Hi everyone! I am in Costa Rica again! I have been here for about two and a half weeks and will be here for three more. Currently, I am living in Jaco, Costa Rica. This is a smaller town alongside the beach that is known for its tourism and surfing. As much as the attraction of fun and excitement is present here, my squad and I have come with the purpose to serve.

The common phrase here is “Pura Vida", which means pure life. While being here in Jaco, it has been easy to see the ways that it is not pure life. That there is sin that runs around the city at night. A place that is filled with the prettiest beaches, but also prostitution. Drugs. Alcohol. From one end, you can call it Pura Vida, but from the other side you can see the darkness that the people have let in here. 

Despite this darkness, there is hope! So much hope! God is using my squad to bring light into the darkness!

John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”

Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden”

While we have been here, we have been involved largely in homeless ministry. The first week, the government held a program for the homeless to come be fed, clothed, and have shelter for three days in a row. We took part in that! Seeds were planted, as the mayor was very interested in our volunteers. He was curious and had lots of questions, wanting to meet with some of us even. One guy commented “why are these guys here with us and not visiting the Costa Rica attractions.” All this stirred up through one word. Love! Love holds great power. The love of God changes hearts. It turns eyes. We were able to leave a big impact on the mayor week one!

And on top of all that, we got to form deep relationships with these great people. Those who may not have a home, but still have a heart. We loved them, learned their names, and heard their stories. We became friends... We became family. Five men committed to going to rehab by the end of the three days! A step of hope. They made the choice to say I don’t know how to get out of this alone, but I desire to get out. Now they are in a place where they can get the help they need. In a week of being here, there are less people on the streets! And those still on the streets, we get to see almost every day. To be a friendly face. To have a conversation. It is a joy. I have seen multiple more men ask to go to rehab as we continue to love them!

We have also been painting light posts around the town. As we paint these light posts, we have seen the impact it has on the community. Young Americans serving the community turn many eyes. God is touching the hearts of the people here through us. He is working in this town, and there is a seen change. What God is doing in the unseen is so much greater as well. This town is being shined on by light. We are the light of the world. It changes individuals. It changes towns. It changes the world! I hope what we are doing here brings encouragement!

Thank you for your support and prayers! May the Lord bless you for what you have partnered with in His Kingdom. I know it can be hard to see what fruit is coming from your support of resources, and I hope this blog gives you better understanding of the power in God’s love among the nations!