Follow US!!! GO Costa Rica December 2010

www.GOCostaRica2010.blogspot.com

The Lord asks, "Who will go to the least of these?" As God remains in every aspect of this trip, there will be many opportunities where this team will serve as a mighty tool in His hand to love those who are broken and reach those who are lost…whose mere existence is considered to be none.

During our trip, we will have the opportunity to host three days of street evangelism and Vacation Bible School (VBS), continue working on the massive multi-purpose building with two full days of work projects, and pass out 75+ food bags to various homes in Los Guido. A late night of roller skating (on a tile floor we’re told) with the youth leadership team and celebrating the New Year (dinner, bonfire, and smores) with the church body, are just two activities our team hopes to use as a tool to share the great appreciation we have for the hard work of those involved with the ministry of the New Life Church. In addition, we will also be assisting the New Life Church of Los Guido with weekly activities such as Sunday service, Kid’s Club, and discipleship groups.

Join us and GO!

With your prayers, you GO with us! With your financial support, you GO with us! And with every changed heart, you can rejoice with us!

PRAYER

Please join us in prayer:

That a selfless desire and passion to serve Christ and the people of Costa Rica would be instilled in our team.

That our team would bond together as one and serve with great joy and excitement.

That God’s hand would be a wall of protection around our team, the youth leadership team, and the missionaries as we visit these areas.

That hearts would be made vulnerable to God’s Word and lives would be changed.

That there would be much fruit and growth in the lives of those we meet, as well as the lives of each member of this team.

Mexico 2010

It was a great pleasure and blessing to share with those who followed the blog last summer, as I had the opportunity to serve alongside the Christian Light Foundation (www.clfcostarica.com). Visiting Costa Rica for the fourth time, God gave me the opportunity to both witness and experience His work in Costa Rica. I would like encourage you to check out the past years videos on YouTube by SEARCHING "cbcsanbernardino". These videos serve as a great overview and insight to what took place. On a side note I probably watch them every other week, as they serve as a great reminder of how God has used Community Bible Church (www.visitcbc.com) and myself to serve beyond our four walls, reaching those who stand at the ends of the earth.

Yet another opportunity! This last weekend I served alongside a great and encouraging team from CBC in Mexico. Visit, http://www.gomexico2010.blogspot.com/, to read the experiences of those who served, and view some pictures giving visual to what took place.

You can also find a video on YouTube shortly!!!

The Video is DONE!!!

Some Random Pics

Below is a photograph of the building that is currently being constructed at La Finca. If you look closely, you'll see me in the middle. The building is HUGE and CLF Costa Rica plans on God going HUGE things in this place. Be praying for this project as funds are still needed.

Below is my Sunday afternoon family. For the past two months this is the group of people I've driven around Los Guido to pick up for Sunday service.

Mixing cement, Costa Rican style.

My Last Sunday

Today is my last Sunday in Costa Rica and I decided to spend it celebrating the Leadership Team. These youth dilligently serve Christ and His church and deserve all the thanks I can give.

Earlier in the week, I picked up a Pinata. The kids did really well destroying Elmo.

I took this opportunity to take a TON of pictures with these special kids. Here are a few of the fun shots we took throughout the day...

This last photo is of Sugeylly. She had her 15th birthday (Quincenera) a couple of weeks ago and I put together this photo album for her. She loved it and all of the kids had a great time looking through it and seeing pictures of themselves...

Guest Blog

By Joshua Hager

It was during his freshman year at Cal State San Bernardino that Conway started attending CBC. We were in the middle of launching our fall season of Community Groups and I asked Conway to join the one at my house. I can remember this kid knocking on my front door to attend group for the first time, but I would have never known that God had such great plans for his life.

If you would have asked me four years ago, I would have in no way thought that I’d be visiting Conway while he was serving as a missionary in a foreign country. Yet, here I am in Costa Rica witnessing first hand what God can do through someone who answers His call to GO. Just weeks before leaving for Costa Rica Conway shared his testimony with our church family and I was reminded of the beautiful and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Our God is greater than any circumstance, condition, or situation; and He is greater than any sin, struggle, or burden. He lifts up those who have been defeated. He protects those who are weak, weary, and frail. He gives refuge to the hurting and kindness to the broken. He makes all things new…perfect in His sight. He redeems our lost and dying souls; and he redeems them for a purpose… that what started in Christ would continue in us. Wow! That overwhelms me every single time. To think, that what started in Jesus Christ, the one and only Son of God, continues in YOU and me…and Conway. Christ is now making His appeal to the world through US! (2 Corinthians 5:16-21).

I flew into San Jose International Airport at 12 noon on Wednesday. By 2 P.M. we were in the car getting some shopping done for gift bags that Conway is putting together for the Student Leadership Team. This team is a group of young people that, in essence, are running (with the oversight of the Pastors and missionaries) the churches and discipleship groups in Los Guido, Tejarcillos, and La Carpio. I’ve been witnessing first hand the special place these kids have in Conway’s heart and this morning (Sunday) he is throwing them a party to thank them for their willingness to serve the Kingdom of Christ. So far, the party plans include a giant Elmo piñata, gift bags full of candy and toys, lunch, and some fun games. You’re gonna want to check out the blog on Sunday night…I am sure Conway will post some pictures.

Santiago, a pastor from an indigenous region of Nicaragua, has been staying here at the Mission House. Last night, Conway and I had the opportunity to speak with him about his community and church. God is moving in incredible ways in some of the most remote places in South America. Conway and I anticipate visiting Santiago later this year, with a hope that a partnership can be formed with his people. I am told that a plane, boat, horse, and kayak are needed to travel throughout the region. This will be an adventure!

Besides party planning and dreaming up places for CBC to GO next, we’ve been busy painting the Mission House and participating in the weekly ministries and programs. I’ll leave that stuff up to Conway, as I am sure he is going to tell you all about it in upcoming posts. I do however want to tell you this: these kids LOVE Conway! They literally run to him when we get out of the car…no seriously, he has a following of little girls; basically, a fan club. They call him Cone-way. Haha. It’s great! You know, you don’t have to speak Spanish to let someone know you care. You don’t have to be educated or skilled to be used by God. You just have to be willing; willing to answer His call to give yourself away…to GO.

It’s my prayer that CBC will be known as a body of believers that responds to the call of Christ; a body of believers who is constantly dispensing that which we have been given. We must love because we’ve been loved. We must forgive because we’ve been forgiven. And we must spread the message of redemption to the ends of the earth, because Christ first redeemed our lost and dying souls!

Conway has truly become one of my closest friends. Really, he is more like a brother…part of the family. I would like to think that I’ve had some role in the Godly man that he’s become, but in all reality it is he who has helped shape me into a better friend and pastor. It’s been a serious blessing to see Conway respond to the call of Christ; allowing God to use him in so many incredible ways.

Well, this is already twice as long as I planned and I need to leave for La Finca…we have some piñata stuffing to do! Check back soon...

News and Prayer Request!

This week has been one of adventure, excitement, and opportunity. Although the trip is coming to an end; ministry activities, building relationships, and work projects have continued to create memories and experiences that will last much longer than the duration of this trip.


Rio Dos!
After a relaxing Monday and Tuesday, which consisted of putting in place the beginnings to painting three bedrooms in the mission house, Wednesday was a surprise. Every Wednesday we set out to La Carpio (the trash can of Costa Rica), for discipleship groups. Walking the streets with eyes and heart open, Mark and I visited a home were two kids (Michelle and Natalie) waited patiently. As the making of two young disciples was taking place, I continually thought about River Dos (the second river). Just recently Mark took the leadership team into this area which they call the second river. A week or so ago was only the second time. When Mark became interested and drawn to go to this place for the first time he was reminded by a local and member of the ministry of the saying that that has branded this area and its people. That is "Anyone who goes in there will come out with nothing!" Mark asked me if I wanted to visit this river and see the areas they had visited just a few days ago. With no hesitation I said, "Yes!" So we went. When Mark and the team visited this area for only a short period of time, roughly 50 heard and responded to the gospel showing interest in someone returning, both eager and willing to begin a discipleship group. It was yet another reminder of what mighty and great things can come of these areas.

Work Projects!
My weapon of choice...the brush!!! This last week has been packed with great work projects and various opportunities to work. Primarily I have and will continue to focus on painting three bedrooms at the mission house for the duration of the trip. As I continue painting a few of the bedrooms at the mission house I also have the opportunity to work around La Finca in Los Guido tomorrow completing some miscellaneous work projects.

Fun With the Leadership Team!
Tomorrow evening we will continue with the Saturday Soap Show, the Show de Jabon. This time is full of fun, playing and laughing with the kids. Kids...mud...and candy...a dangerous combination for fun. Sunday, although it will be the last Sunday is a blessing and a great opportunity. Ending the trip with great food, prizes, a piñata, and presenting the leadership team with letters, gifts, and my favorite See's candy (Scotchmellow) will be an awesome way to express my love, friendship, and thankfulness for their willingness to serve.

PLEASE PRAY...
For the visits to the second river of La Carpio. That these people would be vulnerable to and absorb God's word. That these people would find hope and comfort through a lifestyle only provided through Christ. That God would allow for an area to be built up as a "safe zone" to be used for outreach events through future visiting teams. That God would place a hedge of protection around those who have accepted Christ and shown an eagerness to love and learn God's word.

For the leadership team. That these young kids would continue to find encouragement and motivation in God's word to serve, love, and make disciples. That they would focus in school and pass their classes. That God would protect them as they return each night from these ministry activities to a home that is dark, missing parents, dangerous, and often unhealthy living conditions.

For duration of this trip. That God would continue using me as He desires. That God would be glorified in all work that is done and words that are spoken. That I would continue to pour my love into these kids and the ministry here in Costa Rica. That the relationships with these kids would be everything but temporary. That the kids I have remained pen pals with over the last 2+ years since my first visit would stay involved and continue running after Christ and away from the things and conditions of this world.

For the completion of the feeding center. That finances would continue to remain steady. That God would place a hedge of protection around La Finca and utilize this building to a maximum capacity. That the weather permits the construction process to remain consistant. That all glory be given to God throughout the duration of the building process. That God would continue to keep His faithful hand placed over this building. That God would begin preparing the hearts and lives of those who will some day visit this building.

Reading What Has Been Done…Doing What Has Been Read

“At the Day of Judgment, we shall not be asked what we have read, but what we have done”

~Thomas A Kempis~

“You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did…You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone”

~James 2:22, 24~

The words of James have stuck with me from previous trips to Costa Rica and seem to always find their way into conversation on being doers of the word and not merely listeners. Working alongside the leadership team of the New Life Church of Los Guido, I have uniquely witnessed these kids as disciples, friends, and family live out the words of James. That is after reading what has been done through Christ’s sacrifice and reading of how a jealous creator longs to have a personal relationship with us…what is our reaction…what will we do with what we have read. Their abilities and deeds go far beyond just one opportunity, extending out to others and overflowing into a lifestyle of being a “Doer” and not merely a reader or listener. Working hard at everything I do, serving alongside these kids has not only been exciting and rewarding to both myself and others, but has also been a daily challenge.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday consisted of weekly ministry activities. Friday night was another full of laughter and hurting stomachs…from eating so much chocolate. At the older youth night we played two games. The first consisted of blowing through a straw, pushing a ping-pong ball to various positions of a table where cups were tapped to the side. Let me remind you…this is a Costa Rican table…they are somewhat different. The second game consisted of placing cleaning gloves on your hands, removing chocolate from a wrapper, eating the chocolate, and removing the gloves. Guys vs. Girls! With only three guys, there was a lot of chocolate to eat...a lot! We did win however! After singing multiple songs some individuals shared things that we could pray over. Every Friday has been a great way to fellowship with the youth.

During the "Show De Jabon" (Soap Show), which consists of a giant slippin’ slide and many excited kids, I hung out with the choir as they sold popcorn to raise money for future equipment.

Sunday was a special day as we celebrated Sugelley and her quincenera (15^th Birthday) as this is an important day for a young lady in any Latin American culture. To testify to her obedience to making disciples and celebrating another year, was a great experience.

Only ten more days!!! Although ten days will shortly pass, the relationships built, disciples made, and witnessing of God working in tangible ways will surpass all…living forever. I can only conclude that He will remain faithful in all His promises and continue to make visible what was once unseen.

Working alongside the missionaries and leadership team has allowed me to perceive many things differently and realize many aspects and truths within God’s word. Veronica, a pen pal of mine who is 14 years old, shared a verse with me and it is one that will serve as guidance and reality in the future. That is “doers” of God’s word need not a degree or a certification of authenticity, but rather a working and able heart…ready to serve. Therefore, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity” 1 Timothy 4:12.

Favorite Pictures

Above is a slideshow of some of my favorite pictures with and of the kids. Over the last 39 days God has continued to work in amazing ways. With ten more days remaining I'm excited to serve and can be sure that God has many more great opportunities in store for this trip. I will be posting a blog and prayer request tommorow and will continue to post updates and pictures throughout the remaining ten days.
Be sure to follow!!!

AT LA FINCA!!!

Ninjaaaaaa Assasin!!! Warning!!! This game is highly Ninja like and may cause extreme moments of laughter. Not suitable for anyone under 22 years of age. Beginning with a group in the middle everyone jumps out striking a ninja pose. Taking turns in a circular direction you attack others by Ninjaaaaing only their hand with a chop, slice, or jabb. Last ninja remaining is reined ultimate.

It is the vision of the New Life Church of Los Guido to transform the current bodega (storage area) which sits between the house and the church building into a fellowship area. Because of God's grace it is the only remaining "tin building" left on La Finca. The new location we worked on sits just behind the church building. After first leveling the ground to prepare it for a foundation, we laid the concrete foundation, installed the gutters, and finished the roof frame. Ultimately two brick walls, a door in one, and a tin ceiling will also be installed to complete the project.

Just before beginning the bodega, we first completed the sidewalk that lies just to the right of the house. This was an important project to complete because as the foundation for the larger building (discipleship center, feeding center, turoring center...) just to the right was being dug out, terrain next to and under the house began to shift. With this completed there no longer needs to be a metal beam between the frame of the big building and the house for support.

Construction on the builing continues! With three walls complete, another retaining wall and the fourth wall of the building are being constructed. The building process has been exciting to see during my stay here in Costa Rica. Not only has it been an affirmation of God's grace and willingness to work in the lives of those who ask and seek, but also in that He continues to work in tangible ways.

Happy Birthday!!!

Today we celebrate Sughelley's quincenera (15th B-Day). She is one of the older youth involved in youth group, choir, discipleship groups, and is always eager to serve. Because a quincenera usually consists of getting one drunk and various other things, the New Life Church of Los Guido has stepped out to provide this event in the church as an alternative to the "usual" and an opportunity for such a special day to remain significant.

Be sure to follow for upcoming prayer requests and blogs.

Fun, Fun and More Fun!!!

Every year the New Life Church of Los Guido has a Talent Show after the Sunday service, follwed by a time of fellowship and roasting marshmallows. Although it is not my talent, or perhaps it may be, I was recruited to swing dance. The iceing on the cake was presented when we smiled, showing our hill billy teeth and filling the room...with laughter of course.



ONLY ONE MARSHMALLOW LEFT!?!?




Anyone want smore!!! Making smores...Costa Rica style.

A couple of weeks ago the leadership team from the New Life Church of Los Guido had their two week break from school. As a reward for their dedication, willingness to serve, and hard work in the church, the missionaries make it a must to take them to Parque de Diversiones every year. Referred to as a "wanna be" Six Flags, this theme park was a tremendous reward and served as a great opportunity to bond with the leadership team.

Serving as the only "roller coaster", Sherling and I took on the challange together as this ride was considered the scariest, yet most liked.

Los Guido, Tejarcillos, La Carpio!!! Can Anything Good Come From There?

"Nazarath! Can anything good come from there?" John 1:46

Assumptions are often made about areas such as Los Guido, Tejarcillos, and La Carpio. While many may be true, others are devastatingly false. Because many people believe that nothing has, can, or will come from these areas, an important question that we must ask is "Can anything good come from there? Can anything good come from Los Guido, Tejarcillos, or La Carpio?" If fear, laziness, or selfishness were my response and I said, "No" I would have never met the missionaries, the families, or the kids. Nor would I have experienced the great works of God in, through, and around me. Because we "can do EVERYTHING through him who gives strength" (Philippians 4:10), God has proven to be faithfull time and time again in showing how much more than GOOD can come from these areas. The slideshow posted at the top of the page provides a small glimpse of lives being changed over the last two weeks in which three day VBS events were held in Los Guido, Tejarcillos, and La Carpio. Roughly 400 individuals, 25 of which were moms, heard the gospel and it is my prayer that they become involved in a discipleship group and grow in Christ. PLEASE be praying for much fruit to come from the seeds that God allowed to be planted during the VBS events.

VBS Comes to an End! Work at La Finca Continues!

Finished up three days of VBS in La Carpio. Roughly 150 people including kids and moms came to the first day, 250 the second, and 230 the third. It was an amazing time serving, playing with the kids, and working towards a goal that is not temporary but eternal.



Work at La Finca continues! As the foundation for the gymnasium was being dug out, it began to eat away and remove dirt from the side of the newly built house. After building a retaining wall and filling it in with dirt and rocks, to prevent this from happening in the future, we have begun to lay a sidewalk.

Remember Your Creator and Enjoy Your Youth!!!

“Remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach you when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them’-before the sun and the light, and the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds return after the rain.” Ecclesiastes 12:1-2

Often times many people, especially younger people, choose to walk in their own ways because it provides a sense of pride, ownership, and self value. Because our days here on earth are numbered, our days of eternity are much greater, therefore we could all be considered “young.” Here we are commanded to remember the creator of all things, so that with time we may not regret the many opportunities we had. Such a reminder can only be found in living out “the perfect law that gives freedom.” James 1:25

It is LIVING the days of my youth and CLINGING to the “law that gives freedom” which has allowed and will continue to allow me to experience and see God in these areas of Costa Rica, which are hungry for the word of God and in desperate need of a relationship with Christ.

Fellowship, fun, and food! The older youth night was another evening that brought great joy and new faces. It served as a great opportunity for these new people to seek change as Melinda guided the group through a discussion in determining the possession and application of information.

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday served a great purpose in which a VBS was held each day in Tejarcillos. This area is controlled by one gang or mafia. Arial, an individual who once belonged and lived for that gang, has become a firm and faithful leader in the New Life Church of Tejarcillos. He believes there is an abundance of fruit, waiting to be harvested. It was amazing to see many new faces and share the hope developed through a lifestyle found only in Christ.

Saturday we continued with the second VBS in Los Guido which I worked the first half of the day. It was an answered prayer to reunite with some of my pen pals who I have seen grow up since my first trip to Costa Rica. The VBS served as a great opportunity to give God the glory and direct others to a path that will provide opportunities to get involved in a discipleship group, the church, and perhaps join the leadership team. Upon completion of the third and final VBS in Los Guido on Monday, ALL but two kids agreed to attend a discipleship group shortly to come. Dejon, one of the older youth on the leadership team, set out on a mission. The two remaining kids agreed to “try” the first few days of a discipleship group. It is the witnessing of these kids and families accepting and seeking Christ as Savior that brings great encouragement and hope to my life.

Sunday morning was another day of rejoice and excitement of God's faithfulness as we attended two services. Celebrating the 4th year anniversary with the New Life Church of Tejarcillos, there were many new faces from the previous VBS’s. As pastor Rogelio spoke about love in the church for one another, it was astonishing to see the many new faces, as well as the dedication, loyalty, and love for the church of those who have remained firm in the hope of Christ over the past years. As we arrived to Los Guido for the second service, the storm began to move in. Rain, thunder, and lightening! These were the elements in which Satan attempted, but miserably failed, to use against us to stop the dramas, the service, and cause us to put our bibles aside. In the midst of such, Mark spoke of Revelation emphasizing “he who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches.” We have uncountable opportunities as an individual, a church, and body of Christ to seek and listen to the voice of God. This time brought to reality that God will hold us accountable for every opportunity we did and did not take advantage of. It served a great purpose as there were some new faces and rejoining families.

This week consists of more great opportunities to serve God, give Him the glory, and reach the “unreachable.” While some much needed work projects will be set in place this week and others completed, we set out today for three days of VBS in La Carpio.

Please be praying for the safety, guidance, and selfless servant hood of myself and visiting teams. Pray for the vulnerability and response of the individuals to God’s word. Pray for God’s intervention in the lives of these children, their families, and in their homes. Pray for a hedge of protection around La Carpio and that it would become an area that is known for its worship, love, and loyalty to Christ.

VBS Continues!!!

Happy Birthday Randy!!! Cracking eggs over ones head is a birthday must in Costa Rica. Randy turned 1, so the little guy laughed and smiled for some pictures after having one egg cracked over his head.

On Saturday we continued with the second VBS in Los Guido. It was a great opportunity to give God the glory and direct others to a path that will provide opportunities to get involved in a

discipleship group, the church, and perhaps join the leadership team.

Sunday morning was another day of rejoice and excitment of God's faithfulness as we celebrated the 4th year anniversary with the New Life Church of Tejarcillos. While there were many new faces from the previous VBS events, it was encouraging to see the dedication, loyalty, and love of those who have remained firm in the hope of Christ over the past years.

This week is packed with more VBS events and work projects. As we finish up the VBS in Los Guido, we will set out tomorrow for three days of VBS in La Carpio. In addition, there are some great work projects planned at La Finca in Los Guido.

Be sure to follow for pictures and slideshow!!!

Youth Group

Stacking nuts and bolts with CHOPSTICKS! Harder than it looks.

Relay race, Costa Rican style.

All Aboard!!!

After working the first half of the day during the VBS in Los Guido at La Finca, it was an answered prayer to reunite with some of the kids whom I have seen grow up in the church and had the opportunity to be pen pals with since my first trip to Costa Rica.

Today is the second of three VBS events in Los Guido. Excited and pumped to be with the kids, get dirty, and have some fun.

Make sure to continue checking out the blog for upcoming VBS events, weekly outreach and fellowship events, and weekly work projects.

COMING SOON!!!
Slideshow and blog of VBS's in Tejarcillos, Los Guido, and La Carpio

The Work Continues

Let the Good Times Roll!!!

It is that time of the trip! Moving into the next two weeks there will be three VBS events in Tejarcillos and three VBS events in La Carpio. The VBS events serve as the primary means of outreach. Mom's, Dad's, and children of all ages come to these events to hear the word of God and lean of a life that it is possible when lived for Christ. While these events are full of games, prizes, and fun...it is my prayer that the development of relationships through and in Christ last much longer than a sweet piece of candy or a simple game. While there are many valuable aspects to be taken from these events, whether individually or as a group, and much time and effort is given, it is the planting of seeds and bearing of fruit that lasts forever.

Please be praying for these VBS events over the next two weeks as God reveals himself to the broken and forgotten lives of many individuals in these areas.

Throughout the Week!

"I didn't eat the Cheetos!"

Both parents and kids fill the church every Sunday morning. It is a blessing to play and laugh with the kids...and even share my Cheetoes I suppose. It is the kids like Sallavah and Leidi that come to church, are discipled, and grow up in the church in hopes that one day they to might be a part of the leadership team.

"The games must go on!"

Although it was pouring rain the water games continued. As the youth played games it was my chance to make sure that they were completely wet. Every week the older youth gather at the New Life Church of Los Guido for a time of fellowship and games. In promoting various team building skills, this week focused on encouragement. This time serves a great purpose as a means of encouragement and motivation to the youth for all their hard work, both in and outside the church.

It is a constant struggle against repairing this wall. To the left of the wall is an area that stores the draining remains from toilets, showers, sinks, and everything else of three houses. This is in addition to the rain! Full to the highest brick, the leaking of these remains onto the church property is not only unhealthy and unpleasant, but only give way for further deterioration of the wall. It is my job to stop it from leaking. The first goal was to dig a trench, fill it with concrete, and finish it with a sidewalk. The next goal will be to resurface the entire wall with concrete and coat it with waterproof paint.

The construction continues!

God has been amazing throughout the entire construction process of this building! Although God would not allow this building to have reached its current stage only to be stopped, weekly meetings with the engineer seem to bring about "unexpected" turns and additions to be made to the building. This means that the financial cost of the building will increase and sacrifices will have to be made in prioritizing the construction process. Be praying for the completion of this building.