“And the King will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’  -Matthew 25:40

My name is Jennifer Chappell and I am a native of Halifax County, VA.  I have a huge passion for missions and sharing the Love of Jesus Christ.  I visited Nicaragua for the first time in July 2007, and my life was changed forever.

Often, here in the United States, we are burdened with our everyday lives and we often times think that we have “rough lives.”  Have we ever eaten cardboard just to fill our hunger pains?  I have witnessed firsthand a family eating cardboard because they had no food.  Have you ever been hungry and had absolutely nothing to eat?  Have you ever been thirsty and had absolutely nothing to drink?  In Nicaragua, people are living like this and there are many health problems due to the lack of provision for basic needs.

I came home with an urge in my heart to do something more for the people.  It's great to provide food and clothes and other short-term necessities, but people in poverty need long-term solutions more than short-term "band-aids."  I asked God to show me what I could do as a long-term goal that would make a difference in these people's lives.  I wanted to give them something that would last a lifetime; something no one could take away. 

After taking five more trips to Nicaragua, I began to build relationships with the people there.  I visited the people in their homes and saw firsthand how they lived.  I met a mother with three young girls, and I asked her how I could help her.  She asked me to purchase school uniforms for her girls so they may be able to attend school.  The government in Nicaragua requires each child to wear a uniform as well as have the required school supplies before walking into a classroom.  These requirements for an entire school year can be met for only $25 per child.  Many Nicaraguan parents struggle just to provide food for their families, so to provide the required materials for school is usually not an option. 

I was surprised and humbled by her response.  She could have asked for anything, but her greatest need was for her children to receive an education.  I immediately began thinking about what a difference it would make in the lives of so many children, if only they were given the opportunity to attend school.  Without an education, these children will grow up unable to read and poor just like their parents.  But when given the opportunity to receive an education, these children will learn skills that will enable them to return home and greatly benefit their whole community.   Education can make a real difference in ending the poverty cycle in Nicaragua.