On the surface it’s paradise, but in reality we just walked into a war zone.
It was hard to leave Guat. Actually harder than I thought it would be… maybe it was somewhat of a first love. Last year, the longest we were in one place was a total of 3 weeks. So to spend 2 months in one country, I think our love ran so much deeper. We had 2 weeks together as a squad in Antigua for some on-the-field training and then a debrief, which allowed our hearts to heal a bit before we hopped cultures. But as hard as it was to leave, I was ready.
We arrived at our host location at 2 am. After a few hours of sleep, Ari and I were the first to set foot outside the gates, on a mission to find a store to grab breakfast for the rest of the squad. It almost felt strange to be walking down unfamiliar streets, yet again. Jacó didn’t quite feel awake yet, although the sun had been up for a while. Even still, we started to realize the reality of living in a beach town, and on the walk back began to pray for the purity of the hearts and minds of the entire squad.
In the days that followed, we watched Jacó come alive in the evenings and we quickly recognized the heaviness of the spiritual atmosphere here. The love of money is constantly in front of us, enticing us with all the things we think we “need” to be comfortable and happy. Each time we leave the house, it feels like we are faced with sensuality and promiscuity at every turn. Sadly, it’s common to pass people drunk or high, strung out on the side of the road.
It’s inescapable.
During our orientation at Oceans Edge, we gained some insight. Historically Jacó is not a desirable place to live or visit. It is known for drugs, prostitution, and child trafficking. When our host Hannah moved here 20 years ago, she was strongly discouraged by the Christian community. It’s not wise. It’s not safe. It’s too far gone…
But she was called to bring the light of Christ into the darkness. So that’s what she did. She has been faithfully serving here in Jacó for the last 20 years, slowly reclaiming ground the enemy has stolen. And we are here to join her in the fight.
It’s natural to want to say where it’s safe. But that’s not what we’re here for. So we take the time at the base to renew our minds, put on our armor, prepare for the battle field. When we leave, we bring the kingdom with us. We are always alert and aware. We continue to pray as we go. And we love. We serve. We carry the light into the darkness. And when we return we shake off everything that is of the world; all fear, insecurity, distraction, selfishness, rebellion. We submit ourselves once again to God and ask him to fill us with his spirit for what awaits tomorrow. We’re in the fight.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Ephesians. 6:12-13
Wow! Praying for you!!! Lovw you!!!
(Are you able to do a “Praise in the Park” – public time of praise and worship?)
I look forward to reading and re reading and praying through your updates. God is near to those who call and his armor is stronger than any attack of the evil one!
Your prayer card is my bookmark in my Bible so I am greeted by your beautiful face every morning and reminded to continue to hold the ropes in prayer for you.
God is great and blessed are the feet of those who spread his news!