The
mustard seed was planted late one afternoon in February, 2002 in
Amatitan, a small community at the end of a dusty road in rural
Nicaragua. Father Peter Ryan of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church and
a few parishioners were off that day in search of people they could
help. They stopped in several places, but couldn't find anybody in
charge. Finally, caked in dust and sweat and just about ready to
turn around, they came to a cluster of buildings in Amatitan. Out of
his bodega/home came Oscar Leon, a community leader. They sat in his
tiny store and he offered them a cold soda. They talked for about an
hour, and something was planted in their minds and hearts. Here was
a place far off the beaten path, overlooked by aid groups that often
assisted other communities. Oscar was asked what his community
needed, and he silently took us to a walk across the dirt-packed
street, to a building consisting of four brick walls, no roof, no
doors or windows. It was to have been a church, but money had long
since run out. Something was planted when they saw that unfinished
Church, and two years later the church is in full bloom. It is now a
beautiful place of worship and community gathering under its
spacious eaves. It's where Oscar and his wife recently confirmed
their wedding vows of 25 years. There are now several blooms in
Amatitan nourished by contributions from OLQM members; and clean,
running water. Dozens of children are continuing in school because
of scholarships; some are attending college with our support. The
school has a computer, TV and VCR. Micro-loans are helping farmers
to buy seed and others to start businesses. Many prescription drugs
have been purchased. And don't forget Luis Alberto Leon, who came
here a couple of years ago to undergo an operation that saved his
eyesight. He is doing fine, by the way, our parishioners have made a
number of trips since the first one, and each time new people have
come, including high school students. OLQM's
Nicaragua Committee.
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