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.

New Beginnings

On a more positive note we are excited about welcoming our first Costa Ricans to our staff team. Luis Diego Soto and Cindy Arias officially began working with SI-Costa Rica on August 2nd. Also, in May we opened our new Woodshop. The first few months of work in the shop have gone better than expected. Most of our sessions are full of 12 – 18 year old young men wanting a safe place to hang out and to learn some basic woodworking skills. God is providing many opportunities to speak into the lives of those coming into the shop.

Photography Site

Also in this past week the first prints were developed in our darkroom! Some of our teams this summer have helped us build a darkroom, and while still needing a few adjustments, it is operational. We are planning to launch our photo classes in September. The classes will be targeted at teenagers with the hopes of helping them discover their Creator as they discover their own creativity through photography.

Feedback from Students

We have been privileged to host teams of high school students, college students, and young adults from across the States this summer. It has been a joy to watch God move in the students’ lives and to watch them dive into serving at the various ministry sites. On more than one occasion I have heard a student exclaim, “I can do things just like I am doing here back at home!” That is one vision we pray our students catch during their time with us. It doesn’t matter where we are God wants to use the gifts, talents, and abilities he has given us to further his kingdom. Our job is to simply be obedient and available.

For Our Partners in Prayer

Please continue to pray for us as we seek to be available and obedient to our King. Please pray for the shop as we select the first few participants in our apprenticeship program, please pray for the photo studio as we launch our first classes, please pray for the tutoring center as we seek to offer the best quality of service possible to the myriad of learning needs that come our way, please pray for the social services site as we seek to be a light and make a difference in many dark circumstances.