During our morning team devotion time, we had the opportunity of listening to Michelle Perez's testimony of how God has brought her and her family to Costa Rica to work against sex trafficking of women and children. Michelle and her husband, Bob Perez, are the missionaries that have been leading us and have arranged our ministering opportunities in the jungle village as well as the coming days in San Jose. Michelle has such a heart for these women and children affected by this horrific crime. God has poured out His favor over her with the local government to be able to go in and rescue the little boys and girls as well as women held against their will. Often times we feel helpless when we think of the bigness of a problem like human trafficking but Michelle gave us specifics for which we can pray that will make an impact in the fight against it.
1. For her safety as well as her family's safety
2. Funding to purchase land for a rescue home that better meets the needs of the victims.
3. Funding for the actual building construction.
Today was our free day and we spent the day hiking, repelling, going off a gravity swing, and going down the most awesome water slide ever. There's no pictures today because it was impossible to enjoy the day while carrying around valuables. While it was our "free" day, God was ministering to all of us in one way or another overcoming fear and using his creation to speak to us.
Then, after an adventurous and fun day, during our CRamily time this evening, GOD SHOWED UP IN A MIGHTY WAY!
We are looking forward to our ministry time tomorrow. We will be going into a poor area of San Jose to minister to children through VBS. Please pray that God would move through us so that we can bring healing and restoration to the many children there that come from dysfunction and abuse.
We love and appreciate all of you who have been praying and encouraging us through your blog comments. Please know that we read them and your words are ministering to us.
Praise God for all of you being there with Jesus walking beside you. Dad and I go from beaming with joy to crying at all the moments of divine intervention. We will continue to pray for all of you until you are back home, and that Our Lord continue to work in your life and in the lives of all those new friends you've met and touched.
ReplyDeleteHey Team! I was very touched to hear of the work that the Perez's are doing there in Costa Rica! I have been lifting them in prayer and will continue to do so. After doing some investigating, I think I now know the names of everyone on the team, so to start off I want to give some shout outs to those that I did not mention in my previous posts. To the Witmoyer family, how cool that you get to be there serving Jesus together. I hope you are feeling blessed and are making many memories! To the Mom and daughter team of Stacey and Alex, also what a great thing that you can experience this together. I have so many great memories of mission trips with my daughter! Hope you are being blessed as well. To Yvette, I admire you for being on this trip as the Grandma(no disrepect intented) of the bunch. You go girl! To Marlee, Joanna and Anna, I hope you all are having the time of your lives and enjoying every moment you experience there! Thanks to those of you that Ray caught on video this morning. Donna, Brian, Candy, Stacey, Jenni, Linda, Kellie, Dave and Carolyn, you all looked great and it was awesome to receive your greetings. Today I lifted each team member up in prayer by name for whatever God put on my heart. I hope you feel encouraged and strengthened in whatever area you need strength! Keep on keeping on, it will be over before you know it, so don't let anything hold you back from whatever is still to come in the next few days! Peace and blessings, Brenda
ReplyDeleteMission Team: Keep up the good work. I am sure the folks you are serving appreciate what you are doing for them and with them. We can tell by the smiles on their faces that you are making an impression on their lives. What a gift you are providing by offering your time, talent and love. Your work in Costa Rica will fulfill you. Thanks for serving.
ReplyDeleteJay Witmoyer