God continues to work and to move in mighty ways in and through SI-Costa Rica. The last few months have been eventful. In May as we were preparing to welcome our first team of the summer our office was broken into, and then in June our woodshop was also robbed. Through both events the Lord’s protection and faithfulness were clearly evident as the losses could have been and should have been much greater than they were. The Lord has also brought many new relationships about due to the robberies. In the midst of trial God has proven faithful and used what the enemy meant for evil for good.

As our summer outreach season is winding down, I am amazed by the reports coming in from staff and participants of the ministry that transpires in the name of Jesus.   This month is focusing on SI-Costa Rica, and it is clear that everything happening there is a result of lots of prayer and lots of work. The addition of Costa Rica national staff as well as two outstanding Nicaraguan women as interns has been a huge blessing. As the chairperson of our board Mike Alipaz said, “Students International seems to be in an incredible season of blessing.” I agree wholeheartedly, and as we continue to grow in SI there are more opportunities for full-time staff. Maybe you might consider giving several years of your life serving another culture in the name of Jesus? Or perhaps you might know of someone who would be open to that challenge? If so, please contact me at our SI office.   The Visalia staff at the SI Service Center has worked diligently, seeing that all things run smoothly. From team communication to booking next year’s schedule, there is rarely a down moment. I am thankful for their hard work and the blessing they are to this ministry.

I would also like to remind you of our annual banquet coming up September 18th in Visalia. If you can make it please contact the office for details.

Dave

From New York to Nebraska to California, three excited teams came together from across the US for one purpose, to serve God in Guatemala from July 27th – August 8th. While speaking Spanish was a breeze for some and more difficult for others, the culture shock impacted everyone, but the people from the town of Magdalena greeted us constantly with friendly smiles and cheerful greetings. Having the opportunity to get to know the Guatemalans despite the language barrier was a blessing for us all. Learning to humble ourselves and focus on completing what God has appointed us to do was a main goal as we studied Ephesians throughout the two weeks. Whether we were out building the community center in El Gorrion or opening the new playground for the kids at the Monroy school God’s presence was apparent in every situation.

See the photos here

See the pictures here

June 8th- June 20th

It’s been quite the journey here in Magdalena.  From having to switch our schedules around because of the infamous pigs to walking uphill in the rain both ways…we know exactly what you were talking about Grandpa…it’s not easy but the journey to capture God’s beauty was well worth it.  At times, our team may have been weak, sore, or just craving In-N-Out Burger but we always pushed through because we have the passion and the will to help God’s people wherever they may be.  We had an awesome time taking these pictures. So enjoy and God bless!

-Media Site

Central Valley Christian School, Visalia, Ca

Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Sonoma State University, Ca

See the photo gallery here

See the photo gallery here

Students International is embarking on a new ministry location in California, not far from our International Service Center in Visalia, CA. Ivanhoe is a small farming community with many migrant farm workers. 

Joe and Rosie Torres have been working with and serving the people of Ivanhoe for several years and are now our field directors for SI California. They have built great relationships with families and are well respected in the community. Joe and Rosie are overjoyed to have students come and serve alongside their ministry as they bring hope and the love of Jesus to a city where poverty and lack of education are the norm.  

This past month we had our first team of fifteen students and leaders from Heritage Bible Church in Bakersfield, CA spend their Spring Break serving the community of Ivanhoe. The students put on a Vacation Bible School every morning for the children and the afternoons were filled with various projects around the community. Some were involved in a sports ministry, others painted over graffiti, and a group of students helped an elderly woman clean her yard and plant a garden.  

The team from Heritage Bible Church made an incredible impact in the community of Ivanhoe, and Joe and Rosie look forward to many more teams coming to work with them throughout the summers to come!

If you are interested in leading or joining a team to Tulare County in 2010, you can contact Shellie or Pam at the Students International Service Center at (559) 627-8923, or by email at students@stint.com.

Enjoy the pictures here

Within the last few decades, many US churches have established a tradition of serving in Mexico over spring break. Baja California was the destination for the first “mission trip” that my family and I experienced back in 1985. It was this trip that spring-boarded my passion: to get students involved in serving outside of their comfort zones and at the same time being challenged in their personal walk with Jesus.