Its month 8! I am working alongside a ministry called Conexion. My American hosts, Bryan and Beth, are absolutely amazing: hospitable, transparent, and so encouraging. They do a large part to help this ministry run. And then there’s Jherson and his nephew, they are the founders of this ministry. These Colombians have the biggest passion to want Ticans to personally know Jesus Christ. I can’t say enough amazing things that they do to further His kingdom.
Conexion is in the schools almost daily. They do ‘field days’ with anywhere from 6-12 stations for 300+ students a day. Trampoline, wet relays, 9-square, human size twister, etc. They also put on a 6th grade presentation to encourage the students to continue their education because at that age, kids have the choice to quit or keep going. And last, Conexion runs ‘medical expeditions’ meaning they connect with local doctors, dentist, and optromotist to give free health services around the country on the weekends. There’s often clothes that they give away as well. And at night they put on a concert..and this concert is solely for Christ. Yes there’s flashing lights and legit electric guitar runs but they praise Him through it all.
Jherson is a man with many stories, passions, and talents. One skill he has included pushing me out of my comfort zone like never before… 3 days in a row. It started off with little sleep and much frustration because I wasn’t able to yell loud enough in Spanish to explain the rules of a game. With tears coming out, he gently asked why my eyes were sweating, hugged me and said to not worry, the kids are having fun. The very next day.. we were to give a 40 minute presentation to different classes all day long about our experiences abroad. It included short videos as well as my teammates and I talking a bit about the clothes, food, weather, animals, and what ministry looked like. He, ever so slyly, said he and Beth had to go meet with a few teachers and a class would be in soon so we needed to find a way to present… in Spanish and then proceeded to walk out the door. That means the girl with a minor had to step up (that was me)! What turned to a “few minutes” turned to me translating English to Spanish for 10 classes (9am to 5pm) because JHERSON never returned.
The day ended and I thought I was in the clear. I thought my comfort zone had been pushed enough and there was no more. But of course, Jherson found a way the very next day. With the kind words of my teammates and a video sent to him from Beth, he decided he wanted me to share.. 2 hours from the start of the concert at an expedition in front of everyone. He encouraged me to do it.. in Spanish.. and he would stand by my side. I did it.. with lots of grace but I gave a portion of my testimony to a group of locals in my second language.
Jherson,
I may still be in Costa Rica as I post this.. but I haven’t forgot you yet (nor will I ever). Heck, you’ve been missed before we even said our final goodbye. You pushed me harder than anyone has on my world race journey. You challenged me to go beyond what I would ever sign myself up for. You reminded me that I know more that I give myself credit for. You impacted my life immensely. And again… I will never forget who you are.
It’s impossible to forget you. You are the one who has endless random stories that leaves me in awe or laughing. You rescued us from Cartago because our vehicle broke down. You showed me your family album with precious photos and even more precious stories behind them. You hugged me in my lowest and highest moments during the month. You are real with the story God is writing for your life. You have a vision that has so much potential because you believe in the power of Christ. You firmly stand in knowing you’re a son of God, which draws people in ever so quickly. You don’t care to look like a fool if you know the students will pay attention and take something home from our various presentations. It’s obvious how much you enjoy your call to missions because you’ll still put on a concert and preach whether it’s for 1, 10, or 100 people.
Please always remember what you do doesn’t go unnoticed. Your hard work, not just for your ministry, but family too, goes beyond measurable. Thank you for making this month one I’ll never truly forget… not only because of your ridiculousness, but by the new way you lead me to encounter Christ.
I will come back to Costa Rica and you will come visit me in Minnesota. There’s always a place for you and Amanda!
Blessings upon blessings!
Mariah Brammer
P.S- I still haven’t forgotten who you are… or your name, Jherson!
