Are you looking for an opportunity to serve cross culturally in May? Are you 18 to 32 years old? Are you longing to grow in your relationship with Jesus?
You are invited to join us and others to proclaim Jesus in San Jose, Costa Rica. We are partnering with a local church and ministries to share the Gospel using the arts. We will also be learning in relationship to this culture and friendships there.

This is a quick pivot after canceling our ministry in Peru due to a ‘state of emergency’ being declared there. We ask for your patience as we work out the many details of the change. Our hosts in Costa Rica have graciously agreed to welcome us to serve there.  We believe this country of Costa Rica, known for the phrase “Pura vida” - Pure Life - is beautiful and yet has many needs of its own. We believe that God is leading and guiding us in this decision.  

The opportunities range from youth groups, schools, English conversation classes, schools and children's programs. The people, food and culture are warm and welcoming but there is a spiritual darkness that only Jesus can change.
The Team will train with a group of individuals who have been approved from different parts of North America. The team will be led by staff from AV and partnering with our hosts in Costa Rica..

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One story out of many would be when we served at La Carpio  - "the escarpment". This is literally a gravel pit with towering cliffs where 40,000 illegal immigrants from Nicaragua have taken up residence in central San Jose.  A couple of older ladies had started a ministry to the poor there.  As we served there, there were many children who crowded around in a warehouse as we shared and sang about Jesus. After a couple of hours there we were able to walk around the neighbourhood and see the homes where the children lived. They were living in metal and cardboard lean-to's . 

 

One little girl stood out to us, Rosacela. She was a 5 year old with a big warm smile who couldn't get enough hugs from the team. Before we said goodbye, one of the missionaries told us: "Rosacela is being sold as a prostitute by her parents". 

 

It broke our hearts as we longed to be able to save this beautiful little person... and her family who were in such a predicament. On our way home to the Camp  where we were staying, the bus was dead quiet, with several team members expressing shock and others tears. 

 

We had planned to stop by an amusement part on the way home but it felt like such a betrayal to the kids we just shared our hearts with. Some of the team said they felt nauseous to see the wealth and laughter at the amusement park, so close to what happens everyday in La Carpio. 

 

Several years later my wife and I were invited to the grad of many of these students. Several of them commented about that being the most formative moment of their lives to that point and many continue to pray for Rosacela. Times have changed in Costa Rica with stronger policies against child prostitution but it is still a painful issue. Lord help us to bring your light to the urban poor!

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A Typical Day is usually divided into thirds with one third rest and prep, one third outreach and evangelism, one third debriefing. This includes personal time in the Word of God and team worship. fellowship and food with our ministry partners.
Prep for ministry during the day. We will prepare one 40 min dynamic Gospel presentation in Spanish using the arts (music, drama, illusion, chalk art, testimony, short Gospel message, invitation and prayer...).

What to Expect
- God centred training
- You will be challenged personally in your walk with God
- Friendships and memories that will last a lifetime
- To grow in your abilities and life skills using Spanish

Timeline
May 1-8 Training in Calgary
May 9 Travel to Costa Rica
May 10-21 Serving in Costa Rica
May 22 Return from Costa Rica
May 23-25 Debrief in Calgary
May 25 Farewell

Support Required
$2550 per person (costs subject to change)

Contact
Mark Sorell: mcsorell@actioncanada.org or 403 554 0025 if you have questions.
 

Online Application:
https://forms.gle/zpfRVrgZEpr9zjm6A

Action International Ministries, Canada
3015A 21 Street NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 7T1
Phone: 403.204.1421 • 1-888-443-2221 (Toll Free) • Fax: 403.204.1501