So what have I been doing this past couple of months?
We had the first ever HIMAD + camp for those pastor’s kids ages 21 and older. It was a very refreshing time of renewal in the Lord and challenges. We did rock climbing, ”Jump of faith” and a couple of other challenges which depended on team work, getting beyond your fears and embracing a courageous attitude.
For this I not only enjoyed the camp and made a personal renewal with the Lord, but also was able to serve the Dahlagers by taking care of their kids during the altar time. We played hide and seek, made up our own dances to the worship, roasted marshmallows, and drank too much hot chocolate.
I have been enjoying teaching English once a week in one of the Latin American Child Care schools, and the took pictures at the kids special “Day of the Child” celebration. It is such a joy to hear the kids begin to speak in class little by little and very rewarding.
Each of us have an important role to play when it comes to bringing others into a closer relationship with Jesus. A smile, a touch, and a word of encouragement are all things that can enlighten the day of those around us and give them the strength to take another step.
Jesus says that “even a cup of cold water given in my name, … will be rewarded.” How important that we give those cups of cold water, give those significant hugs and smiles, and let our lights shine as people see what kind of difference that we make they will want to serve this God.
I went to a compassion forum in the end of August and learned many important areas that I can implement into the work I do with street children. I am excited to look into the next couple of years, when I can work with the vision of the national church to reach 1 million children for Christ in Costa Rica. These children are the ones with a whole life in front of them, imagine what a difference it can make in their lives to have a friend with them to help them through any situation they suffer or go through. Jesus walk with me and kept me from substance abuse or from promiscuity. There are so many temptations that our children confront every day in this generation, and the education that we can give them and the resources that we can partner together to bring them, will prevent them from the paths that lead to death, and lead them on the path that leads to life.
As I have been praying about the focus God wants to give me for this next step in the journey, a word has come to me again and again which is “prevention.” The process of restoration is so important, but what can we do to prevent these children from being abused and running to the streets for protection? What can we do to prevent these kids from STDs and from drugs and alcohol? There is such a great need for education and for values in Costa Rica among the youth. A need for education on behaviors, for preventative measures from the abusers and rescue for the victims. This is a culture that has been overly exposed to sexuality at a young age, and the kids are not protected from billboards of half clothed woman or commercials on TV these days. We cannot protect them from the environment in which they live, but we can give them tools to help them focus and find purity and greater hope.
I need your continued partnership with me. I want to help to enable these children who have been victimized in their settings. I want them to be empowered to escape from the abuser. We can be a part to create a safe haven for these children. One that King’s Castle is trying to create for them here in Costa Rica. There are people here already working to educate these children, and building relationships with them and the parents who are there.
I want to see His name honored and glorified. He is great! One of the many opportunities I have had are to go to different places and preach about missions. I believe that God wants to transform communities and be involved in the every day lives of his people. For that reason, I have enjoyed going and sharing with congregations, women and youth about missions, purity, and various topics. I remember one place that I visited, that I felt like this small church has incredible potential in their community and that it is God’s desire to see that whole town worshipping him. These people can be missionaries in their own towns, they can live by example and spread God’s love abroad. They can make a difference through the way that they live, and God can be glorified for his name.
I have many things to learn, and often my heart is sad for many reasons. I am sad by failed dreams, I am sad by misuse of resources, I am sad by imperfection, and poor use of resources. I feel humbled and amazed at how God uses us in all of our weaknesses, but never consider that my weaknesses are acceptable. I feel an eagerness to be used by God, and yet a failure to always be sensitive. I feel caught by a lack of focus. The devil is sneaky but God is victorious. I am grateful for God’s hand, and I desire to serve him, yet I am always testing my motivation. Oh that we could be less self seeking, less desirous of praise, because when I do something, I want it to be all for his glory, yet I see that many struggle with these things.
When God calls you to do something, that does not mean he makes it perfectly easy to do, nor does he tell you all the answers to the problems. But we must take His hand and trust him. Not be afraid to make mistakes, but be only determined to never quit and never leave His side. Determined to stay on your knees, and take the time necessary for Him regardless of all the demands that people wan to make on your schedule. ALWAYS schedule in time for God and DON”T COMPROMISE this time for anyone else. Also make time for yourself, and have it FULL on your agenda. Be the most time efficient as possible and don’t back down on your purpose, but keep it in focus at all times.
THAT CHRIST MAY BE PREACHED TO ALL GENERATIONS AND THAT HIS PEOPLE WOULD SEE AND HEAR HIM!
