Recently we had the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica to participate in a staff retreat. I had heard a lot about this country before, but I had never had the chance to visit. When the retreat was announced, I was very excited because I knew it would be a special time of growth and fellowship.
The trip was an adventure even before we left. Since many of us were traveling together, there was not enough space inside the bus for all the luggage. Because of this, I had to build a luggage rack for the bus. Thanks to a welding course I took in the past, I was able to build it and help solve this need for the team.
During the journey we also experienced the blessing of community. In the south of Honduras, a pastoral family welcomed us and invited us to have breakfast with them. It was a very special time of rest and fellowship before continuing our trip.
At the border we faced a few small challenges, but through it all we were able to clearly see God’s favor and the support of friends who were willing to help when we needed it. This reminded me of Proverbs 17:17:
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
When we finally arrived in Costa Rica, beyond the beauty of the country, what impacted me the most was seeing the image of God reflected in the lives of our Costa Rican brothers and sisters. God has been so good in allowing us to connect with such wonderful people.
During our time there, we participated in the staff retreat where we learned more about the importance of abiding in Jesus and accepting the challenges He places before us in ministry.
On Sunday we also had the opportunity to visit a church where we were greatly blessed by the message shared by Pastor Fran.
We also visited the community of Chiroles in Talamanca, where we met Florentino, a local leader. Although he does not consider himself a pastor, it was inspiring to see how God is using his life to impact the indigenous community in that region. It was a beautiful reminder of how God uses simple people to accomplish His purposes, just as it says in 1 Corinthians 1:27–28.
During this time, the promise of Jesus in Matthew 24:14 also resonated strongly in my heart, where He says that the gospel will be preached throughout the whole world.
Through this retreat and other trainings we have received, my wife and I have felt a deep calling to participate in the expansion of God’s kingdom among every tribe and nation. We do not yet know exactly where the Lord will lead us in the future, but we want to be available for whatever He wants to do through our lives.
We ask that you would support us in prayer, that God would use our lives to expand His kingdom.
