Learning to Show Mercy

Homelessness 

  An orange hue of light glided cross his face as the darkness of the night surrounded him. Rainwater fell from the bottom of his curly hair; landing onto his broad shoulder blades. With a hand eagerly stretched towards me, he received the hot cup of coffee with no hesitation. I smiled and looked into his eyes. The black shadows made it difficult to see if there was any spark of hope dwelling inside of him.

      Manuel had been living on the streets for 14 years. He lived in a rough part of the city of San Jose. It didn't take long for his friends to gather around when they saw the white YWAM van parked on the side of the road. In seconds, at least ten DTS students jumped out of the van to offer each one of them a harm drink. As I stood outside of the van and listen to Manuel's story over a cup of coffee; he told me about the brokenness in his heart. He explained that he use to have a home with the woman of his dreams. They were together and lived in a comfortable apartment for 25 years. In that moment a smile appeared on his face. However, his smile slowly faded away as he expressed how his partner told him one evening that she didn't want to be with him anymore. So, the love of his life decided to kick him out of the house. All at once, he lost the woman of his dreams and his home.

     Daily, Manuel suffers to make ends meet…he often sleeps on the cold cement at night, while the rainy season in Costa Rica has no mercy on him. As I stood there listening to his story, my heart felt heavy and I thought to myself,  "God how do I show Manuel Your mercy and love?

                                                   Visa Run to Nicaragua   

                                                     The Willful Widow

   There she was-sweat dripping from her forehead. She looked exhausted as I noticed her struggling in an effort to pull one large piece of luggage (behind her) through the puddles of mud and dirt. With her left hand she carried a heavy bag filled with so many items they where spilling over the top of it.  Only a half of a mile and she would be past the border of Costa Rica and into the country of Nicaragua. She had already made it through customs and managed to slowly pass through all the long lines. A big part of her journey to Nicaragua was already over. Yet, there was more one challenge she had to face....and that was getting all her belongings pass the border. As I looked at this woman, she appeared to be in her late 50's or early 60's. She was a widow, traveling alone on an extremely humid Saturday afternoon. And by the worrisome look on her face-I could see that this last part of her trip seemed to be the hardest.

     Kevin ran up to her and asked (in English) if he could help carry her luggage. I quickly followed his lead and translated his words into Spanish, so the woman would understand his gesture (and not think he was trying to steal from her). With a huge smile, she agreed and handed over her luggage to Kevin with no reserves. As I gently took her other bag and wrapped it around my arm, I asked her why she was going to Nicaraguan. She expressed that she was going to visit her mother for the holiday weekend since it was Independence Day for Costa Rica.

     As her and I spoke with each other, we walked down the road getting closer and closer to the border. I was very surprised by the first question she asked me,
"Eres una Cristiana?" My eyes beamed with joy as I responded with a confident, "YES!!" She looked at me and then said, "Are you a missionary?" How could she know this? My heart couldn't have been more excited at that moment! I then had the privilege of telling her why I decided to come to Costa Rica. "I came to Costa Rica with the group of people in front of us. We are part of an organization called Youth With a Mission. We are here because we desire to know God personally and make Him known to others."  And GET THIS!! She asked me where my church was/is in San Jose. Once I told her the name of the church, she then asked if she could come and visit us all. Soon after, I found out that she has been living in San Jose for the last 20 years.....doesn't God work in really neat ways?:) This encounter was the highlight of my entire week!

Where Will my Team be Going on Outreach?

     For several months now, none of my teammates (nor I) knew where God would call us to go for outreach. The lecture phase is coming to a close...this is our final week of classes. As our leaders have prayed and asked God for guidance, they feel that God is calling each one of us to be a light to the people in Europe (specifically France and North or South Holland).

  I will have to admit when I heard the words, "Europe" all I could think was..."You have got to be kidding me? God you sure have a sense of humor. I came alllllll the way to Central America and now I am heading back to Europe? This cannot be happening."

   However, as the weeks have been passing by, I have been realizing that sometimes in life...God wants to take us to our Nineveh. Slowly God has been transforming my heart and ridding me of all my pride.

     Also, I know that if there is any place where God will really stretched my faith it is in Europe. To me going to Europe will be much more challenging than staying in Central America. People here tend to be warm, open, and friendly. Yet, in this part of the world (Europe) a believer must be able to defend: their faith, God's truth, and ask the Lord to give them boldness as they speak.

     I don't know about you? But when I think of a missions trip, "France and Holland" are not the two countries that come to mind. However, as I have been praying and researching these two countries for the past several weeks; my heart has slowly becoming less hard. To the point now where my heart is starting to ache for these people. God desires to have a relationship with each person He has created in His image.

     Another thing I have been realizing is most people in Europe may not suffer from physically poverty in comparison to third-world counties; but there is a poverty that exists all throughout Europe- and that is spiritual poverty. Did you know that in France 1 out of every 5 people suffer from Depression? Making it the MOST depressed country in the world! 

     There is so much more I want to share about the Netherlands (North or South Holland) and France....but it's getting late and tomorrow is a new day. I hope you are all;) Feel free to write me. I enjoy getting emails and hearing about your life at home. I hope to share more in detail what we are planning on doing while in Europe in the next blog....

With love, Tiff

220 E. Birch St. Lancaster WI, 53813

No Fishing Allowed

 Corrie Ten Boom and the Topic of Forgiveness

Several weeks ago, I was talking with my one-on-one (Kaitlyn, whom I have really grown to admire and respect. She is from Chicago) about the topic of forgiveness. Kaitlyn knew that forgiveness has been weighing on my heart ever since I arrived on the base. So, one day she walked up to me and handed me my journal and a book written by Corrie Ten Boom. Inside of my Journal there was a sticky note that read, “Tiffany I think you should read chapter seven in Tramp for the Lord.” So, I took Kaitlyn's advice and read it. I want to share the story with anyone reading this blog today. I hope that this story impacts you as much as it did for me.

“ It was in a church in Munich that I saw him-a balding heavyset man in a gray overcoat, a brown felt hat clutched between his hands. People were filing out of the basement room where I had just spoken. It was 1947 and I had come from Holland to defeated Germany with the message that God forgives.”

“It was the truth they needed most to hear in that bitter, bombed-out land, and I gave them my favorite mental pictures, maybe because the sea is never far from a Hollander’s mind, I liked to think that’s where forgiven sins where thrown. ‘When we confess our sins,’ I said, ‘God casts them into the deepest ocean, gone forever. And even though I cannot find a Scripture for it, I believe God then places a sign out there that says, NO FISHING ALLOWED.”

“The Solemn faces stared back at me, not quite daring to believe. There were never questions after a talk in Germany in 1947. People stood up in silence, in silence, collected their wraps, in silence left the room. And that is where I saw him, working his way forward against the others. One moment, I saw the overcoat and the brown hat; the next, a blue uniform and a visored cap with its skull and crossbones. It came back with a rush: the huge room with its harsh overhead lights; the pathetic piles of dresses and shoes in the center of the floor; the shame of walking naked past this man. I could see my sister’s frail form ahead or me, ribs sharp beneath the parchment skin. Betsie, how thin you where!”

“The place was Ravensbruck and the man who was making his way forward had been a guard-one of the most cruel guards. Now he was in front of me, hand thrust out: ‘a fine message, Freulein! How good it is to know that, as you say, all our sins are at the bottom of the sea!” he said to me. And I, who had spoken so glibly of forgiveness, fumbled in my pocket rather than take the hand of this man. He would not remember me, of course-how could he remember one prisoner among thousands of women? But I remembered him and the leather crop swinging from his belt. I was face-to-face with one of my captors and my blood seemed to freeze.”

The man went on to tell Corrie (even though he did not recognize who she was) that he was a guard in the place she spoke about in her speech. He had recently become a Christian. He confessed to Corrie, that he knew God had forgiven him for all the cruel things he did in the past. But he wanted to hear it from her lips as well.

“Again the hand came out, ‘will you forgive me?’ And I (Corrie) stood there- I whose sins had again and again to be forgiven-and could not forgive. Betsie had died in that place- could he ease her slow terrible death simply for asking?” “It could not have been many seconds that he stood there-hand held out-but to me it seemed hours as I wrestled with the most difficult thing I had ever had to do. For I had to do it- I knew that. The message the God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgiven those who have injured us. ‘If you do not forgive men their trespasses,’ Jesus says, ‘neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

“I stood there with coldness clutching my heart. ‘Jesus help me!’ I prayed. ’I can left my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling.’ I stretched out my hand and as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes. ‘I forgive you, brother!’ I cried, ‘with all my heart.’ For that long moment, we grasped each other’s hands, the former guard and the former prisoner. I have never knows God’s love so intensely, as I did then."

Reading Corrie Ten Boom’s story greatly impacted me. I began to think about what it would look like for me to forgive the person who had hurt me the most. Could I do it? Little did I know, God was preparing the way. Just a few days later, He would give me an opportunity through an unexpected call. I would have a choice....would I choose forgiveness or hold bitterness within my own heart?

An Unexpected Call

Two days, after reading Tramp for the Lord, I was walking to the classroom (near a hammock where I spend time with the Lord every day). My leader came up to me and said, “How are you doing?” I told her that I had been thinking about Sam. “God has put it on my heart that I need to forgive him for everything he has done.” I told her. In that moment, Elena looked at me with compassion on her face and said, “Tiffany, I think now is that time. Sam is on the phone, in the office, and he wants to speak with you.” My heart began to race and my legs began to shake as I looked at her. She could see the fear written all over my body. But, I knew Elena was right…and with God’s help it was time for me to say those three words; the words that had been weighing on my heart for months. It was time to say, “I forgive you.”  

My mind began to run in place. And my pride didn’t want to say those words -as I walked to the office room at base. Mainly because I knew that after I spoke them; I would not be able to go fishing anymore. There would be a clear sign that read, “No Fishing Allowed.” I was very aware that as soon as the words, “I forgive you” left the tip of my tongue… I would no longer be able to hold anything over his head. But, then it hit me! I thought about the cross and my own sins. In that moment, I remembered the price that Jesus paid for me and how His unconditional love has always taken me back; no matter how many times I have failed and disappointed Him. And these verse came to mind,

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you where sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, browling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.” 

-Ephesians 4:30-32

  “Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. Another reason I wrote you was to see id you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.” -2 Corinthians 2:7-9

So, I walked to the office and picked up the phone. I heard the voice of Sam, humbly ask me for forgiveness. He apologized for hurting me the way that he did. We talked for a while and he said many things that I had needed to hear for a long time. Although there was no “feeling of sudden release” (like what happened in the story); once I told Sam that I forgave him- I knew in my heart that something big had taken place. I had made a choice to forgive! And I learned something very important that I will never forget. “Forgiveness is not an emotion. Rather it is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the  temperature of the heart” (Corrie Ten Boom).

I Am a Clean Slate 

The week after I received this call from Sam, my team and I had “Inner Healing” week.  During this time, each one of us was given the opportunity to share about our past hurts and confess to the class who we needed to forgive. I personally shared about how I had forgiven Sam. After I told my testimony, my leaders brought a white canvas to me. They told me, “Tiffany, you are now a clean slate. Live in the freedom that Christ has already given you!”

“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one who sin the Lord does not count against them and in those spirit is no deceit” -Psalm 32”1-2 

 This is a photo of my small group. We read two books of the Bible and studying them together every Saturday, as a way to prepare for outreach! Next time I will be sharing with you all where it is we will be going....

Thank you all for your prayers and support, while I am here in Costa Rica.
Have a wonderful week ya'all!:)

ps. I would really love to hear from you personally

Earthshaking Change: Ransom for the Captives

“I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I will take you by the hand and keep you. I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations.To open the eyes that are blind. To bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison of those who sit in darkness.” -Isaiah 42:6-7 

     This week I have been challenged in my faith to think more about what it means for Light to invade darkness. It has been an exciting week in Costa Rica. This Saturday there was a big event going on for Ticos (natives) called Romeria. The word "Romeria" has its roots in Latin and it means, "those who travel towards Rome." Romeria is a pilgrimage where thousands of Catholics walk from all parts of the country to the city of Cartago. This takes place every year on August 2nd. Many of people in Costa Rica make this long journey as a way to bring their prayer request before a black statue of the Virgin Mary. My team and I went downtown on August 2nd to sent up a booth and pray for the Ticos during this event. 

A Captive’s Burden

     As I glanced at them, the word “burden” was written upon their heavy eyes.
My heart sank deeper within my chest. Almost every Tico that passed the booth beside me looked my way. Their journey was a long one and it wasn't over. They had eleven miles yet to go. The majority of them had been walking for miles upon miles, revealing their devotion and sacrifice. Macho (a leader who is from Costa Rica) informed me that many of the Ticos where willing to walk over forty-miles, if it meant God would answer their prayer. My eyes followed every move they made as they slowly proceeded up the hill towards the Catholic Church of Cartago. I thought to myself, “They look like blind captives walking straight into the dungeon of religion.” This moment reminded me of Isaiah 42:6-7 where the prophet talks about people living in a prison of darkness. I wondered to myself as the people walked by, “Where is their freedom?”

  As I glanced at people passing a bit longer, it became clear to me. Every person was carrying a different burden. Each burden was like a dark shadow, holding tightly onto them. With every step they took this burden became more heavy. For some of the Ticos, this burden’s name was “Doubt” for others “Worry” and yet some “Restlessness.”

                   Earthshaking Change

After five minutes or so, my team offered the Ticos water to drink (in plastic bags) and placed a booklets of the Gospel of John (a book painted with stories of God’s unconditional love) in their hands. On some of their faces, a brief smile appeared for a moment, but soon vanished after their feet crossed the line of our booth. Many of my teammates felt out of place at first. A fair amount of the people stared at us as we stood there with our red vests on. Maybe they thought to themselves, “Are these people from a different religious group?“ It was pretty obvious that a majority of them did not want anything to do with us. They would take a free bag of water, but keep walking past us.

Isaac (a leader from YWAM) asked me to go into Wal-Mart with him because we were running out of plastic bags. After him and I returned from getting the supplies, something had drastically changed. It was earthshaking change! I couldn't believe what my eyes were seeing! I saw my teammates extending out their arms and hugging nearly every single person who walked by them. And the Ticos were smiling! SMILING! Most of them were laughing at these crazy "gringos" who were hugging everyone they saw. But what captured my heart the most was the small spark I saw in the Ticos’ eyes.

   A hug is a personal gesture. It shows a desire for relationship and closeness with the person you are hugging. My heart jumped up and down. That’s it! Relationship sets people free! And my teammates all know the best relationship a person can ever have! It’s what we all came to Costa Rica for. We came here to know God personally and make Him known to others.

     Better yet, God's Son Jesus paid the sacrifice once and for all. We no longer have to bring our sacrifices before God. The Bible says, "Unlike the other high priests, he (Jesus) does not need to offer sacrifices day after day. Rather he sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself" (Hebrews 7:27). 

     It's so comforting to know because of what Jesus did on the cross for me-I can live a life of freedom! Jesus says, "I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life!" (John 8:12).  I no longer have to live in darkness or dwell in a prison of religion, rather I can freely walk in God's light.

Metro Ministry 

     Lastly, I just want to share a few photos from Metro Ministry. :) This is a ministry my team is getting involved in.  We go (every Thursday) to a church located not too far from the base. In this bario, there are many at risk kids. Sadly, sex-trafficking is common in this neighborhood.

     We offer a program like VBS to each one of the kids. One of my favorite things that the staff does for the kids, is we do an art project every week and tell them a Bible story. We also play soccer with the boys before the program begins. I am looking forward to seeing how God is going to work in the lives of each child that I have met through Metro. I really do believe this is the next generation of Costa Rica. God longs to see these children walking with Him in His radiant light.

"I am the way the truth and the Life, 

no one comes to the Father expect through me"

-Jesus 

"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free"

-John 8:31-32 

     I enjoy to hear from you back at home! and I hope everything is going well. If you feel God leading you to support me during my time in Costa Rica or for the outreach phase;  my parents address is listed below. 

     Just to give everyone an update, God has been blessing me richly through family and friends. I can tell that people are praying for me back at home. 

Currently I have received $990 for support!:)  The remaining amount for the rest of my time with YWAM is $4,010. This will cover all everything I need for both the lecture phase and outreach. God has been so good and I am trusting in Him. :) 

     P.S. I heard several days ago where my team will be going on outreach! So, I will share that surprise in the weeks to come. 

Con amor, Tiff

Tiffany Klaas

220 E. Birch St. 

Lancaster, WI 53813

Photos: Taken by Metro Ministries, Costa Rica

Strangers n' Starbucks

           What a week it has been!! :) 
                       So many stories I could share.I don’t even know where to begin.

      Last Sunday, I went to a local Starbucks with two of my teammates (Mario and Celeste) to work on our book report together for class. As the three of us talked about the sermon we had just heard, a tall dark haired lady walked up to us. “Excuse me, my name is Anne. I couldn’t help but overhear you three talking about church.” she said. “ I am from Seattle and a believer in Jesus. I have been in San Jose for 3 weeks now. I don‘t speak much Spanish so I haven’t been able to make many friends. Do you mind if I sit with you all?” We invited her to join us. As Anne spoke with us, we found out that she had been visiting local hospital in Costa Rica. She was doing medical reach and had plans on being in the country for eight more weeks. She also told us that her dream of becoming a nurse and helping people who suffer from Aids. Anne expressed her passion to not only help patients with their medical needs-but spiritual needs as well (If Vanessa Miguel was ten years older-this lady was her twin). And get this!! Anne personally knows one of my professors from Moody in Spokane, Washington. Wow, talk about a small world!:)

As we talked with Anne in Starbucks, Mario told her that the three of us are doing a DTS with YWAM. He also mentioned that we were planning on going to his church that evening. “I would be so happy if I could come worship with you all, may I?” Anne asked us (without any fear in her voice). Mario, Celeste, and I looked at each other and smiled. “Of course, you are more than welcome to come with us and we will give you a ride home afterwards.” we replied.
As the night came to a end at Marios church, Anne had the opportunity to meet many other believers at church. She shared how grateful she was that we took her with us. Yet, Anne wasn‘t the only person who received a blessing that night. Spending time with her really encouraged my teammates and I. A few hours prior, we were all strangers in Starbucks; but as we dropped Anne off at her host family’s house (and hugged her goodbye), my teammates and I felted like we had met one of our sisters for the very first time. We didn’t want to part ways. So, we invited Anne to come back to church with us the following week. And she agreed without any hesitation. The week was just beginning, what more would God have in store in the days to come…

Every week we have a new teacher that challenges us in our faith. This week we had Pancho as our teacher. He is from El Salvador and has lived on the base for over two years. On Tuesday, Pancho told the group that we would not be able to use any of our electronic devices for the entire week. And let me tell you, not having any electronic devices ended up being a very freeing experience. Nearly every night this past week the girls and I spend time sitting on each other’s beds, telling jokes, and laughing until it hurt! Normally, most of us are texting on our cell phones, reading, bogging, or skyping with someone from home. However, not having any electronics really brought us closer together. :)

On Friday, the staff decided to do something special for the group. They planned a trip to the BEACH! This was a big deal to the group since we have not left San Jose for almost a full month (and the beach was a two hour drive away). On our way to the beach, we stopped at a bridge where over forty wild crocodiles dwell. For the first time in my life, I felt as if I was living in a still picture, straight out of a National Geographic magazine. There was professional photographer to the far left of the bridge, catching every move of two specific crocodiles. As I was watching from the distance, a Tico told me about an incident that happened in the river not that long ago.

According to this man, the news reported that a local man had been drinking one evening. He decided to take a swim in the river due to the humidity of the night. And since he was drunk, cooling off appeared to sound like a pleasant idea. The next morning the man was no where to be found.  Some after, people began to look for him. Reporters discovered that he had taken a swim under the bridge the night before into the crocodile infested waters. Sadly, these reporters could not find him nor his remains to prove he was dead. Unfortunately, the man’s head was found laying on a sandbank up stream-several hours later.


Once I heard this story, standing on this bridge while seeing full grown crocodiles under me- no longer felt so comforting. My team took a few photos and decided it was time to got back on the road. However, I began to think about this man’s life. I wonder why he was drinking that night? Was he a brokenhearted man? Was he a prisoner to darkness? I wish he could have had a life walking in the goodness of God’s Light. For I know, it is only in His Light that we can find true freedom.

The following verses really spoke strongly to me this week. They reminded me just why God has brought me to Costa Rica. When I look at the people of this country, my heart breaks…so many of them look like prisoners, searching for the Light; yet living in darkness.

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from the darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of Joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness. A planting of the Lord for the display of His slender.”Isaiah 61: 1-5

Once we arrived at the beach, my group ran straight for the water! After some time of playing around in the waves-like a bunch of kids-we sat down and read God’s word together as a family. Pancho then announced that our group was going to celebrate life in Christ and new beginnings!

“Today is a very special day, I want to invite anyone to share their testimony and be baptized in the ocean in front of us.” he said. Four of my teammates decided to recommit their lives to Jesus (Jen, Shelby, Caleb, and Madelyn). It was an emotional experience for all of us to seem and one I will never forget.

So, that was my week…until next time :)

With love, Tiff

Finding Freedom: The Man Who Changed Everything

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZopQ-gTrb7o 

(Feel free to listen to this link while reading...)

 
       For the past four days, the tropical rainstorm have made San Jose its home.
A gray static cloud has been residing over the city for nearly a week. Like a loyal soldier, who has been commanded to not leave his post, this cloud has been immovable and obedient.

     On Saturday, my team and I had to cancel our plans of hiking due to the rain. The following day, we decided nothing would come between us climbing a particular mountain-on the outskirts of San Jose. Even if it meant we would most likely get caught in the middle of a storm; we were willing to do anything if it meant "getting off the base."

So after church on Sunday, eleven of us made our way to this mountain. Mario
(Photo: guy in the green shirt) told us that he knew of a bus that would take us straight to the bottom of it. Getting to there with a "crazy bus driver" increased the excitement in all of us.

      As we climbed to the top, trekking through orange paths made of wet clay, I started to think about my life and the storms I have been walking through the past several months.Gazing at the clay as it passed beneath my feet, my head facing downward, I noticed a heavy burden upon my shoulders. It felt as if a rock had landed on my chest. Suddenly, I was reminded that the sting of unforgiveness had not completely left me.

     So many feelings and thoughts began to entangle me. I started to contemplate about the movie we watched the night before, "The Passion of Christ." Then an important question came to my mind,

“ How can I preach God’s forgiveness to people (in the months to come); if I myself am struggling with forgiving?” This question remained in my mind for the rest of the hike. I thought about Jesus and how He has forgiven all my sins.

     Once, I reached the top of the mountain, I saw this ugly tree standing all alone. This tree was yet another reminder of my hurt. So, I asked God,  “Lord, can freedom and unforgiveness exist in the same place?” It didn’t take long for Him to answer my question. I knew within my spirit, that these two things cannot live together. To say freedom and unforgivness can be present at the same time, would be like saying “darkness can exists in the presence of light.” It’s just possible!
This heart of mine desires freedom and I want to live in the light.

As I descended down the mountain with my team, I knew that I had a choice to make! Will I allow this time in Costa Rica to be a chapter in my life focused on embracing forgiveness?

I have realized that I will only find this freedom in a man who has the power to transform my heart.

The Man Who Changed Everything

 “Above every storm the heavens wait to be seen. You are the Man who changed everything. As You spoke, in letters of red, I heard the sound of Your voice, ever more softly and ever more clear. Knowing that You are the Man who rids me of my fear. There has been times, where my stubborn heart didn't want to forgive; but this isn't the way I ever want to live."

“For on the cross He took my place, showing me His endless mercy and heart filled with grace. Wiping away my sins, no longer leaving a trace. Now I can enter into His kingdom with my head held high, knowing He purchased me and I will never die. It does not matter what storms this life may bring; His marvelous heavens are waiting to be seen. Yes, Jesus is the Man who changed everything, and because of Him, my Savior and my God- I will forever sing.”

~Tiffany :)

“Hearing God’s Voice and Silencing the Noise.”

It has been one week since I arrived in San Jose. This city is filled with sounds of motorbikes zipping through traffic. Car horns echoing off tin building and tropical birds singing songs together. Yet behind all this noise, one can see in the distance the mountains that border the city. Nearly every day, there are gray clouds that hover over these mountains. A downpour of rain normally hits around noon time and disappears within a few hours. Even though I have seen rainstorms almost daily; the storm within my heart is gently lifting. God presence is in this place and I am excited to see how He is going to teach me about His character of love and mercy.

On Sunday, my team and I had the opportunity to go downtown San Jose to experience watching the World Cup. On this particular day, Costa Rica was playing against Greece. Thousands of people filled the streets, to see if their small country would take home the title of winning against Greece (a team known to do excellent in soccer!). For the majority of the game the score remained 1 to 1, keeping everyone on edge. During the final part (going into over time) the teams had to finish the game with penalty kicks. Greece missed the fourth goal, and to our excitement, Costa Rica became the winning team!!! Never in my life have I seen a crowd go as WILD as this one!

In Costa Rica, it’s a tradition for the people to gathers in the calles (streets) and make their way to the “circle”  (as seen in the photo to the right). As they make their way through the streets, boys wave red shirts over their heads and women wrap the Costa Rican flag around their shoulders with pride. Everyone chants together, “OLE OLE OLE, TICOS TICOS!!” San Jose is a city and cultured filled with lots of noise; which at times is exciting. However, hearing all these sounds around me makes me think about how “noise in my own life” can distract me from what is most important.

There is a story our teacher told us this week in class that impacted the way I think about hearing God’s voice and silencing the noise. One day a Native American and his American friend (I will call them Katut and John) traveled to New York City together. Katut and John decide to walk near time square to witness the businesses of the city. For the first time, Katut began to experience what it is like to be in a city filled with lights and cars rushing from one place to another.
      As Katut and his friend where walking through the streets that evening, Katut said, “Do you hear that cricket?” His friend John laughed, “Are you serious? No, I can’t hear a cricket? Not over all this noise.” Katut pointed to a specific bush close by, “look inside that bush” he said. John still couldn’t hear anything but did as his friend had asked. To John’s surprise there was a little cricket at the bottom of the bush. “How did you hear this cricket? Wow, you must have better hearing than I do” John said.  Katut gave a humble smile and then responded to John, “My ears are no better than yours my friend.”  He paused for a moment, “You see, my ears are no different than yours…I simply listen for things you do not.” Katut then said something very profound, “People listen for things that are most important to them.”  “Let me show you what I mean…” Katut said to John. At that moment, Katut pulled a bunch of coins out from his pocket. As ten people passed by; Katut dropped his coins on the pavement of the sidewalk. Instantly, each person looked frantically on the ground to see if the change was their own. Katut explained, “You see, people listen for what is most valuable to them.”

Although the story of Katut and the cricket is a brief one, there is something about it that has stirred up conviction within me. This story makes me think about how there has been so many times in my life where I do not hear God’s voice; mainly due to the fact that I have chosen to listen to other things. Sadly, I have put other things in God’s place…and allowed the noise around me to cover up what is really of most value- and that is getting to know God’s heart. I am looking forward to seeing how God is going to show me His character in the next several months. My heart is tender and ready to learn from Him; perhaps more than ever before.

The photo bellow is my team members, here at the San Jose YWAM base. Please pray for us, that God will unite us as one on the mission field. That we will become as close as brothers and sisters...and that through God revealing Himself to us; we can reach the nations.

Thanks for reading.  I hope everything is going well at home.:)

Hey everyone:) So, this is my very first time blogging. Bare with me....since I am still learning how to do this. My hope is that this blog will not only be a way for me to share with my family and friends what is going on in my life in Costa Rica; but in some way it can be used as a tool to encourage you in your own walk with the God.