Ministry of the Month: Costa RIca

Hi Everyone, 

     I just want to provide a brief overview of all the ministries we have been a part of here in Costa Rica. Costa Rica has been a beautiful place to begin our ministry journey. The people here are so open-hearted and open-handed. We have been blessed so much by this place and can only hope that we have returned the abundance of blessing we have received. 

     We started the month ready to go, like sprinters out of the gate at a track meet, we were quick to dive into each opportunity that arose. With our first ministry location, Comunidad Cristiana Nazareth (Church) in Turrialba, Costa Rica we were able to get involved with many church activities. First, we attended their Youth Group where we played games and talked about the book of Joshua with middle to high schoolers. We attended church on Costa Rica’s Mother’s Day and were able to greet and bless the women of Turrialba with roses, prayers and hugs. We were introduced to the city center and found a delightful cafe we knew we would return to in the coming weeks. We were also able to begin rebuilding the church patio so that it can more effectively serve as a gathering place for church functions. 

     The following week we were sent into a period of quarantining due to positive Covid-19 tests in our midst. During quarantine, we were sent to an empty home outside of the city owned by one of our Host Pastor’s friends. This was such a serene place to quarantine. The yard was full of fruit trees and we were able to take many walks down the dirt road that led to and from the home. Though physical healing was a priority we also used quarantine to our advantage with mission in mind and focused on interceding for the city, our WorldRace comrades, and the world at large. Additionally we were able to invest hours of time into learning more about each other as a team, encouraging one another in our walks of faith and building camaraderie. This encouragement and team building allowed us to prepare to propel beyond those walls and back into the community. 

     Upon returning to ministry in Turrialba we hit the ground running with manual labor projects. We replaced the gutters at another area church. The following day we hosted a clothes drive where we distributed free clothes to community members in need. We were even able to purchase a few items for children who were in need of sizes unavailable during the drive. Throughout this week we were also able to paint one of the children’s ministry rooms in our host church, provide an English class, street evangelize and visit/minister to a local native community. When visiting the indiginous community we were able to host games for our partnering youth group, pack 40 meal bags for families affected by the recent flooding, and facilitate a skit for the local Children’s Church. Part of our ministry in Turrialba was working with and ministering to our host partners, they are all incredible people with stories that need encouragement. We loved how even though we were there to serve them, they also served us.  

     Our final week in Turrialba actually took us to Jaco, Costa Rica. Here we were able to connect with a long-term AIM (Adventures in Missions) partner, Ocean’s Edge. This ministry aims to cultivate life giving relationships through many different avenues. During our time here we were able to help them clear space for their BRAND NEW facility and ministry center set to be constructed as soon as possible. We were also able to do street evangelism, ministering to both Jaco residents and tourists. Additionally, we were able to help with Surf Club, an activity that takes place every Friday and allows kids to practice surfing in a free and family fun environment. Surf Club ends with an opportunity to participate in a devotional and worship time. 

     My dear friends, supporters and family, I want to reiterate how treasuring it is to represent you and of course, Christ on this journey. Lives are being touched, encouraged and changed because of your financial giving, prayers and words of encouragement. Though the needs are many, blessings abound as we go forth and serve others. 

                                    Lots & lots of love,

 Sav & Team Bloom