Average "Jose"

17 But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. 19 We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him.

-1 John 3:17-19 NASB

There are several comments that we hear as full time missionaries often from our wonderful supporters, friends and family. A few of them go as follows:

"You amaze us"

"You guys are incredible"

"How do you do what you do?"

"You are so strong"

"You are not like me"

These are all very encouraging statements for us but we can't help but feel unworthy. The truth is... we are no different from anyone else. Unfortunately there is no special magic dust we have been sprinkled with, no special conversion, and no extrodinary calling. We are about as "ordinary" as it gets. We have worries, fears, concerns, needs and desires. We have unbelievable student loans to pay off! We get tired, lonely, frustrated and scared. We don't have some huge plan mapped out and to be honest...most of the time we don't have a clue what we are doing!

I think that may be a big reason why so many people are not actively going out and reaching the world with the Gospel. As Christians we tend to place high admiration on pastors, missionaries or other leaders of ministries.This is great and I think they do deserve our respect for their sacrifices but it seems all too often we are misplacing our admiration. These people after all are just people like you and like me. What makes them extodinary is they have exchanged their lives for the extrodinary life of Christ!

As a missionary many people want to know our "calling" story. How did God call us to do what we do? Our answer is simple...we believe in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for our sins so that we do not have to make that payment for ourselves. As a part of believing in Him we decided to exchange our life for His life and purpose. In doing this we took on His name and are now called Christians. To His followers, Jesus commanded:

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...

-Matthew 28:19a NASB

That's pretty much it. He said to go so we went. No big bang, bright light or calling to us in an audible voice in the night. There was no angel who appeared to us. It is God's love for us that compels us. We were once lost, dirty and cast away yet, Jesus came along and found us where we were, He woke us up, fed us and clothed us. He offered hope and incredible love. How can we not share this amazing story with others? So how do we share this story with others? We share this story through service and love not picket lines. 

As Christians we carry the name of Christ with us wherever we go. When people look at us they are to see Christ. 1 John 3:17-19 provides a very clear picture of how we are to show love. It states a difficult truth not only in our testimony of Christ but also in our personal relationships. Actions will always speak louder than words!

If you have not been serving or sharing the love of Christ with others, we would suggest you speak with your pastor or other church leader on ways you can get involved in the spread of the Gospel in a very real way! Do not put it off until the "perfect" timing comes along! The truth is there will never be a perfect timing. Jesus did not ask His followers to get their life in order, raise their kids and advance in their carreers before they followed Him. He said,

17"Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." 18 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

-Mark 1:17-18 NASB

21 Another of the disciples said to Him, "Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father."22 But Jesus said to him, "Follow me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead."

-Matthew 8:21-22 NASB

While it may have been wiser (in human reasoning) for us to stay in the US with good jobs, make money and pay off our loans before following Him, this is not what He has asked of us. He is seeking your service now not later! 

Leave your nets and immediatly follow Him. He has so much for you and a greater purpose than you can imagine. All you have to do is let go and let Him drive! You do not have to be a "somebody"!

*If you would like to know more about Missions Costa Rica and how you can become an active part of what God is doing in Costa Rica you may email us at:

missionscostarica@yahoo.com

Feeding the homeless of San Jose

Saturday Morning Kids Classes

Hello,

 I just wanted to give a quick update to eveyone. We have started a new class in la carpio for kids ages 7-15 on saturday mornings. This class is laid out to start with a small message from the bible followed by English and Math lessons. We have had a great start and we are now approaching the 3rd week. We have had around 20 kids on average, and they have been so excited to be able to start this new class. I have been having such an awsome time being able to hangout with these kids, and teach them invaluable skills that can help them in their futures.

  Please continue to pray for all of our current ministries and future ones that God has in plan for us.

Sincerely, Luke

p.s. Pictures of the class will be on the way.

The weak servant

"For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it."

I Corinthians 9:19-23 (NASB)

Serving people is a very hard proposition to teach people to do. We feel we do not have the time to help someone, or we tell ourselves we lack the abilities to truly help someone, in their time of circumstances or need. Paul was by no means a perfect man. He lacked many things in his life, but he almost never backed down from the path God placed in front of him.

We are striving everyday to reexamine our lives, and find ways that we can better serve our community and the people around us. Sometimes we feel that our abilities, talents, hearts and faith is not adequate to serve the people of Costa Rica, but God continues to give us strength and guidance even when we feel completely worthless. 

Brand New Blog for Missions Costa Rica

Welcome to Missions Costa Rica

Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful... - Hebrews 10:19-23

Welcome to our new Missions Costa Rica. This our very first blog so be watching for new information to appear in the coming weeks. If you would like to receive our newsletter please email us at missionscostarica@yahoo.com. You can also check out our facebook page for more pictures and videos by searching for Missions Costa Rica at facebook.com.

Sincerely,
Luke And Summer Felcyn-Ghenco
Missions Costa Rica