MP 3 Central America: Week 4 Puntarenas, Costa Rica

The San Jose Team

One can tell that we are no longer in prosperous North America by the view coming in to land at the airports of Guatemala and Costa Rica. There are no views of luxurious yards, two car driveways and

swimming pools; only that of mostly brown, rusted, corrugated metal roof tops, hanging laundry on the lines and rugged streets; nations that don't have everything, but that have hearts that are open to the message of the Gospel.

WEEK 4

Although our week was off to a bad start with seven team members (including three Costa Ricans) probably contracting food poisoning, we have arrived safely at Puntarenas, Costa Rica, near the ocean, for another week of training and equipping the saints.

The ministry has been great here, as in the mornings during non training times we have been out on the streets sharing the Gospel. In the afternoon and evenings we have been once again conducting training seminars until 9:00pm. Even though we are all very tired, The Lord continues to give us the energy to keep pressing on.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3

By Carmina

‘Trickle Down’ Evangelism by Adam Mackie

Through the years of Mission Possible (MP), the team and I are tested in many ways. MP1 tested our abilities, that our strengths and weaknesses would become apparent and used for the Gospel. MP2 tested our devotion to the Gospel, the team, and to others. It also further increased our knowledge and understanding of scripture, and revealed more about our gifts and shortcomings. MP3 calls for much humility and patience. As we train others in drama, object lessons and tricks, paint board, and puppets (all methods of preaching), we are called to patience. It’s

difficult to train others to do in 10-15 hours (over the course of 5 days) what took us 3 years to master. It can be tempting to “show them how it’s done,” but we must be humble, and put other’s feelings above our own. However, what this trip really demands is endurance. Paul said to me earlier this week, “This has been a marathon trip, man.” We move from place to place, house to house, as the disciples in Acts did. Sleep is already a priceless commodity, and energy a rare blessing. When one person goes down - with sickness that I won’t disgust you by describing - everyone else has to pick up slack.- I was sick for 6 hours in one night, and it took all the strength I had to help the other sick team members (I honestly didn’t think I had it in me). This was Friday night of the third week, but I, and the others that were affected, are still dealing with the fallout. I was the first one down, and since then, it has hit different team members off and on. God proved his sovereignty throughout this tribulation by keeping us healthy till we are not needed - the sickness began on our day off - and by providing the healthy ones with the extra strength needed for the extra work. I know that God is always faithful, and I thank you for your faithful prayers!

Hot Sauce by Ruth Anne
It’s been four weeks since we’ve been away, it has gone by so fast, and yet it feels as though we’ve been here forever. Each week is a new adventure, there are always challenges, such as a great portion of our team becoming ill, and there are blessings, such as seeing God set afire hearts ready to serve Him. I’ve been helping Carmina with teaching drama, and it excites me to see the people really stepping into their parts to help show a picture of Christ’s love.