Student Ministries Costa Rica Missions Trip

RACHEL

ASHLEY

While down in Costa Rica God has opened my eyes to many new things and allowed me to actually see the harsh conditions that people live in, in our world...God gave me the opportunity to use my gift with children and put my heart and soul into them for the few hours I was able to spend with them. God opened my eyes and I believe has directed me on a path for my future, I believe that God wants me to help those in need and especially children. I don’t know where God is leading me yet exactly but with His direction I will soon know. I have seen the power of prayer and worship down in Costa Rica and I hope to use it each and every day here, while serving the Lord.

Throughout the week, no matter what I was doing, who I was with, God was there. The people of Emmanuel Church have the faith of a child. They prayed to God, and expected a response in everything they did. They believed they were the hands and feet of God...on this trip I too was God’s hands and feet...I walked into the 8 days, expecting God to move me, and He did. Answers I have been struggling with for years, He has given me a direction and a peace about that direction. I still have struggles, But I find that I rely on God more for strength.

MICHELLE

MITCHELL

EMESE

SHERODAN

SHANNON

JAMIE

My week in Costa Rica has opened my eyes to a whole new culture and way of life. God definitely used me to show the love of God to others and it has completely changed my life.

The trip has definitely strengthened the *relationships* I’ve had since before the trip and also changed how I view other people. Especially those I probably wouldn’t have even thought to talk to. Like ex-cons! I’ve become more willing to spend more time with God and strengthen that relationship intentionally and actually discipline myself to actually read His word everyday and meditate on it.

Going into this trip I wasn’t really sure if I would be much of help, but when I got there I was excited and ready to do what I could. I feel like God used me more that week with helping others...I see that we aren’t the only ones up here in Canada trying to make a difference in our community. What they are doing in Costa Rica is amazing, especially with the homeless.

Over this trip I saw how the simplest things, like giving a pair of socks, can change a life. One night I gave away a pair of my socks to someone in need, and 3 days later the same guy has been clean from drugs for 2 days and is trying to change.

Through this trip, God confirmed to me how blessed I truly am. Whether you are struggling or succeeding in life circumstances, trust in God for direction. The Pastor and his family sacrifice so much to minister to their community and God has blessed them for their determination and dedication to His calling on their lives. The lives being transformed in Costa Rica leave you with a hunger to see the same in Canada.

After attending the missions trip to Costa Rica, I have a new perspective on the world around me. Living in North America we all have a kind of fairytale point of view on the world. In Costa Rica, I actually saw the hardships that people face and seeing these hardships made me grow as a person and with God. I also feel a drive to help the less fortunate over seas and in my own community. Before going to Costa Rica, I turned a blind eye to issues, but now I’m going to face them head on.