Costa Rica Trip Recap
Written by Bethany Ballantyne, Costa Rica Team Leader.
A few weeks ago, a small team from WC had the opportunity to serve alongside Alex and Delia Dienner in Costa Rica. What we experienced there – in the mountains, on the streets, and even in quiet moments with our team – was incredible and transformative. God moved so tangibly throughout our time there, and we are so thrilled to share what He did.
We started our trip by heading up into the mountains to minister to those who live in one of Costa Rica’s indigenous regions. We spent two days doing outreach programs for local kids, making connections with parents, and sharing meals together. Connecting with these families reminded us that ministry is so much more than just programs and structure, it’s about presence and relationship, and willingness to be a vessel for the Lord’s work (even through a language barrier!).
Once we returned to our base at the Ministry Center in Quepos, we spent the rest of the week doing door-to-door ministry, attending church services, spending time painting and getting to know the men at Casa de Amor, a men’s rehab center, and we also had time to soak in the beauty of Costa Rica.
While going door-to-door, we met so many people in need of a healing touch from Jesus, and He showed up in big ways. We saw several people physically healed from things like arthritis, prolonged arm pain and numbness, and even a 20-year-old knee injury. During a church service, we got to speak freedom and peace over so many who were hurting, and the Lord restored so many hearts in the room.
As we painted some rooms at Casa de Amor, we listened to many of the men’s stories of how they ended up in the rehab facility. So many had devastating stories of loss, hopelessness, and despair. They shared what the Lord had already been doing in their lives since coming to the facility, and it was so clear that they have so much joy and hope now in their journey toward sobriety through walking with Jesus. It was such an impactful time for the team, and we felt so honored that the men trusted us with their stories with such openness.
While our days were often busy and fast-moving, some of the most powerful moments of the week came during our team times, where we got to really slow down and tune in with the Holy Spirit, spent time in the Word, and pray for and encourage one another. Within our team, we saw physical healing, freedom from past trauma, forgiveness given, and spiritual renewal. It was so beautiful to watch the Lord move through each member in very specific and unique ways.
Throughout each day, there were countless moments that we saw the Lord at work. Whether in a small moment on the street, a group prayer at a farmer’s market, sitting around a table, or with a paint brush in hand, He showed up in and through each of us. We are so grateful for the opportunity to go out into the world to serve the Lord and His people.