It’s no surprise to find that the Lord indeed remains faithful! His mighty hands are never found idle. What a beautiful thing it is to be involved in this work that He is accomplishing here in Costa Rica. It’s nearly been two years since the day I first arrived. Two good years. Not to say that within these years there was never hardship. I’ve seen my fare share of that! However, the peace which comes with obedience to His will and this God-given love that I have for the people and this work far exceeds the obstacles! It’s been good. He has been so good! What a privilege it is to serve Him, let alone walk with Him!
Well, one of the initial purposes of the team I’m serving with was to start a teaching site for the Bible College. Recently our 5th semester ended. We sent that sweet group of students home. The Lord has been working mightily through this teaching site. Not only amongst the students. Sure, He does work amongst them. However, He has used the student to effect the locals around us. As the students went out in the community they had been bold in practicing spanish, reaching out, and inviting people to be part of their lives. Lights in the darkness. “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” -2 Corinthians 4:6 Often, in being a light, they were merely being people whom have their identify in Christ. Just people who love the Lord and people. It can come in the form of inviting them to church, a meal, a movie, a day in town, etc. Doing the normal things having the love of Christ abounding in their hearts. The Lord has definitely used this ministry of the teaching site to touch the lives of many locals here.
The intentions of the Lord far exceeded ours. Isn’t that always the case? His plans are so much greater. The Lord in His grand plan begun a church here in our own backyard. What started out as a bible study in english has become a church entirely taught in spanish. At this point about 25-30 locals attend. It’s been such an honor to see the Lord’s handiwork in establishing this church! I’m so privileged that He has allowed me to be part of it! In service we are currently studying through the book of Colossians. We are planning another baptism because it’s been over a year since the last one and there has been expressed interest from a new believer. We are hoping to rent a mini bus and take the whole church up to the river for a study, baptism and fellowship. The church has begun a library which is available to those who attend. We’ve started a resource table with the books, Bible reading plans, prayer request box, tithes/offering box, and available audios of past studies. It’s been a blessing to see many people benefit from these resources. After a three part series on tithes and offerings we began a food/toiletries basket. We call it the “basket of Love”. This basket contains basic items which can fill need of someone for the week. There are many who cannot find jobs because of the economy. They are more then welcome to take from this basket what they will need for the week. It is the responsibility of those without financial needs to maintain the contents inside the basket. So far this basket has proven itself a blessing! All of this, the study and all pertaining to it, is the result of the Lord. He alone has begun the work and it’s our prayer that His hands alone will complete it! May we be ever surrendered and willing to be used by Him!
On June 15th we will have our first Pastor’s Conference! It’s exciting, yet a little daunting. This being the first conference we have ever organized will be a learning experience. Below I’ve attached a 3 min video of Ryan Slabach, Pastor/Director, giving the vision and goals of the conference.
Thank You for your support financially and in prayer. Without you things would be quite different. The Lord works according to your prayers. We serve a God who hears and acts! I pray through this update you can be confident in the fact that the Lord is indeed doing a work here. Your prayers are a treasure to me! If you have any questions or comments I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact me. May the Lord bless you richly.
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