See you in Heaven.

Hi everyone! I wanted to share a piece of my heart and experience here in Nicoya. Last Sunday we left Jaco, Costa Rica and each team split up to do different ministry projects around the country. Eden, my team, and rooted are together here in Nicoya. The past 7 days have been full of stillness, pressing into growth, and abundant love from Pastor Basilio, our ministry host. 

Here is a raw journal entry from our off day this past Saturday to Samara, Costa Rica led by the loving and kindest soul, Pastor Basilio. It was a day full of marveling at God’s beauty, excitement, new faces, and adventure that so quickly became an opportunity to be filled up & pour out the Lord’s love to a local jewelry maker named David. 

12/11/21

Walking towards the beach my attention was captured through a sweet smile that drew me to a beautiful table abounding with rings, necklaces, and earrings. I had walked by numerous outside market sellers, but something about this man’s work was different. He warmly greeted me and asked my name as I returned the question learning his name was David. My heart grew excited as I looked down at the intricate talent of this new friend and back up to his welcoming smile and emerald eyes. After a while of talking, complimenting his handmade jewelry, and getting to know him, his humor, calm presence, and beautiful items committed Amy, Abby, and I to purchase. We each immediately desired to get as many items as we could to support this kind soul. His patience, willingness, and joy to each of us felt so sweet. With each question, request, and comment made, he met us right where we were, never wavering in sincere joy…but where was this Joy from, I wondered? His character exemplified the Lord’s character so beautifully. With my indecisiveness in what to get, he never grew impatient. With Abby’s uncertainty, he was certain she would pick out the right piece, continuously telling her to take it easy, and to not stress. With Amy’s request to switch the color of string, he immediately did so with a smile on his face. Not only was his outward character genuine, but so was his heart. When Abby went to pay she realized she did not have the exact change, so he proceeded to give back more than necessary sacrificing personal gain, wealth, and opportunity to take. With every action, his sincere soul was exemplified. We each got multiple items, thanked him, and went our way. Our hearts were touched by his immense patience and tranquility. I walked away to sit with my bible and watch the sunset on the beach still processing the kindness we encountered. As I looked down at my bible I read Matthew 10:32 “whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my father in heaven.” I sat there with that pressing on my heart realizing David had acknowledged the Lord through his actions without even being a follower. I desired so desperately in that moment to share the gift of eternity the Lord so freely gives, and acknowledge the Father before someone. I scanned the people on the beach looking for someone I could share this gift with. As I looked I saw a lot of darkness. I prayed earnestly for the Lord to bring someone to me that I could share the gospel with, yet heard nothing. What I did not put together was he already gave me that person. I continued to read in Matthew 10:26-28 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed or hidden that will not be made known. ²⁷ What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. ²⁸ Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” I sat there waiting when God was already whispering for me to listen. After a little bit, I got up to leave, walked back to the group, and looked across the shops, I immediately made eye contact with David’s emerald green eyes. I knew there at that moment the Lord wanted him to know the gift of eternity. Although fear was my immediate thought, the passage I had just read in Matthew was louder than my fear. I knew I could not shake the Lord’s whisper and as I walked over I asked the Lord for strength and confidence to fill my soul. Who was I, a mere mortal to say no to the Lord of Lords? Who was I to fear man over God? Who was I to say no to a God who daily said yes to my mess? When I got back to David his warm smile and welcoming spirit encouraged me. We talked for a bit before I felt called to share the attributes of the Lord I saw shining through him despite whatever he believed. I then asked him what he did believe and his response was that because nothing matters we should always be kind. He returned the question to me and I explained to him loving others through kindness also was beyond important to me because that’s the way Jesus lived. i explained I learned how to love through Jesus’s example of unconditional, and sacrificial love. I shared my love of the Lord and desire to lay my life and all comfort down for Him. I shared my desire to follow Him wherever He called me, love Him with all my heart, and overflow that love to others. I could tell he was listening and he in return shared that loving others was the most important thing to him. His curiosity made my soul leap as I asked him if I could pray over him and his business. He reached his hand out grabbed mine and said of course. I do not fully remember that prayer because I believe the Lord took over, but I am confident the Lord spoke through me to David’s heart. In the prayer, however, I remember the phrase “the free gift of eternal love is yours David” flowing from my lips over and over again. I thanked him for allowing me to pray for him and his abundant kindness. As I walked away leaving a random town in Costa Rica knowing that I would never be back, 5 words came out of my mouth without a thought: “see you in heaven David.” And those 5 words are 5 words that I believe are true. By the power of the Lord’s ability to touch the hearts of his people I believe and am expectant to see David’s emerald eyes again in heaven. 

Abundantly thankful that the Lord uses each ordinary day for extraordinary kingdom cause. In whatever capacity, say yes to Jesus today.

He was, is, and forever will be worth it.  

in Christ’s love, Emily.