The day began with a sightseeing trip to the volcano (Irazu), Cameron's idea to go down a very steep and narrow road because he'd never gone that way before (no problem...just an overheated car, a slipping clutch and no cell phone signal), a trip to the market in San Jose, and stopping to at a print shop to make copies for the conference. Once we returned to camp, it was full on conference preparation. Cameron and our guys were setting up chairs and sound equipment. Brad and I were spending last minute changes to our teaching notes. Much prayer was going on throughout the day...actually throughout the week. We really felt that prayer was the only way we were going to do something for God and His people here.
A word about Cameron. To a man, we love this brother. He is dedicated, driven, loving, and sold out for building God's church. They started out in Ecuador, but God closed that door due to the health difficulties of their twins. He, along with his sweet wife Kerry, prayed for a place to minister with an altitude and climate that would permit their children to live healthily. God showed them Costa Rica...and they obeyed the call. He's really a delight to work with. He's always helping people and going, going, going. But he also likes to have fun with people whether it's playing soccer or enjoying spiritual--and sometimes hilariously funny--conversations with people. He shared with
me that he "feeds" off of being around people. He's a true church-planter (pray for Max...an attorney who Cam hopes will take over Roca Viva soon)...and a visionary when it comes to missions strategy. Many conversations proved this out. Pray for this dear brother and his family.
Day 1 of the conference began with over 40 total men in attendance. Mike kicked us off with the Conference Opening, followed by Jeff Cady powerful testimony of God granting him power to change from a harsh father to a gentle leader and daddy for his two girls. I believe this testimony was used in a mighty way. What's a wonderful providence is that I asked weeks ago if one of the men had a testimony specifically regarding leadership that they would like to share and Jeff responded almost immediately. So he had been thinking about this well in advance. And God was moving in Tiko brothers (who generally have families that are falling apart) to receive such a hope-filled message. I personally will never forget the silence and attentiveness of the men as Jeff described how he asked his girls to forgive him for sinning against them...and how God honored and empowered his desire to love them like Jesus loves us.
A word about Cameron. To a man, we love this brother. He is dedicated, driven, loving, and sold out for building God's church. They started out in Ecuador, but God closed that door due to the health difficulties of their twins. He, along with his sweet wife Kerry, prayed for a place to minister with an altitude and climate that would permit their children to live healthily. God showed them Costa Rica...and they obeyed the call. He's really a delight to work with. He's always helping people and going, going, going. But he also likes to have fun with people whether it's playing soccer or enjoying spiritual--and sometimes hilariously funny--conversations with people. He shared with
me that he "feeds" off of being around people. He's a true church-planter (pray for Max...an attorney who Cam hopes will take over Roca Viva soon)...and a visionary when it comes to missions strategy. Many conversations proved this out. Pray for this dear brother and his family.Day 1 of the conference began with over 40 total men in attendance. Mike kicked us off with the Conference Opening, followed by Jeff Cady powerful testimony of God granting him power to change from a harsh father to a gentle leader and daddy for his two girls. I believe this testimony was used in a mighty way. What's a wonderful providence is that I asked weeks ago if one of the men had a testimony specifically regarding leadership that they would like to share and Jeff responded almost immediately. So he had been thinking about this well in advance. And God was moving in Tiko brothers (who generally have families that are falling apart) to receive such a hope-filled message. I personally will never forget the silence and attentiveness of the men as Jeff described how he asked his girls to forgive him for sinning against them...and how God honored and empowered his desire to love them like Jesus loves us.
The first teaching session was done by Brad. He focused on the essence of the gospel in Ephesians Chapter 2. 
He explained that our goal in the three sessions would be to begin with the gospel, followed by truths that flow out of the gospel, and conclude with power from the gospel and gospel truths to transform behavior. It was a delight to hear this message that has radically changed and powerfully enabled the men of our church...to be brought to these men. What an honor to be the vessels to deliver an extraordinary message of hope and joy to these dear men. We also had the honor of presenting the good news of Jesus and His work over and over again to Christians and non-Christians alike. God answered so many prayers on this opening day. Pray that the gospel will bear fruit in the church in Costa Rica.
He explained that our goal in the three sessions would be to begin with the gospel, followed by truths that flow out of the gospel, and conclude with power from the gospel and gospel truths to transform behavior. It was a delight to hear this message that has radically changed and powerfully enabled the men of our church...to be brought to these men. What an honor to be the vessels to deliver an extraordinary message of hope and joy to these dear men. We also had the honor of presenting the good news of Jesus and His work over and over again to Christians and non-Christians alike. God answered so many prayers on this opening day. Pray that the gospel will bear fruit in the church in Costa Rica. 
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