Our first month here in Costa Rica, is officially over. This incredible journey with our ministry of Transforma, has really transformed my life and all that God has revealed to me throughout this month. It’s sad in saying good bye to all of our dear friends and parting ways although we know that Jesus has united us in His Spirit. I’d like to dedicate this last blog of “Costa Rica” towards a ministry I was able to be a part of this past week and the work that’s being done.
I was able to join for a night with the ministry called Face of Justice. At the time we had only been informed that this ministry would go out into the streets of Costa Rica and serve coffee with cookies to those involved with prostitution. Once we arrived to the ministry location, we were then informed that in actuality we would be serving 70% of men. These would be transgender, transvestites, gays, and lastly women. This came as a sudden surprise as we had no idea prior to that. I was filled with wonder in ways we would approach the women. (Face of justice has asked us to call them with what they identify- as a way of meeting them where they’re at spiritually.) I had previously done a similar ministry with the LGBT community and was extremely blessed to be a part of it, and wondered what the night would look like. Through the night, I learned of the brokenness that there was on the streets. The discrimination of REAL people, and lack of compassion for those that are in the prostitution business. I found that the conversations with them were very casual as it would be with a friend. There was about 10 -15 of us in a van, and each time we drove around a specific location 3 people would come out and bring coffee and pray over them. Even sitting in the van while others were speaking to these women, was a learning experience. I learned of how much hurt they’ve gone through. Rape, physical abuse, lack of education, lack of working skills, etc. These were people with real pain and real problems yet society has claimed them to being different and were left in the oblivion. As we approached each person, we found them to having such a kind heart and really appreciating the work and love they’ve been poured into through Face of Justice. Face of Justice really goes out of their way to show the love of Christ to those in need, and forming solid relationships with them. They also have a street church where everyone who’s in prostitution is invited. The main thing the Lord revealed to me through that night is meeting each person were they’re at. I was able to pray and have fruitful conversations, enter a bar and distribute a small gift with a smile and lots of love. My heart breaks for those that find themselves in places where they have lost all hope and lack of motivation to continue. They seek prostitution solely as a job, and we as believers need to unite through prayer that the Lord will move greatly in this ministry and the lives being touched.
I am thankful that on my first month of the race, I’ve already began doing something I’ve found interest with. The Lord is good, in allowing our team to go into the streets of Costa Rica and open our eyes to see the hurt & brokenness going on around us.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
