It has been a great day so far making new friends on the airplane. So much so the students ended up getting a shout-out from the flight crew for serving others around us. Others chose ways to make the most of our waiting to share what our trip was about to other travelers. We Landed in San Jose and are about to get on the road for a couple hours to our host site. It was 19 hours since we arrived at MVC at 5:00am.

We are praising God for safe travels and anticipating great things to come! Keep following along with us!

Hello! Haven here. Our full travel day yesterday and day of church today have both been amazing. So far, simply the sounds of Costa Rica have been my favorite: the rain on the church roof at night, bird sounds in the morning, and monkeys rustling through trees are all sounds I have never heard, and I can’t get enough. This morning, being able to worship in a different language, while still knowing the melody, brought a whole new sense of unity to me. Michelle said it best: “Right now, all around the globe, there are so many people meeting to worship God”. 

It blows my mind what a big God we serve. As we drove to the store, we saw faint shapes of the gorgeous mountains near us, and I simply felt so small. Our devotional time yesterday included John 3:30: He must increase, we must decrease. Today had Isaiah 55: His thoughts and ways are higher, bigger, and better than ours. So, in a world that wants to magnify our own identity, competence, and self-importance, He calls us to be confident in our “smallness” and look up to His magnificence. My prayer for all of us is that we (alongside our doubts, fears, and insecurities) grow small in the face of our big, sovereign God this week as we navigate this special corner of the world. 

Talk to you soon! 🇨🇷✈️🗺️

After the service and community lunch, our team left with full hearts and full stomachs to prepare for the food distributions. This is an important part of the care of the church to those in the community. Students worked with their leaders to determine a budget from the donations we received and divided into teams to shop for the supplies. 

From the food preparation we left for the coffee outreach. The church frequently uses a local soccer field to build up the church and reach others (similar to how our church uses our tailgates). 

Rains damped (get it?) the turn out but it didn’t stop our team from connecting with members of the church family and some friendly soccer matches. The best part? Everyone jumped in -  even those who don’t like sports - and it was a riot! 

The game broke down language barriers. Pastor Gorges family and leaders were so gracious to our abilities and helped everyone let loose and have fun. Relationships were built during that time that are now helping our team work together on the rest of our projects. For some of our more fluent students - it appeared that even genuine friendships are forging.

It was so fun to see our students play sing and embrace the rain as a part of Gods plan for the day. The church was blessed and so were we.

Our team closed out the evening with a heart filled time of sharing and hearing the stories and testimonies of the pastors, leaders, and the families of the church. This was an important and moving time. It was important for our team to learn first hand about how God is globally mobilizing people in their context to reach others and love their community. It was also challenging to see the level of creativity, humility, hard work and sacrifice their community puts in to see this through.

It was also affirming to learn how we have been a blessing to the community as well. The pastors explained how the testimonies shared by the students connected with them and some of the in unique ways that brought encouragement to their people and many who lead the congregation.

We heard firsthand about the hardships the church is experiencing, yet also saw the compassion and vision of its leaders for the community they serve. In their own words, they describe themselves as “pastors living as missionaries.”

In a neighborhood skeptical of church involvement, the leadership chose to become tentmakers —working full-time in other jobs rather than drawing a salary from offerings—so they can remain fully committed to building a church that blesses the community both physically and spiritually. This model was inspired by the model given by the Apostle Paul, who made tents to support himself as he served and shared the gospel. It has created some challenges for them - but they see God’s hand of blessing through it all.

They are committed to building up the church through discipleship groups, prayer ministry, dance ministry, youth programs—and they regularly open their doors to displaced families helping them find homes and work. Their work empowers the church to truly support its people and neighbors in multiple ways.

They reminded us through their unique path into ministry that God calls all His followers in unexpected ways, but the outcome is always the same: finding hope in Jesus, changed lives, and impacting others through service. 

We concluded our visit in hopeful, tear-filled prayer, deeply moved by their steadfast example and the future they’re building.

One of my favorite parts of the trip so far has been serving at VBS. Their joy and genuine excitement blew me away when we first got off the bus. I initially was anxious about how smoothly it would run, but God did so much more than I could imagine or ask him to do. The language barrier was a bit of a struggle but all of the kids were very understanding and made an effort to communicate with us as best as they could. This trip has really pushed me to use the Spanish I’ve been learning over the past six or seven years. I’ve learned far more on this mission trip than I did during the week long trip to Costa Rica with my Spanish class. God is so good and he’s been faithful in exceeding my expectations and filling me with overwhelming peace and joy. 

After our VBS, our students transitioned to visit the home families that the church and the minister to. Some of these families have been met through the outreaches from previous efforts of the church and others are members of the church under difficult circumstances. 

Our students walked back home from the VBS with one of the school children named Iker (Ee-k-er).  We learned that a fatal heart condition is now causing difficulties for his kidneys. He is currently waiting for the news that he will be accepted into a procedure at the Children’s Hospital, however, the waitlist is long. 

Students learned from the mother about how the church is caring for and coming along side of his family and able to hear the request from my mother to pray on their behalf. She shared that is is a testimony to her husband who does not know Jesus.

Our students were touched and moved by their time with Iker. He was very proud of one of his matchbox cars and was very excited to show it to the “older“ boys on our team we later discovered his birthday was only a couple days before. The students felt led to sing him happy birthday in Spanish. Then on the way back to our home base felt compelled to stop in town and look for matchbox cars to purchase for him along with some school supplies and markers to celebrate his birthday. These home visits have been moving and a great teacher to our group about the power of simply being present and intentional listening to the needs of others with a heart to serve In the name of Jesus. 

After the food distribution our team had a brief lunch break and then traveled to visit a local home for the elderly.

The residents were delighted to watch our students share how God is at work in their lives and to see their vibrant faith. Our team sang song songs forthem and then led a time of bingo. 

Students brought new hats, socks, cosmetics and many other small prizes that were a riot for the residents.

It was amazing to watch the students step into a new situation and try their best to make a connection. Many of the students used the Spanish they knew and others ways to connect.

Some students found what seemed like a new calling with they eat they called numbers for bingo. The smiles and laughs were many. The residents got a kick out of the prizes and enjoyed the company. Such a great moment of connection and illustrated the power of presence. 

Often we feel a big plan is needed, or we need something to say - but when we could barely do either, we were left with just being intentionally present. From there God did the rest. The staff was grateful for our time and provided some impromptu sweet bread and coffee to thank us. 

At the end out our day our students were able to connect fiery the local youth connected to the church.  Kory shared a message, students affirmed one another and exhorted each other to stay strong in faith and to lead by following Jesus’ example. Worship songs were shared which led into an hour long spontaneous time of praise worship and prayer. Students huddles and prayed for one another. The pastor shared later with me that this was particularly special time for the students as they are in between an adult available to lead and speak into the Ives of the students. You could feel the faith rise in the room as they encouraged one another in their faith.

My heart, personally feels full through every time I serve. I love seeing the joy in others faces from it and it warms my  heart every time. We went to one specific home with a mother named Martha. She told us how these last 3 months have been the hardest part of her life because her daughter was killed by a motorcycle accident. She was holding her baby at the time and there was a man riding his motorcycle drunk when it happened. My heart fell when heard this. I wasn’t planning on saying any scripture because I didn’t have it memorized, but when I heard what she has been going through, psalms 34:16-20 just flooded my mind and came out of my mouth without me realizing. I prayed for her and my heart just felt so full afterwards.

The teams here have gone above and beyond to share their love and culture with our students. Warm smiles, hugs and encouragement. Our students have often commented on how “at home” they feel in a space that looks and feels nothing like a home. We are on concrete floors and air mattresses, in an open room with not many “creature comforts” and yet students feel at ease and at home because of the ice of the team

These are Eva’s words
“One of the my most encouraging and favorite things is the way the people here are so hospitable and loving. Everyone hugs everyone even if you just met and people don’t hesitate to stop what they’re doing to help you. I want to have the servants heart these people have, I want to love like they do. I’m praying to have that and I hope to bring it back home.”

Our team has been using the resources given through the fundraising to build up the church community center and kitchen. This space is used every week as a multi purpose gathering space and children space in the mornings. This is the same patio our youth have been enjoying devotional time and meals.

Pastor Gorge has hopes to one day be able to secure the patio with walls and windows for year round ministry and to better secure supplies they hold and use in their community efforts (food, building materials and more).

The pastor is working with the local government to also be approved to build new class rooms for Bible lessons and work for his dream to provide rehabilitation services to offer more job training for the community. 

It Has been a gift to provide help and learn along side the carpenters. The work our students have started will continue after we leaves and a large portion of the project will be completed because of the generous support of our friends and faith family back home. 

Pastor Gorge brought us to a community where his church has a few members and has been working hard to build relationships. The day before our visit, he went door to door inviting and sharing about his church and the event. Church members also spread the word to neighbors and the local school that we would be in town.

Our team hosted a modified “VBS” in the park at the center of the community, sharing songs in Spanish about exalting God, John 3:16, and magnifying His name. The students performed two dramas they prepared in Spanish, and Sam shared a gospel message—also in Spanish—about the free gift of salvation that came at the greatest cost of all. In a powerful moment, he used one of his jerseys as part of the illustration, gifting it to a local child.

The games were a huge success, with students excited and attentive throughout. Niko led with confidence, dividing the kids into soccer and circle games that brought a bunch of smiles.

Church members were able to connect with many of the parents watching, and it was a beautiful time of ministry. We saw God’s provision as heavy rain was in the forecast, but instead, we had perfect weather and a large turnout of excited children. This event was a win for the church and such a joy for us.

As we left, many on the team shared how full their hearts felt from this experience, describing it as a “peak moment” from the trip.

After an afternoon of VBS and home visits and a setting sun, we made a surprise stop in the Pa Fortuna area with lush forests. The heavy rains and evening light prevent us from seeing any wildlife- but we were able to grab some milk”shakes”  (more like a cold smoothie with milk).  The fresh fruits were super refreshing. The rains were heavy and impressive and it was nice to have some time with just our team. 

Our team traveled to a drug rehabilitation center. This time with the residents was a highlight for many of our students and moving for everyone.

Pastor Gorge works closely with this ministry building a bridge form those who graduate the program to find re-entry into every day life. 

The program leader shared how he was just a kid and treated life and substance like a game that eventually took control of his life. After many poor choices was
Left with the only option to steal which furthered his disconnection with the loved ones ther could help him. He praised God for the ministry and Jesus’ transformation in his life. He was once leading a large team in drug running and now serves the lord helping others with addiction

The students prepared encouragement and sharing with the residents and each student had what seemed to be the perfectly timed word from the Lord. Kory shared a message about how God is with the brokenhearted. He concluded with how humbled we were it was an honor to be here because this is a place where Jesus’ heart is.

I will probably write more to this later but The students have really grown in their ability to discern what is best to serve others in the moment. They adjusted what they planned and shared such a sweet
Encouragement from Gods word. 

The center works through counseling, biblical principles and a disciplined routine of tending to work to sustain them. Pastor Jorge’s long term dream is to help the success rate of this program by adding a training facility.   

The church was gracious to prepare fresh meals for our team each day. The church picked up on the fax that we enjoyed the pineapple and made it a point to offer it every day. The region we stayed in was known for its pineapple much like the Midwest is known for its corn.

Pinto - rice and beans- were served daily. Also served daily was agua dulce, a warm sweet drink made from a dark sugar cane plant. The meals even got the cheers of the team from time to time. While we certainly did not travel for the food - this was a welcomed side benefit.

Today was our final school outreach, and word has definitely gotten out—kids have been loving the VBS programs our students have prepared! Children told their neighbors, neighbors told parents, and parents from another school even contacted the principal asking if their kids could attend.

The principal said yes! So cool.

We ended up with a big crowd, even under challenging rains. The weather made it difficult to stick to our original plan with over 70 children, but the team prayed, adjusted, and pressed on. The students loved the games, and while it was a fast-paced and challenging day, the kids left feeling loved, and seeds were planted.

The principal commented on how thoughtful and well-organized the experience was for their students and how much they enjoyed watching the kids try something new

Haven here again! What an amazing trip this has been! I could write forever, but I’ll try to keep it brief. The resilience, boldness, and flexibility of these students has been a blessing to me as a leader. Watching each and every one of them come out of their shell to preach, dance, lead, pray, laugh, move, and even eat has been absolutely wonderful. 

My favorite part of this trip were our home visits. Seeing the faces of this community and knowing we can go home and continue to come alongside them in prayer is incredible. Our students brought beautiful attitudes and words to each home. I couldn’t be more proud! 

A frequent encouragement that came to mind throughout our trip, which I offered to different people we spoke to, was Galatians 6:9 — “do not grow weary of doing good”. God has renewed a sense of creativity in leadership for me over this past week. He has shown me the power of showing up and simply being available for Him to use. He has shown me His utter simplicity and uncomplicated nature. And, I’m continuing to ask Him for guidance on how to take my experience here back to Rev to be a better leader for all my students to come. Thank you Jesus for using Your children in radical ways!

We spent time with the residents of a rehab center that operates on a working farm. Many of the residents shared how they had spent much of their lives giving in to impulses and taking whatever their addictions demanded, which left them isolated from family and friends, and with a diminished sense of worth.

At the center, they are learning a new way of living: the value of hard work, delayed gratification, and seeing themselves and others through a new lens. Through Bible study, prayer, service, meaningful work, and vulnerability in community, they are retraining their hearts and minds.

During our visit, the residents graciously offered to show us their farm. They were delighted when our students joined in, proudly introducing us to their animals and even giving us rides on their horse.

In these moments, we experienced the power of receiving. Throughout the week, we found ourselves receiving far more from those we came to serve.

There is something sacred that happens when we allow ourselves to receive: it creates true communion with others. 

It dignifies and empowers the giver, reminding them they have something of value to share. It humbles the recipient, reminding us that we all need others.

This kind of sharing is a gift that is only complete when it is done together. Jesus washed His disciples’ feet and shared a meal with them, allowing them to receive so that they could then go and give. It is a beautiful picture of the gospel in action.

As of last year, travel and aviation was a big idol for me, so leading up to this trip I had to check myself and my intentions. I was worried I’d be going to fulfill that worldly desire, rather than going for the sole purpose of glorifying God. I felt God speak to me numerous times, yet still questioned if I was here for my desires or to take apart in ministry. On Tuesday we got to bring food to a family whose house burnt down and was rebuilding everything. Their faith in God was strong which was encouraging to see them trust in God through the storm. God put the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 on my heart so I shared that with them. At the end of the week a woman named Greten announced how much she saw God work through me. Hearing this brought joy because to me I felt that God was reassuring me that I did go on this trip for the right intentions and I was put here for a reason. 

A quick off-mission encouragement that goes for anyone is to open up your Bible where you usually wouldn’t. Olive, Eva, and I opened our Bibles on the first flight to start with the trip with God. This started a conversation with one of the flight attendants and we learned he had gone on mission trips and was a believer as well. Not only him but with the group of girls across from us, we found they were on their way to Denver for their own mission trip. The energy in the back of the plane beamed with Christ. It’s just a reminder that opening your Bible can do so much whether it be at school, work, around family, or anywhere God may call, even opening the possible opportunity to plant a seed in someone’s life.

me again! I just wanted to say how grateful I am for the people who also came on this missions trip. We’re not all the closest but I’ve definitely made such deep connections with people here. I think everyone is so fun and so hilarious and I can truly see that spark of light which the Lord. I loved getting to know everyone a little extra and all of the inside jokes we’ve made on this trip. It was truly a life changing experience and I truly mean it when I say absolutely everyone on this trip has made my day, moment, week, or even minute. Every time I smiled or laughed at something someone said or did it was the Holy Spirit. I love everyone on this trip and I hope and pray they can continue to glorify the Lord together. 

Proverbs 27:9 “sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy”

This week we journeyed through the “Life Ways: Magnified!” guiding kids to zoom in on everyday moments and discover how vast and personal God truly is. Over 3 days we explored key themes—God sees us, loves us, and forgives us. We walked through Bible stories like Jesus blessing children, the woman at the well and Bible verses like John 1:16 and Romans 5:8.  Each day was paired with games and crafts that helped children experience God’s greatness in both the small and big things. 

One of our favorite parts was the way each student played a part in building a cross cultural VBS experience. The students first learned the curriculum then had to translate it and make it appropriate for our context. Some did the art work, others rewrote the skits, some prepared Bible lessons, others through games, and some designed and modified the crafts. No day went as planned- but the beauty of it was seeing how our preparation allowed us to be flexible on the sport to serve the need as God brought it to us. The team did a fantastic job - it was encouraging to hear from our PPM team that this group really shined in this area.

Pastor Gorge’s congregation gathered for a special worship night where our students shared the work of the church and their experiences. It was an encouraging time!

Pastor shared a light hearted but pointed skit to illustrate the importance of family challenging our students and congregation to make the first place we live our the kingdom is in our homes with those who are closest to us. He warned us about the busyness of life and the ways we let outside pressures and wants dictate how we spend our days.

We mostly enjoyed the joy and laughs with the pastor and the special collective worship with the congregation. 

Afterwards our students connected more with the youth they have been growing in relationship
With this week.

I like how open and nice everyone is and I’m really seeing God move here. VBS was cool too, the kids gave me hugs and it lowkey made my day.

One thing that impressed me the most was the attitudes of the people we encountered. Everyone was so positive and joyful. I feel like back home I hear people lose faith in God when life is hard. But it seemed like the opposite here. Some of the people we visited have been through so much but always look towards God and finds something positive through hard times. 

One student described it perfectly: “It feels like we have two homes now.”

Our experience with this church family has been truly wonderful. Their hospitality made everyone feel genuinely welcomed and embraced as part of their family. In my 26 years of student ministry and leading trips to many churches and locations, this church stands out as one of the best in how they have welcomed us as their own. The Lord is doing something special here.

Throughout the week, our students built bridges with their peers, sharing stories and life together during downtime and travel. Those moments led to a beautiful sense of family and togetherness, making this experience one we will all carry with us.

One evening our team took an unexpected detour when we discovered we were near Naz’s home. Naz has been our primary trip leader. She welcomed us into her home and it was an amazing experience. Her family has been building a local ministry and retreat center on their property. It’s a labor of love and an entire family effort. Our students were able to experience a taste of the fun they provide for the community. The highlight was the homemade “mechanical Bull” team builder. Tons of laughs with the team. Naz’s family was so welcoming and the detour provided some time for our team took just be with one another. We even picked some fresh avocados 🥑 !!

Even though we were soaked again with heavy rains, our team spirit could not be dampened. 

One of the most important parts of our trip was making time and space to connect with God and grow in His Word together. We see Jesus model this for us when He would withdraw to quiet places, even in the middle of busy days, so that He could serve from a place of being fully present and connected to the will of the Father.

Each morning, our students took time in the early hours to process what they were experiencing, and it was amazing to see them step up to the challenge. Several shared that this became one of the most meaningful parts of the trip, and many expressed a desire to continue this rhythm when they return home. Every day is a chance to live on mission, and that starts with being aware of our surroundings and in tune with God so we can serve others and be a blessing wherever we are.

We even managed to squeeze in some fun! From inventing crazy games on the bus rides (seriously next level entertainment) to laughing while serving side by side, this trip was packed with moments that brought us closer together. Our short adventures—like trying the new foods (like and egg and plantain burritos), and making each other laugh in the downtime—became some of our favorite memories.

Our last day was epic, but we promised some of the students we’d let them tell you about it in person before we post the full story. This trip has been filled with so much joy, and it’s been a gift to see how fun and faith can go hand in hand when serving together.

We were up at 4am, ready to gear up for canyoning, and take on the rapids together. We rappelled down steep falls, leaped into  pools, and afterwards tackled rapids that had us laughing, screaming, and holding on tight—all while soaking in the wild beauty of Costa Rica’s jungles.

Along the way, we spotted wildlife, learned about the plants around us, and discovered the courage that comes when you step out of your comfort zone with friends by your side. This day was made possible by a generous gift from a kindred spirit for adventure, and we are beyond grateful. It was the ultimate icing on top of an already life-shaping week, leaving us with soaked clothes, tired muscles, and hearts full of gratitude.

This trip was profoundly formative. We’re deeply grateful—for the leaders who poured into our students, for the incredible hospitality of Pastor Jorge and his wife, and for the incredible ways we served others. In each moment, we glimpsed how grand and merciful our God is—experiencing His heart and work in a completely different context.

But this wasn’t just a trip—it was a springboard. It was designed to help us live with intention, nimble and ready to respond to God’s call, aligning our hearts with His heart for the world He loves. Now, back home, we’re challenged to live out what we learned: to rise early with prayer, to make time with God our priority, to see every day as filled with opportunities to bless others, to listen to the Spirit’s leading, and to speak words of truth and encouragement. We want to serve, grow, and pray together—visiting those in need, moving beyond words into action, and trusting God not just for big things, but in the small moments that reveal our faithfulnesss

Paul reminds us in scripture :
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” — Ephesians 2:10   

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” — Mark 10:45