Rasta (our YWAM base host in Costa Rica) said that Puerto Viejo is a gateway to all the nations. I didn’t truly understand what that meant until about half way through our time in PV. By our half way point we knew the area. We had done evangelism there, prayer walks, beach cleanups, spent off days there and in that process met so many people from so many different countries. We spoke to people from the States, from France, Germany, Mexico, Canada, Australia, of course Costa Rica and many other places. Puerto Viejo and the places around the area are very beautiful and touristy. People come for vacations, for honeymoons, and many people that we spoke to actually just recently moved to the area.
So now I understand. Matt. 28:19 says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations baptizing them in the name of the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
This verse was the heart of YWAM Puerto Viejo. They took it and acted upon it and are still acting upon it today. This is what I got to be a part of during my time in Costa Rica and I am so blessed and so thankful for it. I will never forget my time spent here, the relationships I made and the way God moved.
I pray over Puerto Viejo and all the people in it. So many of them are lost, looking to creation rather than their creator. That was the culture. All things mother nature, good vibes, positive energy and chi. You too can keep them in your prayers as well as the missionaries who work there to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Johann (Rasta) and Elsi – They were like the parents of Gap F. Rasta was always looking out for us, making sure we didn’t get ourselves into any unnecessary danger or trouble and Elsi was our comforter – our host mother who gave us great strong hugs when we needed them when we missed our mommies back home.
Kish – She was the girl I just had so much fun with. I loved working with her, hanging out with her, talking, laughing, dancing, etc. She is the only other girl staff member besides Elsi, so she really enjoyed the company of fellow sisters in Christ.
Sammy – I love Sammy! He always had a smile on his face and he was always full of joy. He was our translator most of the time and he did so well. Any time he didn’t know a word he’d ask us to repeat it and then he would repeat it over and over again to remember. I love how much he wanted to continue learning. It was always so nice to be in his company.
Steven – Was so sweet! He had such a servants heart! He spoke enough English to make small conversations but normally I would still find it awkward to talk to someone who spoke broken English. Not Steven. He had such a welcoming and kind spirit about him that talking to him was always so nice.
Jordy – He was so wise but also such a goofball. I loved hearing him talk about the Lord but then he would crack jokes, dance around and laugh a lot. He was a really good dancer though. He used his dance skills for ministry.
Connor – What a guy! I always had the most interesting conversations with Connor Bean.
Here’s a video introducing the staff. My amazing teammates Hannah and Kate created this video so all of you guys could get to know them a little more. I know I’m a little late to posting it since I have already left the country and am now in the DR but if you would like to watch it…it’s here.
Lots of Love,
Alex Paige
