We spent the last portion of this month in Jaco volunteering with Ocean’s Edge. The campus was beautiful and Hannah welcomed us with open arms. She proceeded to tell us that when she first heard about Jaco it was called the Sodom and Gomorrah. It was known for prostitution and drugs. People told her that as a Christian she she shouldn’t go there. That just made her more determined. Hannah fell in love with Jaco and started Ocean’s Edge. She hosts ministry teams and her goal is to romance Jaco for Jesus!
Ocean’s edge ministers to surfers, volunteers at churches, serves the homeless, and much more. While there we painted light posts. The city government has given Ocean’s Edge permission to paint 40 light posts with local vegetation and Costa Rican creatures. The locals stop and ask about the paintings which gives us an opportunity to share the gospel, hear their testimonies and share ours.
The first day we started painting Hannah asked who was comfortable coloring in the lines and who was more comfortable outlining the pictures. I volunteered for coloring because I don’t have a steady hand but as we painted I realized how much it became more about speaking to the locals and contributing to the masterpiece than actual skill. We had a pair of brothers come by and we took the opportunity to pray for them and they gave us some bread they were selling. What a unique opportunity? When we walked out one night someone on the street yelled out “That’s the first time we’ve seen you guys not at a pole.” Not something I expected to hear on my mission trip but it filled me with such joy! People are noticing! Jesus is romancing Jaco and it will never be the same!
