What do you do?
We often get asked, “What do you guys do in Costa Rica?” Fair question.
In a nutshell, we are trying to connect the relationships we have in the U.S. with the relationships we have here in Costa Rica. Why? To help people experience and know Jesus.
That means, as missionaries, we are trying to build bridges between the needs here locally through the local church in Costa Rica (Iglesia de La Ciudad) with the personal relationships that we have built in the States over the years. If we can connect churches, leaders, and networks to serve together, then the gospel of Jesus advances here in Costa Rica and the U.S.
Another question might be, “OK, what does that practically look like?” As an example, this is what it looked like last week.
For months we have been communicating with Generation Church about bringing a team to serve. Our relationship (Keisa and I) with Generation goes way back through years of pastoring and serving together through the association of Landmark Churches. At the same time, we (Gills In Costa Rica) have been building relationships here in Costa Rica with For The City and Iglesia de La Ciudad through Miguel and Karina Rojas. Together we want to point people to Christ.
Over months of communication, prayer, planning, and strategizing we welcomed Generation Church this past week to serve through medical missions, kids ministry, and local feeding centers. An element of what we did together was also to partner with a local church in Verbenna that serves children's meals every week. We did that by building a new roof on their church.
Part of the team from the States and our local staffing spent the week working with a local gentleman who lives there. We followed his lead as he came up with the overall plan and welded the frame in place. Our team spent the week moving materials, digging holes (sometimes through the floor of the existing church) to set new posts, mixing concrete by hand, and frankly doing whatever was necessary to help. And as you can see, we were grateful to get the job done!
However, the amazing thing about what we get to do is much more than building a roof. Sure, the roof was super important. It gives the church and the local kids a safe and dry place to serve and be served. But along the way, relationships were built. Lives were changed. Perspectives were challenged. Linguistic and cultural barriers were crossed to serve together. And ultimately the good news of Jesus was shared in so many ways; through mixing cement, through caring for wounds, for giving out a plate of food, through praying, and yes, even through building a roof.
That is WHAT we do and GET to do and we are so HONORED to be a part.
Steve, Keisa, Ellie and Nina
