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