Costa Rica Weeks 3-6!

Time flies when you’re doing what you love! The time here in Costa Rica has without a doubt been going by so much faster than each of the other countries I have been to so far. I’ve been doing what I absolutely love in each place, but for some reason here in Costa Rica the time is going by so quickly. I’ve been so active in the Church here and in the lives of many people and it has been so awesome to see God work not just in their lives, but in my life as well each and every day. I love being here and doing what God has given me the desire to do. The people here, like in all the other places I’ve been to, are amazing. They are so loving, welcoming, and fun to be around. I’ve spent so much time with the people and have thoroughly enjoyed every part of being here.

Being here I’ve been able to start and lead two different English Bible Studies in both of the Grace Churches here. There’s been a great turnout of people that want to better their English as well as learn more about God and the Bible. We have some fun and interesting topics that we are covering and I’ve enjoyed every part of the process. I have definitely grown in my ability to put together a Bible Study and to teach the Word of God to others. This was one of my goals for my trip and I’m glad that I’ve been able to do that in Bonaire and now here in Costa Rica. There are a wide range of ages that come to the studies and it’s fun to see such an eagerness to learn and grow.

Along with the Bible Studies, I have had the opportunity to be part of the youth group and the young adult group here. These have given me the chance to practice and better my Spanish as well as share a little bit about my life and be able to disciple a few of the people. I have been having the chance as well to disciple the young adult group leader and it’s really cool to see his passion and desire and how God is working in his life to lead these young adults. I enjoy being able to lead some of the games with both groups as well as have extra gatherings when they don’t have school.

A good friend from Michigan came down for a couple weeks to visit and we had a good time doing ministry together. It was really nice to have someone come and visit and do to ministry with but also to be ministered to by him. We did some yard work, a lot of work with the youth, the young adults, building connections, discipleship, eating a lot, and just being available for what God wanted to do. I know I needed it and I’m glad for how God used him in my life during the two weeks he was here to help encourage me, build me up, and talk with me. It was really fun and I’m glad he was able to come and that God was able to use him in my life.

During my time here there’s been a few more visitors than just Jonny. Jeremy Clark from GMI came to meet with the Churches here and so we were able to connect and talk about my future with GMI and what that looks like. A professor of mine from Grace Christian University was here and we were able to reconnect for a little while and chat as well. It was really good to see other people that I know!

I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior when I was 15 years old, just two days before I was going to end my life. When that void in my life was filled, when the darkness and hurt and depression I felt and had was gone in an instant, when I felt loved, accepted, valued, and alive for the very first time in my life, the first thought I had was; “I want everyone to have what I just experienced.” What I had finally experienced is a real relationship with the creator of the universe. The only source of unfailing love, acceptance, worth, and life. In that moment I wanted nothing else but to share that with others. I absolutely fell in love with God and the gospel. My greatest passion in life has always been to share the gospel.

Another passion isn’t just sharing the Gospel but it’s sharing it with the youth, the ones who are most desperately seeking love, life, acceptance, worth, identity, etc. People and things will always fail to give you what you desire because only the creator can fill those needs that He created us needing. That is my message to the youth here and everywhere that I go. I love being able to share my story and share the gospel with anyone and everyone. When the teachers that are at the high school here found out there is a “gringo” here that is willing to help out in the English classes so that the students can practice with a native English speaker, they started fighting over what days and times I can come to their classes! This has been such a great opportunity to be in the classes, build a connection with the students through board games, and then being able to share with them. If you know me, then you know that I will use whatever foot in the door that I have to be able to share the gospel and how God can change a life. As the kids were asking to hear my story and hear about why I love traveling, I’ve had that opportunity to share. They’ve let me share my story and the gospel in all their classes and it’s been amazing! It’s so amazing to see God working in their lives. The teachers absolutely love the message. The principle has me available for counseling/discipleship. The teachers want me to do more presentations on how to get your life from Christ each and every day in order to truly find that love, acceptance, and life that only God can offer. I am working with the Youth Leaders to do an event much like the one in Bonaire where we can invite the entire high school and do a big presentation and obviously share the gospel. It’s been so fun and all the kids love me! They trust me and they talk to me. There’s a group of them that I’m meeting with weekly after classes to share more about my life and how Jesus Christ can transform you. It’s so amazing to see young kids respond to the gospel and have an immediate desire to grow! I haven’t taken many pictures of the time in the classes with the students, but here are a few of them. Most days of the week I am in the classes sharing and doing things with them!

I’ve really enjoyed my time here. It’s crazy to think that half of my time here is already gone. I’m looking forward to what God is going to do the last six weeks I have left. I thank you all for your love, support, and prayers. It means a lot to me and I could not do any of this without you guys. It means a lot to me to know that you are following along with what God is doing in my life and that you are all a part of it in some way. With being a little bit busier here I have come to learn that having a day of rest is very important in ministry! Because of your prayers I’ve been able to do what I am doing and that there is fruit of the ministry being done. I truly thank you all for being the best! Here’s more random pictures below! I love you all! Feel free to reach out whenever!

Prayer Requests:

1. Physical Health – I’ve had a lingering issue with my health the last 3 years and it has recently had a strong flare up. I am talking with my doctors back at home to get on medicine to help. Please pray for this as it may affect me returning to Panama after my time here in Costa Rica.
2. Overall ministry – The Bible Studies, ministry in the high school, discipleship, activities, etc.
3. Improve my Spanish.
4. My own spiritual walk.
5. Wisdom of how to spend my time will all of these opportunities.