We’ve been at our ministry location in Costa Rica for a week now. We are living and doing ministry in a city called Los Guido, which are the slums on the outskirts of San Jose. I had it in mind not to tell anyone at home how dangerous the area we are in is until next month when I am safely in Nicaragua, so I wouldn’t worry anyone, but God convinced me that it would be wise to ask for your prayers of protection over me and my squad.
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” –Psalm 91:1
Our ministry host assured us that we would be safe as long as we abide by the guidelines of the ministry, which involves staying inside the finca (which is the ministry grounds) except for specific times to do ministry in the slums. And when we do leave the finca, not to bring any belongings except a water bottle, because violent thefts are common. The finca consists of a small yard, a one-room church building connected to a small house that the couple who takes care of the grounds lives in, and a gymnasium. It’s gated in by an iron fence that they lock at 5:00pm each night. Mark told us that the churches in San Jose won’t come to the slums because it’s too dangerous. We are literally on the frontlines in enemy territory.
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge” –Psalm 91:4
This month is all-squad month, so all 39 of us are together, which is extremely fun. We all live, eat, worship, do ministry, and have fun together. We all pitched our tents in the gym and set up our “homes” for the month. We affectionately refer to it as Tent City. Each team has a separate ministry assignment. Three teams were each assigned a different school in the slums, where they’ll go each day to hang out with the kids and teach English. Two teams are helping at the finca by cleaning and helping with the feeding center, and playing with children who come to the finca for lunch each day. Finally, my team is the prayer team for the month. I am THRILLED about this ministry for the month. My team is so unified in our passion for prayer and excitement about growing in hearing God’s voice. It’s been awesome so far as we listen for what Father is saying, lift up the rest of the squad in prayer, and intercede for Los Guido and Costa Rica.
I only have a few minutes left here at the wifi site, so I’ll wrap it up with some prayer requests. First of all, prayers for protection are much appreciated. Secondly, pray for Costa Rica, San Jose, and especially Los Guido. The violence, abuse, oppression, trafficking (of drugs and minors), and darkness have left the people bound in crime and fear. Pray for light and freedom and for the Gospel to go forth and bring life and healing. Pray for the ministry of Christian Light Foundation. They are the only ones bringing the light of Christ into this dark area. Pray for the feeding center, the discipleship center, and for every child and adult who attends. Pray for our squad, who have been feeling the effects of the oppression and darkness. We’ve been praying against exhaustion, discouragement and fear. And for personal prayer, God is taking me through a process of revealing my pride and breaking me of it. I am pursuing humility more than ever this month.
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” –Psalm 91:11
Thanks for your prayers! I love you all! 🙂 🙂
