Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 23.9-15 and John 6.60-71
There is a common phrase used here in Costa Rica - “pura vida.” Literally it translates as “pure life,” and you will see it on everything from billboard advertisements to coffee mugs. Toddlers, teenagers and people of all ages use the phrase. It sums up the Costa Rican philosophy on life and how it should be lived.
Having spent almost a week in San Jose as a part of FUMC’s family-oriented mission trip, it’s a phrase that has also taken on a special meaning for our team. For one week, our group of twenty has taken a break from our daily lives, setting aside work, e-mail, facebook, and even the news (has a new Pope been elected yet?) to focus on helping others.
We’ve spent most of our days here helping to construct new buildings for orphans at the Methodist Home run by Methodist missionary Ray Zirkel and his wife Lydia. We’ve worked hard digging holes, bending rebar, pouring cement and painting fences. But knowing that we are helping to uphold God’s promise to these children has truly made it a labor of love.
After the construction work, we’ve held Vacation Bible Studies for the children of local churches in some of the poorer areas of the city. What we found out is that when we shine our light on others, we receive the light in return. Though our visits were short, the laughter and smiles of the children will live long in our hearts.
Every night we’ve set aside devotional time to talk about our work and our experiences. It’s been a rare and remarkable experience to be with this group of people, who are all so encouraging and focused on sharing the love of God. We will come back to FirstChurch with new friends and a renewed commitment to helping others.
In the Lenten reading for today (John 6: 63), Jesus says, “The words I have spoken to you are spirit, and they are life.” During our time in Costa Rica, we have heard the word of God in many ways. It has come through the faces of smiling children, through the faithful missionaries we have met, and through the acts of compassion we have witnessed. And we have come to realize that “pura vida” means an abundant life when we follow Gods word.
Brian Owens, Costa Rica mission trip participant
