Ministering the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Costa Rica with Praying Pelican Missions, networking with local churches,  serving in our community,  and connecting mission teams to  life- changing ministry opportunities.
If you build it, they will come
We all remember the scene in the movie "Field of Dreams," as Kevin Costner hears a voice saying "If you build it, they will come."  Soon enough he plows his corn field and builds a baseball diamond and old baseball superstars begin appearing to play a legendary game.

It seems that this is the current season we are in.  Building.  No, we are not building baseball diamonds or buildings, but we are pouring our time and energy into building up people, specifically young Costa Rican leaders.  We are building up staff to continue propelling the Gospel of Jesus Christ while partnering with the local church.  We have no idea how long the Lord will have us in Costa Rica, but for the time that we are here, we will serve to build leaders to continue the ministry of connecting local churches on a global level.  

I had the amazing opportunity this month to serve as an Assistant Trip Leader with five other Costa Rican staff.  You might be thinking that I should be the Trip Leader.  But that is not the case.  Our Trip Leader was Jonathan, whom I previously highlighted as our first full-time local staff member.  It was a joy to take a step back and watch our local staff lead.  They are the future of this ministry in Costa Rica.  They are passionate for the Lord, humble as they serve, and love partnering with local churches.  Check out all that God did through 50 teenagers by viewing their Trip Journal here.
In a few short months we will be unleashing 28 local staff to serve, love, and lead amazing mission trips!  We know we can prepare and equip till the staff are blue in the face, but there also comes a time when you have to have faith that they can step out on their own.  This is the moment we are at!  It's an exciting moment with nervous butterflies all flapping around, but it's also a moment of promise for the future!  

Would you commit to lift up our 28 local staff members as they prepare over the next few months to step out in faith?
4 Years after a 7.6 Earthquake
In 2012, Costa Rica was hit by a 7.6 earthquake.  Pastor Edgar had just entered into the ministry and was faced with a daunting task.  The church he was now pastoring was unusable due to foundation damage and cracks in the wall.  Entering into the ministry can be a shock to a young pastor, but even more shocking when you have to level your church building.  

Pastor Edgar and his wife received a Word from the Lord saying that the oil would never run dry.  They knew that God would be faithful to provide through every phase of the rebuilding process.

Praying Pelican Missions (PPM) had the opportunity to send in a teams that assisted in the construction process.  For each team that came to serve, they poured so much into the building and also into building relationships in the community.

Nate had the opportunity at the beginning of March to attend the dedication of the new building where PPM was thanked for the many missionaries that put in blood, sweat (a lot of sweat) and tears into rebuilding the Church.  It was such a joyous night celebrating all that God had done in four years.  Please pray for Pastor Edgar and his family as they continue to live, serve and love on the people in their community!
In Other News:

-In one month our dog and cat disowned us, and we were given two birds.

 

-Nate was called on to preach while visiting a local church...and God moved!

 

-We are in dry season and there are constant wildfires burning through fields.  Don't worry, we are safe!

 

-We didn't "remove" any skunks from our house last month.

 

-We did kill a snake in our front yard that can kill you within a few hours.

 

-We had a PPM film crew visit this month documenting testimonies of our amazing pastors, even using a drone!

 

-Nate had to translate for some participants from a team at an elderly home...and no one cried!
Upcoming Travel:  Florida
We are all excited to be heading to Florida at the end of April.  We will spend a few days visiting Nate's aunt and Laura's grandparents, followed by a week of meetings with Praying Pelican Missions.

Every year all of the PPM staff get together to learn, grow and be encouraged as we gear up for a huge summer of ministry.  We are so excited to see our PPM family again!

We will also be able to see Nate's parents and his brother Jason as they will be helping to take care of the kids while we are in meetings.   Pray that this is a time of refreshing and increased vision!
A Special Tribute:  
Laura's Grandpa, lovingly called "Grumpa" passed away last month.  Laura was able to spend some time with him when we were home for Christmas, knowing it would probably be the last time she saw him.  Times like these make it especially hard to not be near family, but we know that we are where we need to be.  
Love,
Nathan, Laura, Darrell (in the USA), Reagan, Abigail,  Malachi,  & Isaiah