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!