Due to the dire need for scholarship money and funds to continue expanding ministry and projects in the community, a new source of funding must be established. 

Our vision for this involves pursuing donations and purchasing coffee farms or other business options through land contracts and international investors. This will give us a long-term and sustainable source of funds for the future.

Gifts from donors and profits from foundation businesses will be used in the following ways:

• Education

  As education is a crucial element in community development, the foundation will continue Gene’s vision for improving and supporting educational programs.  Our goal is not just to provide academic education but to educate the whole person unto maturity, including spirituality, character, interpersonal skills, ethics and worldview.

  • Skill Development Programs
    • A skill development program will offer the opportunity to learn business and practical skills that will contribute to future economic success.  In addition, we would like to develop a mentoring and discipleship program as a requirement for most students.  This will hopefully help to instill character, ethics, spirituality and a missional focus to their lives as we encourage them to use their talents and education for purposes bigger than themselves.
  • Extension Programs
    • In addition to the above programs, we hope to promote programs in the community that will teach sustainable farming, food growing and livestock raising practices.
    • We hope to establish a formal relationship with colleges and universities with extension programs such as Michigan State University.  We plan to invite interns and students to establish and support future programs. 
  • Technology and Communications Advancement
    • The University of Martin Luther is the largest Christian university in Nicaragua with 23 campuses throughout the country.  The university would greatly benefit from a communications system that would connect campuses, students and faculty.  This will require a significant investment of resources and time to create, but is reasonable.
    • Future hopes include online classes as transportation between campuses is difficult or non-existent in many areas. Online courses would allow the university to offer courses and programs at more locations as well.
    • Due to a lack of resources, the university has not maintained a website.  This has made it difficult for prospective students and partners to learn about the university programs.
    • We hope to expand computer labs and network capacity.

• Community Ministry
  • Visitation and Spiritual Encouragement to Sick and Extreme Poor
    • We employ a local woman who visits the poor and sick to spend time with them relationally and spiritually as well as assessing their needs.  She spends time with them in conversation, prayer, Bible study, and  encouragement.  When possible she brings food or other items that may be desperately needed based on the situation. 
  • Medical Assistance
    • At times, we may also assist with medical needs and transportation to surgeries, medical appointments and prescriptions.
      
  • Clothing and Other Need Assistance
    • At times, we may purchase clothing and other items for children to attend school.
  • Funeral and Burial Assistance
  
  

• Local Church Ministry
  • Men’s and Women's Ministry
    • Encourage more involvement, discipleship and giving at the local church level including:
      
    • Support and expand local ministry, encouraging commitment to community and spiritual growth.
    • Potentially hire for a part-time ministry person and an intern to engage and mentor persons in the community.
    • Establish regular meetings for community and Bible study.
  • Children’s Ministry
    • Support and expand local ministry to children, encouraging them to be committed to spiritual growth.
    • Potentially hire part-time ministry position and an intern to engage and mentor men in the community.
    • Establish weekly or bi-monthly events or activities related to children, potentially including a meal and spiritually-focused video or lesson.
  • College Ministry
    • Potentially hire part-time ministry position and an intern to engage and mentor college students in the community.
    • Establish events and weekly meetings for community and Bible study.

Through local and international partnerships we hope to support the medical community through donation of supplies and equipment and hosting medical missions groups.  Currently, the medical ministry is supported by a direct relationship with Teresa Miller and Sycamore Creek Church. This is the group that Gene came with when he originally visited Nicaragua.  The following is information about this medical ministry:

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"Healing Hands began in 2001 after two construction trips to northern Nicaragua.  We saw so many medical needs that were not being met due to the extreme poverty.  We have hosted two or three trips each year since, and have ministered to close to 10,000 people. Over the years we have worked in many different areas.  Many areas are difficult to get to, but God has always had someone special for us to minister to.  

The government of Nicaragua does provide some healthcare. However, it is very limited.   Care was available in some areas, but many times people cannot pay the bus fare to get to the clinics or pay for the medications they need.   We work with Dr. Mirtila Padilla, a Nicaraguan doctor.  She goes into a village at the invitation of the local pastor.  Each community we go into is chosen for the needs of the people.  A part of each team is trained to counsel the people while they wait.  We have seen many come to the Lord as a result of coming to a clinic.    

In addition to taking medications, we also take  toothbrushes, cloth diapers/pins, and totes bags.  Each trip we need physicians, dentists, nurses, and other medical professionals.  As well as translators and helpers.  We also like to have a team member in charge of children’s ministries – coloring, games, and bubbles to help entertain the kids while they wait.

If you are interested in more information please contact Teresa Miller, 517-699-4116 or rbkids@yahoo.com for an application form.”

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We hope to include optometrists, chiropractors, radiologists, technicians and other medical professionals on future trips.  Please contact Russ Kinyon if you are interested in offering professional services as opportunities become available.
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