Venecia

Hello there!

Yesterday, a small group of us joined a few brothers from various congregations to venture out to Venecia Island. It's a small island off the coast of Chinandega that doesn't really get preached to often. The La Colonia Central congregation has started making efforts to preach there every two weeks now though, and invited us to join them yesterday.

In order to start the group on time, we had to leave Chinandega at 6:30 AM. It was about an hour-and-a-half drive standing in the back of a pickup truck, but at least we took two vehicles and there was only eight of us in ours! 

Domingo's father, an elder in La Colonia Central, making the pairs for the day. Combined with the brothers from that hall and a few from other congregations throughout our circuit, there was 31 of us!

Ervin and Joel waiting to set off for the island.

After the group, it was time to pile into the boat and go!

At first, I was concerned that not all of us would fit in the boat, but then I remembered that I'm in Nicaragua, where there is no such thing as too many people in one mode of transportation.

Here we go!

Working this territory was interesting. If I thought there was no shade in Ojo de Agua's territory, I was very wrong. It was so hot on this island and there was almost NO shade to be found...except in this picture.

Venecia isn't highly populated, and the houses are very spread out, so we each only spoke to a couple of people, but it was worth it anyway. It was also nice that we had such a big group! I spoke to a guy living in a pretty fancy house right on the beach. He accepted the magazines immediately, saying he always looks forward to reading them. He also told us that a Canadian couple owns that house and that he's the caretaker. He said that they rarely come to the house because they travel so much and he basically lives there. He invited us to come talk about the Bible whenever we want and to stay in the house for the weekend. I'll keep that in mind!

Domingo's dad having a nice conversation with a man on the road. Again...no shade.

After preaching well into midday, it was time to stop for a lunch break right on the water.

This almost reminded me of Maine!

After lunch, we continued on for a few more hours and actually finished working the whole island! Venecia isn't actually assigned to any specific congregation, but there is a small group nearby. We found a lot of interest though, and turned a lot of it into return visits, so it does need to be worked regularly.

After a long day of preaching to about 80 houses, it was time to head back to the mainland.

Ervin, Joel, and I waiting to set sail...even though the boat doesn't have a sail.

My buddy Brian (left) leading the way.

There can never be too many people on one boat!

Land!!

It was very refreshing to do something out of the ordinary. Besides running out of gas on the truck ride back to Chinandega (yup), the day went really well! I can't say that I'd be able to head out to Venecia regularly, but here's hoping that the activity out there will increase. 

Hope everyone is well. Let me know how you're doing!

Take care.

Sam