Our third country in Central America is Costa Rica. We are in Jaco, Costa Rica at a Ministry called Oceans Edge.
Jaco is known as the Las Vegas of Costa Rica. It’s a party beach town. YES, we are right by the ocean/beach. It’s awesome because we can walk there within 5 minutes. Since it’s a beach town, it draws different tourist who want to surf or are looking for a spiritual experience. And because of that, the culture of the town has turned into a party place and a place where there is prostitution.
Oceans Edge is a ministry that is established there. It started as a surf Ministry and still is somewhat. But now there is so many other things that they do. They are partnering with all the businesses and establishing relationship with them to help empower them to change the culture and atmosphere there. Essentially, they are slowly trying to bring Jesus into this culture. When they started there was no church there but now there is this beautiful church that this ministry also is heavily involved with. This ministry has recently been able to get involved with the government and the government has given them permission and has asked them to put up encouraging signs in the community. Which gives them opportunity to put encouragement from the Bible in the community. They host world race teams and so many other things.
What we have been able to do is come along side this ministry and help them with what they are already doing here. We have done lots of prayer walks in the community trying to change the atmosphere by our prayers and the power of the Holy Spirit. We have done construction at Oceans Edge to help them make it more of a place for other teams in the future. A group of girls from my squad is painting a couple murals on walls in the city. We have helped with kids programs and babysitting as well. We are going into the different businesses and continue to help them build and connect relationships with them as well as pray for these businesses.
The Lord is working in the community and it’s beautiful to be apart of this even if we won’t see the harvest of most of the things we do here. There are times where we need to plant and water instead of be part of the harvest. I’m honored to be part of the planting and watering part. Even if we are here for 3 weeks, God is using us as vessels for his kingdom only if we allow him to and are willing to step into what God is already doing.
Fundraising Update: I have $11,675. I still need $1,325 before I reach the $13,000 deadline. I am getting an extension but I’m not sure when it is due. I will update you on that in the next blog. If you are feeling led to donat, please click the donate button. Thank you!
