Ministry in Costa looked a little different each day. There were some days we worked around the base we lived on doing some manual labor with good ole machetes, other days we went into the city to hangout with and learn about locals and tourists.
One of my favorite ministries we worked with was teen challenge! Every Tuesday night we would hangout with a phase 3 mens teen challenge house, they were ON FIRE for Jesus. They LOVED any game we played or question asked, they were just always ready to do whatever and to do it with excitement!
One day we took a real sketchy boat across a hefty current to visit the Bribri tribe. Here we had the opportunity to learn about a completely different culture. We worked alongside The Nest, which has been started by a woman named Karina, from Venezuela. She is super passionate about carrying out this vision of building a refuge for children and single women who have experienced sexual abuse. We were simply a small part of this by putting our hands and feet to use painting, moving rocks, etc. Go visit their website to learn more! https://www.thenestcostarica.com/
There was one spontaneous weekend we traveled to San Jose and worked alongside The Hope Project. This is a ministry that works to meet the needs of a lot of different people. I only got a glimpse of what they do, but it was powerful. One big thing is their hip hop ministry. In a city where there are a lot of men dancing on the streets, this man Jose, who was once in their shoes, invites them into this little dance studio…and from there on many lives have been changed.
They have another ministry that is focused on single moms and their children. We had the privilege to eat breakfast with some of these women and their kids, and hear some of their stories.
We have JUST arrived to the Dominican Republic! And I have BIG news!! I have been asked to step into the role of Squad leading, which officially began just a few days ago at debrief. What this means is that I will not be a part of a specific team on my squad, rather I will get opportunities to potentially be with each team; observing, interceding, listening, and guiding through prayer. There are some logistical responsibilities and decisions we will have to make. But I am not in it alone, my dear friend Josh is squad leading right beside me. SO! I NEED COVERING! Please be praying for Josh and I, for covering over our friendships, over our minds and our hearts, over our words, and against attacks of the enemy.
As I step into this role, I feel the heaviness of what I’m stepping into, but feel it is such a privilege to lead through the Father, right alongside my whole squad. The other night, as I sang “All that I have is a Hallelujah, and I know it’s not much, but I’ve nothing else fit for a King” I laid in awe, thankfulness, and surrender to this perfect God who treats me like a princess. As he strips away tangible things of the world, He freely gives refinement. He calls me into places and roles where I get to help Him produce fruit. And all I have to offer Him is my hallelujah. I can’t explain it, but I’m so in awe of Him. I’m so thankful for Him. And I will continue to surrender and layout whatever He asks of me because He’s God.
