On our first day in Costa Rica, the leader, Hannah, gave us the history and her heart behind this space.
Jacó has a dark history. It has been called the Sodom and Gomorrah of Costa Rica and defined by prostitution, drinking, and drugs. Hannah felt a calling to missions in her early 20’s, but no one would send her to Jacó. She wanted to go where no one else would.
Hannah was in a town down the coast from Jacó. She went out surfing and the local kids flocked to her. They wanted to swim, sit on the board, and learn to surf. Her heart ached for the children in Jacó that would sit on the walls outside of bars and watch people party. She realized she could bring her surfboard to Jacó and teach those children to surf.
Hannah became connected with a ministry called Christian Surfers and started a chapter in Jacó. Her dream was to build the ministry so that locals could run it and she’d pass it along to them. Circumstances didn’t allow that and God kept her here.
It has now been 20 years and where I sit is called Oceans Edge. The name comes from Psalm 18:
He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. Psalm 18:16
In the past 20 years this ministry has built good relationships with the locals and the government. The city reaches out when they are in need. Currently, they are working on painting a mural in the city park.
We will be involved with a variety of ministry opportunities over the next month. It makes my heart happy to be in a place where God’s hope is so present.
Where in your life has God taken a hold of you and drawn you out of the deep waters? Take a moment to reflect and thank Him.
Or may you’re in the deep waters now…I pray you reach your hand toward the Father as He reaches toward you.
I am still in need of fundraising support and ask you to consider donating. You can make a tax deductible donation here.
For convenience, you can also send donations here:
Venmo: @lwatts91
Paypal: paypal.me/lwatts91
Cashapp: $lwatts91
Glad you made it safe and sound, Lauren. We’re super proud of you!!
Lauren! We are so glad to hear you made it to your destination. Praying for you all to be God’s stars shining in Jaco. Praying for your safety and wisdom. Praying for all of your needs to be met. So thankful we were able to spend some time with you before you left. Love you lots!! Debby
Beautiful, I love that you guys get to partner with her in what she’s doing!
Thank you Keith. Miss you both!
Thank you Debby!