Mission Moments: Costa Rica 2016: Beautiful Are the Feet of Those Who Bring Good News by Katie Wilson
Costa Rica 2016: Beautiful Are the Feet of Those Who Bring Good News
by Katie Wilson
“And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:15 (NIV)
Costa Rica left an indelible mark on the canvas of my life. The picture is in Living color and in 4D; the Spanish language still blesses my ears; the perfect climate still blows my hair; the plush green landscape still captivates my gaze, and a heart about to burst still throbs in my chest.
The mission was planned; the dates were set; the funds were raised; the tickets were purchases; the commissioning was breathtaking; bags were packed, and then EVERYTHING CHANGED!
I love the mystery of God and HIS spontaneity never ceases to give me Holy Goosies! The itinerary curveball was exhilarating, because it was the perfect playing field for God to knock our socks off and bring HIM maximum glory. AND WHAT A GLORY SHOW IT WAS, AND STILL IS …
While in Costa Rica, each night, one of our team members was responsible for sending an email to our families, containing the God highlights of the day. These emails have been the greatest gift to come home to and I am still processing the layers of God’s power, love and goodness revealed. Prepare to be blessed by some of my “Holy Ground Moments” in Costa Rica:
We were off to an exciting and unpredictable start! We learned the evening before our arrival in Costa Rica that the Kairos ministry we had planned to help with at Buen Pastor Women’s prison was postponed beyond our scheduled time to be in Costa Rica. The delay came directly from the prison and was beyond the control of the ministry with which we were working, Voz de Libertad (Voice of Liberty). However, it was not beyond God’s control– He Knew exactly what we are doing in Costa Rica, so we trusted Him…
The plane ride began with a God placed seating assignment, a tearful seat mate, testimonies, the good news of hope in Christ and a circle of prayer upon landing. God was up so something cool…
Many God-ordained, unanticipated opportunities opened up due to the change of plans, one being 2 afternoons at San Sebastian prison, praising, praying and sharing testimonies. This unexpected turn of events lead to 21 inmates giving their lives to Christ. What the enemy meant to derail us with simply opened the Heavens for us to witness the Holy Spirit do what only He can do, woo hearts to HIMSELF!
We spent the next 3 days at APAC prison. APAC means “loving prisoners, loving Christ.” It is a faith-based prison modeled after a similar prison in Brazil. God opens doors no man can shut and He opened up the time, space and hearts at APAC to receive an unplanned, American, missionary team of women to come in, serve, love, share testimony and the Gospel and marvel at the goodness of God alongside them.
We had a front row seat watching God tear down walls, shower grace and mercy, wipe away tears, transform hearts, and usher in Holy Hope, Who is the only true Hope, Jesus Christ.
This was the tip of the iceberg from my Costa Rica mission trip. The God moments never ceased. One of the main reasons I know HE gave me Technicolor, God-goggles THERE was to remind me that those same opportunities are HERE! HE wants us to see, experience and share HIS POWER, LOVE and GOODNESS all the time, everywhere. It is simply up to us to live 100% dependent on HIM to activate the completely available, Technicolor, God-Goggles with our name on them.
One Comment
What a blessing to be in prison, shinning the light of Jesus and serving the ones who are NOT served in Costa Rica (or anywhere). I have been fortunate to also serve in the prisons of Costa Rica. Katie has the most beautiful words for all who have served there.