Predicando de Christo al mundo!

"Preach Christ to the world" was written on the signage outside of a church (Iglesia de Evangelica) in Costa Rica. From July 15 through July 31 (2007) a team of students, youth staff, and volunteer adults traveled to Costa Rica for an experience in sharing Christ. The trip was divided into two groups: a high school team and a middle school team. Three members of the youth staff and several (~7) high school students were in Costa Rica for the entire 17 days. The high school team was in Costa Rica from the 17th through the 25th and the middle school team was there from the 23rd to the 31st.God was glorified and manifested his power and authority throughout this trip. There were 754 professions of faith -- praise God! The mission team truly lived out our LIFE purposes:

Living for others:

• We picked up trash around the parks and communities.
• We painted a park bench.
• We held youth events.
• We held 4 afternoon Bible schools averaging about 200 in attendance.

Inviting others to LIFE in Christ:

• Our youth played soccer with the local youth and shared their faith after the games resulting in a number of those praying to receive Christ.
• We went from house to house in local communities sharing about our trip and the good news of God and his son, Jesus Christ. We partnered with the local churches by providing names of those who prayed to receive Christ so that they could be discipled by the local church.
• At each of the events, we took the opportunity to share our faith.
• We had 4 students on the trip become convicted of their own need for Christ as they shared with others. These 4 prayed to receive Christ during the trip.

Following the teachings of God's Word:

• "Go, and make disciples ..." Our youth and volunteers overcame anxiety and fear sharing their faith with excitement and boldness. The harvest was incredible as God demonstrated his power.
• We spent our mornings in quiet time reflected on our experiences and in prayer for the day.
• We became servants enduring rain, heat, sweat, illness, and hard work focused on ministering and sharing with the people of Costa Rica.

Exalting God above All:

• Worship was awesome. We spent time together in song and in the study of God's word.
• We worshipped with the local churches. What an awesome time of connecting with family members of a different culture.

We partnered with Open Eyes Ministries for this mission experience. Open Eyes director, Terry Dupont, has a heart for Central America. His focus is on equipping the local churches to accomplish their mission locally. He is well staffed with young missionaries from Costa Rica who managed our time, activities, provided interpreters, etc. Their personal stories blessed us. God is at work in their lives as they reach their countrymen and neighbors with the love of Christ.

What an awesome time!