“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Col 3:2
When I think of the adjustments that we have made here in Costa Rica, I can’t help but thank God for His faithfulness. He brought us from a 4 bedroom house, to two rooms (one bedroom and one living room/kitchen/office combo) and a bath…and we are so comfortable. He brought us from two good-paying full-time jobs outside our home, to working full-time for Him…and we are so provided for. He brought us from usually being able to predict what tomorrow will look like, to depending on Him totally for what tomorrow holds…and we are so confident. So how do I make it here without my crock-pot, clothes dryer, dollar store, and other things I used to take for granted?...by keeping my eyes on Him.
Over the last couple of weeks we have seen the Lord move in a big way. Getting confirmation that we are in His will is such a satisfying place to be. Too many times we question our motives for what we are doing, and if they are in line with His plan. And then He allows us to get a glimpse of what He had on His agenda all along! How blessed we are to have that peace that so many long for.
Today is a windy, rainy day here in the mountains of San Rafael de Heredia. We have been told that the sun is farthest away from Costa Rica in these months, so the weather we experience is not what you would generally expect when one talks about “tropical” Costa Rica. Geiner is diligently preparing for a teaching this weekend, and I am here writing this. We are both fighting some sort of bug. Geiner has the start of a cold, and I am still hacking with a dry cough that has been around for about 3 weeks now. How strange to feel like winter (or as close as it gets in Costa Rica!) when everyone we talk with in the states is in sweltering heat.
Thank you for the time to ramble. Know that we are not that far away, technologically, and love to hear from you! Until next time,
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 NLT
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
July?...Really?
Beloved of God and ours,
Honestly, I have no idea where May and June went. Today is July 1st. We have been here in Costa Rica for 6 months now! Yes…half a year. Wow! And yet every day we need to remind ourselves:
“This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Ps 118:24
The past couple of weeks have brought ups and downs in ministry. We knew it would be like this, but that does not always feel good. Recently our Foundations class had discussed “Forgiveness and Reconciliation” two weeks in a row, and we saw questions, understanding, and growth. In fact one woman actually came back and shared with us that she took what she learned into her workplace. All glory to God! Now unfortunately there is some family turmoil that needs to be addressed. Please pray that the enemy’s attack will not hinder their movement forward in their walk. If anything, this is an indication that they are growing, or he would not be interested in targeting them.
The study in Perez Zeledon went through a similar circumstance this past weekend. During our last study the Spirit moved, and many were figuratively showing up in the shadows by night with Nicodemus asking, “How can we be born again?” It is every evangelist’s dream…to be asked to explain true salvation! At the end of the study several attendees prayed to receive Christ! Amen and Alleluia! God is great ALL the time! And when this past weekend’s study was cancelled because the house where we usually meet was unavailable at the last minute, we were faced once again with the reality that we need to, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour”.1Pet 5:8 We have since confirmed the location of our next study, and will be sure to continue to encourage those that attend, so that they do not become prey to that roaring lion.
Since we arrived in Costa Rica we have often wondered why the Lord chose to bring us to Heredia. Well very recently we have gotten a glimpse of what the Lord has in mind for us in this part of the country. We are seeking His counsel and His will before taking any major steps, but we can acknowledge that a huge door has opened for the ministry, and we are walking by faith through the threshold. Please stay tuned for further developments ;)
On a personal note, and continuing to question where the time has gone…another 90 days have passed, and because of some misinformation from the New Mexico Dept of State, Denise needed to leave the country again to renew her visa. Only this time the Lord provided a wonderful surprise. For less than the cost of another trip to Panama, we discovered a direct flight to Newark NJ, which allowed Denise to spend close to five days with her parents. What an amazing blessing! She also returned to Costa Rica with that last necessary document in hand. So the residency process should be taking the next step this coming week.
As time passes we continue to press on, knowing that we are here in Costa Rica for the purpose of glorifying our Lord, and will continue to be obedient to His call each and every day…always remembering to be still and know that He is God! Thank you for your continued love, prayers, and support. Pura vida in Christ, our Savior!
Honestly, I have no idea where May and June went. Today is July 1st. We have been here in Costa Rica for 6 months now! Yes…half a year. Wow! And yet every day we need to remind ourselves:
“This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Ps 118:24
The past couple of weeks have brought ups and downs in ministry. We knew it would be like this, but that does not always feel good. Recently our Foundations class had discussed “Forgiveness and Reconciliation” two weeks in a row, and we saw questions, understanding, and growth. In fact one woman actually came back and shared with us that she took what she learned into her workplace. All glory to God! Now unfortunately there is some family turmoil that needs to be addressed. Please pray that the enemy’s attack will not hinder their movement forward in their walk. If anything, this is an indication that they are growing, or he would not be interested in targeting them.
The study in Perez Zeledon went through a similar circumstance this past weekend. During our last study the Spirit moved, and many were figuratively showing up in the shadows by night with Nicodemus asking, “How can we be born again?” It is every evangelist’s dream…to be asked to explain true salvation! At the end of the study several attendees prayed to receive Christ! Amen and Alleluia! God is great ALL the time! And when this past weekend’s study was cancelled because the house where we usually meet was unavailable at the last minute, we were faced once again with the reality that we need to, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour”.1Pet 5:8 We have since confirmed the location of our next study, and will be sure to continue to encourage those that attend, so that they do not become prey to that roaring lion.
Since we arrived in Costa Rica we have often wondered why the Lord chose to bring us to Heredia. Well very recently we have gotten a glimpse of what the Lord has in mind for us in this part of the country. We are seeking His counsel and His will before taking any major steps, but we can acknowledge that a huge door has opened for the ministry, and we are walking by faith through the threshold. Please stay tuned for further developments ;)
On a personal note, and continuing to question where the time has gone…another 90 days have passed, and because of some misinformation from the New Mexico Dept of State, Denise needed to leave the country again to renew her visa. Only this time the Lord provided a wonderful surprise. For less than the cost of another trip to Panama, we discovered a direct flight to Newark NJ, which allowed Denise to spend close to five days with her parents. What an amazing blessing! She also returned to Costa Rica with that last necessary document in hand. So the residency process should be taking the next step this coming week.
As time passes we continue to press on, knowing that we are here in Costa Rica for the purpose of glorifying our Lord, and will continue to be obedient to His call each and every day…always remembering to be still and know that He is God! Thank you for your continued love, prayers, and support. Pura vida in Christ, our Savior!
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