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

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

All_With_Confidence!!!

[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~

I never truly understood what it meant to SERVE until I not merely read the Word of God, but saw the Word of God in action through the youth of the New Life Church of Los Guido here in Costa Rica and in turn acted on the Word of God myself. During my time here in Costa Rica, I’m confident that the Lord will expand my faith and confidence in the Gospel through the process of using me to illustrate His Kingdom and exemplify His character through moving me into these areas where he eagerly awaits.

The words of James best explain this when he says, “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” (2:22, 24).

That is after reading what has been done through Christ’s sacrifice and reading of how a jealous creator desperately wants to have a personal relationship with us…what is our reaction…what will we do with what we have read. My prayer is that my abilities and deeds go far beyond just one opportunity and overflow into a lifestyle of being a “Doer” and not merely a reader or listener.

While the enticements, pitfalls, and lures of everyday life are constantly presenting themselves minute after minute; we are called to demonstrate a patient attitude, illustrate His Kingdom through faith, and exemplify Christ’s character through action. And we are to do this ALL with confidence!

I would ask and encourage you to join me over the next few months as I share my experiences. I will be posting pictures, weekly blogs, and prayer requests. I would also encourage you to respond to the blogs by either commenting or asking questions.

Be confident of this, that he who began a good work in [YOU, ME, US] will carry it on to completion...” Philippians 1:6.

“I know them, and they follow me…they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither present nor future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus or Lord. Romans 8:38

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed 2 Corinthians 4:8

Sunday, June 26, 2011

First Day Back At La Finca!!!

The first day back at La Finca (The Farm) for this afternoon's Sunday service was great as I reunited with some of the families and kids. Over the last few years, the Lord has molded many relationships between myself and various families and kids here in Costa Rica. Returning to Costa Rica is always an extraordinary opportunity and faith-encouraging experience as those once prayers have become visible in tangible ways through the development of the land that once stood vacant and through the lives of those who roamed anywhere other than this transformed land which now serves as a place of security, encouragement, and guidance.


I have had the opportunity to have a unique relationship with many of the families and youth. Since my first visit to Costa Rica in February of 2008, I have spent the years developing relationships with individuals like Michelle. Her testimony as a youth challenges and encourages me. It was awesome seeing many of the kids and families today during the service.


Returning to La Finca knowing that the multi-use building has been completed was an answered prayer. Serving with past teams, we prayed over the land in December of 2008, heard of blueprints for the development of the land the following December, and watched the construction of the building take place the third December in 2010.



I'm excited for the next few months and hope that you join me. I will be posting updates, photos, and/or prayer requests frequently.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

It's Finally Here!!!

After months of planning, many fundraisers held, and hundreds of individuals sacrificially offering their finances and prayers...it is here. After arriving safely in Costa Rica last night, it was great to return to what feels like a second home and reconnect with the missionaries, as I begin this three month journey.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Prayer Requests

On Sunday, June 19, CBC (www.VisitCBC.com) will “send me off” by asking me some questions and praying over the ministry. If you can make it, I’d love to see you there.

Prayer Requests::

Please PRAY for energy and perseverance over the next few days. On top of work, fundraising, and preparing to leave, I am studying hard for my EMT certification test that will take place this Friday.

Please PRAY with me as I ask God to prepare the hearts of the people I will come in contact with this summer.

Please PRAY that my financial support continues to come in. My friends, family, and church have been beyond generous, and I am thankful for that!

Please PRAY for my safety as I travel to Costa Rica.

Above all else, please PRAY that I would allow God to use me in incredible ways. That I would be His tool throughout the summer and that through Christ in me many more will hear the Good News of Jesus Christ!

5 MORE DAYS!!!

It is hard to believe that in just five short days I will be leaving to Costa Rica. The day that felt so far away will shortly arrive. I'm looking forward to visiting the families, friends, and kids from previous years and being a part of what God has in store for all of us this summer.