Thursday's 10-23-08 Playing soccer Pictures

We had lots of fun with the kids. They loved the balloon animals. We had some kids that were serious about their football. But when it came time to sit and listen, they did.

Thursday's 10-23-08 Pictures

Phrase of the Day: "Last Day of Work"




See the pictures of our last day.

Ministry through Work

Wednesday's 10-22-08 Pictures

The team is still working hard to finish the school rebuilding project, children's activities in the afternoon and minister during the day.

The picture link is right above the text.

Please leave comments as it encourages our team to hear from those viewing this blog.

3rd Day!

Tuesday's 10-21-08 Pictures

Phrase of the Day: "More Chicken"

We are exhausted, but nonetheless filled with spirit. More in the morning!

Pictures are now posted!!

Full Day Work Day!

Monday's 10-20-08 Pictures

Phrase of the Day: "It's on the way" [Ya viene en camino]

Another day that God has given us to minister to this new church. And what a day it was. It began with a short ride to the church where we immediately began clearing tree limbs and debris. Our group then split into 2 teams - 1 at the church and the other prayer walking the city. Everyone's physical merit was tested today, but the Lord provided more than enough strength.

Of those at the church 1 group moved furniture, bleached exterior walls and sanded trim. All in an effort to get the building ready for fresh paint. So many different hands from different angles all working towards one goal: completing God's temple in the middle of a city that is yearning for salvation! How amazing to see everyone working in harmony!

The other group moved onto clearing overhanging branches and tree trimming. One precarious cut after another. The pictures will speak for themselves.

Reflecting back we were able to experience God's amazing provision as He kept us safe from harm. the prayer coverage we've had from home and here is awesome so please continue to pray.

The afternoon brought a steady heavy rain and through it all we kept working - painting and cutting, cutting and painting not once deterred by the constant rain. It wasn't until we started wrapping up that we realized how filthy and dirty we had gotten (our deodorant had quit on all of us a few hours ago!).

Through it all we are all thankful that God is using us to build a foundation here. We came to minister, but it seems like we are the ones being ministered!

God At Work!

Sunday's 10-19-08 Pictures

Phrase of the Day: Santo Santo Santo!


A full range of emotions. That's how it can best be described. It seems that we came on board to help minister to this community in Costa Rica, but how amazing is our God that he is using this trip to also minister to each of us! Personally. Uniquely. And deeply.

Our morning started with a devotional led by Pastor Mike. It focused on change and doing. Change in our lives from God. Being in a new environment, away from the habits and hustle & bustle of our daily lives will allow us to be still. Be still and listen. Listen to what God has planned for us. Doing what God's will - be it with us, through us, or in us!
Romans 8:6, 13 and Acts 9:31

As we drove to Orotina Baptist Church we were excited as to what God would bring throughout the day. The joy and happiness we felt in being a part of this church's very first service was humbling. Humbling to see the simplicity with which they live their lives, but the richness they have in faith. This evening as we reflect on this morning's events we see how much we take for granted and don't appreciate enough. We looked around at a poor building in need of so much (according to our standards) but yet the church body lacked NOTHING. They were so filled with the Holy Spirit that truly God was amongst us this day.

We ate lunch with the new church on their campus while the pastor shared his vision to grow this little church into a beacon of light and refuge for sinners. So much excitement was a buzz as all present, as one, drove over an hour to the closest Baptist church near the western coast to baptize 5 new believers!

As one, every member from this new church and the members from the church we visited supported wholly and unconditionally these new believers in Christ.

Their stories have had such an impact on all of us that we must share our prayer request for 2 specific members. Gustavo is a 20 yr old young man who was baptized today. He has been diagnosed with colon cancer and while he is not clear the prognosis is not looking good. Monday (Oct 20) he has a doctor's appointment followed by yet another round of chemotherapy Wednesday. It us unknown how long his stay will be as the doctor's aren't sure how his body will react. Throughout this cloud of gloom he shared his testimony. His testimony was one filled with much thanks, and how Jesus now in his heart has eased his pain and given him a peace. Here is a young man, with cancer, who could have given up, questioned God and turned away from salvation. Yet he didn't! He believed and was saved and his spreading The Word! Praise God. How many times has something small caused us to set God aside so "we" can take care of it?!

There was another boy whom we noticed during the morning service because his eyes told a story. At the baptism his story was told and the tears flowed freely - from our team and the church members. In March his parents left him and his two sisters. Abandoned he spends his nights where he can. So far he hasn't fallen into temptation (as there is plenty in this city) and he hopes for his sisters to come to Christ. His story is such a compelling one that needs to be shared and prayed about! The church, and the pastor's family is the only family he has. When given a small gift of a new testament and witnessing bracelet he was thankful. Here is an individual who could be bitter, could be selfish, could be skeptical of any adult! Yet he quietly asked for witnessing bracelets for his 2 sisters! Again, how could someone who has been so hurt and neglected only think about witnessing to his sisters!! It is God's spirit in Him already at work! Minutes after being baptized!

As we wrap up our day we ask that you pray for us, for Gustavo, for Jorge, for Pastor Jaime, and this new church!

We're Here!!

Saturday's 10-18-08 Pictures

We're here in Orotina, Costa Rica!

We arrived safely in San Jose with no incident. Especially Tom and Rommel who had the absolute best seats on the flight over. Rommel had so much room, his legs were dangling in the seat! We met Mike & Kathy the IMB missionaries that are here serving God and helping to organize this trip.

The bus ride to our hotel was quite the adventure! Many hairpin turns going up and down the mountains. It truly was awe inspiring to see God's creation in such detail. The pictures of the scenic drive offer little justice to the majesty that is God's work!

The higher we went up the mountain, the more incredible the views became until we were so high up, the clouds completely obscured our site. We could hardly see each other in the bus, let alone 1 meter outside the bus (we have to use the metric system here). The pictures offer little justice to the excitement and adventure offered by not being able to see what was around the corner.

We had a great meeting tonight were we prepared for our first day serving our Lord tomorrow! We met, with much excitement, the pastor of the local church. His enthusiasm and love of God is evident in how he desires to spread The Word (much like Paul did). As a group we began to practice some praise & worship songs in Spanish (Open The Eyes Of My Heart & We Bow Down). It was something else to see and hear all of us really trying to get the rhythm in Spanish. I think we'll be ready to offer a song of praise in Spanish for tomorrow's first worship service! Greg and Ashley did an amazing job leading us and getting the words in Spanish.

The first service at Mision Bautista de Orotina is something that we will be a part of. It is awesome to see how God brought us here for His work and help open this new church and open doors, and open eyes!

Also, this blog will slowly start to transition to Espanol by the end of our journey!