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.