“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
[Photo: Adam and Diego]
There are a lot of words that jump out to me during this experience in Costa Rica. But I think the word that jumps out to me most is "future." I am amazed at the progress made already in the two and a half years in Jasmín. I've heard stories of how Jasmín was not a community, but a dark place. But now you see hope. The future at that time was a community that loved each other, with glimpses of hope for a better future. I see that dream come to life today...and its only beginning! There's a part of me that wants to go back and see how this community used to be. Whether it be the people of Jasmín, or the men and women in the centers, I long to see the transformation in their lives. All of us on this team are blown away by the numerous testimonies of God working in lives, redeeming people to himself. But you don't have to see their past to know that God is working in their life and building a better future for this community.
I see it especially in the children. God has called the people of CCA and of E91 to make a difference in this community by impacting the children, the "future." Through scholarships to a quality education and tutors, these children will receive hope and a chance to make a difference within their community. It is their best chance to escape the misery of poverty.
[Photo: Jesús]
I've seen it most through Jesús, the boy taking all the pictures. who our Junior High ministry supports. We hear sad stories of how Jesús and his family have no income, thus no food. They rely on the food they get through the feeding center and from our team. Even though he almost literally has nothing, I see a hope and a future for him. And God has a hope and a future for him. There is a joy about him. You can see it when you talk and joke with him. I can't wait to see Jesús grow up. I can't wait to see him get into the CCA school. Or to see him graduate high school and eventually college. I can't wait to see the way God will continue to work in his life. I even envision God using Jesus to bring about radical change in Jasmin.
[Photo: The teams from E91 constructed a home for German and Maria and their three children Kendaly, Bryan and Allan.] The future is bright for Jasmin. We will see God work through families, even those we don't know yet. We'll see new people from our church experience what God is doing in this place. Little by little, God is redeeming this community, and we have the privilege to see it happen!
Thank you God, for what you are doing through the lives of these beautiful people in Jasmín. Thank you that you've allowed us to be part of the journey. Thank you for their future.
Adam Bisesi
Student Pastor
