Whether you're part of a mission trip team traveling to the indigenous reservation or part of an Immersion team learning Spanish while living the local way, there are plenty of reasons for you to be a part of what's happening with EM in Costa Rica. As we serve among the Bribri & Cabecar people and look forward to 2014, we can't be more than thrilled about the opportunities that's God has before us. Here's YOU should get involved this next year.
1. Build authentic relationships
Relationships are key to all mission trips. Without relationships we aren't really being true to God's call to love our neighbors. We believe it's not about the projects but about the people, it's about connecting as individuals with one another, sharing stories, laughing, and learning through struggles and what it means to be messengers of hope. Whether you've already met Anselmo in the remote village of Coroma or Victor and Sarah in Shiroles, you will connect with them on your mission trip. These community leaders play a crucial role to the advancement of the ongoing vision within their communities. Even though our two partner communities are separate from each other, there is a sense of unity between them, and our partners on the ground want to make an impact on others while empowering people in their own community. These partners play a crucial role in running in-country mission trips. If you join us on a trip, your interactions with them will bring you life-changing perspectives.
2. Be a part of ongoing community projects
Whether you are serving at the local church in Shiroles or part of a team building an addition to a school in a remote village on the Bribri reservation, you are a vital part of the continual progress in these communities. The church project in Shiroles was only a dream two and a half years ago, and today it is about 80% complete, thanks in large part to the combined effort of mission teams and community members over that time. The community members continue to move forward on projects and are a key part of the ongoing efforts to the completion of this project in the near future. Today, the High School in the remote village of Coroma is a dream come true. Every teenager in the remote village now has an opportunity to be a part of something bigger, an opportunity to get educated, a chance to start a better life. These communities have large visions and with a joint collaboration between community members and people like you, great things will be accomplished.
3. Immerse yourself!
The Immersion program in Costa Rica is one of a kind. By immersing, you get the opportunity to learn a different language and live amongst the Bribri and Cabecar indigenous people. You get to experience life from an indigenous perspective. Team members find that these cultures are full of rich traditions and live different, but exceptional lives. Be a part of Immersion, and whether you spend 3 or 6 month living the local way, you will never see the world, God and others the same way.
4. Invest in local programs
Throughout the last few months, you've probably heard about the development initiatives EM's been working on. The initiatives are focused on providing education scholarships for underprivileged students and micro-loans to would-be entrepreneurs. Because we're focused on recognizing and uplifting the dignity of local people, we are taking the development of the education program one step at a time in Costa Rica. When fully set up, EM's education scholarships will provide people with an opportunity, mentorship, and a chance to influence the future of their own community. What if you could be part of equipping someone to not just find a temporarily solution, but to excel and move forward? That's our invitation to you: invest in these programs and be a part of change that these programs will bring to the lives of these students.
5. Experience the real Costa Rica
Resorts, beaches and tourist attractions are what many people think about when they hear "Costa Rica." But EM mission trips are far from the resort life. Statistically, Talamanca is one of the least developed regions in the country, but if you see it from a people's perspective, this indigenous mountainous area is very rich. These towns and villages are full of thriving communities who have everyday unsung heroes. They're filled with people who persevere and progress everyday. People that cling to hope in the midst of hopelessness and who look to and rely on the ultimate provider, Jesus Christ. We invite you to visit and experience the real Costa Rica for yourself.
LEARN MORE | Check out our Mission Trips to Shiroles and Coroma, Costa Rica!
Site developed and hosted by Skycog, Inc.