VBS In Tejarcillos

At the beginning of the week, I had the opportunity to partner with the visiting team from East Hill Christian School of Pensacola, Florida as they hosted a series of VBS events over the course of three days in Tejarcillos. During this time, there were four stages set up which included: crafts, games, bible story telling, and a puppet show. All of these activities are used as tool to reach the individuals by presenting God's Word in a way that is attractive and easy to understand.

Over the course of the three days, there were roughly 150 kids and moms that attended. While the numbers give a very basic understanding of how the VBS went, the number of those who join a discipleship group to learn, understand, and apply God's Word will determine the real success. The purpose of these events is to provide individuals the opportunity to learn about the Gospel and a road map or avenue for doing exactly that.

As an intern, I not only get the opportunity to partner with the visiting teams, but also to sit back and observe. Below are a few pictures from the VBS in Tejarcillos of the gospel being shared with the youth through evangelism and discipleship, as well as sharing the love of Christ through games, being goofy, and even being a big kid myself.

Tejarcillos:Prayer Requests

Tejarcillos is an area well-known for the control and influence the local gang has on the lives of those living there. It is comparable to a mafia that controls every aspect of the city. It is because of this, that the New Life Church has been called to reach the individuals that live there. Over the last two days, I have had the opportunity to partner with the visiting team in sharing the gospel through a series of VBS (Vacation Bible School) events.

As we conclude this three day series of VBS in Tejarcillos, please be praying...

that God would be glorified for the fruit that begins from these VBS events

for the hearts of those attending...that they would be absorbent and receptive

for the Gospel to be illustrated and exemplified in a real and attractive way

for both immediate and long-term fruit to come from these events

for the safety of the youth as they return to a home filled with violence, addictions, and loneliness.

for the safety of us going to Tejarcillos

for the pastor and the church body...that they would constantly seek after the guidance and power within the Gospel

for a future piece of property that will serve as a place of discipleship and worship where people will be encouraged and challenged.

for the acceptance of Christ in this area that will lead to long-term discipleship of many kids, parents, and families.

BE SURE TO CHECK BACK FOR PICTURES AND UPDATES FROM THE VBS IN TEJARCILLOS!!!

Your_Greatness_And_Your_Strong_Hand

" O sovereign Lord, you have begun [continued] to show your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do?"

Deuteronomy 3:23

This last week has served as a great opportunity to jump right into the weekly ministry of the New Life Church and visibly see the immediate fruit, as well as the fruit from past years. Where does this fruit come from? Is it because I have chosen to give up a summer to be a good person? Is it because it makes the youth feel good when they are praised by others? Or is it because we serve an ALL consuming God who jealously seeks ALL, wants ALL, and desires ALL credit and glory for the opportunities we are provided?

The obedience of the youth leadership team, the missionaries, and visiting teams, as well as the New Life Church to follow the call to GO, has been used as a tool in His "strong hand". What does this mean? This means that fruitful disciples are being produced, that hope and joy are being found in Christ, and that lives are radically being lived with a different purpose. What does this mean for you and me? How awesome it is and how thankful I am, to have had the opportunity to witness and experience the ways in which God moves people within these areas! And how awesome it is, that through your prayer, support, and encouragement, you have joined me in this opportunity to serve.

Gretel, Jose', and Victoria are some of the newest kids to La Finca. They were just another three kids playing with balloons, getting into trouble, and having fun...or so I thought! As they continued to look me up and down, I began praying for the courage to muster up my best Spanish speaking skills. I asked myself various questions in this process. I wondered things like, "Where did they come from?" and "What is their story?" As they sat next to me, I asked them their names and began talking to them. After a short period of time, I told them I was not staying for the Show de Jabon (Soap Show/Kids Club) because I was not feeling well. As I began walking away, I heard "Esperame, esperame!" ("wait, wait!") After stopping, I was greeted by a tug on my shoulder and these three kids...not understanding why I had to leave... asked when they would see me again. I look forward to seeing them again and anticipate how the Lord will work in their lives.

The older youth group meets weekly as well. After playing two games of Spoons, enjoying a warm plate of Arroz con Pollo (one of my favorites!), we were lead through Scripture by Melinda, who leads the youth group. We looked at not only what God is to each of us individually, but as the body of Christ. This time served as a great opportunity for the youth to better understand the characteristics of God through Scripture.

Every week a team from Los Guido (the primary ministry area) travels to La Carpio for discipleship groups. La Carpio is also known as the "trash can" of Costa Rica. This area receives over 300 tons of trash and waste every day. I had the opportunity to visit this little guy as he welcomed us with great joy and excitement. During my time with him, I was able to listen to him share his longing to understand, memorize, and teach the gospel.

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

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.

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.

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!