My Christmas break was definitely the most exciting break that I’ve ever had. I had a great time spending Christmas with the family and visiting friends that I haven’t seen since summertime, as well as getting engaged to my best friend! God works in amazing ways... Samantha Dienner and I grew up 20 minutes from each other in Lancaster, Pennsylvania but God brought our paths together 4000 miles away in Costa Rica. It's been a great last year and a half serving, working, and spending time getting to know each other. We are so excited to have the opportunity to continue in our relationship here and to continue serving together. Our plan is to stay down here in Costa Rica and serve as leaders in the Gap Year Program and also continue serving in the town of Tirrases. Something that God has put on our hearts is to point the people of that community to Christ by example with our relationship together. We are looking forward to serving the people there and to see how God uses our relationship in ministry over the next couple of years!
There have been some great changes happening in the lives of the students here since the beginning of the GAP year in August. One of the great things that the GAP Program has to offer is our Bible classes. Every year we see students come down here, some with a lot of Church background, others piggy backing off their parents' faith and some with a very small amount of church influence. It is cool to watch them begin to figure out what they believe and grow so much in their faith. Early on this year, God decided to use one of the Bible classes to call one of the students to a better understanding of Him, and ultimately the student gave his life to the Lord! We praise the Lord for his saving grace as he continues to work in everyone's lives here. Please continue to be praying for the students as they go about their daily classes and life here in Costa Rica.
In Tirrases we are keeping really busy with camp preparation along with our normal activities throughout the week. Starting on Sunday, we will be headed to camp and will definitely be needing your prayers. This year we have 42 kids for the first week and around 40 teenagers for the second week. Each year, camp weeks are some of the coolest opportunities to see God work in both the lives of the kids and teenagers of Tirrases, as well as ourselves as staff. I serve at camp as being one of the counsellors which basically means that wherever my 15 kids are is where I'll be for the week. I love being able to spend the time with them and to truly get to know them and hear what it is that is going on in their lives. My weeks include staying in the cabin and cleaning up after 15 crazy boys, leading bible studies and discussions throughout the week, and losing my voice with leading cheers for our team. Camp week is packed full of all kinds of fun things for the kiddos and we are looking forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for this year's camp weeks!
Prayer Requests:
- For camps starting on Sunday that God will use camp as a tool to bring the youth of Tirrases to Him
- For Sami and I as we try to plan our wedding being far away from home.
- That God will provide more financial support as Sami and I make preparations to live our lives together.
- Continued growth of the GAP students.
- That God will continue raising up leaders in our church plant in Tirrases.
I had a great time over Christmas catching up with different supporters of mine and I am extremely thankful for you guys! If you feel led and would like to join my prayer and support team click here.
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