What More Can I Say?

Youth Retreat

Thank you for your prayers! The youth retreat was a huge success and tons of fun. I wish I had the eloquence of writing to make you understand the depth of joy I feel at the major accomplishments that took place last weekend. There seems to be no way to accurately describe them, but I pray that God will give you understanding of the ways that He so greatly worked. It was a truly beautiful time.

Some of the accomplishments were in the following areas…

• Spiritual – We taught specific lessons on spiritual disciplines that help us know God: praying, reading your Bible, worshipping, and journaling. Many students understood these disciplines for the first time and practiced them at the retreat.


• Outreach – We did a last-minute children’s outreach in the slums of San Jose in a town called “Little Hell.” I was shocked at how our students stepped out of their typical shy behavior & stepped up to the plate. Sebastián led the kids in children’s worship songs (no idea where he learned those!); Jóse opened and closed the event in prayer; Jordan, Davis, & others led the kids in games; and Dexter shared his testimony! (he’s never done that before) – and all of this was in front of at least 100 people! For many of them, this was the first time doing anything like this!


• Work Ethic – we spent one entire morning helping with a digging project at the farm. The kids were so thankful for the opportunity to be there that they did more work than expected and did it with great attitudes.
  
• Overall fun – We simply had a blast together & it was great hanging out with the kids rafting & doing late-night sock skating (sliding on ones socks and knees on a smooth surface).
  

Baptisms

Upon our return to Puerto Viejo, 2 people asked to get baptized, recognizing this outward expression of the work God is working inside of them. This past Sunday, Peace (28) and Dexter (18) were baptized in the Caribbean ocean. Peace has beena a Christian for 3 months and can’t wait for God to teach him more about Himself. Dexter has been a Christian for 1 year now and is even interested in learning how to lead Bible studies! (Until now, Dexter has been one of the shyest members at house church).
God is truly working in the hearts of the youth, which is pretty strategic. The youth are the core members of the English house church & are the ones ready for change. Puerto Viejo has a very legalistic view of God and how to be a Christian—what a beautiful work to begin in the lives of the future leaders of this town.

Please, keep praying for Peace, Dexter and the rest of the youth. Your prayers are a valuable part of God’s work.

Joyfully Serving,
TJ Gause