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