This has been one of, if not the most, transforming month of my life. Working with Teen Challenge in Limon, Costa Rica has been one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had the honor to be a part of. I have grown so much in these past few weeks and I’m excited to see how God continues to transform me on the rest of my race. Here are five things that I’ve learned from this past month.
- God moves in unbelievable ways. My team and I have had the pleasure of evangelizing to addicts on the streets of San Jose and Limon as well as working with the students of Teen Challenge, and it is amazing to see the transformation that has occurred in these men and women over the course of just a few months. Many of these students have gone from living in the streets, some in cardboard boxes, to living a life chasing after God and healing.
- I enjoy street evangelism. This has always been something I’ve struggled with because I can’t offer people a tangible way for them to get help other than a Bible. But this month was incredible in that we were able to offer not only Christ, but a way to get healing via Teen Challenge, and could even see them get on the bus the next day to go to the center.
- I have a heart for addicts. I’m not going to lie, I was terrified before this month because I always felt like I had a heart for addicts before coming on the World Race. In fact, that’s one of the reasons I chose this specific route. God has blessed me in showing that I really do have a strong heart for addicts and those in need of God and healing.
- The Holy Spirit is more complex than I ever thought. My team has been fortunate enough to hear 12 hours of lectures on the Holy Spirit from our ministry host, Max, who speaks on the subject at YWAM (another incredible Missions organization). We learned a ton of things, but it also reminded me of how vast the Holy Spirit is and how little we can know about Him.
- I’m no longer good at soccer. I played twice against the guys and got my butt handed to me both times.
I’ve been very blessed being at Teen Challenge in Limon and it’s hard to imagine having another month as amazing as this, but the Lord can provide anything and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next in Nicaragua. My team will be on the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua in Bluefields at a YWAM base where we have the opportunity to set our own schedule. But that’s it for now! Thank you so much for all of your support!
And one last thing; the Teen Challenge in Limon is building a women and children’s rehab facility that is in need of funding. If you would like to donate, you can venmo the ministry leader, Max, at @maxfam-us or contact me directly and I can help with the transfer of funds. God bless.
Colton
Here is an image of us with the students and some of the staff of Teen Challenge
Another image of us with the students and staff
Here we are preparing to go out in San Jose and evangelize our last night
Thank you for sharing all of your adventures. Continue sharing your blessings in Bluefields. Godspeed to you & your team ????????
I love how the Lord continues to make Ephesians 3:20 a reality in our lives—and your experiences in Costa Rica are a living example! “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory…”
There are so many things to love about this recap, Colton, but I think my favorite was how aware you are of the transformation that’s taking place. What a gift! Can’t wait to hear more face-to-face.