I had the honor and privilege to write the opening letter for Light & Salt Ministries annual report. When I was discerning what to write for the “open letter” I started to cry because I realized how much this ministry means to me. I loved writing this letter that I just had to share it with all of you and I hope that it’ll help you understand LASM a little bit more.
Keep fighting the good fight!”
Growing up I heard this phrase regularly in Christian circles, but I never thought much about what it actually looks like to “fight the good fight”
After spending a month with Light & Salt Ministries, I believe that they perfectly execute this phrase because the entire staff is united in the fight.
When I first met Tara Germain, the executive director, she talked about how she has been experiencing a wave of burnout. However, you would never guess that when you work alongside her. When she talks about LASM she radiates joy and she finds a way to accomplish every task no matter how tired she is. Tara demonstrates fully relying and trusting in the Lord in order to continue to better the community in Nicaragua.
Alex Casco, Tara’s husband and head of construction, does a lot of the physically demanding work for Light & Salt Ministries. The expansion project has made it so that there are millions of things to do and Alex joyfully crosses off each task. The physical support he shows LASM mirrors how he is a rock for many of the staff members here. Alex is constant and steadfast in moving the ministry forward.
When the pandemic made it unsafe to hold classes in person every staff member stepped up to continue to minister to the community here in Ciudad Dario. Instead of letting fear get in the way they creatively came up with ways to continue LASM’s programs. To list a few: they televised classes on local tv stations, they called students on the phone to check in with them, and they continued to provide meals for their students and Mercy in Action beneficiaries. They tirelessly fought for those that relied on their programs.
2020 was a year where it would have been easy to put ministry on hold and “stop fighting the good fight.” However, through a pandemic, two hurricanes, burnout, and many other hurtles, Light & Salt Ministries continued to persevere and spread the Gospel.
“Fighting the good fight” looks like showing up everyday and saying yes to what the Lord is asking of you— no matter what the world throws your way. The battle is definitely not easy and along the way you’ll experience the temptation to say no. However, the temptation to stop fighting fades away when you are secure in the vision of your cause. The thought to stop ministry was never even an option for the Light & Salt Ministries family because they know how important it is to “keep fighting the good fight.”
xoxo
claudzilla
Claudia
I enjoy your stories so much and they warm my heart??
Some times they bring happy tears
Thank you for sharing and you take care ??
Claudia! You are so wonderful!! You are radiating God’s love. Miss & love you ????
I know you poured your heart into LASM this month and you left an indelible mark on their ministry. May you be blessed as much as you and the squad blessed them! Indeed holding up the beacon of hope keeps us going and fighting the good fight! Our lives are full of purpose and when we’re busy doing what God nudges us to do, when He returns He will say, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant!