Returning to the States

     It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the Lord as a missionary in Costa Rica these past 3 years. It’s been a treasured time of my life which I would not trade for anything! I know the one and only reason that brought me here was the Lord’s leading hand. He has been so gracious to me!  He has taught me and revealed Himself to me in so many ways. I’ve watched the Lord do wondrous works in this place! I’ve seen the Lord take a two locals in a home Bible study and make it into a church. I’ve witnessed many come to salvation! The Lord has been faithful to His people and work in Costa Rica! In my years here God poured out His grace on me and taught me a language! I’ve been able to use spanish not only in communicating but also in teaching His Word with the ladies. My greatest joy has been discipleship and involving myself in the lives God has placed around me. What reward to see the growth of the saints!  Overall, I can say that God has given His favor to me. These past 3 years seem like a lifetime! I’m thoroughly grateful for my time here!

However, my time in Costa Rica is coming to an end. The doors have been closed for me to continue serving here and I’m moving on. It’s bitter sweet. Because I love and have been called to the ministry, people, and this country it is so hard to say goodbye. In many ways it is heart breaking. However, the Lord is with me and He has great plans for me. I look forward to being with my family. Helping my grandma as she cares for my mom and my great grandma. I hope to help my family with any need. I’m thrilled to be an aunt within 15 minutes away from my niece! It’s my desire to seek the Lord for new vision for my life. My heart has not changed in regards to missions and would love to serve in this way again. I will be seeking the Lord about a future on the mission field. In the meantime I’m praying the Lord provides a job for me. I really don’t know how long I’ll be in the states, but I want to be diligent with the time He gives me. Please keep me in prayer as I go through this transition. 

I want to thank you as my family in Christ for all your support for me throughout these past years. Thank you for supporting me financially! The Lord has used you to provide for my needs and I appreciate you so much! Thank you for the prayers you have blessed me with through my time here.  You have been a huge part of the ministry that I’ve been involved in! My heart is full of gratefulness for you! It has been a joy to partner with you in the work that He is doing in Costa Rica!  Please note as of October 3rd, 2014 I will be returning to the States and will no longer require financial support. However, I still appreciate your prayers! It’s my desire to continue with my blog and update you as I receive direction from the Lord. Once again, I thank you for the blessing you have been to my life these past few years! 

In Christ,

Vanessa Sanchez

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9

His Great Goodness

     What a blessing it is to serve the Lord! I’m so grateful that I get to be a part of His work in Costa Rica. “Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You,Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men!”-Psalms 31:19 After 3 years of serving here I’m so privileged that I am able to continue to experience His goodness in this place. I have been stretched, broken, encouraged, strengthened, enabled, changed, and used during these past years. I wouldn’t trade it for the world! The Lord has been ever faithful to me personally and to His work here. I’m confident that He will continue. 

Mission Team. At the end of June we had a youth group (5 adults & 17 kids) from a church in Florida join us for a short term missions trip. They came for  a week with a full schedule. They served practically, painting at the orphanage, and spiritually, organizing and accomplishing a children’s outreach. We took groups with us to visit people from church in their homes. They had the a dinner/message for the married couples in the church along with providing for an ice-cream social after church. One morning they went to visit the Guaymi tribe in the mountains. After a couple youth from the church shared their testimonies on young guy(from the tribe) gave his life to the Lord. Overall they were such a blessing to us, the church, and the neighborhood. We are so grateful for all they did and hope to see them soon! 

Women’s ministry is going well. There have been a few changes recently. We are now meeting at the Pastor’s wife’s house and have begun meeting in the mornings. Last week was our first study after the changes and it was great! Meeting in the morning has proved to be a huge blessing. Last week after the message some of us went to fellowship/eat in town and after we went to visit a lady from church who just had a baby. It was a full day of women’s ministry and great fellowship. I’m looking forward to seeing how the Lord continues to work within this ministry. 

I was on the schedule to teach for women’s study last week and thought I should update you on how that is going. Honestly, each time I get to share the message I’m absolutely blown away! It is amazing that I’m able to deliver the message in spanish just after 3 years! Through Christ who strengthens me! I’ve enjoyed preparing for, studying the Word and seeing the Lord reveal Himself more to me. Because I need to translate the message it has been a great benefit in learning more of the language as well. I know many of you have lifted this up in prayer. Thank you so much! The Lord has and will continue to answer! 

  In October we will begin our first women’s seminar. It will consist of one session each saturday for 5 weeks on the topic of “A woman after God’s own heart”. We are still in the process of planning, sign ups, and details so we would very much appreciate your prayers. I will be teaching on the topic of “The Word of God” in regards to a woman after God’s heart. Please lift me up as I prepare for that message. The date that I’ll be teaching is the 4th of October.  

In Calvary Chapel Palabra Viva there are some upcoming changes. Since we’ve begun as a small living room Bible study we have always met on Sunday evenings. Things are about to change! On August 31 we will begin meeting on Sunday mornings at 10 am. I’m looking forward to this! Much like the change in woman’s ministry it will allow a full day of fellowship with our brothers/sisters in Christ. I’m hoping that as a church body we will take full advantage of the day together. The Lord has used and blessed the evenings that we’ve had service, however, after service it’s late and we are all so tired after a long day. It my prayer that the days will still be long, but they’ll be spent in fellowship with our family in Christ. To begin this change we will be having a message on baptism, a baptism and a potluck. Please pray for us in this schedule change. May it be to God’s glory and benefit! Also, may He stir many to take a step of faith thru the baptism. We appreciate your prayers! 

Family. These past months there has been some difficult circumstances for my family back in California. My mom has been in and out of the hospital a couple of times. She is now home and well. However, now my great grandma is ill. She is currently on hospice and my grandma(who raised me) is caring for her and my mom. With all these circumstances and more I wish I could help. It’s been difficult to be away during these times although I know I’m exactly where the Lord wants me. Please just keep me and my family in your prayers. May the Lord fill my heart with peace as I serve Him and may the Lord strengthen my family physically and spiritually in the midst of difficulty.  

Thank You! I’m so grateful for your prayers for me and this ministry in Costa Rica. The Lord is truly working and answering our prayers. He has begun a good work here and I’m confident that He will be faithful to complete it! Please do not cease to pray for us. Let’s remember to lift up the persecuted saints in the middle east & other countries! May the Lord strengthen them as they suffer for their faith in our God. May we, in countries with religious freedom, take advantage of the privilege we have to openly share the gospel. May we live our faith as genuinely as they do! It’s my prayer that this update gives you insight on the work of God as well as how to pray for us. May God bless you as you partner with me in His work here!

Entering into lives

      Well, it has been a sweet season this past month. I’ve enjoyed building stronger relationships among the community. I’m so blessed to have the Lord’s favor in the friendships that I have in Costa Rica. Although there remains my weekly involvement with the church and the Instituto Biblíco (also a blessing to be a part of) the highlight for me has been entering into the doorways of people and being a part of their lives. That’s what I want to share with you!

I have no doubt that the Lord alone has gone before me. He has made a way for me in the relationships that I have with those around me. Sometimes I stand in wonder at the type of people I have favor with. For example, single middle age mothers. To the natural world it does not make sense that a young girl of 23 years would be fast friends with someone older with a completely different life experience. Thankfully, God does not limit Himself to human logic. He has given me favor. 

Etel and I

In one instance there is this middle aged woman, Etel, who gave her life to the Lord in a Bible study (now Calvary Chapel Palabra Viva) in May’12. I was privileged to be present as she prayed and accepted the gift of salvation. It’s been two years since then and the Lord has blessed me by her friendship. She is eager to grow and seeking guidance in her walk with the Lord. I’ve seen her overcome struggles and grow in her faith. The Lord has and will continue to make her more like His image. She has been attending the Instituto Biblíco (Spanish Bible College). Last month she wanted help with her report on “Discipleship” and came over to my apartment a few times. In reality, we (my roommate and I) didn’t do much. She came and we asked her questions regarding discipleship and Biblical examples. She had all the answers, but just needed some help putting them together. It was such a sweet time of seeing the Lord minister to her as she wrote her report at our kitchen table. She has become more like family and has a dear place in my heart. 

Marvin, Martha & I

There is also this couple in their 50’s who live up the street. They, Marvin and Martha, have always for some odd reason seemed fond of me. Our relationship began with being friendly neighbors and greeting one another upon encounters. Eventually we found that Martha and I have a joy of baking/cooking in common. This turned out to be a window into their lives. I began to bake for them and in turn she would do so for me. This lead to us teaching each other how to make different desserts and dishes. Now I have an open invitation into their home. Last month they invited Shavi and I over for lunch. [Take note, they have a catholic background but are not very religious. They live a very comfortable life and they do not feel a need nor desire to change it.] As we were there Martha received a call that her 93 year old mother had a stroke. The Lord gave us opportunity to touch her life in a difficult time. As we prayed for her the strength that she normally displays faded away and we saw a tender heart. Later that week we received news that her mom had passed away and were invited to go with them to the funeral. We took advantage of another opportunity to reach their lives. We gave her a card with scripture pointing her to Jesus in this difficulty and joined them for the funeral. I know it meant a lot to them. They remain in my prayers. Please pray that the Lord would move their hearts and reveal Himself to them. May they be willing to leave the daily comforts that keep them from Him. Pray the Lord fills Shavi and I with wisdom as we spend time with them. 

Well, I’ll spare you more “story time”, but I’ll tell you the heart behind it. It is my heart and prayer that as I spend time in the homes of others and they in mine Jesus would minister to them through me. It’s often the thought that Americans are rich. I, however am not. Just the fact that I’m American already puts many “mental differences” between locals and I. Also, because I am a missionary and a single girl without kids, I’m often seen as “a devout saint” or even “a nun”. It really is kinda funny, but it makes it difficult to affect lives when they don’t see you as equal. It’s as if, to some, the things I do or my relationship with the Lord is unattainable. This is the lie that divides us. The truth however, is that I am a sinner saved by grace. It is my prayer that as my relationships grow with people, I would not be seen as  American, rich, or religious. Rather it's my hope that the only difference they see is Jesus in me and they abundant life I have in Christ. May they see that abundant life is attainable only with Jesus. I've been super excited to have these opportunities! Please keep me in prayer as I let Jesus live through me. May He be glorified in me!

Thank You so much for your prayers and financial support! I hope this update gave you a perspective of “life” as a missionary aside from ministry. Praying that the Lord gives you opportunities like these as you live life wherever you are as well. May He begin a revival in our hearts and may it spread to all those we come in contact with. Thank you for partnering with me in this ministry! May the Lord bless you greatly!

*I didn’t have a chance to write about Calvary Chapel Palabra Viva, but here are some photos from last weeks service. 

Palabra Viva Mission's Trip

Well, time has just run off and left me behind! Another month has past and the Lord has not lacked in His faithfulness. It is truly GOOD to serve the Lord! I'm so grateful that He has placed me in this little town of Perez Zeledón, Costa Rica with so many wonderful people. It's such a blessing to serve alongside this group of missionaries as well as with Calvary Chapel Palabra Viva. I'm aware that in missions you are not always placed in agreeable surroundings so I'm just don't want to take this for granted.

Missions Trip to the Guaymi (Ngobe)

The Guaymi, or the Ngobe, are a indigenous tribe in Southern Costa Rica and Northern Panama. They are a very reserved people who live quietly tucked away in the mountains. They are only a few hours from the nearest town, yet their lives are far from the way of life you find in town. In these communities alcoholism, witchcraft, false religion, abuse, insets, and hunger are common. It's normal for couples to begin their families very young. Many begin at the age of 14 years. Many Ngobe have lived this life, yet there is so much hope for them because of the blood of Christ. That is the message that we wanted to share.

In one of my last updates I wrote about Darwin, a fellow missionary, who was leading an Inductive Bible Study course with some of the Ngobe Pastors and leaders. Pastors would walk for hours to meet and study the Bible during this course. This month they all completed the course and with great joy they received their certificates of completion!

Our church in San Isidro, CC Palabra Viva, had been supporting the Inductive Bible Study course with the Ngobe through prayer, finances, and a couple actually going to see the work. We had been receiving updates with the anticipation of a church missions trip to their community. After some planning it was decided that we would start planning the trip to one of the Pastors, José, who lives deeper in the mountains.
     The vision in having a church missions trip was to lead the church in God's heart for the lost and to lead the lost to God's heart. In Palabra Viva, for many of the congregation we are the only missionaries(Christian) they know. The last thing we want is for them to think that only foreigners can/should be involved with missions. The great commission was given to all disciples of Christ no matter where they are from. It was our hope that through this trip their hearts would be stirred for the lost not only in the far places in the world but also in there home country. So with that heart the organization of the trip begin. The Lord was in it and He saw that everything came together. The church supported financially, they bought supplies, donated clothes, and covered us in prayer. As time grew nearer we had meetings in which those who went on the trip would discuss ideas and receive assignments for preparation and our time out there. It truly is a blessing to see the body of Christ work together.
     The trip itself was such a blessing! I know we as a church were blessed as well as the Ngobe people! We ventured out with 8 locals from our church, church leadership, and 1 random bus diver(pray for his salvation). We left early on a Monday morning and arrived to the indigenous community around 10am. Of course, there were a few unforeseen hangups but as soon as those were sorted out we begin the preparations of a full day of ministry. On Monday and Tuesday we held two Kid's Outreach (both different from each other) with puppets, songs, games, crafts, and the gospel. By God's grace we were able to feed all the children and the adults both nights. The first night we watched the Jesus Film for kids and the second night for adults. On Tuesday morning two groups (lead by Ngobe Pastors) went out evangelizing house to house. I was privileged to go out with one of those groups. I can personally say it was so good! We went to some homes knowing they were not saved. We entered other homes knowing they were a fellow brothers in Christ and gave them a word of encouragement. As far as we know 3 people accepted the gift of Salvation! Glory to God! On Wednesday, the last day, we took all of the donations of clothes and gave them out according to the needs. All in all the trip was so good! Through each aspect of ministry the group worked really diligently in serving the Ngobe people and love of Christ was poured out. Some received the Lord others rejected Him. It is our prayer that the Lord continues to sir in their hearts and minds thru the events of that week. Also it's our hope that they get plugged in with Pastor José and the little church of believers out there.
     
     Thank you all for your prayers! This past month has been so touching! I'm so blessed to serve the Lord here and I'm so thankful that you have partnered with me through prayer and support. Please continue to pray for me! I treasure your prayers so much! Enjoy the photos(Click on the photos to enlarge them)! May the Lord bless you abundantly!      

This is Emily who accepted the Lord! 

Prayers Answered.

Last month I asked for prayer because I was going to teach at women's Bible study. I cannot go another day without saying THANK YOU! On March 1st I had the privilege of teaching in spanish. I honestly didn't know if that was possible. However, I knew that up to this point the Lord has given me so much grace in learning the language and I thought I would be cheating Him if I didn't at least try to use it in this teaching. I figured, if I fail I'll just switch to english and have someone translate. Little faith, right? Well, by the inexhaustible grace of God I was able to clearly communicate and deliver the message. I can't praise Him enough! I wasn't really nervous and felt overwhelming peace. At one moment during the teaching I thought to myself, "How is this possible?" and the Lord put all of you in my mind. I remembered the prayers of my family and the team in Costa Rica and of close friends in the States. However, then I thought of you! Some of you know me very well, yet there are some of you who I don't even know. In that moment I thought of you, the unknown friend and family in Christ. Those of you in France, Russia, China, Poland, Venezuela, Ukraine... etc. I don't know you but I know that your prayers for me have been heard! Thank you! I'm so grateful that the church of Christ is not restricted by location. Please lift me up as I will continue to teach! I just needed to say thank you! You took part in a miracle last saturday! One girl told me, "You sound like a gringo who speaks fluent spanish." and it's only because the Lord has poured out His grace on me! Here are some pictures of the study. Thank You!

New Things with the Same Wonderful God

   Well, a new year has come and I'm already running behind. Can't believe it's February!  I'm so excited about the things to come this year! New things with the same wonderful God. Wouldn't have it any other way! Before I get into a detailed update let me fill you in on the last two months. In December I was so blessed with the ability to visit my family in California for Christmas. It was so good to be with them again. I got to meet my niece for the first time and build a closer relationship with my sister in-law. I look forward to seeing those relationships grow even though I am miles away. In January after my stay with my family I went to the Calvary Chapel Missions Conference. That Conference never fails to be refreshing, reviving, encouraging, and convicting. Through the sessions and the fellowship with dear sweet friends the Lord is always faithful to give me vision and excitement for another year on the mission field. Upon my arrival back home in Costa Rica I moved into another apartment with a fellow missionary, Shaviane. There is my brief update, now for details...

Palabra Viva Calvary Chapel: It's so good to be back with this little church family! What a blessing to see people excited about the Word of God being taught in such a "different way" (the verse by verse)! At this point, it's not unusual to see new faces arrive and find out they knew about us because of the "word on the street".  It's sweet to see the congregation grow in their walk with the Lord, many of whom accepted the Lord as Savior during their time with us. In the first week of February out Pastor, Ryan Slabach, had it on his heart that we as a church should take a week to seek the Lord in prayer and wait on His Spirit. After sharing a message on Psalms 46 he wanted to lead the church in "being still and knowing that He is God." During that week we had no real expectation of what the nights of prayer would look like. We just put our expectation in God and let Him do the work. Each night people came to seek the Lord! The Lord did some unifying amongst us. He restored some relationships. He opened up hearts. He heard our petitions and we are confident that He is answering them even now! We look forward to weeks of prayer in the future.
   Unfortunately, as the church is growing so are the needs and the difficulties. Just in these past few weeks we have a couple who had a miscarriage, a young lady in the hospital, financial struggles, and difficulties in marriage. Thankfully we serve a mighty God who hears and answers! Pray for the church as we will continue to run into these painful times. May the Lord fill leadership with divine wisdom.

Gospel of Mark

Instituto Bíblico Calvary Chapel Costa Rica: I'm really excited about these next few months as we've just began two courses through this ministry to the locals. The first is the "Gospel of Mark". This course is taught by Ryan Slabach in the center of town at an educational center. We had out first class last thursday and over 13 people are attending. This week is our last week for registration so we shall see how many will be joining us through the gospel. I'm blessed to be involved in the administrative work of this ministry as well as sit along side the students as we study the Word together! The second course is "Inductive Bible Study" (The program designed by Dan Frinfrock) taught by Darwin Torres, fellow missionary. Now what is special about this class is that it is taught in an indigenous community about 3 1/2hours away. In that community there are 12+ pastors from a tribe called the Guaymi, or in their language, Knobe. Darwin has the honor of teaching this course to them so that they may learn to study the Word and have a better understanding of it. Because recourses such as commentaries, dictionaries, and lexicons are little to none this will be a very helpful course. Please keep these courses in your prayers.

Some of the Pastors

 

Guaymi Children

 *The Gospel of Mark- Pray for Ryan as he prepares and teaches each week. May he be filled with the Spirit. May the Lord grant him grace as he teaches for 3 hours in Spanish. Pay for each student that they might grow not only in knowledge but in the depth of their relationship with the Lord as they study through the life and ministry of Christ.
 *The Inductive Bible Study-Pray for Darwin as he prepares and teaches each week. May the spirit break down the cultural barriers as he teaches and builds relationship with each pastor. Those communities are spiritually heavy with a lot of witchcraft and worship of the universe. May the Lord overcome the darkness in that place. May He protect the pastors as they seek Him. At the end of this course it's our prayer that each pastor has a greater understanding of God and His Word and that they can share that understanding with those around them.

New housing: Like I previously mentioned, I moved into a new apartment. Same building just upstairs now. This has been a really good God-given change! My apartment-mate, Shavi, is around my age and she shares a heart for ministering to the ladies around us. This has been a HUGE blessing!  I don't think I could express my gratefulness for her! She is a great friend, sister, and fellow missionary. It's a gift to have that with you on the mission field. Praise Him! It's been sweet being able to open up our home and welcome people in. Just in the past few weeks we have had many ladies, families, and girls over. My heart is so full that I have the ability to do this! May the Lord use this place, Shavi, and I as we build relationships and share the love of Christ with those around us.

Personal Prayer Request: In women's ministry I've been asked to teach on a rotation of 3 ladies. I'll be teaching for the first time on March 1st. Please keep me in prayer as I prepare theses next two weeks. The thing is I'll not only be preparing a message, but I'll be doing that in spanish. For those of you who don't know, I've only learned spanish within the past 2 1/2 years that I've lived in Costa Rica. This will be a challenge! Please pray for divine grace as I prepare and teach. May the message of His Word not be hindered by my tongue. The message will be in John 1. Thank you so much for your prayers!

Thank you! I'm so grateful that you've taken the time to read this update. Thank you for your support in prayer and financially! It's through your support that I've been blessed to serve here. Thank you for joining me in this work. Please continue to pray for us! I've seen the Lord answer so many of our request that I'm confident that He will be faithful to continue. This is His work. We are merely the tools in His mighty hands. May we continue to be willing to be used by Him! I pray the Lord blesses each of you as you get a glimpse of what He is doing in San Isidro, Costa Rica.

In Christ,
Vanessa

Palabra Viva

   It absolutely incredible to see the Lord working in this little church, "Palabra Viva."  Remember those days when I wrote about a small group studying the Bible in the living room? I then went on to write of the house being too crowded and stuffy that we needed to use the back porch for better accommodations. Well, over two years later with a full back porch and much prayer we moved! We are now meetng in the conference room of a local hotel. This new location has been such a blessing! There is plenty of space for those who attend with extra space to grow. The attendance fluctuates a lot with the rainy season. However, it's great to see how many people do come! The Lord is providing for the sheep of His pasture. On Sundays we’re continuing through the book of Colossians. In addition to church there also is a Woman’s Bible Study, Men’s Bible Study, and Foundations of Faith class, Night of Prayer. Pray for each of these ministry branches. Many people do not see the need for the “extra church services” or they don’t see the value to make it their priority. Pray the Lord would minister to their hearts and lead them to join us for those Bible studies. Not for the sake of numbers, but for their spiritual growth and value of the things above. I’m so thankful that I get to serve and meet new ladies each week. It is my prayer that the Lord would use me to minister to their hearts.

   It was such a joy to take one Sunday this past month and devote it to the teaching of baptism and a baptism itself. We had a sweet time of potluck fellowship and a baptism ceremony. Three children between the ages of 10-13, one young lady from the States, and Anna (the new believer) were baptized. Many of them invited family and friends to witness this step of faith. A few of those who were invited are now attending the church. Pray for those who were baptized. May they follow the Lord’s leading and may He keep them from this world    

We’ve started the official program for the Spanish Bible College this past August. This is an answer to many of our prayers!  In November the local student will be finishing up  the book of Genesis taught by a fellow missionary from Peru, Darwin Torres. I’ve been blessed with the ability to attend each class. I can testify that this class is a blessing and many of the students are excited to learn from the in depth study of the book. Along with the classes the students are required to listen and complete the Chuck Smith “Thru the Bible”(translated) series within the two year program. Also they are required to complete a given amount of hours to service inside their church and in their community. Please pray for us as we are continuing to work on the technicalities of the program. May the Lord continue to give us His vision and heart for this Bible College.

   Once again I’m so thankful for the blessing you have been to me! This month I focused this letter mainly on the church because a lot is happening within it. These events are nothing short to the answers to our prayers! Thank you so much for praying for me and the ministry I’m involved in. I’m also incredibly grateful for your financial support as well. I truly appreciate your sacrifice! I’m so delighted to know that God is choosing to use some of you who have His heart for missions to support me and this work.  I pray that through this update I can express my gratitude to you and give an accurate testimony of His wonderful works! If you have any questions or comments I would love to hear from you! Please write me at my email address below. May the Lord bless you abundantly!