Working on the ramps

my friend Jordan recently returned from Ecuador, where he surfed for Costa Rica in the World Junior surfing championships. He is a lot of fun to watch.

Downer is one of the more powerful surfers in Puerto Viejo. He loves to "get air".

Carlos asked if he could borrow my "biscuit," a fun little board I shaped last year.

Carlos trying out the biscuit.

How many people does it take to fix a broken ramp?

Last night we had a showing of The Outsiders at the skate park, with Spanish subtitles (I wish more Christian films had Spanish subtitles!!). The film features some of the top Christian surfers describing what being a Christian has meant to them, with of course a lot of great surfing action to go along with it.

As the credits rolled, I was amazed to see that the teenagers were staying quiet in their seats, which is almost unheard of in this group. It was so obvious to see in their faces that many of them were wrestling with the thought of asking Jesus into their hearts and beginning to live for Him. I asked if anyone had sensed God speaking to them through this video and wanted to invite Jesus into their lives. There was some silence, then one boy whom I've befriended honestly and bravely said "I'm not ready to do that yet." Like teenagers in the U.S. and elsewhere, there is a sense that there will always be a day in the future to "get right with God," but for now "I just want to live on my own terms." It can be hard for them to understand the blessings they are missing out on NOW, or that their life can be taken from them at any time.

I try to remember that "The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Cor. 2:14) and pray for a work of the Spirit in their lives.

Calvary Chapel Jupiter

Painting Amy and Barrett's bedroom

A team of 9 from Calvary Chapel Jupiter just returned from spending a week with us. Together, we helped the Cruces move into their new house. It was a week of much construction and painting, and very satisfying to see Barrett, Amy, Maili, and Makena, be able to enjoy a night of sleep under ceiling fans after spending 9 months in “substandard” housing.

Hosting a short term team on top of the normal ministry activities can be tiring, but this group was very gracious and actually took care of itself very well. We truly appreciated their efforts and attitude to serve.

One of the highlights for me was inviting Chris Goeppner, a co-leader of the trip, to share a short message with the local youth and some tourists who had gathered at our Friday night cook out. I translated his simple message about Jesus being the Truth into Spanish. I loved the way he related to his audience by saying that after a soccer match, everyone agrees on who won. There is no disputing the scoreboard. Some things are true and not relative, and Jesus is truth.

Chris took some nice photos, which I'll share with you here. Thanks, Chris!

Approaching the Cruce's new home

walking the jungle trail

team member Dwight spending time with the Lord in the morning

at the youth night cook-out

Inside the Cruces house

Sleepy-eyed and headed to the work site

some of the group posing in front of the old "tree house", where the Cruces lived for 9 months

The group enjoying some free time

Do you feel small?