Return to Nicaragua
Since 2009, Covenant CRC in Edmonton, Alta., has regularly participated in EduDeo Ministries’ Co-Impact program, an initiative that brings churches alongside partners in other countries to strengthen Christ‑centered education. This year in mid-February church members returned to Sébaco, Nicaragua, for their second visit there. Covenant’s team of 12 volunteers served at Nueva Jerusalen school, rebuilt relationships with local leaders, and witnessed again firsthand how long‑term partnership can shape communities and hearts.
A Partnership Rooted in Relationship
EduDeo’s Co‑Impact model emphasizes collaboration: walking together with local educators, pastors, and communities rather than simply completing a project. This approach has shaped Covenant CRC’s deepening relationship with the Nehemiah Centre, one of EduDeo’s Nicaraguan partner ministries, for over a decade.
Co‑Impact trips are not about what we bring but about what God does when we come together as his global church, said team leader Dawn Czuroski. “We were blessed by the people displaying Christlike hospitality to us,” she said. “Seeing students and teachers we had met [on our trip here] three years ago—it felt like coming home.”
Throughout the week, the team worked alongside local construction crews and school staff on a classroom expansion project at Nueva Jerusalen. This project is designed to make room for more students and avoid overcrowding. Under scorching temperatures, volunteers painted purlins, built rebar cages, hauled sand and gravel, and prepared the foundation for new learning spaces.
In one of her daily reflections, Czuroski shared, “Everyone is working hard, staying safe, and hydrated—IT IS HOT! But every day we’re met with hugs from students and families. Their joy keeps us going.”
Growing in Understanding and Solidarity
True to EduDeo’s commitment to mutual learning, the team spent time exploring Nicaraguan life beyond the schoolyard. A visit to a coffee plantation revealed the complexity, beauty, and challenges of local agriculture. A midweek Valentine’s Day celebration organized by the teachers featured music, prayers, and heartfelt thanks that captured the spirit of gratitude and partnership marking Co‑Impact trips.Worshiping with Nueva Jerusalen Church and joining in a youth outreach gathering offered yet another window into the vibrancy of the local faith community.
“We sang in English and Spanish, but it felt like one voice,” Czuroski noted. “You really sense the global family of God.”
Among the many connections formed, one stood out for team member Greg Kalmbach. After school one day, he said, a mother called him over (speaking only Spanish) simply to say thank-you. Greg had been diligently practicing Spanish using Duolingo, and this allowed him to share a moment of connection with this parent.
“She insisted on buying us Coca‑Cola,” he shared. “She was so grateful that she cried. That moment helped me understand the impact of our presence—not just the work but also the relationships.”
Blessed to Be a Blessing
Throughout the journey, team members said, they witnessed God at work in many ways: through the smoothness of travel, the unity of their group, and the leadership of the team and ministry partner.
Kalmbach reflected, “Everything went so smoothly. It didn’t feel accidental. You could sense God guiding the whole experience.”
Returning home to Edmonton to a 50‑degree drop in temperature, the team carried with them more than a one‑time experience, said Czuroski. They also had warmth in their hearts from being part of a long, faithful story that God continues to write through churches, schools, and communities across the world.
To learn more about the program, contact EduDeo at edudeo.com/coimpact.
