Saturday, September 14, 2013

Limon, Costa Rica: Vive Talamanca

August 6, 2013: Day Four


Tuesday morning dawned with a threat of rain that did not disappoint. Given the agenda for the day it did not surprise me in the least. Except, God controls the universe, not the devil, therefore I knew it would be all right. He is sovereign and He has a plan. Satan, at best, can discourage and detour, but he will never stop what the Lord orchestrates! I felt heavy in my spirit to be in intercessory prayer and spent much of the day quiet before my Lord. 

Postponing for a couple of hours the decision was finally made to attempt getting to our destination, which meant driving in a torrential downpour, forging rising creeks with strong currents rushing across the roads. On several occasions, Pastor Anthony stepped into the water to determine the safety in crossing.

We were on our way to Angela’s house. It was moving day! A house being built for her reached point of livability so we had the privilege of moving her and her family in. Her current residence belongs to a woman who performs witchcraft. Angela’s concerns for the spiritual and physical welfare of her children and grandchildren living in semi-open shelter with constant exposure to the elements and ungodly practices warrant her distress. Two of her sons, both young adults, are disabled and unable to maneuver wheelchairs on the muddy uneven flooring, depriving them of any mobility. Medical tests reveal no known explanation for their conditions, suddenly onset as adolescents, therefore the cause for such severe disabilities remain unknown, but is suspected to be of demonic nature.  Nevertheless, God is gracious as they both are very engaging young men.  

Both young men were friendly and found my slipping and sliding amusing as they busted out laughing each time I reached for support on a post. One has more intelligible speech and motor ability than the other, but both were very vocal. Somewhat talkative, they helped “supervise” my packing of clothing and gave orders to the younger children. (Tricia explained that one of my new friends was typically not very communicative so I took that as a great compliment that he chose to communicate with me.)

At the new house when we stopped for lunch I helped Alex with their feeding, preparing plates by cutting up food and assisting as necessary. Asking if more was wanted, a finger was raised in the air as one young man continued to eat. I had to laugh.  As I life skills teacher I understood, but was amazed at the apparent universal behavior. Finger halted in air, translates to, “Yes, I want more but don’t you even think about taking this.” Waiting patiently, he did exactly what I expected.  He ate every last crumb and smiling handed me the plate responding, “Si.” As I interacted with them, I prayed healing and deliverance from whatever gripped their bodies.


This day was also a time of sharing the pain of another as she mourns. Angela’s daughter Jessica and grandson recently moved in with Angela. Jessica grieves for her husband who ten days prior died from a fatal snake bite while working in the fields. They were unable to reach medical treatment in time. Jessica’s four year old son, not understanding where his father is, continually asks when he will be home.


Roshani, who had not seen the new home's construction for some time, ran room to room filled for joy in the near completion of the home.  She profoundly reminded us scripture came to life as “God lifted Angela from the mud to wood” referencing Psalm 40:2-3:

“He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, 
out of the miry clay; 
and, He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.”


Indeed, God rose Angela up and placed her on a firm foundation. The house was physical evidence, but Angela’s acknowledgement of Jesus as her Savior was spiritual evidence, as well. Christ is our firm foundation.


That afternoon the rain subsided and the heat of the day reached a humid high. The men continued working on constructing an outdoor kitchen area erecting posts to add on to the house. They also made furniture including several beds. The children were ecstatic having ample space to safely run around. After being carried down the hill and placed in their wheelchairs Angela’s two grown sons joined the excitement as they wheeled themselves room to room. Angela walked through the home overwhelmed with what God had provided her.


Seeing a table top gas stove she placed her hand upon the lid and sighed. Smiling, she looked up at me shaking her head in disbelief. Hugging her I realized there were no words to capture the moment.

After helping Martha serve and clean-up lunch and still sensing the Holy Spirit’s direction to be in intercessory prayer I walked outside covering the perimeter of the property with prayers of protection through the blood of Jesus for Angela and her family.  
Boldly, I prayed that no one, step foot on the property without Christ in their life, “Let nothing the Lord has built up be torn down!”

    "Give thanks to the Lord for he is good and His mercy endures forever."
                                                                               - Psalms 136: 1


Alex ministered in prayer, dedication of the home and spoke what the life of a believer entails encouraging Angela to be strong in her new life in Christ. We prayed for Jessica, as well. Angela spoke a reaffirmation of her decision to follow Jesus, expressing gratitude for all He has done for her and her family.



Later than evening we joined the people of Talamanca once more for a time of worship, hearing of God’s word and breaking of bread. I sat in the back with the older children translating the songs being sung in English by whispering the translation in Spanish.


After praise and worship I went out to help with the children. A few steps down the slope I suddenly lost my footing with my right leg being pulled with a force I could not control nor could I bring it back to a normal position in front of me. For a moment, fighting tears and glancing at my arm I seriously thought I’d broken my leg. My leg was bent unnaturally behind me and I could not feel it. As I sat there trying to compose myself, not very graciously I apologetically admit, it came to me, I angered satan. I prayed for God’s protection on all of us. I prayed against evil forces of the enemy, claiming Angela's family and property for the Kingdom of God.  I called forth deliverance in the name of Jesus Christ. With new resolve and the firm grip of Carlos I straightened out my leg, got up, brushed off my clothes, and lifting my head to my Lord, limped down to the other building.  I wish I could say the remaining hours of the evening were easy, but it was not.  I was in pain, somewhat embarrassed and felt the wounds from several months of spiritual battle, emotionally and physically. I shed warm tears as Marguerite and Martha prayed for me. Wiping my eyes and taking a deep breath I willingly joined Tricia to sing with the children. The devil can push and he can shove. He can break every bone in my body, but he will never sever my resolve to serve Jesus Christ with complete abandon. The grace of my Savior sustains.

I had been feeling extremely helpless thus far.  My arm had only been out of a cast for a week.  It ached under the thumb splint within the brace.  I had no use of my hand, not even to hold a bottle of water or carry a plate.  My thumb had no strength to maintain any weight.  I am not an idle person and weeks of inability were getting to me. The next morning I light heartily admitted to Tricia I started reading the Book of Job!  I questioned God why I fell after asking I would not.   I spent the day climbing up and down a rugged hillside without incident and I was gratefully relieved.  It had been suggested it would be all right if I stayed behind, given my arm and conditions of the ground, especially with the rain.  I was determined to go.  Several times I nearly slipped maneuvering while packing clothing and questioned the sensibility of being there, but put it out of mind asking God to "keep me upright" only to fall on a slope as I stepped out of worship service later that evening.  

The Lord blessed me with the gift of helps, why was I put in a situation where I could not exercise that gift without hindrance or limitation?  The scripture that came to mind I did not expect.  Mordecai explaining to his cousin Esther, the queen, that perhaps she was where she was “for such a time as this”.  Would I have been that in tune to the Holy Spirit busy and moving about? Probably not. Was my “such a time as this” to be prepared and available to pray?  I believe so.  Where I felt I was not able to do anything realized I exercised another gift.  I was left out nor was I idle.  I was called to pray.  Mother Teresa once stated that God cannot be found in chaos or noise, God is a God of silence. Look at nature. The gentle breeze moving in the rustle of leaves and rhythmic motion of waves. I believe this to be so. Jesus often left the crowds and His followers to find that place of solitude and rest, in His Father. I have learned that when circumstances do not make sense, look to God because He working in someone’s life.  Are you experiencing “for such a time as this” in your life?  Be ready; be available; be willing.  He will use you to bring about His good work.




PRAY, CONSIDER, RECEIVE, SHARE


Please PRAY for the people living in Talamanca, Costa Rica and other regions in the world and those who reach out to minister to their needs, medically, financially, spiritually and physically. Many people are in need of adequate housing, employment, food and clothing. Many more are in need of resources and job skill training in order to learn a trade for employment. Children and teens ought to be available to access an education. Men and women require opportunities to earn a steady income to support their families sufficiently. People need Jesus to guide them to a loving God who is the only One who can protect the essence of self, their soul. 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 worldwide.
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.


PRAYER REQUESTS


Jessica and her son find peace and comfort 
in their time of loss
Angela's sons receive full healing and restoration







Angela continue to trust God
with her family's needs

For people without adequate
shelter, food and/or clean water   







Believer's come together in unity
to strengthen one another
                            
        People gain access to school, church, clinic, etc.


To Learn More


Vive Talamanca (Spanish, Chrome translates to English) 

Operation Mobilization (OM) –
Go to:  omusa.org

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 Vive Talamanca, then specify, as desired, water filter, construction, 
                                 motorcycle, school supplies,  etc.                                                                                   

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Limon, Costa Rica: Vive Talamanca

August 5, 2013: Day Three



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

People without food, clean drinking water or safe shelter

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Limon, Costa Rica: Vive Talamanca!

August 4, 2013: Day Two  

Talamanca, largest of eight cantons, is located in Limon, Costa Rica’s southern Atlantic region off the Caribbean Sea.  From San Jose, the drive to Talamanca takes approximately six hours through lush plantations, alongside the coast on paved, then turning towards the mountains dirt, to muddy and rocky roads leading up to the dense jungle.  Waterfalls cascade down the mountainside and interesting creatures leap between trees at a pace too fast to glimpse more than a fleeting tail! Alex, director of OM Costa Rica and designated driver, demonstrated super natural driving skills as he maneuvered the van loaded with people and supplies up steep rocky mountain paths.  Carlos, his wife Marguerite, and Martha met up with us along the way to Talamanca where we stopped to pick up meat and other items.  

The area of Talamanca we visited was high in the mountain jungle.  Here is a glimpse from the road directly above where we were located.  The mountain range in the distance is Panama.   Vive Talamanca is a ministry of OM that partners with local pastors supporting the church of local indigenous people in the remote jungle.  Pastor Anthony and his son Gabriel were there during our time.  
Looking down unto the property are five structures.  Looking left to right, a kitchen/fellowship hall, church, and house for several pastors rotating throughout the week in ministry to the local people.  A fourth structure provides segregated bathrooms with a toilet, shower and sink. 

       
  
The fifth structure, currently under construction, was a portion of practical work the men assisted with.

Cabecer, the indigenous tribe we visited, shy and peaceful, exchanged welcoming greetings
and smiles as Tricia introduced many of them prior to service that evening.  We, along with Kaitlyn on guitar, led praise and worship.  Jeff kept the beat on a water bottle for percussions.   Carlos and Martha led praise and worship in Spanish and it was so good to sing favorites from when I worshipped with my strongly influenced Hispanic experiences as a native of Southern California and missionary to Mexico! 

                Alabare (alabare), Alabare (alabare)
                                     Alabare a mi Senor!

I shared my testimony of faith, in Spanish, during the service.  I was so nervous most of the afternoon and Tricia was very supportive being an audience for me to practice difficult pronunciations.  God is good as “misericordia” (compassion) simply rolled off my tongue.  Pastor Steve gave the message for that evening. 
             

After the message, people were encouraged to come up for prayer.  As many women stepped forward I left my seat to join them.  I rejoiced as the Lord blessed me with the ability to understand what their ailments or worries where.  What a priviledge to place my arm around a shoulder or take a hand in prayer and lift up the needs shared with me.

Due to generous donations I was able to transport three dozen children’s books written in Spanish and $310 in funds.  It was decided to leave all the books to the children and youth in Talamanca and use the funds to purchase more in San Jose.  The books were so welcomed a few mothers have most likely read the chapter books prior to passing them on to their teens!  Martha started reading Theodore Taylor’s The Cay.  When it was time to depart Talamanca she had not finished the novel so the book was gifted to her.  Surprised, she exclaimed “Verdad?”  (Truly, as in “really?” or “honestly?”)  I eagerly assured her, “Si, quiero que usted lo tenga!  Es (una) gran libro.”  (Yes, I want you to have it!  It is a great book.)  I meant to say story, but couldn’t remember the translation, which is historia and I forgot the article “una”.  Oops….needless to say, her excited hug told me she understood.

Martha was so pleased to have been given one of the books.  Literature is so inaccessible.  My profound thanks to you for providing this precious gift and it was my great pleasure to deliver it on your behalf.  I cannot adequately relay the delight receiving books brought both children….and, adults!  It was awesome….


After service everyone gathered in the other building where Martha and Marguerite were busy cooking dinner.  As everyone quietly filled the tables we began serving plates of food with cups of juice.  People visited with one another and enjoyed a pleasant evening together.           






A chart was created that rotated chores that needed to be done daily and after each meal. Clearing and wiping down tables, sweeping the floors, washing dishes and cleaning the bathroom.  There were other ways to help throughout the day such as helping in the kitchen, making tea, stomping ants, filling cups, passing out plates and my personal favorite, chasing lizards outdoors!  



As the evening came to a close and people began making their way home, we cleaned and had a brief overview regarding the next day.  Sharing three tents, the girls slept in the fellowship hall, the guys slept in the church and others in the pastor’s house.  Each night provided a quiet time for individual reflection and rest.   




Just a side note:  How many of you know geckos are exceptionally loud, often sounding like knocking on rod iron?  After the first night it was just like crickets in a corner, but more reassuring.  Geckos will eat crickets!






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 removed from the basic right to have available what your countrymen have creates barriers and lead people to feel forgotten and unworthy.   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.
  Please CONSIDER  giving, through donations or volunteer service, to these ministries and/or locally within your own community.  Below are links to view videos and visit websites to learn more about these God-honoring ministries fulfilling the Great Commission through service to the poor and forgotten 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, volunteer and/or dontate to Operation Mobilization (OM) –

To learn more about, volunteer and/or donate to OM Costa Rica (Spanish, Chrome translates) 

To learn more about, volunteer and/or donate to OM Costa Rica (English) -
Pastor Anthony and the other pastors rotating ministry to the people of Talamanca
             (a motorcycle to assist in travel to individual homes in needed)

Carlos and the other workers constructing the building and water filter system

Marguerite and Martha as they minister through the cooking of meals

The community of Talamanca
(needs are met:  children are able to access education, families protected, access to medical services)

The church in Talamanca
            (believers grow in knowledge of Christ and their relationship with Him, others 
             come to know Christ)

Missionaries as they support the ministry and people in Talamanca