How did you first become interested in missions and in Costa Rica specifically?
My first missions trip was actually with Mark to Venezuela in 2000. My heart and eyes were opened on that trip to the suffering and need in the world, both spiritually and physically. Since then, I've also gone to Mexico and Slovakia, working with kids and trying to convey Christ's love to them in any way possible. I've also been heavily involved the youth ministries at my home church in Naperville, IL. I recently graduated from Wheaton College where I focused on studying ministry and the Bible so that I could be an effective leader amongst youth. The thing I didn't know at the time was that God would tug at my heart and lead me out of the comfort of the United States upon graduation! I couldn't deny the position that God had put me in my last year at Wheaton; I was single, debt-free, and had a heart for "the least of these" that Jesus speaks of in Matthew 25. Since I knew about Mark and Meg's ministry, I shot them an email about my situation and my willingness to consider being a part of their ministry. I went to Costa Rica in late May of this year. After visiting the churches and youth groups, hearing about the abuse of the children, seeing the level of poverty and the results of the broken families, and what CLFCR was doing down there, it was made clear to me that this is where I should be serving at this point in my life.
What are your plans for this year?
I hope to begin developing a worship arts ministry for the churches and youth groups, as well as being an active leader, especially with the guys who will continue to school me in soccer until I get into shape and learn some sweet moves....
What are your primary areas of ministry?
Worship Both of the churches and youth groups are passionate about worship, but right now they are worshiping with only a cd player. When I visited in May, Mark asked that I bring my guitar to lead worship. Mark and I agreed that this would be a great addition to their ministry, so I'll be trying to start a worship team, teach some of the youth to play some instruments, and train them to lead as well.
Discipleship and Evangelism While I still have to work on my Spanish, I want to be readily available for the youth to talk to, hang out with, and spend time encouraging them in their faith. As a younger guy (I'm 22), I want to spend a significant amount of my time being with the youth and letting them know that they are beloved children of God, despite what's happening at home or on the streets, and that I love them, too. Hopefully in the future, I can start some new discipleship groups with the youth that have accepted Christ recently.
What are you excited about as you think and pray about Costa Rica?
I'm really excited about spending a good amount of time with the youth. When I visited in May, they really captured my heart and their need to be loved and lead into Christ's presence fuels my heart right now.
How can we pray for you?
I'd really appreciate prayers for the Lord to give me a greater understanding of how I can reach people in Costa Rica. There are so many issues to deal with, and continual clarity in where MY gifts and time can be best used to be effective. Lastly, pray for the youth of Costa Rica that live in violent and abusive homes, that they may know the Truth and what love really is.
