Darrell and Linda Hinson's love for Nicaragua started in 2000, after making numerous short term mission trips. They fell in love with the people and knew that one day they wanted to live there and minister to the needs of the people.  In September 2011, their dreams became reality. They were sent out with the blessings of their church - Church at The Mill in Spartanburg, SC.

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Darrell and Linda instantly fell in love with the children and the country. They continued to take two to four trips a year to work with an organization that built and owned an orphanage in Juilgalpa. Darrell actually became a board member with that organization for several years.

 

After a couple of years, they began to make trips on their own. Soon, family and friends would ask how they could help in their ministry and if they were a non-profit.  In April 2007, Darrell and Linda's mission became an official non-profit organization in SC - The Pearl Foundation was founded. They knew that one day after retirement, they would like to spend more time in Nicaragua to continue their ministry.  God definitely knew what He was doing - Granada, Nicaragua became home base where they host mission teams and serve in neighboring communities.

 

In November 2016 they purchased property in the heart of Pantanal Barrio where the children's feeding program, backyard bible clubs, discipleship classes and youth groups were held. They broke ground on the Community Building in February 2017. The building has been in full use since June 18th, 2017. The Lord truly blessed the group with ministry partners who came alongside them to provide the funds for this wonderful building. This building is used seven days a week for God’s Glory.

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A New Chapter

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Earlier this year, tragedy struck the Hinson family. Darrell, part of the driving force behind The Pearl Foundation, was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. And within days, on January 21st, he met his Savior in heaven. Honestly, we were all devastated, especially Linda, her family, Addys, Jesse, Everthy, Fatima and the rest of the team in Nicaragua. I know many of you were as well. Even though we knew Darrell was rejoicing in heaven, it seemed to leave behind a void that would be difficult to fill. (Read Darrell's obituary here)

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For many months prior to Darrell’s passing, he and Linda prayed, discussed and planned for the person God wanted to join the leadership team. A person with a love for the people of Nicaragua and experience navigating the future. Under Linda’s leadership as President and Founder, she was pleased announce Rev. Darrel Cothran has joined the team as Executive Director.. It’s a vision Darrell, Linda, Darrel planned for - even days prior to his passing. 

 

READ MORE OF THE STORY HERE....

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