Vacation Bible School In Tejarcillos, Los Guido, and La Carpio

Sunday, August 1, 2010

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 (15th 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.

11 comments:

  1. Conway sakiah say's hello :) So today was a hard day, i put her in the nursery for the first time :( she did amazing, but i was a big baby i cryed lol anyways sakiah is getting so big, you wont believe it! we cant wait until you get back! see you soon! <3 Landis

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  2. You have a 4 yr old penpal...that's impressive! :D

    Conway I think of what you're talking about often and it hits a raw nerve (in a good way)... am I really about the DOING - and does it really come out of my new BEING... Have I been following Christ to the point of making disciples? Have I really done this? Who has God given me to disciple now? How am I praying for opportunities and wisdom and instruction in doing so?

    It's a lot to be checked on...but it checks me nonetheless, and this post of yours continues to as well.

    Thanking God for your friendship and example in faith and making mention of you before Him much... lOVE YOU DUDE

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  3. Hey ConRad! lol. Sounds like God is making His move in you and the people you come across. I can't wait to experience missions! you are an inspiration for sure. Continuing to pray for you, and for everyone here (myself included) so we can actually follow through with Gods word. The closer I draw to God the more I realize the sacrifices it will entail- and even though they seem huge to me i know they are miniscule compared to what God has in store for me and everyone around =)
    thank you for loving God friend
    lisa

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  4. Conway,

    It looks like you had a super busy week. The new Slide Show is great. God keeps doing amazing things through you!!! Keep it up man. See in 24 hours. I can't wait.

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  5. Wow. Well said. Looks like ur havin fun. Glad we get a glimpse.

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  6. conlittle. I am sorry i havent read this blog thing till now. Ive been missing out for sure. Keep up the good work friend. God sure is good. Yes. really good.

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  7. ps. your testimony before you left really touched me. That God rescued you and is now using you in such mighty ways. wow. gives me hope. gives us all hope. youve been redeemed from something great to DO something even greater. I definitely shed tears down my face when you told the stories of what you sometimes had to experience and sometimes go through growing up as a kid.

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  8. Landis,
    Sounds great! Good job for taking that step. I can only imagine how much she has grown since I last have seen her. Looking forward to seeing you guys also. Blessings and prayers!

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  9. Mike,
    Point intended. I have thought about this multiple times and for long periods of time. We have so many opportunities waiting to be taken up. And I meant 14, not 4 yr old penpal. It was a typo. All of those questionas are great and something we should be asking ourselves everyday.

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  10. Anonymous (Elsa),
    Good to see that you got a chance to check out the blog. You definitely need to come to Costa Rica again! Thank you for the encouragement and support.

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  11. GREAT GREAT GREAT POST, CONWAY. WELL SAID......OR I GUESS WELL WRITTEN.

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