A valley of smoke

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Jinotega's mountain burning

Rains and cool weather has finally returned to Jinotega valley. It was passing 90 degrees in May, record setting temperatures for the region. Fires raged in the mountains all around us. Smoke filled the valley at night and even turned the moon red, (maybe Sahara desert dust too)! Fires on the mountains came very close to peoples homes, forcing some to evacuate or try to fight the fires themselves. These fires were set by vandals, or burning trash piles. Other fires grow out of control by people using slash and burn to log trees illegally. It is upsetting to see the destruction of this beautiful region. 

We can live from agriculture sustainably. We can work with nature instead of against it. Within our ministry we spend a lot of time reviewing and teaching God's forgotten mandate, the Great Commitment. Found in Genesis 1:28. I encourage you to read this portion of Genesis, and think about the words dominate, or subdue. In these versus, God is calling us to put to good use what He has created for us. To multiply the resources for the expansion of mankind. 

Then think about our roles as managers of God's creation. Then ask yourself, are you managing your property well, as God would want you to? 

We have started to grow pine and oak seedings. The pine and Oak forests in Central America are disappearing rapidly. We have tried to give them away to people to plant, it is difficult to give them away! Many people here are only want to plant fruit trees. Anything else has little value. We have met some people to partner in our efforts of tree planting. With prayer and help form the Holy Spirit, we will begin to change minds, and see the fog and mists return to Jinotega, 'la ciudad de las brumas'

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