New Covenant Church
Serving In Costa Rica
July 8, 2017
Community: Lagunilla
Partner: Iglesia Biblica Sama
Staff: Nathan Norman, Eros Gutierrez, Josh Calderon, Rocio Ramirez
Are we there yet?
by Nathan Norman | July 8, 2017 8:49 AM
We started our journey to Costa Rica early this morning! Thank you for your support and prayers. We know God is going to do incredible things this week as we step out in faith!
Staff is ready!
by Nathan Norman | July 8, 2017 12:05 PM
We are excited to serve alongside of you this week! We know that God has great things in store!
We made it!
by Nathan Norman | July 8, 2017 2:08 PM
We made it safely to Costa Rica, ate lunch, and are settling in at the church where we will be sleeping all week!
Prayer!
by Nathan Norman | July 8, 2017 6:55 PM
There is no better way to start the week than by prayer!
Meeting Pastor Edgar
by Nathan Norman | July 8, 2017 7:01 PM
We met Pastor Edgar for the first time today! We can already tell that he is an amazing man of God.
Pastor's House
by Nathan Norman | July 8, 2017 9:12 PM
Our construction project for the week is to help rebuild Pastor Edgar's house. We were standing in Pastor's house while he told us about the plans for this week.
Ready for Church
by Nathan Norman | July 9, 2017 10:22 AM
We are ready and excited to meet everyone at church this morning. Tyler will be preaching, and two students will be sharing their testimonies. We will also be running the children's and youth classes!
No electricity, no problem
by Nathan Norman | July 9, 2017 11:21 AM
Even when there is no electricity we will still worship Jesus! The presence of Jesus crosses over cultural and language barriers...even electricity barriers!
Children's Class
by Nathan Norman | July 9, 2017 11:35 AM
We are loving getting to know these precious children at the church. We played games, served cereal, and shared the joy of the Lord with them all!
Youth Group
by Nathan Norman | July 9, 2017 11:44 AM
This week we hope to help encourage the youth to follow Jesus no matter what the circumstances!
Preach!
by Nathan Norman | July 9, 2017 12:06 PM
Tyler shared a great word this morning about how God calls us. He used the story of Moses as well as his own testimony. Ashley and Christian also shared their testimonies of God's grace in their lives.
Time with Pastor and Pastora
by Nathan Norman | July 9, 2017 3:03 PM
This afternoon we spent time hearing the testimonies, dreams, and visions of Pastor and Pastora. God has been rewarding their faithfulness, and we are so grateful to be able to partner with them and their church this week. It was an honor to pray over them and bless their ministry!
Shopping Time
by Nathan Norman | July 9, 2017 5:57 PM
This afternoon went to the store to purchase enough food to fill 20 bags that we will distribute to families in need over the week. We know God has great things in store!
Fútbol!
by Nathan Norman | July 9, 2017 6:32 PM
Nothing says Costa Rica like playing soccer (fútbol) in the afternoon!
Invites!
by Nathan Norman | July 9, 2017 6:39 PM
Worship & Word
by Nathan Norman | July 9, 2017 9:47 PM
Tonight we spent time worshipping Jesus, the reason we are here in Costa Rica! We also studied the Word together. We love what God was teaching us and showing us as we studied Acts 9.
Demo!
by Nathan Norman | July 10, 2017 10:48 AM
Today there is a lot of activity surrounding the Pastor's house. We are tearing down walls, sanding, painting, and doing general clean up around the church property. Pastora was watching the walls come down and said in Spanish, "this is a dream!"
Work!
by Nathan Norman | July 10, 2017 12:09 PM
Everyone is getting dirty today. Here we are digging drainage ditches.
Food Distribution Day #1
by Nathan Norman | July 10, 2017 1:06 PM
This morning a group of us went to 6 homes that Pastor Edgar handpicked to receive the blessing of a bag of groceries. It was a great chance to meet families in the community, pray with them, and invite them to the activities at the church this week.
New friends!
by Nathan Norman | July 10, 2017 4:40 PM
Phoebe made some new friends today!
Building!
by Nathan Norman | July 10, 2017 5:21 PM
We continued to work all day to help rebuild Pastor's house! It's a blessing to work alongside Pastor to see this dream become a reality.
Gooooooaaaaaaaalllllll!
by Nathan Norman | July 10, 2017 5:50 PM
Even more kids and teenagers showed up to play soccer with us today! We pray that they show up tonight for the movie night and tomorrow as VBS begins.
Movie Night!
by Nathan Norman | July 10, 2017 7:41 PM
We had a great time watching the movie "The Incredibles" (Los Incredibles) with people from the church and community, complete with popcorn and juice!
What the movie taught us...
by Nathan Norman | July 10, 2017 9:07 PM
Ashley and Michael both shared after the movie relating the movie to what God has done in their lives. They both did a great job!
God is moving
by Nathan Norman | July 10, 2017 10:27 PM
Tonight we had a sweet time in the presence of the Lord worshipping together. God is surely touching our hearts and causing us to become more like Jesus!
Painting with joy!
by Nathan Norman | July 11, 2017 11:37 AM
The joy of the Lord is our strength as we sand and paint the doors for Pastor's house.
Rob in his element
by Nathan Norman | July 11, 2017 12:38 PM
Rob is taking the lead installing the electric system in the new house.
Food Distribution Day #2
by Nathan Norman | July 11, 2017 12:53 PM
We enjoyed praying over and sharing experiences with local families this morning.
Framed!
by Nathan Norman | July 11, 2017 1:14 PM
We are continuing to frame the house. Pastor is so excited about the fast progress being made. Each person has been working hard (even doing work that we have never done before)!
VBS Day #1
by Nathan Norman | July 11, 2017 4:00 PM
We had an amazingly start to our VBS with about 50 kids attending (and a lot of parents as well)! This week we are teaching about the Armor of God and how we can be superheroes for Jesus!
Up in the sky!
by Nathan Norman | July 12, 2017 11:01 AM
This morning we are getting a different view of Costa Rica from the tree tops! What an amazing experience we are having flying through the sky!
VBS Day #2
by Nathan Norman | July 12, 2017 4:08 PM
We are all smiles today as we continue another day of VBS with these precious children. Today we are learning about the "shoes of the Gospel of peace" and the "shield of faith."
Pastor at VBS
by Nathan Norman | July 12, 2017 4:44 PM
We love seeing Pastor Edgar serving alongside of us at VBS. We keep pointing everyone back to Jesus and to Pastor Edgar's church!
Amigos!
by Nathan Norman | July 12, 2017 4:44 PM
Amie made a friend at VBS today!
Walls are going up!
by Nathan Norman | July 13, 2017 11:22 AM
It's an exciting day as we are now installing the walls in Pastor's house!
Over the river...
by Nathan Norman | July 13, 2017 2:22 PM
We did Food Distribution today on foot and put in a lot of kilometers.
The forgotten
by Nathan Norman | July 13, 2017 2:25 PM
Slowly but surely we are helping to make Pastor Edgar's dream become a reality by investing in the older generation. Today we received a great blessing by getting to know this sweet couple.
VBS Day #3
by Nathan Norman | July 13, 2017 4:01 PM
It's our final day of VBS. Today we teaching about the "helmet of salvation" and the "sword of the spirit."
Lots of tears
by Nathan Norman | July 13, 2017 5:41 PM
Saying goodbye is so hard. These children have quickly stolen our hearts!
Huge progress
by Nathan Norman | July 13, 2017 5:54 PM
We worked super hard today! What a difference a few days of teamwork makes!
Gifts for Pastor's family
by Nathan Norman | July 13, 2017 11:52 PM
Tonight we had our "see you later" service. After sharing testimonies of what God did this week, Tyler presented Pastor's family with a bag full of gifts.
Thankful!
by Nathan Norman | July 14, 2017 12:38 AM
The local church showed their thankfulness for us coming to serve with them this week. We each were honored with a Costa Rica souvenir to show their appreciation.
Final prayer
by Nathan Norman | July 14, 2017 12:41 AM
Our "see you later" service needed as the local church prayed for each of us. It was a powerful moment followed by a flood of tears!
6 Baptisms!
by Nathan Norman | July 14, 2017 1:58 PM
Our recreation day started off with 6 baptisms in the Pacific Ocean! It's a day to celebrate as Cole, Sarah, Emma, Melissa, Oliver, and Maddy made their public confession of faith to follow Jesus Christ!
Beach Day
by Nathan Norman | July 14, 2017 6:12 PM
We spent our last full day in Costa Rica at Tamarindo Beach enjoying the amazing beach and shopping for souvenirs to help us remember the incredible week we have had!
And we're off!
by Nathan Norman | July 15, 2017 9:55 AM
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Comments
Steve Farris
July 16, 2017 7:08 AM
Awesome. Looking forward to this morning's service!
Mark Matney
July 13, 2017 11:27 PM
Praying for continued health and safety as you reach the end of your week. We are excited about all the team has done to help pastor and his community. We are also looking forward to hearing more about all God has done in the lives of the team members. May God bring to completion the good work you have begun.
Christie Hopkins
July 13, 2017 9:03 PM
So exciting seeing everyone in unIty and serving others. Enjoyed the pictures and update. Praying for safe travels home.
Emily Block
July 13, 2017 8:10 PM
I loved seeing all the pictures and updates! Reminds me of my trips to Costa Rica on missions trips too! I can tell y'all are impacting the kingdom of God! Praying for each of you!
Joanna Drsata
July 13, 2017 7:08 PM
Way to go Team?! Praying for you as you push to the finish line of this trip. See you Sunday to hear your hearts! We love you and are praying.
Hannah and Leah Kinney
July 13, 2017 6:06 AM
This shout out is for French fry and Sara! I love you so much! I wish you would come home soon. I am enjoying your side of the bed, French fry, not sure where you will sleep when you get home! And yes, I miss my Sara. Hurry home, I need some Starbucks and Chick fila!! Love you so much- Chicken Nugget and mom
Judy crow
July 11, 2017 12:33 PM
Praise God! It seems all is going just as He planned! So glad that each of you are letting the love of our Lord flow through you!! Keep looking to Him and letting His strength be made perfect in your weaknesses!! He is so pleased with your hearts when you are letting Him have control and work through you!! Love you all especially our Hannah and Amie!! ???????
Stephanie Kelce
July 10, 2017 9:46 PM
Ashley, I know you did great sharing with the kids - I'm proud of you and can't wait to hear how it went!
Becky Bliek
July 10, 2017 9:19 PM
This is so exciting! Love seeing these pictures, keep up the great work, Nate! Praying for you all as you serve together!
Toy jensen
July 9, 2017 7:26 PM
It is so great to know that the Lord will show His strength when you need it the most....like when you need words, HE will provide... when you need strength, here comes the SUPERNATURAL POWER... everything He wants to do for the people there will be done when it is time.... seeds planted have the life of God in them AND they WILL produce a harvest.... you are blessed to be the ones who are planting - by the grace of God.... blessings and love from toyandted (oma&grampa)
Judy Crow
July 8, 2017 10:39 PM
Oh y'all look great!!! Glad to see you all smiling and ready for your week! I know you will have a wonderful week! love you all and are praying for you all!
Beth Bustin
July 8, 2017 9:35 PM
Love the pics--especially the team photo! Got get 'em!
Cindy Sauer
July 8, 2017 7:42 PM
You all look wonderful! Believing for amazing things this week! Praying for you all!
Teresa Hall
July 8, 2017 4:12 PM
Wow! Everyone looks great. I know you will have a fantastic week. Praying for all of you.
Jane Turner
July 8, 2017 4:10 PM
You all look amazing! Glad you arrived safely. I am looking forward to updates and pictures of your adventures. Blessings for productivity and energy!