News from Costa Rica!

"O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance. I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons. I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved."

 -Psalm 16:5-8  

   A year and almost nine months later, I’m still here in Costa Rica. It amazes me that I’m still here! Not that I don’t want to be. It’s the fact that the LORD is still using me in this place. A commitment which was originally 3 months is now a choice to call this home indefinitely. Looking back, I’m so blessed! What a work the LORD is doing in this place! He is truly a God who only does marvelous things! Sure, I’ve faced difficulties. I’m no George Muller or Elizabeth Elliot, but I’ve had some rough days. :-) However, those difficulties are far worth the blessing of obedience. Oh what peace and joy to follow Jesus! He is so worthy of my all. I want to love and follow Him to the end! 

COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY   

  On Sunday evenings we have a community Bible study. A little over a year ago it was held in our living room.  It was a small circle of chairs which were not always filled. Simply just a few believers studying the Word of God. My goodness how things have changed! The house started to become crowded and in this tropical climate it was quite stuffy. So we made some changes. Now we meet out on the back porch. There is a bit more space for everyone to sit comfortably and the fresh air helps a ton! We have around 25-30 locals who join us each week. It’s such a blessing to share in a time of worship, prayer, the Word, and fellowship with these sweet people the LORD is bringing. There are a handful of believers who attend along with others who know about the LORD but have no understanding of relationship with Him. It’s been incredible to see the LORD work in each person whether He is molding us, believers, or revealing Himself to the unbeliever. 

    Just this past week a young lady gave her life to the LORD! Her name is Nicole. Please keep her in your prayers! May she grow strong so that she will not be moved by this world and it’s temptations. Earlier this month a young man, Anderson, also accepted the LORD into his heart. It’s been so cool to watch the Lord change him. He had been coming to the study off and on for a few months. One of our interns started to reach out to him. One day he was asked if he had a relationship with the LORD and received the gift of Salvation. He is not the most popular guy. Honestly most people think he is “different”. It touches my heart to see the love of Christ poured out upon him. His face visibly displays the joy of finally being loved. Pray for this boy. He has a long road ahead which in no way will be easy. Pray that he continues to seek the Lord till the end. These are just two testimonies of what the Lord is doing through the Bible study and the people who attend. The God of Salvation is saving, changing, and making us all more like Him!

                               

BIBLE COLLEGE

   This semester at the Bible College has been a blessing. There are 8 Students from the States, 1 from Belize, and 11 locals (plus more who are only auditing the class). This is the first semester that we’ve had more locals than Americans. It’s pretty exciting! Once a week the locals join the other students for a bilingual class through 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Many of the students have and continue to invite friends, so the class is growing! It is our hope and prayer that we will have an official Spanish program ready to begin in August. Please pray for Ryan, the director, as he builds the foundation and structure for this program. Pray for grace in the legality of it as well. 

EVENTS

   Next week we will be traveling south towards Panama. We will be crossing the border to renew our visas. Then going up the Costa Rican mountains to a tribe called Guaymi. There we will be reaching out to them in service and evangelism. This is our first time visiting this tribe. We are really excited and privileged to share with them. Please pray for us as we travel and serve March 6-9th. May the Lord use us the way He sees fit. As of now it looks like we will be helping in construction, women’s ministry, and children’s ministry. All our plans are subject to change. May His will be done!

   In June of this year we are planning an Interdenominational Pastor’s Conference. In this valley are many churches and many pastor’s attached to them. However, the knowledge and teaching of the scriptures are rare and denominations are extremely divided. It is our desire through this conference to introduce in depth Bible study and making ourselves know to these pastors. We would love to tell them from our own mouths what our vision is for the Bible Institute (spanish program at the Bible College). This will allow each pastor to join us or feel at ease when someone from their congregation comes to join us. It is our hope and prayer that through this conference the LORD will encourage and revive these pastors. May they be lead back to the basics of the Word of God and bring it to their congregations.  Please keep the development and funds of this event in your prayers! We believe the Lord is going to do mighty things through this! 

   Now that you’ve read and saw a glimpse of the Lord’s work I pray that He moves you to prayer! I’m so thankful for the support you’ve given. In both finances and prayer. I ask the Lord to bless you abundantly for your sacrifice! Isn’t it just the greatest privilege to walk with God?!! I often find myself in awe. Who am I? Yet by the blood of His precious Son He has made me worthy! He has made you worthy! Let us strive to walk worthy! Please keep this work in your prayers! I’ve seen your prayers at work in this place. Know that the Lord really does act as you lift up your petitions. Know that I’m incredibly thankful for you! May the Lord bless you!