CLFCR - New Hope Fellowship

Christian Light Foundation Costa Rica

Evangelism and Discipleship

Together in the joy of the Lord

Monday, April 12

We would like to summarize our week In Costa Rica by saying that God is still in control. He has orchestrated every aspect of this trip. First by bringing all of the teams safely here and assembling just the right personnel to accomplish the many tasks that needed to be done. Second God brought all of us here to experience His love that He demonstrates every day in the lives of the people of Los Guido, Tejarcillos and La Carpio. Yes, we were here to do His work but this became secondary to the sharing of our love which comes only through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Every mission trip Dee and I have shared we come home knowing we have seen Jesus. This one is no exception. Why do we say this? We have had the privilege of seeing this mission field in Costa Rica touch the lives of so many people in different ways. Who do we give the credit to? It is only through the power of our wonderful God that allows all things to take place here. We see God's hand in leading Mark and Meg in the ministry of this mission. We see God's hand in leading so many to the Cross and to a personal relationship with His son Jesus Christ. We see God's hand in providing the daily needs of so many poor people. We see God's hand in the development of a youth leadership team. We see God's hand in the construction of buildings which includes a church, a caretaker's home, and the future gym, feeding center and a tutorial center. We see God's hand in providing a pastor in Rogelio and a young leader in Ariel. We see God' hand in raising up devoted mothers that assist in many ways. We see God's hand in changing lives of so many people who had no hope. There is much more we could mention but we trust you can now better understand how we have been blessed to have been in the presence of Jesus.

Only through His power can this mission or any other mission survive. Mark and Meg make it very clear and we strongly agree, it is not about them or us or any mission team, it is all about God and giving Him all the praise and glory.

Sunday, April 11

It's Sunday morning, a day of rest. The amount of work accomplished this past week is simply a gift of God. He put together the most incredible group of guys and gals that Dee and I have ever been privileged to work with. We did tasks that required strength and endurance. Much dirt and rocks had to be lifted, moved and dumped via wheel barrels to a remote area of the property. Ditches were dug and concrete mixed and poured to form footings and support for the new building. A complete house was painted inside and out with at least two and in some cases three coats of paint. Rebar columns were constructed 15 feet tall for use when the new activity center walls go up. Tile was laid, electrical fixtures attached, benches repaired and the list goes on. All of this done by a few humble men and women from four different churches.

Today our activities will include a trip to La Carpio, church service at Los Guido, playtime with the kids and a bonfire at night.

God has blessed those of us who were given the privilege to spend time with Mark and Meg, the kids, and the special teams who assembled to accomplish God's work. He kept us safe, in good health and gave us the endurance to compete His work. To summarize this trip, it can be stated that we have been blessed more than words can express. Each trip surpasses the one before. It can be clearly stated that we receive much more than we ever give. Those of us who have been privileged to be here can shout with joy because we have seen Jesus. His love and presence has consumed all of us. Thank you Father, thank you!

Thursday, April 8

Hi everyone. Dee and I arrived safely on Tuesday in San Jose, Costa Rica. As usual, Mark was waiting for us with open arms. Wednesday and Thursday early morning was spent in devotion following breakfast. It is so wonderful to be with a group of believers who have assembled to serve the Lord and start the day in the Word. From the mission house we traveled to La Finca in Los Guido to assist in the building project that is simply amazing considering the scope. It is truly the work of God to see what is being accomplished here with limited resources and man power. Three different mission teams have assembled to assist in several different task in the creation of the new caretaker's house and the multipurpose gymnasium/feeding/learning center. Dee and I have been assisting in the painting of the caretaker's house. We worked long exhausting hours but have enjoyed every minute. The people from the other areas have become great friends of ours. It so neat to hear their testimonies and learn what God has been doing in their lives. We have such a great God and I'll report about this wonderful experience in more detail as the week goes on.

New Hope Fellowship

Sun City West, AZ April 6-13, 2010