MP 3 Central America: Week 6 To The Ends of The Earth Phase 3

Crowds that gather to hear the Gospel

Week 6

Counselling one on one after Gospel presentations

As we look back over the last few weeks and reflect upon all we have learned, grown in the Lord, and learned culturally, I think that each one of can say that it is overwhelming. We look back and see that although we are in the rainy season, God held back the rain so many times for the ministry and other times, how God used the rain to move us to other places to talk to different people. We have seen God open the hearts of His people, through the message of the Gospel and seen Him work in our own hearts to hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.

We are so thankful to the Lord for Misael and
his family for coming and being a part of our team these past few weeks and particularly to Misael for interpreting all of our kid, and adult programs. This trip would have been very difficult without him.

We are also thankful for Pastor Esteban and family for their hospitality and driving us around everywhere; for the the church family and all their sacrificial time and all the women of the church that cooked for us so that our time would be freed up for the ministry. Their service is a sweet aroma to God and an important part in the advancement of the Gospel. We truly feel loved
by our Christian family here in Costa Rica.

Photos of people being counseled

Rice and Beans: People Being Fed by Sam White

This past week we have been able to do more ministry. It has been very refreshing after two full weeks of training. Some of the people we trained participated in the ministry and it has been great to be able to preach and talk to people. I've also had opportunities to practice my Spanish. I've been able to understand more. Talking to people has made me want to learn more Spanish so I can share the gospel with more people.

Rope Trick

Tres Leche by Matt Mallett

Guatemala was a very reserved and conservative culture. Everyone wears dress slacks and nice shirts to match their ties, except for the ladies who normally wear dresses. Guatemala has too many stray dogs to count and most of the food is fresh. You can also eat as much of any Guatemalan dish as you want and never gain an ounce. It's not much like Costa Rica which is stepping into the same path America. It wasn't until we had lunch at this families house in Barva I heard this phrase "when America gets a cold, we sneeze" Although Costa Rica has traditional restaurants, they also have many American fast food restaurants. The girls dress just as skimpy as the ones back home, and every other person is a dread head. However, when we preach in the streets we see Americans walk by in discuss, while we have an entire crowd on receptive Costa Ricans listening to the message.

Straight Cameron by Cameron Adams (12 years old)

This year I really wanted to write a blog, so I asked my mom and dad if I could write a blog and they actually said yes :D. Anyways, during these 5 weeks that have passed, I usually just sit around while the teens preach and do devotions. But when I sit around, I observe. I've noticed how all the teens have grown in their faith. I have mostly noticed growth with the guys, but also the girls have grown in their faith. I just don't observe them as much. Shauna's art on the sketch board looks a lot better than it did while we were still doing training. Her art looks very good, but it's not about the art, it's about the message, and as long as she's doing it for the Lord. Tim is really on fire for the Lord right now, and his messages and his devotions have gotten better. I really hope he stays like this all the time. Matt has definitely grown in his faith, and he is on fire like Tim is. A few days ago, Matt told me that he wanted to be a missionary. That was a pretty cool thing to hear! He also said Mission Possible (MP) made him want to be a missionary even more than he already did. Adam has grown in his faith by wanting to do more things for the Lord. I think he's going to grow up to be a good man. Sam has grown much like what I said about Adam. I also think Sam is going to be a good man when he grows up. Sam has grown in the ways of serving the Lord and he has a loving and teaching heart :D. Ruth has grown a more willing heart. She is more enthusiastic about things, and she does not really complain much. Anyways, it's been fun having her on the team, especially since she's my cousin.