“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart, and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ.” Colossians 2:2
In July, 2004, Mt. Bethel sent its first team to Costa Rica to conduct a retreat exclusively for women. Mt. Bethel has sent teams to Costa Rica for many years, but this was something new. Working with the wife of the Bishop of Costa Rica, this retreat reaches out to women across the country to feed them spiritually as well as teach them vocational skills that they can use to help support themselves when back in their community.
The women of Costa Rica traveled from all over the country. Some explained that they began their quest in the wee hours of the morning and it took an entire day to get to the retreat site. They relayed these stories with smiles on their faces, as they were so happy to have the opportunity to attend, no matter what obstacle stood in their way of getting there.
Since the initial trip, we have sent two more teams to minister to the women of Costa Rica in the form of a 3-4 day spiritual retreat. Our teams are primarily women and each time we have had one mature male accompany us. Each time, God has used these men as a powerful means of ministering to the women. Many of the women have had experiences of being abused and beaten. For them to witness a man who loves them with Christ’s love and wants nothing in return is an amazing testimony.
The retreats are extremely powerful and the women love to sing and dance with the joy of the Lord. We also conduct a variety of workshops which have included Bible studies, evangelism, quilting, spiritual dance, bracelet/necklace making with beads, counseling and makeup. To see the excitement in the faces of these women is extremely touching. Their enthusiasm is not only due to their overpowering love for our Lord, but from the experiences they have participating in the workshops that are conducted.
We invite you to pray about your place on this team. It is an unbelievable opportunity to be able to offer encouragement, support, skills and Christ’s love to women who will in turn illustrate how they are so very content and grateful – not from having material possessions – but from being able to know and worship our Lord.
