We left Thursday for San Jose, where we stayed in the cutest Hostel with our whole squad. We had Cultural Training where we learned how to serve the people of Costa Rica well. The next day, we had a 4 hour van ride from San Jose to Nicoya where the church we are staying at is located. We had worship music was playing in the background as we were taking in the beautiful scenery around us.. It was definitely becoming more real.
“Reckless love” by Cory Asbury came on which made me think about the scripture that talks about Jesus leaving the 99 sheep for the 1 that was lost in Matthew 18:10-14. I was thinking about sheep and how intimately they know and follow their shepherd. Where he goes, they go. “My sheep know my voice and they follow me.” (John 10:27) Sheep will only follow their shepherds voice and not any other.
As I was reading the scripture, I had the thought “What if the 99 sheep followed the shepherd to find the 1 lost sheep?” Just ponder that for a moment… Im not sure if thats what really happened, but just thinking about how close sheep are with their shepherd, it makes sense. It was such a profound revelation for me!
3 truths this scripture shows me:
- Jesus pursues the lost sheep or those who have gone astray.
- Jesus has always been about community and family from the very beginning!
- We are to pursue the lost sheep like Jesus does.
Today was our first day evangelizing in nearby villages with our pastor. We got to pray with people, build relationships where we were invited in and shown around their home, and encourage others who already know Him. We saw 1 salvation, praise Jesus!!! And this is only the beginning. It was a long walk and we are very tired, but my heart is so grateful. Me being tired and sore feet is SO very worth it for the 1 lost sheep we saw come home today! More testimonies to come as we are evangelizing all this week.
Ways you can pray this week:
- Great grace in learning Spanish. The language barrier seems so big but we are learning and growing!
- For refreshment in Jesus and discernment on how to have solitude while living in the same room with 5 people!
Thank you all for your support and encouragement! I love you all.
BY THE WAY, I’m officially fully funded!!!!!! ???????? All glory to God. I have been blown away by His faithfulness and provision and the support of all of you.
I LOVE that revelation you had about the 99 sheep following the shepherd to go find the 1!!!!
Dear God, Please be with the Squad as they work towards understanding Spanish. Encourage them despite the many ways they can feel discouraged. Help them have the Peace you give that we can experience in the midst of crisis and turmoil that the world doesn’t have. Perfect love casts out fear – cast all the fears out! In Jesus’ name amen