Reaching The Prodigal Sons And Daughters
One of our key outreaches is to the prodigal sons and daughters who have left their christian roots and squandered God’s gifts, talents and time He invested in them, running from responsibilities and opportunities.
While I (Chaunda) was on my trip back to the States in October, I went to the evening prayer service at our sending church, Wildwood Calvary Chapel. My ears picked up when I heard the word “prodigal”. It was like a bell went off in my head. Many people are praying for their proverbial “prodigal sons and daughters” who have wandered off into the world, leaving their faith (and their bible) behind. Where do they go? Well, many of them are right here on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica!
The Prodigals of Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
I would venture to say a strong percentage of the ex-pats we’ve met so far were raised in “christian” homes, went to church, perhaps were even “on fire for Jesus”, but for whatever reason, left.
Just this past month, Michael and I have been able to help a young couple return home to Canada. Each has his/her own story of becoming a believer in Jesus as their Savior, growing in Christ, then being sucked into the world of drugs. When we met Ian and Charlene, they were eager to get involved in the church. As we got to know them, it became apparent there were some things that did not add up.
Charlene & Ian
I was able to spend many hours with Charlene, doing bible study and discipleship. What a great gal she is. Michael was able to spend many hours with Ian, doing the same – what a great guy he is! Because light shines into darkness, the darkness could not hide and the “stuff” came to the surface. We began to do some relationship counseling.
Charlene & Chaunda
Charlene’s new bible
Its usually darkest just before dawn, and things got a bit “dicey”, but in the end, both Ian and Charlene made the decision to put their lives back on track with Jesus. In fact, Michael performed the first baptism of Living Water Calvary Chapel at the beach on Thanksgiving Day with Charlene! They also made the decision to go home to Canada and flew out last Friday.
Ian is now facing the responsibilities he ran from. Pray for him because I’m sure he’s not having any fun right now. However, because of what we witnessed the Spirit of God do in him during the past week, we know that he is digging into the Word and prayer. God is a rewarder of those diligently seeking him! (Heb. 11:6)
Charlene is entering a 12 month recovery program, and is being sponsored by her family. When Charlene was with me, she shared how the book of Esther really spoke to her – even showing me her journal, how she’d written about it. We spoke about how Esther went through a 1-year purification and beautification program. That was before all the dark stuff surfaced. Now, fulfilling what appears to be prophetic, Charlene is indeed entering a 12 month detox, healing and restoration program! YHWH is so good! Please keep her in your prayers – especially for these critical days before she enters the program!
Gift of Helps!
Sorry I don’t have any other photos of Ian – he loved being on the beach, tossing a football with Michael. They had a dog named Nugget – pray we find a new home for him!
Working Together For Good
Romans 8: 28 is probably one of the most quoted scriptures in modern history. Let’s remember that this verse is conditional – things work out for those who love God and are called according to His purpose! We have no doubt that Ian and Charlene have a calling on their lives. Their testimonies have the potential to save multitudes. They do love Jesus, and want to put the past behind them. We bless them as they embark on this new journey in their lives.
Deceptive Ways
The New Age philosophies abound here. Yoga classes are everywhere! People worship the creation instead of the Creator. The god of this age blinds the minds of unbelievers because he masquerades as an angel of light and deceives those who don’t want to “pick up their cross” to follow Jesus! SO MANY here are bound up in these trappings. They are part of our mission field. They are prodigal sons and daughters. Please keep us and them in your prayers. Isaiah 61:11 says YHWH desires us to …open prison doors and set captives free!
If you’re praying for a prodigal in your family, then you can personally relate to who we are reaching out to. Pray for us to demonstrate in every aspect of our lives the fragrance of our loving Savior and set these captives free so they can return home!
