Why Nicaragua?

I’m so excited to now have a place and a small platform to tell you about the great work God is doing in Nicaragua. I have created this space to write about all of the ways my life has been changed in the last 8 years serving in Nicaragua & the way I have seen the faithfulness of God. 

You often hear people say “It is so awesome that you go and serve in another country, you’re such a blessing”. Although I understand their heart behind saying this, it really isn't at all what missions is truly about. A woman once told me “Come to Nicaragua to be blessed”. That statement has forever changed the way I have pictured serving. It is in the eyes of someone else that we are challenged to see just how big our world is. That our everyday is not “normal” just because it is our normal.

Ncaragua is where I learned the simple gospel. When we take away the lights, the stage and everything our world has made church to be, what we are really left with is the hope of the world: His name is Jesus. 

It's an honor to serve in Nicaragua, but even more of an honor to learn, be challenged and see the joy of the Lord. 

For as long as possible my hope is to continue serving and financially backing the mission work at Los Rayos de Esperanza, located in Diriomo, Nicaragua. Los Rayos de Esperanza, (LRdE for short), has many ministries including The Business Academy, Bright Hope, Medical Clinics, year-round schooling and more. Tusk & Gold Salon is partnered with Bright Hope young women's ministry - which provides funding for a job opportunity in leadership, covering and stability over these young women. This is a safe place to pour into young women who are learning how to support their families, understand their value and protect their innocence.

My dear friend Kerri and I serve alongside each other with the business academy and help train, teach and pour into the hairstylists and salon owners in Nicaragua. This is a program that we have been serving in for over 7 years, and now have a pilot program with our first graduating class! This creates job opportunities and a way to generate income for Nicaraguan people. We are so honored to be a part of this program and support these entrepreneurs. 

Also, I currently take teams every year to serve in missions in Nicaragua and would love if you joined if you’re interested! Our next missions trip is February 6th, 2024 - February 13th, 2024.

Please email me for any questions or interest in serving/ financially participating in what God is doing in Nicaragua at Los Rayos de Esperanza at Marissa@tuskandgold.com.

-Marissa Hughes, Co-founder of Tusk & Gold Salon