“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
The Lord is so continuously faithful to fulfill his promises! One week ago, today, I stood in front of the doors of Casa VidaNet ready to receive the Bethel Mennonite youth group. Even though this was not the first time I had received a team to VidaNet, it was the first time that I had received a team that I was responsible to lead. Shivers of nervousness and excitement ran through me.
Our team’s outreach was in Sixaola, Costa Rica—10 minutes walking distance from the Panama border. The physical work project, which literally required blood, sweat, and tears, was raising the walls of a new church building.
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A Mennonite church 40 minutes away had recently taken this “campo blanco” (or church plant) under their wing and was traveling here each Wednesday and Sunday to worship with the small group of local believers. Ladies camped out in their hammocks to cook for us over the open fires and local believers joined us for the outreaches.
Simultaneously we led daily kids’ clubs for the community. Children joyfully danced, participated in crafts, and watched short skits to learn Bible stories. Those same days some team members handed out “daily food packets” full of beans, rice, coffee, oil, and flour, to 24 different houses in the community and spent time visiting each home, learning from them and sharing Christ. Many neighbors expressed their gratitude, but many of the youth were just as blessed to be received into homes.
May all praise go to the Lord for faithfully upholding us this week and using these broken vessels to expand his kingdom! To Him be all the glory.
By Hannah Martin
Vida220 Student
Way to go Hannah. You are a living testimony of when Jesus “,I am sending you as the Father sent me” well done Hannah. You are what VidaNet 220 is all about!
Way to got Hannah!! Miss you all! You will be leading more and more! Lean into Jesus and the Spirit. Be loved and love as loved to his glory, your joy, and their good!!!! Love you