e said, "Costa Rica or Bust”. Not really but we did put the trip in God’s hands and He did a great work, for us and through us.
But we are home now and I would like to, first and foremost, say "thank you" for your prayers and support for the team of youth and adults that went to Costa Rica, for their families who didn’t go and that God’s work would be our only goal. We had an incredible two weeks. The team learned that being a missionary is not only going and preaching but serving, showing God’s love, building relationships and following God’s call on our lives, no matter what He asks.
Our team was made up of 13 people. We experienced things that drew us together in a way that only God could have done. We were able to share our testimonies, have theological discussions, do Kingdom Work (lives were transformed) and serve those in need.
Some of us were involved in sports ministries (Adam, Josh and Kayden) where they learned how to turn every dribble and pass into an opportunity to mentor and share Christ’s Love. Language was not a barrier in this game. Dani and Willy, two local Costa Ricans, serving their community, invited our young men to join them. They all had the chance to share God’s Love with the kids at the sports site. It was such a true picture of 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be imitators of me, as I am in Christ.”
Others worked with the women in the Micro-finance ministry. Ashley and Madie found a community despite the language. They engaged in sewing, cooking and sharing countless cups of coffee, which culminated in heartfelt goodbyes that none of us could have anticipated. It was a vivid reminder that the Holy Spirit is not bound by our languages and that love and service transcend language and culture. Ashley and Madison traveled with their group to pray over a woman who would soon have surgery. Madison was praying in English, which the woman could not understand, she broke down in tears of gratitude after feeling God’s care for her.
We faced some challenges. i.e. Homesickness, stomach bug, and saying Goodbye to new friends. But those moments brought us closer together and turned our daily prayer times into real life-lines. We supported each other, found strength in scripture, and learned to lean not on our own understanding.
I was able to reconnect with my previous host family. I had the privilege of praying with their daughter and son-in-law to dedicate their 5 month old son to God. My host mother, Ruth and her family are evangelical believers and they were people of peace to Adam and myself during our time in their home. Ruth was struggling with not feeling well and we were able to pray over her, help her and encourage her.
Thank you once again for your faith, support and prayers. They were the backbone of every step we took and every life we touched. WE look forward to continuing this journey together, fueled by the enduring love and grace of Jesus Christ.
Joseph Furno,
Student Ministries Pastor
.jpg)
