NCC Shift Mission Trip to Costa Rica (2023)

Our last night at Iglesia Biblica Sama was capped off with a farewell service filled with testimonials, praise music, and thanks to and from the community. Our hearts are heavy as we end this part of our 2023 mission journey but we hope to see our "amigos" again in the years to come.

The team worked hard throughout the week, lifting massive slabs of concrete, cutting stone, digging holes, and mixing cement to complete the concrete wall addition to Iglesia Biblica Sama.  Everyone showed amazing strength and willingness to help and go beyond their comfort zones. A big thanks to Wayne for his planning and coordination of the project.

Most of our mornings start with a delicious breakfast at the church we are staying at in Belen.  Kris had an amazing time learning how to make beans and rice. Thank you to all the ladies (Mireya, Magaly, Noemi, and others) that have served us breakfast this week.  Giving us the energy to get the day started.

Day 2 of "VBS in Costa Rica" and part 2 of the story of Joseph.  We had an amazing group of children and fun times with dancing, games, crafts, and snacks. The NCC ladies also held the second day of a Women's focused ministry.  The leaders and students shared testimonies and led the group in a craft of their own. We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow for the last day.

While others were doing construction, the rest of our team spent the morning RelationSHIFTing.  Sharing the packed groceries and hugs with some locals in need.

The team was asked to build a wall on the property border made of solid concrete.   This would match the wall already on the back of the property.  While some of the team unloaded the delivery truck filled with solid panels and long posts, the rest began digging. We discovered that the best way to check the depth was to use a leg Next is setting the posts.

More than just a blessing of food and supplies we aim to provide love to those in critical situations.  The team picked up groceries and prepped bags for distribution. We will distribute these this week.  A delivery of food, supplies...and hope.

A rare and elusive photo of all of us dressed fancy.

Our day started off with Breakfast at our quarters in Belen.  The eggs and delicious bread went fast After the meal, we join the praise and message.  Alex delivered the sermon and there were echos of concepts we have leaned from the pastors at NCC. Myriam, Jeremy and Kyle shared very touching personal testimonials as well. Meanwhile other team members helped with the kids ministry. We are finishing lunch now and then off to the supermarket.  Stay tuned to see why...

The NCC Shift Mission Team has arrived at Costa Rica.  We met with our Praying Pelicans host and are on the way to the Lagunilla.  After dropping things off and setting up are sleep arrangements, we jump back on the bus heard to Iglesia Biblica Jehova Sama to visit the pastor Lots of small talk, hugs, handshakes and laughter as our host showed all the new progress in the rebuilding of the pastors home. Finally, we had our first Costa Rica prepared dinner.  The team is winding down with full bellies and over 36 hours with no sleep. Looking forward to the rest tonight

The team is finally in Costa Rica.  But...did we lose something?

The team made it to Baltimore (BWI) safely and with full bladders.  Next stop, the TSA jungle....

The team completed 5 days of training where they learned construction skills, planned for ministry service and grew together as a strong team.