Hey Everyone!
Month six of this Race is almost over. It is hard to believe that so much has passed since all of Gap D racers arrived in Gainesville, Ga on September 1st. It is more difficult to believe that is has almost been a year since I decided to commit to Squad Leading in the midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic. But here we are in 2021 in San Jose, Costa Rica witnessing the testimony of the goodness of God.
We are working with a ministry called ‘Til He Returns or The Hope Project as it is known here. Our time with them is special and the work they do is unlike any other ministry I worked with on my World Race. The first two weeks was strict training on effective Short Term ministry. Before and after my race, one of the topics discussed the most was “Do you think what you’re doing is healthy?” and it was a heavy question that myself and many missionaries’ teams have to walk through. I know I have not always done it correctly, so to have long term teams teach how to be more effective in the development of a community and not being there with cheap handouts was important, especially to the many who are on the field for the first time.
The ministry itself has many branches within it’s outreach programs. They have a Refuge center for new mothers where they receive counseling and skills that young parents need! They have one of the best English teaching programs for locals here that I have had the privilege of working alongside. Evangelism, Business and Economy classes, skills based classes. All are focusing on building up the community to become more effective and independent! It is amazing to see their technique in supporting people and the way they challenge people to take hold and responsibility for their lives.
But the most interesting part of ministry that I never thought I would love is their dance ministry! These people are legitimately some of the best hip-hop, pop, street dancers there are! Jose, the leader of the classes, called House of Raw, is one of the best in the country and in the world. He trains young dancers to be some of the best and dance for some of the best in hopes to reach a world that a lot of ministries miss. He is brilliant but more so a devoted follower of Jesus who has a passion for dancers, much like our main hosts, Micah and Melissa Mixon, who run The Hope Project.
And we get to be a part of all of it! Even in the midst of hard times where constraints are more than the States, they still submit to their authority and serve Jesus at the same time. We split to serve from 10-8 Monday through Friday. To say they keep us on our toes is an understatement.
I love being reminded how wonderful humanity can be. Whether it is our Base Staff or our ministry host. I get to serve and walk with some amazing people. I love that I get to serve a God that speaks Spanish, loves more than Americans, and whose Church is global, diverse, and authentic. No matter where I go, the culture changes, the language is different, and the weather usually gets hotter. But the love of God is always the same. It is something that surpasses all division and unites on a level that is indescribable.
I am working on a blog specifically about the squad so until then…
Love Y’all!!
(We are at home, hence the no mask!)
