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!
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