Monday morning came early for me in Talamanca. I was up and ready to explore before the sun. Never had I seen the constellations so close, so bright and in such magnitude! Walking up the hill I sat in the bed of Carlo’s truck gazing at the heavens in awe of the Creator’s amazing works in nature. I thought, “Even in a fallen state we still live on a planet with astonishing sights and wonders. How much more gorgeous will the world be when all is made right with Jesus reigning for all eternity. How much more beautiful will Heaven be?” I can only imagine and think “beautiful” will be an understatement! Praising Him I watched the dawning light rise over the mountain range. Rooster’s crowed and people began to stir. What a blessing to unexpectantly wish men and women blessings as they made their way up and down the road for a day of work. What an honor to pray for them as they passed on their way. What a gift to receive their greetings and wishes for a good day!
Bless the Lord O my soul and all that is within me, bless Your holy name!
The group’s day began in prayer and devotion, breakfast and overview of the day’s events. The men worked with Carlos on the water filter system. This system taps into a natural spring and will use solar energy to filter the first layer of water then as it processes through the system, narrowing through the depths, water is filtered naturally multiple times before reaching the pipes. I believe part of this work required a hike into the jungle following the pipes to the tank where the filter was being extended to. Full of mercy, Jesus kept all snakes at bay. How good is He to care for the simplest worries and deepest fears! Other projects included completing the walkway between the church and kitchen/fellowship hall and assist with the construction of the new building.
The women joined Rosh and Tricia to visit one of the local women at her home. Miriam was home with her two youngest children, both boys. She loves Jesus and teaches her children in the ways of God. Miriam was open is sharing the struggles concerning her heart. We shared with her our own struggles. Dexter the youngest, a toddler, has not been well. He has been infected for the second time with bacteria that eats away at the skin. He has been on antibiotics for the second time this year and is receiving asthma treatments. Miriam has been able to take him to the clinic each week. However, we lifted Dexter to the Great Physician praying healing over his tiny body. Derek the older boy hid around the corner coming out long enough to flash an adorable grin before running off in the other room where he played. The boy’s sister, who was at school, struggles with issues pressuring most teenagers. We prayed desire to live a God-honoring life for her and wisdom for Miriam, as she guides her daughter through these confusing years of emerging independence. In Costa Rica, an astounding mixture of raised voices, prayers in thanksgiving and praise at one time becoming a sweet aroma rising to the throne of God is a refreshing experience. The morning was a pleasant time of fellowship sharing stories and common interests as garden flowers, baby chicks, and love for chocolate cake, which we brought to celebrate a recent birthday!
(Walking back, we detoured up a short “cliff” edge off the road to see the progress on the water filter.)
After lunch we ventured back out to visit another family. Dolores is a mother and grandmother. Shy with a sweet smile, Dolores is filled with the joy of the Lord that shines bright in her eyes. Translating through Tricia, Dolores gave testimony of God’s goodness and answer to prayer. She was one of the women I prayed for in the service Sunday evening. Dolores explained that when she typically comes home she is tired but last night she had more energy and her heart pain was gone. Thank you Jesus, Jehovah Raffa, our Healer. I was blessed to lead devotions with her on God’s continence, radiating His light on others. Dolores asked for prayer that her children and grandchildren grow in their faith and come to know Jesus better. She shared that her eyesight is blurry and it can be difficult to see well; however, when she opens her Bible the words she sees clearly! I laughed rejoicing at the gracious Lord we serve! On the walk back, up and down long steep hills, I was unsure of my footing. The stones were slippery and with my arm just days out of a cast I felt off balance. I thought of Dolores walking this stone path, in the dark, in order to get to and from service. At 72 years, it takes her hours. Humbled, I did not dare mumble a smidgen of complaint. God, in His infinite glory healed people of weariness, restoring energy. He took away chest pain and gathered people to Him in salvation. I am just a vessel also in need of His touch, but that He worked through me in my own fallibility, I give Him all glory for His power to heal, restore and reconcile.
On the way back from Dolores's home, to take this shot, I stood in the middle of the creek that ran through the stone road. The stones are loose and as large as grapefruits. This spot was exceptionally tranquil.
After dinner and time of prayerful journal writing, I joined a group and walked a short distance to Louis’ home, laden with two cakes. Unloading chairs, hooking up a coffee pot and setting up dessert we had a time of worship in the front yard. Louis is a prominent leader in the community and donor of land that houses the church, home for pastors and the other structures. He recently received Christ in his life, along with his wife. We were there as witness to his confession of faith, to dedicate his home to God and pray for his family (they have a preschool age son). Others shared prayer requests. Earlier in the day, Marguerite received news her sister was in a coma, without Christ. She expressed her faith that God would answer her prayers and could reach her sister even in this unresponsive condition. Louis’s mother stood giving testimony God answering her prayers. She prays for her children to know Jesus and gave God glory as her son confessed his new found faith in Christ. In pain and health, in sorrow or rejoicing, the unmistakable joy of the Lord abounds.
The people of Talamanca are amazing. They have such gentle spirits and heartwarming smiles. They are a people without many things, often the basics for well being. Inadequate shelter often jeopardizes their health, children lack resources and opportunity to receive an education. Medical provision can lack sufficient equipment or medicine. Weather dictates their ability to be mobile. However, the people of Talamanca do not lack in love or dignity or strength. They are becoming a people of a sustaining hope that only comes through a life in Jesus Christ.
PRAY, CONSIDER, RECEIVE, SHARE
Please PRAY for the indigenous people of Talamanca, Costa Rica and other regions in the world. Globally, men, women and children are neglected by their own governments. Life without the basic needs or means to obtain and maintain these needs cause hearts to lose hope and turn to unhealthy options in order to cope. Many tribes have generations of witchcraft practices embedded within their families or villages. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and Life. Only He can reconcile our hearts back to God. Seek the Way. Learn of Truth. Choose Life. Please PRAY for the work being accomplished through OM Vive Talamanca. That God would honor and bless the efforts of the missionaries, area pastors, local church, volunteers and others who support God’s work through resources, time, skills and/or finances. Pray hearts open to hear the Good News of God's plan to reconcile all creation back to Him through His Son Jesus Christ. Pray for spiritual growth with the people of Talamanca, that they embrace their faith in Jesus, fully trusting in Him. May we all not just believe in Jesus, but believe Him.
Please CONSIDER giving, through donations or volunteer service, to Vive Talamanca and/or locally within your own community. Below are links to websites where you can learn more about this God-honoring ministry fulfilling the Great Commission through service to the poor and neglected people of Costa Rica and other regions around the world.
RECEIVE the Lord's eternal blessing for your partnership in whichever manner He guides you in.
Please SHARE this blog with anyone you know who is interested in supporting and/or partnering in missions work, locally or globally.
To learn more about Vive Talamanca (Spanish, Chrome translates to English) -
To learn more about Operation Mobilization (OM) –
Go to: omusa.org
To learn more about OM Costa Rica (Spanish, Chrome translates to English) –
To donate to OM Costa Rica (English) -
Note:
In the additional information comment box type: “Donation for OM Costa Rica, field
#14500” then specify "Vive Talamanca", "water filter", "construction", "motorcycle ", etc.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Pastor Anthony and the other pastors rotating ministry to the people of Talamanca
(a motorcycle to assist in travel to individual homes is needed)
Carlos and the other workers constructing the building and water filter system
(funds for materials, pay for local workers, etc.)
Marguerite and Martha as they minister through the cooking of meals
(funds for food and supplies)
The community of people in Talamanca
(needs are met: children are able to access education, school supplies, uniforms, families protected, access to medical services)
The church in Talamanca
(that the people grow in knowledge of Christ and their relationship with Him)
Challenges guiding and facing teenagers who are struggling with societal pressures
Families with sick children in need of medical care, medicine and/or treatment
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