When most people think of Costa Rica, images of a beautiful
and vibrant country come to mind. What often go unseen are the countless women
and children that have been impacted by the booming, legal sex tourism
industry. Thirty-one individuals from
our church have formed a team that will be going to Costa Rica July 9th
through July 17th, 2013 to minister to children, especially those
who have been abandoned or exploited through prostitution.
We started out as individuals, some as complete strangers to
one another, with a call from God to serve the people of Costa Rica. We have a
dynamic group with many different gifts and talents. God always has a way of
bringing each part of the body to work together for His good. From the handful
of interpreters to the amazingly gifted drama team, God has every area covered.
And where we lack strength, His grace
will be sufficient because His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians
4:16-17).
Over the past three months, we have been preparing for our
trip in various ways. We have learned dance moves for Spanish worship songs and
have practiced skits we will be sharing with the children of Costa Rica. Our
leaders have challenged us with engaging and thought-provoking trainings to die
to self. Our study together on topics such as costly faith and what it means to
give, live, speak, and pray boldly, mind games and aligning everything with
God’s truth, and it’s not about me, coupled with individual daily devotions
have stretched us to examine many areas of our lives. We are being pressed to make
room for more of Him and less of us. We have prayed Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me,
God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is
any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Our meetings have
been filled with laughter; we have shared through tears, and have encouraged
each other with the Word. God has been changing us so we can go and shine for
Him, not just in Costa Rica but in our daily mission field also. He is refining
our character and giving us a deeper love for others… because it's not about us.
While we sat on the floor in a big circle during our prayer
time at our most recent meeting, I was reminded of the Day of Pentecost when
“they were all with one accord in one place.” Acts 2:1b. As we lifted up our prayers to God, His
presence was undeniably with us. Our meeting
room was filled with His gentleness and never-ending peace. It was a precious
time when God gave us a glimpse of how closely He has been knitting us together.
We are no longer a group of individuals, but a family with a purpose and heart
to reflect God’s love…and it will all be for His glory! We are confident that
many will be saved, healed, and restored through the power of Jesus as we serve
in Costa Rica.
