One powerful thing that happened to me while in Costa Rica was the fact that I got to prophesy over a woman at one of the mid-week services.  It’s the first time I've ever gotten a specific word for someone. It made an impact on me. It is not as hard as I thought it looked to speak God’s Word over someone.  God rewards our obedience by allowing us to be a blessing to others.

Thomas Case
Undergraduate Student

During one afternoon of our week in Costa Rica, we spent some time at a children’s home.  The home asked us not to take pictures due to the severity of some of the children’s illnesses; some were deformed, most mentally disabled, and all were abandoned by their families.  Though not all could understand our entire presentation, we were faithful to present a puppet show, play with them, and pray over their lives.  I was especially privileged to pray with one little girl named Gloria who was able to understand and communicate with me – she received Jesus as her savior that day because we were obedient and faithful.

Tasha Weatherspoon
Undergraduate Student

One of the exercises we did before leaving was envisioning ourselves on the trip, what would we be doing?  I had a vision of myself laying hands on a young lady in a green shirt.  During one church service a girl in a green shirt came forward for prayer; I prayed in English for her future and her clear vision - and then I had to move on to the next person requesting prayer.  Later I saw the girl, Jean, with Tasha - who had a word for her as well regarding her future work – we had a translator who shared with Jean what we had prayed.  Jean had the translator share with us that she had cried out for a vision of what she could do with her life, she was at a loss for direction.  It turns out she was a strong writer, and had found encouragement and increased faith in our words for her future in journalism and broadcasting.  Praise God that we were faithful to speak what He gave us for Jean! 

Bette Wagner
Graduate Student

As a college student training in ministry and theology, it was truly a blessing to sow into the lives of other students and pastors who attend the Bible institute in Costa Rica by working on their building expansion projects.  What we make happen for others, God makes happen for us!

Janice Michalec
Graduate Student

The one thing that will be with me forever is the ‘team’ I got to work with in San Jose.  I have never met or known this many people that I felt such a bond with in such a short period of time.  God had an assignment for us, and did something special among us as well.  Just as Dr. Thompson’s relationship book states ‘those closest to you will determine the outcome of your life’ – so I asked God to send great people of His Word into my life, and He did.  I am blessed by these new relationships.

Stephanie Goode
Undergraduate student

We were the sent ones and it was our hands that were able to touch God's creation.  The significance of that makes me feel less incidental - less accidental.  I have value and God can work through that touch to make a connection with His creations both young and old, and both near and far.  We can only touch a few, but those we can - we should.  I returned with a sense for the “one.”  The one in front of me right now.  I'll touch that one with the kindness that is within me, with the compassion that comes from a caring and loving Creator - from a Savior that found significance enough in me that He went as far as Calvary to save me - just one. This trip was about finding a purpose and applying it.  It's not about me, or us, but our purpose.

Wendy Durham
Undergraduate Student