Go assignment Costa Rica

Time apart makes the Heart Grow Fonder

2009-01-05T10:09:00.000-08:00

We all have heard the phrase time apart makes the heart grow fonder. I can certainly attest to that as for those of you who know me know that I love to drive truck and see the world. I have another testimony to that statement as I came back to Costa Rica. I returned here on Jan. 2 and I am here for a couple weeks, to close out my time here. On Saturday I had the opportunity to hang out and talk with my friends here. Yesterday on Sunday I went to church and to my roommate's host family for dinner. We had a time of prayer and just talking bout what God is doing.
Both those experiences had opened my eyes to what God has been doing since Nate and I have been doing since we have been working in La Milpa and La Cuenca. When we are all caught up in the moments of life and in different situations or just trying to handle the everyday life. We often times miss the simple blessings or the works of God, because we are so caught up in the moments of life situations. Having the opportunity to come back and just what God has done in the past two weeks that I was home was just amazing. People are going to church for the first time or people are opening up more to Nate as he continues the work. Or just that the kids still run up to you and give the biggest hug just because we love them as Christ has loved us.
The opportunity came when I had the opportunity to talk and pray for a man named James on the street. He told me that he had just gave his life to the Lord a short while ago and that he is living on the streets but God is changing him. He told me that tomorrow, which is today Monday the 5Th, he is going to rent a place because God has given him the ability to start his own business and to be able to afford to pay rent.
Prayers
Praises
-to be able to come back
-for all that God has and is teaching me
-for all the support from home
Requests
-there are still some decisions at home for me to make
-just for a time of rest and relaxation here
-that God will continue to show up

Thanksgiving Retreat in Guatemala

2008-12-04T12:50:00.000-08:00

I had the great opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with my extended family of brothers and sisters in Christ, that are working in Central America. It was a great time to just be with others and be able to hear what God is doing in them and through them.
The theme of the retreat was John 15:1-17, where Jesus talks about being the vine and being pruned. I still have been thinking about this concept, the implications that it holds, and all the different truths in it. One of the biggest things that I have been thinking about is how the vines send out so many runners. We do this I think a lot unintentionally but it happens as life happens. We start something that God has called us to do and it produces fruit. It is good but then it grows and seeks out other opportunities as situations arise. Which is not a bad thing but as the runners send out other runners and other runners send out other runners, we look at our lives and ask God how did I get here and why am I here? All these things that I am doing are good and I do them to glorify you but I am just so tired, why? We have spread ourselves so thin by this point that we have lost our identities and friends and or sometimes family because we got so caught up in serving that we had forgot our original purpose is just to be with our Father.
I think about all the kids here in Costa Rica that we work with and the kids that I had the opportunity to be with in Guatemala. I see all these needs of just kids and single moms, that are doing what ever they have to, to find love or money, and my heart goes out as I wish there was something more that I could do. I can spend the few moments of my life with them and I can pray for them or play with them, then the rest is up to them and God.
We are not meant to do everything, only what God has called us to do. The only way we can do that is by remaining close to the "Vine", which is Jesus. As we remain close to Him, He will guide our steps, putting you into the place where you are meant to be to reap the harvest for Him that He provides. We are merely a coin in His pocket to be spent for the purpose of honor and glorifying Him. We were created to simply be worshipers and friends of God. We were meant to work and produce fruit but that is not our reason to live, but to simply be faithful to God and do what He has called us to do. One of the verses that scares me is when Jesus says in that day many will come to me and say Lord, Lord, look at all these things that we have done in your name, but I will say I never knew you. We can do nothing apart from Christ.
Prayers
Praises
For the good time with everyone in Guatemala
For God's peace and presence
For the lessons God is teaching me
Requests
For guidance and wisdom
I am and have been praying for a while asking God for my calling on my life
That we all remain close to the Father

What God Has Been Saying

2008-11-15T10:09:00.000-08:00

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free," Jesus said in John 8:32. In John 14:6-7 Jesus says "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!"
These verses have been on my mind today I sit and wounder what is it that God wants me to learn from this week. I have been challenged this week to express truly how I feel and with what i am thinking. I am a person that doesn't like to speak up and I try to keep peace. This week God has been challenging me to speak up cause when we turn off our feelings and our thoughts to please others, we are not allowing God to work in our lives. How many times have I just done something to please some one when it isn't what God would have done but my fear of man has stepped in the way. John 14:27 I am leaving you with a gift- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid. With a spirit of fear we can not accomplish what God would have us to do, because He calls us to get out of the boat.
It is not easy for us to let what we are feeling or thinking out because we fear what others will think or how they will act but God has promised never to leave nor forsake us. He also has promised us that he has plans to prosper and not to hurt us. Everything He does is for the good of the Kingdom.
When you go to confront things go in peace and love as Jesus had set the example for us. He didn't avoid conflict but took it head on as it came. How often do we just let things build up in us without us even realizing it. When we sit back and wait for things to get better with out taking action. It is not easy to speak up and things don't always get better right away, but God always works for the good.
Prayers
Praises
-God is helping me get over my fear of man
-God is speaking and teaching me
-God has plans for us
Requests
-For God's guidance and direction
-For more of God's love and wisdom

More Pics of the Trip

2008-11-09T21:38:00.001-08:00

Here is a picture of the tuktuk. They are taxis in Guatemala. Tuktuks are like motorcycles covered and with a seat in the back. They are very romantic.

The other picture is just one I thought was fun to add from Nicaragua.

The Trip

2008-11-09T20:37:00.000-08:00

I know that it has been a month since the last time that I have updated my blog. I didn't forget about it, but I have some very interesting times. I have finished language school, been to the states, and drove to Costa Rica.
The family in front of the Cross is the family that I lived with while I was going to class. That was a fun and interesting way to be in the culture and learn the language. I don't know how well I know Spanish but I am trying.
A couple days after class I flew into Chicago to meet with Dylinn, who had been in the states for fund raising, to drive back down to Costa Rica. We had left the airport at 11:30 at night and drove to Kansas City, MO. We had got there for breakfast and for Dylinn's meeting with a church. After that we headed to Huston, TX. We met with Dylinn' s dad and some of his church members. We helped them for half the day build a house for a guy, that had his house destroyed by the hurricane. Then we Kingwood, TX to meet with the pastor and the church that had been down over the summer. On Saturday we went to see Galveston, TX, where the hurricane had hit the hardest. Dylinn had gave the message Sunday morning and then we headed for the border at Laredo, TX.
Monday morning we crossed into the big beautiful country of Mexico. We slept in Puebla after stopping at every Pemex gas station in Mexico City. Tuesday we made it to Tuxtula Gutierrez, Mexico, where we watched Obama win the election. We were pulled over 7 times in Mexico, and lost a lot of sodas as bribes.
Wednesday we went to Antigua, Guatemala and spent a couple hours touring the historic town and the ruins. It was where I had got to ride in a tuktuk. It was a blast. Guatemala was a beautiful country. We stayed the night with a family that Dylinn knew.
Thursday we were in 4 countries. We started off in Guatemala drove through El Salvador, when we encountered fun. We got to the border of El Salvador and Honduras when the borders didn't like us. It took us like 3 to 4 hours to cross the border cause of all kinds of things we had to do. Then we got snookered into taking a border cop to the border of Honduras/Nicaraguan border. We had planned to stop for the night in Honduras, but if we would have done that we would have had to pay for the hotel room for him and us. So we drove through which took about 2 and a half hours. We had got stopped 4 times in Honduras. The guy with us tried to use his authority to help us but it still cost us money.
Friday we leisurely drove to San Juan del Sur to meet up with Chico and Nate, who were renewing their visas. Saturday morning were spent some time at the border and came the rest of the way home.
It was awesome to see all the differences in the cultures and just see God's beautiful creation. Dylinn and I had a good time together, too.
Prayers
Praises
-the safety in travel
-for all the country that God made
-Dylinn and my time
-God for just being loving and creative and just himself
Request
-for all the people over the world
-for the states as we have just elected a new president
-for us as we seek what God has for us here

Thank yall so much for all the prayers and support. I couldn't make it with out it or have seen all that I have since I have been here.

My Family

2008-10-10T13:35:00.001-07:00

If there was ever a time that I was looking forward to it was this. My family coming to Costa Rica to visit me. Sunday the 28Th was a day that could not come fast enough. That day I was just floating, like a kid at Christmas. I could not hold back some of the tears that came as I greeted my dad and grandparents as they came out of the airport. We went and picked up the car, which was very small but we made it work. They got to meet my host family and Dylinn and I had the opportunity to show them some of the areas that we work with. My grandparents got a time share in San Isidro. It was a beautiful area, unfortunately there was not much to do but there was a lot of talking and catching up to do. So we sat and talked a lot while watching traffic. It was very good for me. We did go horseback riding into the mountains to see a beautiful waterfall. We came back to the base early to do some sight seeing and meeting some more of my friends. We went on a tour of Cafe Brit with some of my friends. It was very informative and fun. We may not have done much but it was exactly what I needed. The week did fly by like anything that you always look forward to. Again while seeing them off at the airport i could not hold back the tears.
I got thinking of what was telling me during the week is how He just wants to sit and watch traffic and talk to you. Also on the trail back to the waterfall, just how many times does He have some of the most beautiful things hidden.
Prayers
Praises
-just for the time spent with my family
- for the safety of flights and just every where while they were here
-for the vacation
Requests
-for time to relax ( it was some what relaxing but i have a lot of things still to take care of)
-for my relationship with my host family
-for language school as we have a couple weeks to go yet
-for our safety and protection in every way
Thank you again for all your prayers and support. I know that it has been a while since I have last wrote a blog, we have been busy with studying and classes. May God continue to lead, guide and protect

36 Hour Silent Retreat

2008-09-10T18:31:00.000-07:00

This retreat could not have come a better time. We are in a transition phase between the busyness time of the summer and language school. It gave me the time to rest as we clean up the base, work in La Cuenca, La Tabla, and in Vista De Mar. In the outreaches we are finishing the projects we started over the summer but did not finish. So it seems fitting that we have time to reflect on what God is doing during the 36 hour silent retreat.
I spent the most time reflecting on what God had been teaching me in my devotionals, which were on God never leaving or forsaking me. It brought up areas like trials and lifestyle. It was easy to see all the prayers God had answered when our plans had been changed due to circumstances or weather, and things of that nature. God always was in control and showed us what He wanted to do and it was awesome. It may not have been in our plans but He had to change them. I also thought about how it became a lifestyle of prayer for me and just how He provided the strength and energy to keep going, when I had nothing left to give.
I had went for a walk and took the pictures as I went and just reflected on God's creation and how we choose the paths we walk down, but He has a clear path He wants us to go. It will not be an easy path but a rewarding one, with flowers along the way, which are pretty, or some cattle, which I enjoy a lot. God has little surprises along the way. He was also reminding me that He is the stream of life and sometimes it may look tiny or crowded by the things in your life but He is there waiting to refresh you once again.
I also read through 1 Peter and was reminded of God's goodness and faithfulness once again. It also reminded me of the fight over our souls and how we are to stay faithful to God, because if we give into temptation it gives way to the Devil. It was brought to my attention again of how I am supposed to submit and respect everyone around me and how I am a foreigner.
Prayers
Praises
the great 36 hours
the work getting done
relationships being built in church
friends and family
Requests
we start language school Tuesday ( for 6 weeks)
we are going to live with host families on Friday (while we are going to school)
for the areas we are working with
my dad and grandparents are coming down Sept 28 to Oct 5
the decisions I am going to have to make
Thank you all so much again for the time you take to read this and for the time you take out of your day to pray for me. I am not sure how much time I am going to have while living with the family to update my blog, but I'm going to try and update it when I can. Thanks again for every thing. May God continue to lead, guide, and protect you as a reward on this earth for the sacrifices you have made for me. But also remember we have treasure in Heaven waiting for us as a result of our obedience.

The CULTURE EXPERIENCE

2008-08-31T20:12:00.000-07:00

"OK we will be there," as I hung up the phone and boarded the bus with Nate to Barva. Little did I know what I was getting myself and Nate into. Nate is a new intern that will be here for a year. I had heard stories of the fair and what they do to celebrate "Day of the Saints". Traffic was backed up forever, so we decided to get of the bus and walk up to the fair. The smell of urine immediately hit my nose as we walked up the street. There were tons of people crowding the streets as we walked up to the Catholic Church and their park, to find Denia and Egnes. They are two friends we made through church. People were in costumes and masks running around beating each other with blown up cow bladders drenched in urine. It is a tradition that the church has adopted to beat out evil spirits. We finally met up with Chico, Denia, and Egnes in the mass crowd and after Nate had been hit in the head with one of the bladders by a little kid.
After we all met up we went into the Catholic church that was in session and listened to what was going on as we took some pictures. We left the church to eat some great food, that was deep fried and it made me miss the fairs we have at home. There were tones of vendors from food to carvings to paintings to jewelry. It was a blast just walking around in the safe zone under the tents of the vendors. There were also a handful of kids rides. We managed to escape the chaos with only Chico and Nate getting hit with the bladders. It was a true cultural experience, that lasted for a couple hours, I will never forget.
Prayers
Praises
we are done with groups for the year
God has been showing up in my quiet times
Requests
we are starting a new season of outreach as staff
-God to show us the way and what He wants us to do in La Cuenca
-protection as we go (mentally, spiritually, and physically)
my arm again ( the nerve is compressed again)
us as a staff
and lastly for God's guidance and direction for my life
Thank you again for the support everyone has given me in my time here and for the resources necessary. May God continue to lead, guide, and protect everyone who has read this and is supporting me in this journey.

Spending Time

2008-08-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

The themes for the last two weeks are resting and cleaning. As you know we have had a very busy summer and a very good one also, but now is the time when you have to start cleaning up afterward.

We had a team here for a week that consisted of two couples looking to get back into missions. It was good to have them here cause they spoke into my life. We spent time in La Cuenca working to build a new sidewalk and we also handed out clothes to everyone that came. It was good for me to get back to La Cuenca because its nice to work in an area that I love and am familiar with.

The chef and I had spent spent a couple days in Nicaragua, to renew our visas. It was nice and relaxing and much needed time to rest. It was also a great time to spend with God for longer amounts of time.

This week I spent my time helping to clean up the base and vehicles. As I was doing that I realized how God has different seasons in our lives where He wants us to clean out our closets and to just spend relaxing with in. In my quiet times this last week God and I have really been talking about a lot of things and how He wants to bring healing in some areas of my life. I just need to turn them over to Him. He has also been teaching me how to endure the desert time through a devotional on line and through a book that I'm reading. I'm realizing how we have the choice to allow God to work in us and through us, and the consequences of both sides. It never seizes to amaze me that we as Christians still say no to God in so many little ways, they never seem big until you read about.

Prayers

Praises

for more prayer warriors that I have met over the summer

the rest and relaxation

for the work God is doing in my life

we have a new intern Nathan

Requests

we have a team coming Wednesday of 17 for a week

we are going to Talamonca next Friday for ministry as a base over the weekend

for God to show me what He wants me to do in the future

Thank you for all your prayers and support. Thank you also for the feed back to help keep me motivated and in touch with what's going on at home. We are still busy, so I am trying to keep yall updated the best I can and thank you for being flexible with that.

A Time of Reflection

2008-08-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

We have successfully made it through the summer. We had the privilege to speak into 350 peoples lives over a month and a half. As I am reflecting over what all had I have learned this summer, I can't get over how many prayers God had answered for us staff and for the youth. The prayers included anything from weather, to not having the power go out, people rededicating and giving their lives to the Lord, God's healing of wounds, safety, and just so many that I can't remember them all, but it is a true testimony of God's faithfulness and love for us. God brought youth groups closer together through prayer and sharing their testimonies. God provided us staff with the plans He had even though they were not ours and with strength that only could come from Him because we never burned out. He also gave us wisdom and insight on how to speak into each other's lives and into the youth's as well.

Our biggest way of outreach is to show God's love in a practical way and in ways we can also do it at home. The pictures at the top are some of the ways we did this with the Bowmansville group. We would go prayer walking, house to house prayer, handing out Big Cola around town, doing a free car wash, giving flowers out to ladies on the street, and different work projects for the churches.

The summer was awesome and God did so much in and through me. It wasn't all easy but it was well worth it, because the Kingdom has been expanded and is going to be continued through the youth that have come down.

Thank you to all of you who have supported me and the ministry through finances and prayer because you will be rewarded in Heaven for the sacrifices you have made to help make this happen.

Much Needed Week

2008-07-21T15:40:00.000-07:00

It was great to have Ephrata Mennonite Church here last week, because it is my home church. It was great to get to know them better and watch God work in them and through them. It was also needed because we all knew we could encourage each other at a much faster pace.

We went to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui for our outreach. We did a lot of open air ministry and servant evangelism, that included doing dramas and testimonies in the park, house to house prayer, cleaning up trash, handing out pop, and cleaning windows. We also did a VBS. That was a big hit as each day we had more and more kids come to the church. God answered so many prayers last week as each day He kept putting things in order for us. One of the prayers He answered was there were a lot of local youth that came out Sunday night for a cook out with the Ephrata group. It was great to see the two groups intermingle and build relationships with each other. The group also built relationships with the local community as they picked up trash and just were so involved with the community. God also answered another prayer as we were picking up trash. The couple ladies I was working with were feeling down on the last day and they were talking about it earlier but had never said anything to me about it. We had prayed before we hit the streets and just ask God for divine appointments, just help us glorify Him, and to have our act of kindness impact the community. As we were walking the street picking up trash a lady came out of a store and took a couple pictures of us. She then started talking to us and saying how thankful she was for us doing this and also for having the VBS. We all had shared together and then had prayed for them, they in turn had prayed for us and gave us each a souvenir. It had encouraged us all as we all needed a pick me up from God, after a long, hard week.

The two themes for the week were How faithful God is to answering prayers and encouraging each other as a church, no matter where the church is at as long we all are a body of believers, we are to help each other.

Prayers

Praises

for a great week

God's faithfulness

how the church responded to God and His calling

Requests

strength and endurance for us staff

God to keep showing up and working in every one's lives

guidance and direction for myself

Thank you to everyone who sent gifts and cards, it was much needed. I can't say in words what it means to me to have a church and support team behind me as I am here. Thank you for the prayers and support as I always need it. May God continue to lead, guide, and direct yall.

Jesus Feeds The 5000

2008-07-05T09:36:00.000-07:00

We all have heard the story of Jesus feeding the 5000 people with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. On Tuesday we had the opportunity to work with a local church and Christ for the City in La Cuenca, with a kids feeding program. It was the first time for the two to work together. We as PVM help the both of them. The church made hamburgs and rice and salad for the kids at the church and we transported it down to the kids. I kept looking at the number of kids and

the amount of food, it wasn't looking like enough. We had a big 5 gallon jug of juice also and I kept praying and saying God it doesn't look like we are going to have enough. I kept praying also that God I don't want to have to turn anyone away, You have to do something. When Ugo said this is the last child that needs fed, it was a relief because it was our last dish and cup. I don't know how many kids or how many meals were made but we ended up with the right amount. The only thing I can say is God had it work out, I don't know if He reproduced the meals or not but we were not short.

We had the first week of youth groups come down and it was awesome to see what God had did through them and in them. It was great to hear their testimonies at the end of the week on what all God had did to stretch them, encourage them, and bring them together. Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida are having youth groups coming back on fire and are planing on putting into practice what they have learned here.

Prayers

Praises

what all God had did last week in youth, communities and in the staff

our day of rest today as staff

friends and family God has given me

and most of all just for God showing up everyday and every moment

Requests

Wednesday we have 90+ youth coming from 5 different churches

staff unity to continue

guidance and direction and wisdom

and for God to have His will be done

I can't thank everyone enough for the prayers and support. I thank you for taking the time to read the updates I send home. I can feel the prayers being answered cause my only prayer every morning as I crawl out of bed is God you better show up cause I can't do this on my own.

Silent Retreat

2008-06-24T21:49:00.000-07:00

So we got done with staff training and all the normal things you go over in preparation for the summer. We had our staff development day and vacation day at the beach. Then we came home to go to the churches that we will be working with this next week with our team on outreach. When we got home we started a day of silence where we wait on God and see what He is saying for us for the summer and future.
I read through the book of Romans and this is some of what God had said to me in that time.
Remember where you came from and what I did to save you. Live by faith, God lets us choose our path weather or not to follow Him, He will give you what your heart truly desires weather it be fruitful or not. We are not saved by works, but by God's grace and kindness and on the same note we are saved by a relationship with Him. We were also crucified with Christ after we have given our lives to Him.
When Paul had talked about the faith of Abraham it really stuck out to me as I read in chapter 4: When God promised Abraham that he would become the father of many nations, Abraham believed him. And Abraham's faith didn't weaken, even through he knew he was too old to be a father at the age of 100 years old and that Sarah; his wife, had never been able to bear children. Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew even stronger, and brought honor and glory to the Lord. He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything he had promised. And because of Abraham's faith, God declared him to be righteous.
It is clear, then, that God's promises to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was not based on obedience to God's law, but on the new relationship with God that comes by faith. So that's why faith is the key! God's promise is given to us as a free gift. And we are certain to receive it, if we have faith like Abraham's.
I wish I could share all the scripture that spoke to me as much as this passage but I chose to share this on because this is what God is really laying on my heart right now. I am really being challenged to live by faith. I am seeking for the plans and the promises He has for me. I know how quickly I waver in my faith when things seem to be going wrong or not as I had planned. I know all the scriptures we shoot at each other when they feel down, like god will never leave or forsake us, for everything works to the good of those who God chooses. But how much faith do we, I put into those verses we are so quick to shoot out.
Prayers
Praises
God showed up during the quiet time
God is bring us staff together
Requests
we have 80 some youth coming tomorrow for 10 days
- staff for strength and energy and patients guidance and wisdom
- God starts a work in all of their lives and continues to build their foundations
-we have 3 days of training 5 days of out reach and a day of vacation in their time here
for me as I wrestle with God and faith

I want to pray a prayer from Romans for all of you that are taking the time and energy to do the same for me.
15:13 So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in Him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. 16:25 God is able to make you strong, just as the Good News says. It is the message about Jesus and his plans for you. 12:21 Do not let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.

God's Amazing Grace

2008-06-15T14:59:00.000-07:00

Be patient and wait on God. How many times do we hear that when things are going wrong, and it doesn't give much comfort at the time. I played a more active role as a leader with a group of 40 from Florida. It was hard as you try to balance pleasing and get things done. The group had a lot of character, which made it hard to lead at times. In spite of time schedules and my attitude God showed up in this group and began His work in their lives which was awesome to see. They made me part of the group real quick, which made it easy at times to see what God was doing through out the week. They gave me good reviews after the week, which surprised me as I wasn't sure at times how I was portraying God to them and I questioned my leadership ability. God again showed up when they gave me the review. He also showed up while we were building the bridge as our cordless drill had died and we were stuck with half a bridge done and no time left. We had got an extra hour after I had talked it over with Patrick, now we had to go and try to ask to barrow a drill. Between the five people that were helping me we didn't know that much Spanish. We had no luck finding one, till the lady at the church said that she could get one at her house. So we finally got a drill after we had given up hope, God provided yet again.

The pictures are of a sidewalk that we built in La Cuenca and the bridge we built also. The picture of the busy street is their market. In the market is a school where the team had performed the drama we had taught them for the kids. The kids in my lap are some of my kids from La Cuenca, it was my fathers day.

Prayers

Praises

God keeps showing up and never gives up on us

He is in control

Requests

we start staff training this week ( there will be 26 of us staff for the summer)

my mouth ( I can't open it very far and my tongue is still irritated)

Thank you for all your support through prayers and finances. We are going to be very busy till August so I will update when I can, which will be like every other week.

Operation:

2008-06-01T16:20:00.000-07:00

The group Lancaster Mennonite High School Soccer Team. The mission make a difference in the lives of people they meet. Mission objectives are to play soccer and to perform servant evangelism. The amount of time to complete the objective: 6 days.

Mission complete

On Monday we had gone to an area called 25 de Julio. There we had worked with Funda Vida, on a building that they are are cleaning up to make into a youth building. The building was currently being used by local drug dealers and users. The pictures are the before and after pictures of it. It smelled just like a rest room that was never cleaned cause of the "surprises" people had left for us to clean up. We had it cleaned up in about 4 hours.

Every evening they had played soccer with a team from Funda Vida. LMH had come in second place in the tournament of youth groups from the area churches and in the tournament with the Funda Vida league.

There were some of the guys ,that use the building we were cleaning out, standing there watching use as we cleaned. They were not happy because they had to stand on the side street to get high while we were there. It brought me to realize how we don't like it when God goes to clean our "house up" because it causes us to work through things we don't want to and makes us feel like we have to be in the street and vulnerable to everyone watching.

Prayers

Praises

everything went well for the team while they were here

made it to and from Nicaragua safely

God is in control of my life

Requests

I had a rough couple of days in Nicaragua spiritually ask God to help me sort it all out

we have 2 teams coming this week ( a total of 60 people)

I get my final 2 wisdom teeth out tomorrow

Our summer has pretty much just begun and we don't have a break till August

I thank you all for your prayers and support. With out them I don't know where I would be.

How Often Do We Miss The Little Things

2008-05-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

"I did this just for you," is a quote that Max Lucado used several times in his book "He Chose the Nails".
The subtitles of the chapters are each step of what Jesus had taken in order to prove how much He loved us, according to each little description given in the Bible. Each subtitle begins with God's promise...... the Soldiers Spit, the Crown of Thorns, in the Nails, through the Sign, through the Two Crosses, in the Path, in the Garment, through the Torn Flesh, the Wine Soaked Sponge, the Blood and the Water, in the Cross, the Burial Clothing, and the Empty Tomb. The last chapter is what will you leave at the Cross?
I have read this book and realised how often we just skip through the Bible and through our lives with selective vision. In the break down of everything that happens any where, God has placed a small and maybe an important message to you, in that experience.
As I am here in Costa Rica serving I get caught up in things and am always looking for God's big picture, and sometimes not looking at the small and important detail of this picture that He is painting called "My Life". We all get caught up in the here and now and the things to come, but how many things are we missing because of that. I remember when I was driving truck and how much all of those little moments with God had changed my day and my attitude. For example just to see a hawk just fly across my path or just the simplicity of a phone call from some to talk and pray with me. Just the little moments that just exploded into worship of the God who has our best in mind and just a reminder that God is always there.
He's been through it all as the book clearly showed me, there isn't a circumstance that He hasn't been through in order to show that He can relate with us and how we feel. He also never will leave nor forsake us as He shows up in those little moments that bring a smile to our face and to His.
"He did it just for you"

Prayers

Praises
we have gotten a lot accomplished as we look forward to the summer
God is opening up new doors for the ministry

Requests
for all the teams coming this summer and staff
we have a team in Nicaragua and one coming to night that will be here for a week
for myself as God is stretching and working in and through me
Chad and I are going to Nicaragua so we can renew our passports at the end of the week
Our electricity has been going off on a weekly basis and our phone lines are acting funny

Thank you for all the support and for being my prayer warriors. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read my blogs and pray for us. May God continue to shine and be glorified through you.

Sunday Lunch

2008-05-19T17:58:00.000-07:00

The small house filled with a smell of cabbage. The table pulled out into the middle of the room and all set, with nothing but the best of what they got. We were there the night before and had heard how they had got up early in the morning to start preparing this special meal.

The feast that was being prepared for us was from the pastor of the Los Lagos Church. Fabio and his family made Kimchi (which was a Korean dish), chicken with rice, tacos, salad and dessert. Everything was made from scratch and very delicious.

We sat and talked for a while after lunch sharing stories and telling each other about our families and what everyone does. They were also teaching me Spanish.

It's very hard to describe what all goes through your mind and all the emotions that this one simple act has on you. It's so hard for me cause I have come here to be a blessing but to get blessed like this just blows my mind.

In the picture is from left to right (the Fabio's daughter), the dog Spike, Fabio ( the pastors son), myself, Suyi ( Fabio's niece), Olga (his wife), Pastor Fabio, and the youth leader. Jason is not pictured but it is Suyi's brother is another one of my friends. Jason is in a band. Him and I hang out a lot.

I know that I have found my home church while I am here. The church is just outside La Cuenca. The members are all very friendly and open. It is also a Mennonite Church.

Prayers
Praises
Just for all that God is doing in my life ( I really cant explain or put into words what's going on but it is good)
For all the prep work that's getting done for the summer

Requests
strength and energy
my mouth
( Wednesday I get my stitches out of my mouth)
( Monday I get my right two wisdom teeth out)
We have two teams coming this weekend

I know my updates are some what short the past two weeks but it is very hard to put into words what all God is doing with the relationships being built and how they are happening. I just want to make sure that yall know that I appreciate your time and energy put aside to pray and read my updates and for all the support.

2008-05-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 13:1-2 Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

I think the movie clips can explain themselves. The past 2 Saturdays we had helped out at a local church with their kids feeding program. there were about 70 to 80 kids that show up every Saturday morning. We start off singing and dancing then we would act out a Bible story. Then they would color as we handed out the food that was prepared at the church for them.
The church is just outside La Cuenca. God has really given me a heart for the kids and the people of La Cuenca. We were always greeted with a big hugs and smiles.

Prayers
Praises
I am really starting to build some relationships with the church and La Cuenca.
I am starting to go to a different church ( the one in the pic)
the youth group has really accepted me and the pastor
Requests
we have 2 weeks till our summer starts and we have a lot to do
for the staff coming down for the summer and the new interns
for the youth and families coming for mission adventures
my friends and family at home
Wednesday (tomorrow) i get my wisdom teeth pulled cause one was infected
Thank you again for all the prayers and the support. I know I say that at the end of all my blogs but if you don't ask you won't receive. That's from the Bible, so I know God is answering all your prayers and blessing you for the your time and energy.

Durring Quiet Time

2008-05-04T21:17:00.000-07:00

Sitting under a tree that is used by drug dealers my not be a smart place for a quiet time, but I love it there. It over looks a small and trashed filled waterfall and it's also a place where most people walk by, so there is opportunity there to witness. I was just reading scripture when a guy had stopped and had asked what I was doing. I told him that I was reading part of the Bible and was working in the plaza with the group. I then asked him if he had a relationship with God and he said no. I said no problem and started some small talk. Keep in mind we both are speaking each other's language very broken but effective. I can usually understand more Spanish than I can speak which is good and bad but yeah well. Any way back to the story, so we talked about what he does for money and just different things. He went to leave and I asked him if I could pray for him and he said sure, not really expecting anything, but God showed up as I was praying. I heard God saying to give him some money to get some bread, so I did when he asked for it. At that moment his eyes lite up and he began to ask me questions about church and different things. He told me to wait a minute and he would be right back with the bread, so i did. When he returned with a piece of bread in his hand and a huge smile on his face I knew God had changed his life. Others had some awesome people turn their lives to God as we also went prayer walking from house to house. People being healed, giving up drugs and alcohol, and just people lighting up for someone who cares for them enough to pray for them.

The pictures are for the next story below this one.

When we all gather together

2008-05-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 4:16 Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

When we all come together to work on different projects it's awesome how much you can see God work and how much more you can get done. We all represented three countries, Canada, Costa Rica, and The United States. Together we all worked to help out La Cuenca, by building bridges, teaching English and Spanish, building drainage ways, and clearing and leveling a future playing feild for the kids. Communication was tough but fun as we all were trying to understand each others broken languages and playing sharaids. It's hard to describe but I think when you try your hardest to communicate with each other you become more than friends because you put your all into getting to know one another. The other cool part about last week was to build a bridge that leads to the church with all the metal except for two peices come from the community.

We also interacted with the Los Lagos Church. We helped them with their kids ministry on two Saturdays, telling Bible Stories, teaching songs, dances, coloring and then feeding them lunch. Then Saturday nights we would worship and share with the youth group from the church. We challenged each other to a soccer game and the losers had to shave their heads. The winning team is pictured above. We built a lot of great and strong friendships this past week and I am looking forward to work with them alla lot more in my time here.

Prayers

Praises

- I remembered how to weild

- For all the work God has done in La Cuenca

- For all the relationships being built

- For safty and health

Requests

-rest for the staff as it has been a long week and a half so far and the team is here till Thursday

-for the leadership team as a whole spiritually

-for us to get the things needed to get done before summer which starts the first week of June

- the new interns coming and summer staff

-for the people that we meet

Thank you to all who have prayed and supported me through everything. My God continue to richly bless yall for everything yall have sacrificed for Him.

Where the Spirit Leads

2008-04-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

So there we were standing and playing with the kids from La Cuenca when we told the team we were going to go from house to house to pray. We were all tired after two long days working in the sun and heat. Building bridges and repairing them, digging drainage ditches, hauling stone and sand from the top of the town to the bottom of the plaza and other various tasks for the community. The kids did give us a bit of a break by helping us dig and pull bridges in the afternoon on Friday, but we were still tired. So we broke up into three groups and started out asking if we could pray for people. We went to our first house and were recieved very well as the lady went to get her sister and some friends. We began just praying for some basics when we heard the Holy Spirit tell us to ask them which one of them has back problems. A lady stepped forward and we laid hands on her and she was healed. Another lady was cured of a headache, the next one was pregnat, so we encouraged her and prayed and prophesided over her and the unborn child. Chad and I had walked the hole town a couple days before to see where all the trails had lead. I heard God telling me to go to the dead end and I knew where He was talking about but wasn't sure which house or who, so I lead the team down the path. When God shouted to me in my head here this is the house I want yall to pray for, so we asked the lady if we could pray for her. She took us in her house quickly and said my daughter is very sick and I'm not sure why. We prayed for her daughter and by the time we left the house she was more lively. We also prayed for her and her husband. He's an alcoholic and she is a growing Christian. We encouraged her and gave her some scripture of hope and promise.

God is givinig me more and more of His heart for this area and the people of La Cuenca. God is doing so much there it's just awesome. When we have quiet time I walk around the town with my spanish english dictionary and when people stop me to talk to me I usaully end up praying for them. There were a couple of people that have told me their testimonies and other things that are going on in their lives, so that I could better pray for them. I talk to druggies and drug dealers and we are all cool with one another. I can walk around knowing that God and others have my back and most importantly without fear.

Ugo and Jannett are in the pictures and were very excited to hear that they were going to be sent home to my friends and family to see. They are Christ for the City workers who we help with on Tuesdays. Ugo and I are becoming close friends as we help each other with the other's language.

Prayers

Praises

-God's hand just upon us and the community

-People helping me with Spanish

-Thanks for all the workers and work being done

-Being a God who cares and helps

-Just all the little blessings that are often overlooked

Requests

-We have the team from Columbia Bible College here for another week and a half

-Our strength and endurance

-God to remain close

I can't express all the thanks that I have to everyone praying for me and all the others here. We are definatly seeing God at work.

At the Table

2008-04-21T19:18:00.000-07:00

What brings people together better than anything else? Food! It's delicious and fun to share. Last Monday we had the privilege to host Steve Shenk, Neil, and Jerry. They are board members for Pura Vida Missions. Steve is also the area representative for the Americas for EMM. Neil and Jerry are from Dylinn and Gloria's home church in Ohio. They were here to meet with Dylinn and Gloria, but we got to hear testimony after testimony from them and I sat there just in all and amazement of hearing what God has done through themand in them.
It got me thinking of what it must have been like to just sit at Jesus' feet while He was here on earth and just how cool that must have been. Or to hear one of His messages live and in person. Just imagine being in the group where He fed the 5000. What stories could have been told in other ways by just being there.
I also was imagining what it must have been like receiving a letter or a personal appearance from one of the 12 disciples. I mean having Paul himself pray for you what would that do for you and how would that or any of these events change your life?
It is neat to see how God takes what you are reading out of the Bible and other resources, and just makes you think about it in a different way. The meeting with all of them made me ponder all that, as I was reading through John and Acts.
Testimonies also give us a hope as we see and hear how God works through others lives. I am also reading a book by James Dobson titled "When God Doesn't Make Sense". It's about trusting God even when it's hard and God doesn't have to explain His plan or actions to us, we just have to keep trusting Him. He gives many testimonies through out the book of different struggles and how much stronger you come out afterwards and how God honors the struggles, whether we choose to see it or not.
Even Paul needed encouragement it says in 2 Timothy 1:16 to keep fighting. This is how I believe he can say in 2 Timothy 2:3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Prayers
Praises
- We are getting a lot done in prep for the summer
- Every one's healthy
- We were able to buy another van

Requests
- There is a teaming coming tomorrow from Canada for just shy of 3 weeks to work in La Cuenca
- for all of us strength and endurance, guidance and for God's will

Thank you all for taking the time to read this and for the time you all spent in one way shape or form ministering to myself and spurring me on. Thank you for your prayers and continued support.

My Favorite Place

2008-04-12T07:25:00.000-07:00

Mark 10:14-15 He said to them, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you, anyone who doesn't have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God." This is what God said when the disciples tried to keep the kids away.

My favorite place to go is La Cuanka. We go there on Tuesdays, when we don't have groups, to help with the local Christ for the City Kids Club. In the afternoon then we teach English in the Church.

In the mornings we are always greeted with big hugs from the kids. We then sit with them as they learn songs and Bible stories. I look forward to the massage, head massage, the hugs, and the tickle time, what happens is the leader says a command and we do it with the kids. They always for some reason then gang up on Patrick, Chad and I when it's time for tickles.

On Tuesday it was a special day for the kids. A group from Vancouver B.C. had come down and brought all kinds of games and crafts. So the pics don't exactly show what we do but they show the town.

La Cunka is one of the poorest towns in the central masa. It is behind a big new mall.

Prayers

Praises

- This week was for the most part very good spiritually, mentally, and physically

- I'm starting to figure out how to get places

Request

- I'm soon going to start to go for Spanish lessons from a lady at Church (3 days a week)

- I'm starting to miss home some

- For the group that is coming in two weeks

Thank you all for your prayers. There are days when we as a minstry can feel them and also me personally.

Please feel free to email me or post comments on this site.

A day of Silence

2008-04-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

A day where no one talks, can you imagine? A hole 24 hours with no talking and no media or music, just what nature is making. It's easier than you think. We as a base had a silent retreat on Wednesday afternoon till Thursday afternoon. During that time we didn't work or communicate with anyone except for God. We all sought His face for refreshment and revelation. He was faithful as we all got some great and much needed rest and more understanding of Himself. During that time I sat and talked to God, somethings I didn't want to hear and some I did. I also asked a lot of questions. We had a good conversation. He reassured me that He knew what He was doing.
I also read a book called "Intimate Friendship with God" by Joy Dawson. It was about the fear of God and what that means is we hate sin just as He does. She goes into depth of how we can be used by God and how He is faithful when we are pure in heart and of sin. There were a couple of things that really spoke to me that I would like to share.
I am going to pull a paragraph from the book (pg 118) where Joy is giving her revelation on Hosea 14:8-9. "I believe God is saying here," I am the One who gave you mortal life and eternal life, answered your prayers, looked after you when no one else was there, protected you, comforted you, directed you, understood you, loved you with an everlasting love, gave you strength and power, motivated you to make the right choices, energized you by My Spirit, and used you to help others. Nothing else nor anyone else has done this for you. I am the source of your life. Why put the pursuit of other things before the pursuit of knowing Me in order to make Me known? None of these idols can fulfill you!"
Basically in a nutshell those words were what God was telling me in different ways then I read them in the book.
Prayers
Praises
- What Gods doing and that He showed up to all of us
- For health and all the things that we take for granted

Requests
- for friends and family
- for the group coming to day that is going to build some of the walls for the church in Shiroles
- for the groups coming in the summer and for the new staff and interns
- that we may get everything in order here at the base before the summer

Thank you for every one's prayers and support. Prayer for everyone including myself, Psalm 86:11 Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, that I may honor you.

All in a Walk to Church

2008-03-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

This was the way to the church we went to. It was about 30 minute walk from the road through the woods and up and down hills. What I couldn't get out of my mind was just how dedicated the members of the church were. The other thing God brought to my mind is how a building is just a building and the church is its members.

I just thought I would share this with yall. Thanks again for everything yall are doing.