Blog

A New Wardrobe

, , ,

We take so much for granted!

How often do we all go through our closets and get rid of things that we just don’t want anymore – the item is outdated, a little worn, doesn’t fit right, or you just need more room in your closet so that you can hang up the new things you have bought/want to buy?

One of the things that we have learned to appreciate living where we do is that nothing is ‘waste’, and everything is appreciated!  There have been many times that we have a pair of shoes, for example, that have completely worn out, and have holes where our little toe is peeking through.  Basically, they’ve seen better days.  No matter the bad condition that we think the shoes are in, we will usually have someone at our house who asks if they can have them!  To see the joy on their face, no matter the fit of the shoe, when they can switch out their pair which are usually MUCH worse off than our old shoes, for something that is like new to them is humbling.  The needs are so great – everything from clothing to food, bedding to umbrellas – that every day could be spent just supplying the physical needs that surround us.  Thankfully, in supplying many of the physical needs, it opens the doors of opportunity to meet the more important spiritual needs!

We are very grateful for those who recognize the needs around them and are actively looking for places to donate their excess, extra, and even their money to purchase clothing and shoes for others who can’t afford to do it for themselves.  There are families in our own neighborhood, as well  indigenous tribes who are living on their land, in extreme poverty all around us.  Some even live at the dump sites, scavenging through literal garbage to find that one treasure that could make all of the difference for their personal or family need.

We were privileged this last month to be able to help out a young man who works with families in the Ngobe tribe.  We were made aware that many families were in need of clothing and educational materials, and thanks to the donations that we had received, could supply some of the women and children.

Meeting young people with a heart to give of their time and their hearts to help others is a privilege.  Staying available to support the work that these young people are called to do in supporting the weak, preaching the Good News, and feeding/clothing the poor is what we have been called to do.  Thank you to all of our friends and family who have been a part of the hands and feet of Christ to bring some joy to and meet the needs of hurting people.  The needs are everywhere, but every little thing to one of us can be huge to someone else!

 

 

 

Following God’s Lead

Following God’s Lead

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

As we listened to a podcast this week, they were talking about peoples lives and their routines – how we are predictable with our schedules, our travels, our work and our time.  We looked at each other and laughed out loud, as we considered what that meant for us!  Schedule?  That would be really helpful!  Predictable?  The only thing that is predictable for us is that our plan will be co-opted by God’s plan and all of the people that show up, don’t show up, call, or need help from us on a daily (many times ‘hourly’ basis) is all in God’s hands.  Schedules and predictability of events are a thing in our not-so-distant past, and we have slowly but surely learned to embrace the fact that we have been in a type of boot camp,  learning how we should be following God’s lead with our plans!

Matt. 16:24, “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

With this training, miracles have also become a recognizable part of our life as we see God’s hand moving in ways that we could never have imagined.  It is almost never in our timing, and most often not as we would have ‘planned’ it; nevertheless, it is beautiful and when you look for it, you see it happening all around you.  We absolutely have a huge testimony about the cogs in the wheel that have brought us to where we are today as we begin the next work-discipleship project.  Although every day brings its challenges, remember and all that God has done in the past, and that He holds the future.  Because of this, we are able to rest much easier in the day to day with the way that our life seems to unfold here in Costa Rica.

If we relied on our flesh and our get-it-done characters, some of these things would have been taken care of years ago – but that wasn’t God’s plan.  Looking back on the details, we see many of the reasons that the road was longer, windier, and full of hills and valleys.  It is with this kind of progress and path that God can be glorified and we recognise that it has nothing to do with us – it is all about following God’s lead!

 

Of course, we would have loved to have had more done before the rainy season kicked in, but the Pura Vida attitude lends itself to a less pressured attitude of urgency.  There is some rest in that when you really realize that God’s timing is different from yours, and He is the center of everything.  Even with the challenges that the rain can bring, we are seeing provision with an amazing team to work alongside of us to move forward as we continue following God’s lead with the construction work that He has set before us.  Earth has been moved, drainage has been perfected, landslides have been contained and protected, and roads have been upgraded on the farm, so we move steadily forward providing work for those in need, developing friendships, and discipling through it all.

John 8:12 “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”

This is just something that makes us chuckle each time it happens …. even with the people who have known us over our 9 years in Costa Rica, there is still a ‘disconnect’ between the truth and their perception!  At least they got the first name right this time (it’s usually ‘TIN’!).

 

The Greenhouse is still in full swing and we make periodic trips to the tilapia farm to try and keep our tilapia pond full:

 

Donations continue to allow us to provide for families in need:

John 10:4 “When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.”

English and bible classes are flourishing in the neighborhood and with other ministries that we help and support:

Food distribution to neighbors who are out of work is a highlight when you see the gratitude and excitement on their faces for things that we all take for granted.

 

We continue to find favor (not in a timely fashion, nor with ease, nevertheless we find it!) with our legal requirements to continue to live, minister and work to support ourselves here.

The best part of all in every step of our non-scheduled life, is that simply focusing on following God’s lead is allowing all of the friendships that have developed to continue to flourish, allowing God to have His way in us.

 

When our Costa Rican friends take vacations and think to send us pictures of them playing in the snow, because they know how much we miss the fun of snow, it’s pretty encouraging.   Seeing that you have been able to make an impact for Jesus in their lives and are thought of even when you’re not nearby, makes the hard stuff worth it all.

 

Learning to let go of your plans, keeping your grip on this world loose, and following God’s lead is an exciting way to live.  Knowing that the things that He has put before you are the things that you are meant to do takes out the stress of guesswork and brings that blessed assurance that “Jesus is mine” in a way that can keep you going with the joy of The Lord in your heart, and the praise that He is due on your lips.

 

 

Psalm 107:1: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Hebrews 13:15: Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. Colossians 3:15: And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.

 

As always, we covet your prayers and thank you for your encouragement, partnership and support!

 

A Pastor In The Making

A Pastor In The Making

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Oh so many years ago, when we first arrived in Costa Rica, God opened up an opportunity for us to lead a bible study in our neighborhood.  This particular bible study was unique to anything we had ever experienced before, and has proven to be something that was definitely God designed, God led, and blessed by God.

An expat family in our neighborhood who we had become close with asked us if we would meet with them each week to help them to understand the Bible for themselves … a great opportunity handed to us by the Lord!  Of course, we were thrilled to do it, yet had no idea what God would do through what He had laid out before us.

This particular expat family had several rental properties, and were always in the middle of a project of some sort.  The great part about what they were doing was that they were able to employ many locals in our neighborhood who were in desperate need of work.  In their excitement about the bible study and their personal eagerness to dig in to God’s Word for themselves, they would joyfully invite each of the Costa Rican workers to the Bible Study each week.  Keep in mind that the Bible Study was in English, because the family was a family of native English speakers.  The workers began faithfully coming to the bible study, some bringing their entire family (brothers, sisters, children – the works) each time we met.  It was incredible watching them faithfully come week after week, allowing us to get to know the heartbeat of where God had placed us.  Little did we realize at the time that the workers were coming because they thought that attending the bible study was a condition of their employment!!!

At the beginning of our meeting together, we were grateful that God had also provided one man who was bilingual.  We were still in the beginning phases of learning Spanish well, so this was a great benefit to us – it’s not easy to teach and or translate the bible into a language that is not your own, especially when you don’t have a strong handle on the language and biblical terms yet!  This young gentleman was happy to help us out and led the Spanish speaking table during our time together the first few months.  So there we were … new to the neighborhood, filling up two large tables each week – one with English speakers, and one with our Spanish speaking neighbors – studying the Word of God in more than one language.  It was a beautiful thing to be a part of.

As time went on, and our language skills improved, we were able to begin leading the Spanish speaking table as well.  This is when we saw God begin to do some amazing things.  One Costa Rican man in particular came faithfully each week.  Bringing his wife and 2 little boys, they would sit at our Spanish table and would listen to the teaching – all while we got to know them, sure to listen to the Holy Spirit for guidance.  It became obvious that he was there because of the employment, and when he would share, that his wife had no great amount of respect for him or in what he was saying – she gave off the vibe like everything coming out of his mouth was all just for show.  As the weeks went on, we got to know them more on a personal level, and began discipling them more individually.  Week after week, you could see the Holy Spirit doing a work in each one of the family members, particularly in the man.  When the Holy Spirit was working, his speech would be as honey as he shared what he was learning, or what a verse meant to him – it was as if you could physically see the transformation occurring week after week.  With time, the softness and openness began being obvious in the woman as well.  God was doing something mighty through the study of His Word, and the privilege of sitting with them, teaching them, praying with them and having them become like family to us left us awestruck at God and His plan for each one of us.

Soon we were trusted by even their extended families, and they began sharing their past – what stories they had to tell!  The most beautiful part of it all was that as they were being transformed by the love of Christ, they were being watched by the entire neighborhood.  No one understood what was happening, and how this man could be living like he was now – the complete opposite of who he used to be!  The couple got married, began leading their friends and families at a bible study in their own home during a different time of each week, while continuing to meet for discipleship with our family.  The day that they asked to be baptized is a day we will never forget.  We joined together down at a river near our house, and witnessed their public declaration to their commitment to Jesus Christ – they have never turned back!

The Lord even used a ministry event that we were hosting to provide a way for the young man to preach for the first time – what a day that was!

Over the years we have met with them and other believers in Christ in our neighborhood at a Spanish speaking Christian church, and eventually they became elders and leaders in that little congregation.  Moving on to a larger congregation closer to town which provided them an opportunity for more growth, he began studying as he had felt the call to be a pastor.  Since then, their faith has grown, many in their extended families have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and they are a force for the Lord!

Just this last week, we got a phone call from this family to let us know that they had been offered a position as pastors to start up a new congregation in another area near us.  Imagine our joy as we were told this news – the flashes of all of those years ago when they came to study God’s Word with us out of ‘obligation’, and how God used that for His will in their lives and His glory!  There have been many great things that God has done in our lives, but the honor of being allowed to know this family and watch God’s mighty hand in their lives and the lives of others they are touching is indescribable.

Never underestimate the plan that God has with even the smallest of things in your life.  Remain open to everything He asks you to do, especially the things you have no qualification for by the world’s standards!

Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this very thing, that He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the Day of Jesus Christ.”

 

Please consider partnering with us as we continue to work with and support the work that God is doing through this new congregation and the church they are building for the people of San Ramon, Costa Rica.

 

 

Harvesting Coffee Isn’t For Wimps!

Harvesting Coffee Isn’t For Wimps!

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

When you think of Costa Rica, coffee has to be one of the top things that comes to mind, as Costa Rican Arabic coffee is among some of the best coffee in the world.  God saw fit to place us right smack dab in the middle of one of the coffee capitals in Costa Rica, with most of our long-time Costa Rican farming families surrounding us having beautiful and bountiful coffee farms that go back for generations.

 

The farm that we live on in San Ramon, Costa Rica, was used as a coffee farm in the past.  It has been our desire to try to honor the tradition and legacy of the families not only surrounding us but those who have been on our farm before us by reviving and adding to the coffee on the farm.  So many of the things that the Lord has seen fit to have us learn while we’ve been ministering here have been understanding from a first hand perspective how Costa Ricans live.  Since coffee and Costa Rica go together, and we live in an agricultural community, we knew that having coffee on our farm was a necessity.

We planted approximately 1000 coffee plants several years ago, and they are to the point where they are beginning to produce!  There is something incredible about enjoying the aroma of the flower, seeing the colors of the coffee fruit as it grows and matures, and then being able to participate in the timeless tradition like harvesting coffee.

 

Tim and I had some time the other day to hike (and I mean, HIKE!) down to the coffee area of our farm.  It turned out to be one of our favorite moments here in Costa Rica as we spent the afternoon picking our cosecha (harvest) of organic coffee beans right off of the plants we and our faithful partners/helpers so painstakingly put in the ground all those years ago.  The tranquility of the light afternoon breeze while we were tucked in the shade of the surrounding protective trees, toucans in the distance, parrots flying overhead, and thanking God for all of the great things that He has done.

Harvesting coffee takes a lot of physical strength – we have watched over the years as the Costa Ricans gather their entire family together, from the smallest children up to the grandparents and patriarchs to pick the coffee that they have worked so hard all year to take good care of for a grand yield.  We have also experienced being at the border of Costa Rica during coffee harvest season, both on the North in Nicaragua and at the Southern border with Panama, as the mostly indigenous wait patiently in line for days at immigration for an opportunity to come into Costa Rica and help harvest coffee to bring money back to their respective countries to support their families.  It is not uncommon to have those migrant workers, able only to sign their names by a fingerprint, in our neighborhood working on the sides of very steep hillsides in some pretty daunting heat for several weeks before heading back to their homes abroad.  It is our desire to meet their needs of food and drink during the coffee harvest each year with the hope of showing them the love of Jesus and sharing the gospel with them – a harvest in two ways!

 

This year’s coffee yield on our farm was small as it is just beginning to produce, but we are still thrilled that we are on our way to providing our own organic Arabic coffee for our family, friends, guests, and those in need.  Coffee time is all of the time in Costa Rica, and you can count on ‘cafecito’ at regular intervals, without fail, every day:  9am, 3pm, 6pm.  It doesn’t matter what you are doing, or where you work, those are sacred times for a cup of coffee and a moment to stop and enjoy the day.  The importance of coffee in the Costa Rican culture can’t be overstated – it is something that is necessary to make a part of your life to get a truly unique experience here!

Of course after working on the side of a mountain, even for one afternoon, you have the daunting task of carrying your harvest back up the hill!  This year we were able to handle what we picked … in the future, we will definitely need to call out for reinforcements!  Picking the coffee is just the beginning of the harvest, however.  Once you have it off of the plant, there are quite a few ways (and a few old school tricks) to separating the bean from the fruit.  One of our patriarch neighbors, Ethel, told us that they bring the coffee bags up and actually drive their car over the fruit to break the outer casing in order to easily remove the bean inside (in tact, even!).  You can hand separate it, as we did here – but you will soon learn that you would do better off with a whole lot of people to save the use of your hands for other things in life!

 

 

After the work of separating the bean from the fruit, comes the drying process.  We take the pulp, or seedless fruit, and use it as a natural fertilizer to better feed the soil and recycle all parts of the plant.

Then we place the beans in on the shelves in our greenhouse at night to avoid any moisture in the air, while setting them out in full sun during the day for the quickest natural drying method.

 

 

This process can take several weeks, so patience is a necessity!  We continue to be grateful for every opportunity and experience that the Lord blesses us with, and look only to be a blessing to others with every step.

 

If you ever wonder why some of your favorite coffee costs what it does, let us assure you that with all of the work involved in getting it from farm to table, it is well worth every penny!

 

One way that you can help to support our missionary efforts, provide for the needy in our neighborhood while supporting local farmers and their families at the same time is to participate in our fundraising ministry, Coffee That Counts.  This ministry allows for you to raise support for your church, group, missions trip, youth group, or whatever ministry you are involved with in an easy way.  We look forward to working with you to support your ministry efforts while you in turn are supporting ours!

 

Contact us for more information!

 

 

 

Miracles and Blessings

Miracles and Blessings

Although the years seem to pass by faster and faster, God is still able and faithful to do great and mighty things that are evident even in the littlest of things.
2018 has been an amazing year for us – amazing in that even amidst challenges, difficulties and what we lovingly term ‘growing pains’, we have so much more to be thankful for and so many more reasons to praise Him because He is always worthy of our praise!

Our most amazing praise report is that Lindsey is reaching her 2 year seizure free mark – her vaccine injury at age 4 has brought more challenges than we could have ever imagined, but reaching this amazing, miraculous milestone at age 23 just seals for us our resolve in never letting go of the hem of His garment! We always said/prayed/cried, that when God finished His healing work in her, we would know that there wasn’t anything that we couldn’t withstand with Him holding us and guiding us every minute of every day. We hold steadfast to that assurance as we move forward in that victory, praising Him continually for the promises He has kept, His healing hand, His grace through our struggles, and the plans that He has for her. We are different people if for no other reason than the many things that the Lord has shown us and taught us over all of these years through the most trying of trials we have ever known. The work that He has for all of us in the future just through this experience alone is already coming to fruition in ways that we never imagined, and many are learning of the Hope that we have in Christ.

Over the last several years we have moved between both Costa Rica and Panama, working where and how God saw fit. We have met and been connected with like-minded believers and those with hearts after God like we have never known before. The way that God moves in our lives in even the tiniest of details is so amazing when you can take a step back to look at the big picture. The work that we were doing in Panama helping an Agricultural Foundation get going with their vision to feed the people of the Chiriqui province was a labor of love, and on the ground training; we have continually seen the Lord make a way and move people in and out as He saw fit. Today, the second greenhouse is being built, there are on-site care-takers of the greenhouses and farm, jobs are being provided and people are being fed. The farm has become a hub for ministries in that region to work together for the good of those in need around them there. As those needed for what is ahead have been moving in, we know that our time commitment there is diminishing and the main part of our work there on the board of directors is done, allowing our focus to move back to our home base in Costa Rica more full time.

This past year we saw several people accept the Lord, and a neighborhood family that we have ministered to over the years turn their lives completely around and come out of a life of drugs/alcohol and theft to become leaders in the newly formed church and Christian school (which many of you donated supplies for) in our barrio (neighborhood)! Because of your prayers, support and donations, we have had the privilege of sharing the gospel, feeding, clothing, and providing jobs and educational opportunities for many families (some of our adult Costa Rican friends have just graduated from 9th grade through night school – an amazing feat and opportunity for them!). We have also had prayer partners and supporters provide materials to allow us to provide materials for the Christian school, distribute bibles, audio bibles, educational and ministry/evangelical materials in Spanish, English and to the indigenous tribes in one of their languages, Guayimi. It is such a privilege to walk along side and support others in their ministry callings as well – both here and in Panama.

One of the highlights of 2018 for us was the ministry team from In His Steps Christian Dance School who came to minister along side of us (and to us!) in September. God moved more in our lives, the lives of the team, and the lives of everyone that we encountered that week in more ways than I think any of us had dreamed of, imagined or prayed for! Everything from ministering to a dance studio in San Jose that works specifically with kids on the street, to participating in the festivities of the Costa Rican Independence Day celebrations, joining in worship, sharing testimonies, and performing at a local church, enjoying Pupusas (a Costa Rican/El Salvadorian favorite food) at a Tico youth service, to delivering food door to door sharing the gospel and praying with families to teaching classes/loving on kids in neighborhoods and at an orphanage was covered in just one week. We have never been so blessed, watching God move in so many different ways.

 

2019 has already begun shaping up in our hearts as we prayerfully search for the next piece of property and the provision to build next year’s ‘spec’ house to provide jobs for our construction crew.

New Ministries On The Horizon:

Preparation for a Movie Night Outreach Ministry – partnering with churches in the area to provide a family fun night, share the gospel and minister to those who may never cross the threshold of the church door otherwise. We have been collecting the Spanish audio versions of some of our favorite evangelistic movies like God’s Not Dead, War Room, and the like, so that we can have an outdoor theater at the soccer fields or salons (grange hall) in the various neighborhoods. Please be in prayer for God’s will to be done as we move forward with these areas of ministry in the near future. Many of the other things that we have going will continue in the new year as well (English classes, discipleship, etc.).


Thank you so very much for your kindness, encouragement, friendship, prayers, support and donations over this past year. It humbles us, excites us, and fills us with expectation for what God has in store in the near future when we know you’ve got us covered! We are grateful for your continued support –
With heartfelt thanks and prayers – The Burke Family


Julianne Tirdell Keiper, Kama Panama, Raymond Scott, Libby Crookham, Jeremy Paniagua Varela, Yoss Alva Liiz, (and the many others that God used to make all of this happen!) ❤️.


Please add us to your prayer list, and remember that all of your donations are appreciated and are tax deductible through our paypal link.

Donate
A New Wardrobe

A New Wardrobe

, , , , , , , , , , ,

 

 

We take so much for granted!

How often do we all go through our closets and get rid of things that we just don’t want anymore – the item is outdated, a little worn, doesn’t fit right, or you just need more room in your closet so that you can hang up the new things you have bought/want to buy?

One of the things that we have learned to appreciate living where we do is that nothing is ‘waste’, and everything is appreciated!  There have been many times that we have a pair of shoes, for example, that have completely worn out, and have holes where our little toe is peeking through.  Basically, they’ve seen better days.  No matter the bad condition that we think the shoes are in, we will usually have someone at our house who asks if they can have them!  To see the joy on their face, no matter the fit of the shoe, when they can switch out their pair which are usually MUCH worse off than our old shoes, for something that is like new to them is humbling.  The needs are so great – everything from clothing to food, bedding to umbrellas – that every day could be spent just supplying the physical needs that surround us.  Thankfully, in supplying many of the physical needs, it opens the doors of opportunity to meet the more important spiritual needs!

We are very grateful for those who recognize the needs around them and are actively looking for places to donate their excess, extra, and even their money to purchase clothing and shoes for others who can’t afford to do it for themselves.  There are families in our own neighborhood, as well  indigenous tribes who are living on their land, in extreme poverty all around us.  Some even live at the dump sites, scavenging through literal garbage to find that one treasure that could make all of the difference for their personal or family need.

We were privileged this last month to be able to help out a young man who works with families in the Ngobe tribe.  We were made aware that many families were in need of clothing and educational materials, and thanks to the donations that we had received, could supply some of the women and children.

Meeting young people with a heart to give of their time and their hearts to help others is a privilege.  Staying available to support the work that these young people are called to do in supporting the weak, preaching the Good News, and feeding/clothing the poor is what we have been called to do.  Thank you to all of our friends and family who have been a part of the hands and feet of Christ to bring some joy to and meet the needs of hurting people.  The needs are everywhere, but every little thing to one of us can be huge to someone else!

 

 

 

Overflow To Panama

Overflow To Panama

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

God has been moving and working in so many ways, both seen and unseen, during the first quarter of 2018. He continues to amaze us with His plan and His creativity, proving time and time again that nothing that we have gone through or put effort into is in vain!  We are so excited to say that even as we continue with what is going on in Costa Rica, He has made a way through all of the hurdles of paperwork and legalities to also open doors into Panama.   To see what He is doing with things that He started almost 8 years ago in Costa Rica continue and to begin to overflow to Panama is nothing short of miraculous.

This quarter’s Work Discipleship Project has brought two new men to the construction project and we are grateful for what they bring to the job.  The process is moving along at a brisk pace, and we are confident in God’s provision not only for them and their families, but for ours as well.  Continuing to bridge the gap between language and culture, every day brings new opportunities to share the love of Christ even as we work along side of them with everything from purchasing and delivering supplies to painting and designing a beautiful home!

Really never imagining the doors that teaching English would open, classes continue with both children and adults.  The ability of God to weave conversation and questions into an English lesson never ceases to amaze – the opportunities to share the Gospel, have open discussion and answer questions, and teach the Word of God all in the name of teaching English is something we are humbled to be a part of.  It also remains one of the best ways for us to continue to improve in our Spanish skills as we see more and more how much Costa Rica and Panama are and as far as we can see in the near future, to remain our home!

Friends have made the trip to Panama from Costa Rica with us and interest in joining us keeps on growing – that’s always encouraging!  Although the countries are similar in many ways, their differences are just as obvious.  With the location of the farm location being so tied in with the surrounding families from the indigenous tribes, there are continually growing opportunities to serve in many different ways.  One very exciting addition is the work that a friend has done to get audio files of the Bible not only in Spanish, but also in the native Ngobe tribe language.  We look forward to multiplying that resource and working with him to help spread the word of God to all peoples.

 

 

Our trips from Costa Rica into Panama this year have already proven to be fruitful in many ways:

  1.  Finalization of paperwork for ease of movement in, out and around Panama.
  2.  Working to help complete the Structure of the first 48′ x 60′ greenhouse.
  3.  Ministry volunteers using the bunkhouse as their home base during their time serving in Panama.
  4.  Completion of hydroponic test towers.
  5.  Feeding of families and sharing each day’s egg collection from the ever growing chicken house!
  6. Connecting with others ministering in Panama to help them further their calling.

 

We have been learning:

1. When you allow God to order your steps, you can’t keep up in your own strength.  Habakkuk 3:19 (ESV)  “GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places….”

2. Relying on Him for everything makes it all possible!  Matthew 19:26     “And looking at them Jesus said to them, “”With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.””

3.Even the smallest of seeds grow into something great when God makes it grow!  1 Corinthians 3:6“I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.”

Each moment that we take to reflect on what He has done, where He has brought us and how He never leaves us nor forsakes us, we see His greatness and His majesty.  That makes it easier to see that even the hardest of times and longest of valleys are all for His glory.  We are entering into this next quarter of 2018 encouraged, refreshed (even within the ‘busy-ness’), and hopeful of what is to come.  Our heart is for God to move in and through us in whatever way He sees fit while we keep our eyes on the prize set before us and run the race with all we’ve got.

Heb. 12:1-2  “…let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,….”

We would love to have you be a part of ministering with us! 

Please consider making your tax deductible donation today –

For more information on how you can help or participate, please be sure to contact us!

 

 

 

Hydroponics And H2O

Hydroponics And H2O

, ,

This past month was a very busy, yet productive one.  We have been working to help continue to grow and distribute staple crops like onions, carrots, and cabbage, at a larger farm, and the upcoming September 2017 potato harvest reminds us that there is still so much more ahead with the vision that God has given.

The small greenhouse on our property in Costa Rica that we have been learning with and working on for herb and spice production, along with growing veggies like peppers, spinach and chayote has turned into something beautiful with many coming to harvest and enjoy our bounty on their table.

Keeping our tilapia pond moving forward has also been just the beginning phases of our work, knowledge and training in the agricultural side of things.

We have been able to spend a good amount of time researching and meeting with agricultural experts in various locations to learn even more about greenhouse production (large greenhouses, at that!), hydroponics – beginning with strawberries, and searching for the best sources of water for the purposes of expanding growth into the next phase of the farm.

Strawberry production is just beginning to get its feet on the ground in the amiable climate that we have to offer, so we see the potential of great advances in providing food for our friends and neighbors in need.  At this time, our greenhouse will be dedicated to strawberries, lettuce, and other basic vegetables in order to take advantage of the year round growing that can be challenging when you are just relying on the one stretch of rainy season for the year.

We have a water catchment system to store and distribute rainwater from our roof and runoff into our tilapia pond as part of the hydroponic water system.  The plan is to use all of the natural resources that God has given to the fullest to multiply food production.

If you would like to donate to help with the costs of  any of the future agricultural projects, please click below! We are hopeful to multiply and excited to see what is in store this next growing season!

Back Together Again

Back Together Again

, ,

There is nothing more rewarding than to have an impact on a young person’s life and their walk with Jesus, and to watch them continue on in their life growing and moving forward with what God has taught them!

Staying connected from afar is possible, but it’s so much sweeter when we get to all be together again and really spend time together, catching up and sharing all that God has been doing.

We had the wonderful opportunity to spend two weeks with one of our interns, Landon Bourland, just recently when he met up with us in Panama. We were in Panama to work with our partners there while they are working on securing water by researching greenhouse construction and production for the next phase of agricultural growth there.

It was so great to see him and to make plans for our next time together – God has great things in store for what’s going on in Panama and in Landon’s life as well!

Load More