Finishing Up in Limón

While in Costa RIca, it was difficult to blog–for a few reasons:  time and internet signal being the two most dominant.  But we do hope you enjoyed the photos many of us were able to send you.  Many of our favorites will be part of the gallery here on the website. (Please visit some of our shared favorite photos HERE!)

We worked Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Limon, Costa Rica–specifically in the town of Larga Distancia and surrounding small school communities. 

We enjoyed 8-9 VBS sessions with 4 different schools, working with grades as low as preschool and as old as sixth grade. 

Friday afternoon was spent with gentlemen at an elderly housing center; this was a ministry new to all of us–at least in Costa RIca. Profe Clements shares, “I really enjoyed spending time at the senior center. This was a new area of ministry for me and it was sweet spending time with these precious elders, hearing their stories and sharing the love of Christ with them.”

On Saturday, we spent the day at a pool and sports center with a group of teens from the church and surrounding churches. Several teens demonstrated interest in following the Lord Jesus after a very clear presentation of the gospel was provided by Pastor Cheo.

The activities we enjoyed:

• Singing and dancing songs with children

• Group games

• Conversations with young and old

• Lessons from the Bible

• Memory verse

• Crafts

• Snacks

• Sports

• Musical drama acted out by our team

• And anything else we were asked to do.

Genesis shared that “the kids are super friendly and excited to meet new people” and the “‘elderly’ found lots of joy in just talking to us.’

Isaac enjoyed how “willing [the kids] were willing to do the silly dances. I feel that if we did this in the US, the reactions would not have been the same.”

“The children are wonderful to meet and play with,” Victoria shared, “but what really stood out to me was how much we grew together and learned as a team.”  Emily added, “The team has grown closer than I could have ever imagined. I would say that the thing that stood out to me the most was the relationships created, not only on the team but with all the people we have met.”

Yes, on any mission trip, it is the people for which we go and what makes it so special. As Lucas says, “The thing that stood out to me the most was just how similar we are to the Costa Rican people of Limon even though we seem to have so many differences at face value.”

“One thing that really stood out to me was that many of the ticos were very willing to participate in the events we put on for them. Especially dealing with the younger ages, I was surprised how well behaved they were and did what they were told…Through it all, what also stood out to me was how our ministry affected so many lives. I was so glad to hear that a 9-year-old boy wanted to accept Christ right after one of our VBS’s. This showed me first hand how God is working in and through us to reach the ticos of Costa Rica.…I am so thankful for the team God has put together this year. Each and every member is vital to this team, and I know we could not do it without our leaders. I just want to give God the glory and the praise for all that has happened this week.”

For Jacob Hollins, what stood out was “the joy that I've gotten in seeing the smiling faces of all ages and also the chance for them to get close to God.”

Faith shared, “I am in total awe and wonder of God, His creation, His people, and His love for us. Hosting VBS sessions in three days and only four different schools was not only physically exhausting but also emotionally exhausting. But there was not one moment when I felt done or wished I was somewhere else. 

“Christ’s love for us is so great that it overflows our cup and equips us to love others so deeply. Something that stood out to me was how much the short time we spent with the kids meant to them, but also meant to us. When we went to church on Sunday and the teen outreach ministry day, we got to meet some of the same kids we had already ministered to in the schools. It was really cool to see how much joy they had in being with us again because it showed how much of an impact we made on their day. Praise the Lord that he is assuming loving God who gives us new life!!”