What Surfers, Skaters, Stoners, and I Have in Common

So… let me begin by saying I do not think I could have had a bigger difference in ministry compared to the first half of our month in Costa Rica. From the cool mountains and down to earth hard-working people of Irazu to the hot beaches and and party atmosphere of Jaco, one of the surfing capitols of Costa Rica, to say that it was a change in ministry would be an understatement (what a comfort that God is God always and everywhere). Once we got there I almost felt like I was in Florida for spiring break instead of on a mission trip. Hmmmm maybe all that college ministry and hanging around drunk people would finally pay off (without participation of course)! Come to find out, Jaco was quite a tourist destination for a lot of Americans looking to have a good time. The result, overly priced food, annoying tourist offers constantly, and on the darker side a party atmosphere that catered to prostitution, drugs and all kinds of things that their customers would just consider “having a good time”.
    This was sad to see, and God gave me the unique opportunity to see how dark and empty that people of Jaco were despite their at ease fun-loving facade. It wasn’t hard to make friends, in fact one of the first nights I was walking down the street with my guitar on my back and was stopped by some hippie like people who loved life, music, dancing and other things that God created especially a little green plant that seems to be popular with most of Central America (I am finding that “weed” might be the third most recognizable word around the world behind “OK” and “Coca-Cola”). Hence the picture above, I spent a lot of my time just hanging out with these guys, sharing culture, and trying be a light in the dark. It really reminded me of UT considering how almost everyone wanted the benefits and peace of God but would surrendor their lives over ti him.

   I didn’t think it would be, but it was interesting to go into a culture who, much like America, doesn’t worry about food, housing, and clothing and convinces themselves that other pleasures of the world would fulfill them. This was completely different from everywhere else in Central America, and while it did have it’s poor parts, Jaco reminded me how empty the pursuits of the world really are. Numerous times I was blessed to watch the sunset, one of God most beautiful creations, go down with my surf friends. It’s just so amazing to me that God gives grace to everyone through his masterpieces without them even asking for it and I couldn’t help but continually realize how much people enjoy Gods gifts but wont accept his best one with his Son.  

   At the property we were staying, we had a great opportunity for youth outreach. It was only a 10 minute walk from the beach and since it had a vert ramp a lot of the local kids came out excited that we opened it up everyday. Surprisingly, it reminded me a lot of youth ministry in the states and to anyone who loves kids, skateboarding, surfing, and God this would be the place for you. We got to build relationships with a lot of the kids and towards the end of our stay we hosted a small skateboard competition which a lot of the kids showed up for. On top of that our friend, Gustav (a Christian surfer and respected international judge) came and gave a talk to the youth at the end. I actually decided to try and represent the US with my little to no skatebaording expericnce…I’m still trying to decide if it was worth it (watch the video below). 

   Towards the end I wasn’t ready to go, but God changed my heart. One of the hard things about the World Race is that a month in one place seems to either be too much time or not enough time to do what you think God has planned. With Jaco I really felt that to do some serious damage for the Kingdom, it would take living a life of community with those people. There seemed to be so many barriers to break down concerning who Christ is, what the Church is about, and how God loves that it was almost too much to handle. I didn’t think I would have ever fit in with these different characters but it is surprising how much we all have in common when all need what Christ offers. I have a feeling that might become a theme of this year, but it is a real comfort to know that my time there was exactly how much time God wanted and needed to work through me.