We spent the day today in a local ecological shop. It is a small clay shop that one of the congregation members owns. His work is amazing he showed us the whole process, and even let us Mold some of our own creations. He shared his heart with us about how he felt blessed by our coming here. And im proud to say we cleared him out of nearly all his stuff. the pieces are beautiful and some people are gonna be getting some cool souvenirs. It was great to share this memory together. Then we had the blessing of going to a rehab center started by an american named Keith. The center is focused on God filling the emptiness that life gives you. they have a farm where they grow all different kinds of plants to help the men with the recovery and its so cool to see how God has provided For Keith and his minisrty. you can check it out at godinactionministries.org. no one wants to leave we have enjoyed our time here, and thouroughly been moved by what God is doing here and in our lives.
i asked two people from the group to share how their trip had gone thus far. here is what they had to say...
My name is Caitlyn Dawson and im in costa rica on my first missions trip. i´ve encountered God in such an amazing way and i've only been here four days. He has opened my eyes to how limitless his love and glory is. At first, i was scared about the language barrier, but God broke through that, and we were able to speak with our love. i've had the oppourtunity to use the gift God gave me to lead worship in spanish, even though i've never spoken a word of spanish in my life.
Everytime i have to do something outside of my comfort zone, the lord gives me insurrpassable peace. God's hand is so apparent in everything i do. So far, i've had the chance to work with the church's children in their VBS, share my testimony, attend a service at a rehab center and witness what God is doing there. Our group is blessed with the greatest host church. Their willingness to serve us and make us as comfortable as possible is overwhelming.
The biggest lesson i've learned is that you should never underestimate God. He can Take a heart of stone, and make it softer for his purpose.
I'd like to leave you with this verse:
you have multiplied, o Lord my God, your wonderous deeds and
your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! i will
proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told
psalms 40:5
My name is Colin Priest and this is my first missions trip outside of the United States. It's always been on my heart to go to a third world country and minister to people i want to reach; the lost. Adventures in Missions made it possible for me. Its been about four days since i got here and i absolutely love it. The lord is moving andworking and its amazing! i get to witness it.
My Group has helped out with VBS ( which consisted of dancing, singing, playing, and praying with the kids), We got to go to a rehab center, attend church services, go to the park and play with the locals, and there is even more to come this week. We have been privlaged to share our testimonies and out faith to various groups of people. we are bringing the Gospel of christ to the lost and nothing is more satisfying.
One major frustration for me is the language barrier. it's aggravating that im so limited in my speech when im trying to talk to these people. But the people are great! They love the Lord. They are slefless servants and are a complete blessing. They love talking (or at least trying to talk) to me and its alot of fun learning as much as i can. i am learning to step outside of my comfort zone for the sake of the gospel and the lost.
Our leader Carlos, is great and he has been such a huge help, and a major blessing. (mostly because he translates for us haha!) but also for my group. We are growing closer and closer together and are learning to truely love each other. we do devotionals and pray together daily. as far as housing, the beds are comfortable, the bathrooms arent bad at all, and the showers have warm water. We eat three DELICIOUS meals a day and do everything together as a group.
Like i said before, i have been more than blessed on this trip. Living in another culture can be a little challenging for me, but with God he makes it happen. All glory to him for this life changing experience. Adios!
To all parents, family, and friends. We hit the ground running! we have not stopped since we got here. plus ive been having so much fun getting to know these calvary chapel kids that i havent even thought to update any posts. we havd had so much fun participating in VBS at our local church, El Eden. Everyday we have loved on taught and been taught by these beautiful children here in Costa Rica. We have also had the oppourtunity to share our testimonies not only with the church but also with a ministry here that helps recovering drug addicts. Tonight we had a closing ceremony for VBS and Brad Brought the word! I also want to take the oppourtunity to toot Caities horn. i hope i spelled her name right. She sung beautifully tonight in SPANISH!!! thats right she learned three songs in spanish. Everyone was amazed. Rightfully so...
This will probably be our final blog post for the Grace United Methodist group serving in Liberia, Costa Rica. This week was an absolute joy, and we are sad to see everyone go. Today was aour last full today together, and students were given an oppurtunity to go the beach here in Costa Rica. It was appropriated called Playa Hermosa - Beautiful Beach!
For the last night, students were invited to attend the youth group service here. Students sang and danced together, and a few students shared their testimony. Overall, students shared that this trip his stretched their faith and opened their eyes to what God is doing in the world. The leadership has been impressed with this group of young men and women! Parents - be proud! We will continue to pray that the work that God started this week will continue when students return home. It has been a pleasure to serve the students, the people of Costa Rica, and most importantly GOD!
Today is our fourth day of ministry! How time flies! Last night, students were invited to the church service here on campus. What an experience! Although the songs were in Spanish, we all praised God with dancing, jumping, and singing. Many students said it was the best service they had ever been to! Jeff Campell was the guest speaker last night, and he spoke on how to live life to the fullest. How fitting!
Today our group was invited to an elementary school to share VBS. We send three groups in the morning, while the fourth group stayed on campus and helped mix concrete for the new building. Team members put on a VBS for the morning session of young children (K-3) and the afternoon session of older children (4-6).
We also have many oppurtunities for ministry this afternoon and evening. There will be a group leading a home church ministry and another group will head to a sister church and a few student will share their testimony. Tomorrow is our last day of ministry, and for Costa Rican students it is also the last day of school before a three week break. We will be celebrating with students with both a morning and afternoon session at a local kindergarten. We look forward to face painting, dancing, singing, and sharing the love of Jesus. So far this week has been as remarkable as this group of students. So many came ready to serve and to love others! It has been a pleasure to serve alongside these students. Thank you for your continued prayers!
I hope you all got home safely and have recovered physically but pray you never recover spiritually from our experiences with God and His people in Santa Cruz. May God use what you saw, touched and tasted as a life changer and may you continue to use what you learned in your life at home in the US. I hope you will all go to our Face Book page (AIM Santa Cruz, Costa Rica June Project), click on the Edit button under Photos in the left-hand column and add a new folder with your name and post your photos for us all to share. May God bless you and keep you.
Today is officially day three of the trip, and so much has happened. As I type this, there is a team of students finishing the painting on the new church building and mixing concrete. The other groups are doing prayer walks and door to door ministry.
Last night was a breakthrough for many students. As Shannon spoke about forgiveness, he asked anyone to come up to the front and ask forgiveness for an offense commited against someone on the trip or someone at home. Several students came forward with powerful stories. Friendships were healed, burdens were lifted, and God was glorified.
Tonight we are looking forward to attending church with the Costa Rican congregation. We will all be singing and dancing and praising God under one roof! We are looking forward to what God has in store for the rest of the week. Thank you for your continued prayers.
It is the second day of ministry here in Liberia, Costa Rica with Grace United Methodist Church, and God is moving! Yesterday two teams started painting what will be a youth center/fellowship area for the church. Team were also sent out to local neighborhoods for face painting, prayer walks, and door to door ministry. During the afternoon, local children were invited to take part in VBS.
As we gathered together yesterday evening, each team shared what they had seen that day. Each story had a similiar theme: God is very much alive and working in Costa Rica. Over the next few days, we are looking forward to going further into the community and watching God move.
I am happy to say that Shannon, Derek, and I arrived safely yesterday in Liberia. Flying in, I was amazed at the beauty of the country. As our plane glided into the airport, we were surrounded by green hills and beautiful coastlines. Yes, it's no wonder Costa Rica translates to "Rich Coast."
Yesterday we spent the day preparing and getting to know the surrounding area. We met Pastor Gonzales and his wonderful family. Today we will further prepare for our youth group from Grace Fellowship who will be flying in from Houston, Texas on Sunday. We are excited to see what God has in store this week! Please continue to pray for our group!
Blessings,
Mariette
P.S.
Here is our contact number in Costa Rica is case of any home emergency:
