From Sarah:
Since moving to Costa Rica, one of our objectives has been to build relationships with the people here and earn their trust. We have invited people into our home and been delighted to be invited to theirs! Often, ministry is just sharing life. It means opening your home and being accessible. It sometimes means sharing your tears and fears and being vulnerable. It means showing up for the birthday party or providing a ride to church. It means bringing a few groceries for a struggling family or praying and supporting through sickness. It means celebrating a new baby born to a church family or checking to see how people are doing. It means making cookies and bringing fajitas to the church dinner. Ministry is just being present to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
From Zack:
I have recently started going to public parks and plazas where Catholic churches are located to pray for our work and look for evangelism opportunities. Recently, I was walking around the Basilica in Cartago, asking God to open blinded eyes and allow the light of the Gospel to shine into hearts. In the middle of my prayers, I heard a loud “PSSSST.” Glancing around, I caught the eye of a homeless man trying to get my attention. He begged me for 2,000 colones (about $4) for a “casado” or lunch. I made it clear that I could buy him a meal but not give him the money outright, and he consented. I returned with the food, after a sweet Panamanian lady insisted on helping to buy it. As he ate, I began talking to him about Jesus. He was obviously growing increasingly uncomfortable, and when I offered to say a prayer for him, a look of terror entered his eyes. I asked him again and he began mumbling and snatching up his things, desperately trying to get away from me. Though sad that he was so oblivious to his need, I decided it would be best to not chase down a homeless man and insist on praying with him. As I continued to walk and pray, I was thankful for the blessing of being able to take his obvious need for Jesus to our heavenly Father. May God keep helping us find opportunities to be faithful to the lost!
