anticipating the witnessing of many great stories of God’s Provision and the moments of joy and smiles as I would go around conversing with the parents, children and staff. Soon my role transitioned into Sponsorship Coordinator and I became the go-to person for most things marketing related. While this meant I was beginning to spend more and more time in the office and less on the ground, I continued to hear how God was on the move!

God was on the move

One of the most life-changing ways I saw Him on the move was through a week of working on a team from Engineering Ministries International (EMI),  a ministry that plans for quality construction and disciples local workers, and witnessing the work they supported Tesoros de Dios with over the year. In January 2016, the director of Tesoros de Dios had a dream for expansion. The EMI Nicaragua office didn’t even open until August, and the intent was to, in the future, build on existing land. Within the week Phase One was planned, a neighboring parcel of land became available and went through a quick and smooth purchase! Collaboration continued as the EMI office opened, and once a full plan was developed, it was shared with a group of the students and parents.

With tears in her eyes

One of the moms shared, with tears in her eyes, “When I started bringing my son here, it was just a grass hut that offered horse therapy. Then there was a building, and then another, and now…!” Knowing that her son is one of many who have grown into an intelligent and more able adolescent through the assistance of therapies at Tesoros de Dios, it is really exciting to see these plans for welcoming in even more children and giving them opportunities for increased development. As it stands, the horse arena is scheduled to begin construction this spring. It is incredible to know how God has been and is providing for the growth of these kids. Something that seemed so far off just over a year ago, is quickly becoming reality.

Re-Entry

As I re-enter into Canada, I am becoming more understanding and grateful for the specific gifts God has given me and how to use them to bring Him glory. For example, before I left, I wasn’t sure how I could use photography in a more significant way. Over the year, I developed a passion for giving ministries material they can use for promotional purposes to better achieve their ministry goals, and now I look forward to the opportunities God will put in front of me.

Christa has been back in Canada for 6 weeks now.  She continues to keep her heart open to the opportunities God puts before her to use her gifts and share His love.