A FALL UPDATE

Dear Friends,

I'm sorry I do not post as often as I should. There is so much to tell you. Let's begin with the Costa Rica trip.

The Team, McGinnis Family, Pastor & Elizabeth (thier sons) and Federico, our bus driver

A few months ago the Lord provided for me to go on a mission trip to Costa Rica. It was all very sudden and for me, almost totally unplanned. The Lord opened all the doors and before I knew it, I was on a plane with 10 other wonderful people from my church. When we landed in Costa Rica we were greeted by two very excited gringos, the missionary, Jon, and his son JD. Almost immediately, before the bus could even pull out of the airport, Jon offered us food and a Costa Rican juice. It was then, I knew we would be well cared for and when I decided that I would love the next few days we would spend with the McGinnis Family.
Our objective for the week was to paint the inside of a church and remodel a kitchen/home. The church was attached to the home and was on the side of a very steep hill. The home and church were very small but the Pastor and his wife Elizabeth welcomed us with such love that it felt large (large, was the size of their hearts). We had come to help with the children's ministry and to do some handiwork but we were far more blessed by them. By the end of the week, the church and the outdoor kitchen had been painted and the indoor kitchen/home had mostly been remodeled. Through our physical goals, God taught me many things. Though I did not do a lot of the physical labor, He used that to build lasting relationships. Joni (the Jon's beautiful wife), taught me so much about life on the mission field and what it looks like for a family. She took me under her wing and showed me what it was like for them in Costa Rica, the difficulties and the joys. Joni ministered to my heart more than I can say. Then, Elizabeth taught me how to communicate without words (or speaking the same language). She taught me how to make empanadas, she spoke in Spanish and I responded in English. Neither of us knowing exactly what the other said but the hand motions gave it a way.  Also, from our group leader I learned a lot, both about being a leader and about the fruit of the Spirit, which was our bible study for the week.

I feel blessed and overwhelmed by love and lessons from Costa Rica. I am very thankful to have been given the opportunity of serving in Costa Rica. Thank you for letting me go and praying for me.

Now, on to more current excitments! The youth group I am serving is growing spiritually  and we have several solid students who are bold for Christ! In addition, recently we have had several students turn their lives over to the Lord both for the first time and as a rededication. I believe the number is around 30. WOW! THANK YOU JESUS! One student in particular I have bonded with and she has a desire to please the Lord in every area of her life. I'm so happy for her and glad she is a part of my life.

My family is doing great, just a few weeks ago my sister and I went chasing the sunrise at too early to be up in the morning, AM. Despite that and the super cold wind, it was BEAUTIFUL!  Not to mention on our dive back down the mountain we saw a BLACK BEAR! I can now check that off my bucket list. A few weeks before that we celebrated Mom's birthday and the 25th anniversary of a friend's ministry; it was a great time. More recently, we hosted a bonfire for my parents' Sunday school class. We had a HUGE turn out, that was such a blessing to host.

Lastly, the Lord hears the unspoken cries of our hearts and answers them; mine has been one of loneliness. He has brought several ladies into my life. One who has become more of a mentor and the others as friends to do life with.  In addition, He has changed my hard heart as only He can do and continues to teaches me daily what it means to be a daughter of the King. Some of my favorite verses have become Colossians 1:21-23a &Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation - if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope that is held out for you in the gospel.


Praises:

The Lord has instructed me to grow where I am planted by pouring into girls around me. So I am praising Him for His guidance!

Students who are turning thier life over to the Lord!
Women who pour into this young soul
Books! (Lately, I've taken to reading, this can become dangerous, as many book lovers may know ;)

God's Word, and how it is &profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in rightousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.& (1 Timothy 3:16-17)

The list of praises could go on and on but I will end with this: I praise God for the greatness of knowing His Son and for hope of glory

Prayers:

For girls to disciple and for Him to show me what that looks like

For the fight against sin, as believers this is a daily battle but days it seems harder than others

Continue to keep the Student Ministry Pastors in your prayers. The Lord has answered so many already but the battle for these students continues

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for all your prayers.

Your friend,
Bekah Turbeville :)