Mission Trip

On January 13th, twenty-nine 11th and 12th grade students and eight chaperones left the Columbus airport for Costa Rica to spend a week putting hands and feet to our school mission statement. Our theme verse for the trip was John 3:30, He must increase, but I must decrease. This verse reminded us what was most important as we worked and served: JESUS! 

We worked alongside our Bribri brothers and sisters in the Los Rosas area outside of San Isidro, not only to build a small classroom structure and bridge, but to also build relationships. The classrooms will provide a sheltered area for the children to learn about Jesus during church. It will also be used for adult education, such as computer training, to create opportunities for future jobs. The bridge was fully completed after we left, but we were able to help provide some of the prep work for the bridge enabling the villagers to have easier access to their homes. We were also privileged to gift 50 families food items and leave school supplies and small toys with the children.

The building projects were tangible representations of the team's fundraising and physical work, and it was wonderful that those things were accomplished because they will further the work of the church. However, of equal value are the smiles and conversations despite a language barrier, the spiritual growth of our team, simply seeing the goodness of God in action during ALL of the God moments before, during, and after the trip. We serve a God who is faithful to provide the resources and equip us to do His kingdom work. We are thankful for the opportunity to serve the Lord and serve others. Eagles truly do SOAR, all for God's glory! 

It was an honor to serve on the mission trip and a blessing to see God work in my life by allowing me to use my talents to serve Him in my own unique way! 
-Issac P. 
 

My favorite part of the trip was being able to do these projects and them get finished so quickly and see how much they meant to the people of Costa Rica. I especially enjoyed how we were able to worship no matter where we were, but we made it happen. I believe God spoke into my life through this trip. I have had such a hard time figuring out a career for myself in the future and I truly believe now that God wants me to pursue mission and worship. God has also taught me that even in different circumstances, we can still get things done and we can do it with God.
-Hudson H.