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We thought that you might like a look at one of our house guests here in Costa Rica. With no winter to speak of here in San Jose the spiders have opportunity to grow quite large!
In actuality, there are only two seasons in Costa Rica, dry and rainy. Right now, were in the rainiest month of the year. It rains here nearly every afternoon. This will continue until December when the dry season begins. We have come to find out that the umbrella is a necessary item…sometimes the hard way!
Here in Costa Rica, September 15th is the day that the Ticos celebrate their independence from Spain. The festivities began last night with the singing of the national anthem at 6:00 in the evening. Today, a day off for most Costa Ricans, the celebration continues with a parade and other activties to mark the event.
We thought you might like to experience a bit of Costa Rica for yourself so we have included this short video clip of a trip to the Plaza de la Cultura, located in central San Jose. These guitarists play most days in the plaza. If you take a close look, you might notice that they are all blind.
We have made it to San Jose, Costa Rica! We have been in Costa Rica since Tuesday and are now getting settled into a routine before classes begin on Tuesday. We are relieved and excited to be here although a bit overwhelmed at the realization that we now have the equivalent communication skills of a two-year old!
However, even though we have left the United States, we find that are thoughts are constantly brought back as we continue to hear reports on the damage and the situation on the Gulf Coast. We ask that you would continue to remember us, be we hope that you would find time to remember the victims of Hurricane Katrina in your thoughts and prayers. Also, if you feel so lead, I know of two excellent organizations that will facilitate your relief contributions: Convoy of Hope and Rural Compassion. Both are Assemblies of God ministries, and both are playing a large role in facilitating relief, spiritual as well as physical, to these distressed people.
Our latest newsletter is now available on-line in PDF format. Just click on the image below or here to read about our upcoming change of address:
That’s right friends! You’ve read correctly. We have received the final clearance necessary for us to leave for the field. This means that we will be leaving for Costa Rica on August 3oth in order to study Spanish. We will be living in San Jose and studying at CINCEL, the Assemblies of God language institute for all Missionaries headed to Latin America.
Thank you to you who have helped us with your support, and especially your prayers. Without you none of this would have happened!
It’s been a bit since I have added to the blog, but that does not mean that there hasn’t been activity in the Godzwa household. In fact, we’ve been busier than ever, and we have seen God do some wonderful things. Since our last budget update, we’ve moved to 90% in our monthly support. Adding in the commitments that have yet to be recorded, we have received 97% of what we will need in order to minister in Mexico. We need only $170 to complete our budget. On top of that, our cash is nearly raised!
Although we’ve not received official clearance, we are getting things ready to leave the states by August 28th. We have our house up to rent, and we are beginning to weed out the stuff that we have accumulated through our 13 years here in Missouri. It’s amazing to see how many T-shirts one can collect in that time!
We want to thank everyone who has been instrumental in making this happen. Thank you to all who have prayed for, supported and continue to stand together with our ministry. You are deeply appreciated!
I was attending the I Love America fireworks display put on by James River Assembly when it hit me that this would be our last Fourth of July celebration on American soil for the next 3 years. We sang the National Anthem, and I began to cry, aware suddenly of how much my country truly means to me. I asked myself again, “Why am I doing this? Why am I leaving my friends, my family, everything I have ever known and loved to go to a place that is strange and unfamiliar. The answer came seconds later: “Because I have called you.” That was enough for me.
So we go, and even though departing is bittersweet, we know that the rewards of obedience will far outweigh the disappointments. For we know that God will work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
When running my last marathon, I ran great until the last few miles. I was running along with a full head of steam just a mile previously, but after mile 21, I felt as though my energy had been completely drained. It was a struggle just to keep my feet going.
I was glad when my friend Eric met me at the water stop just after that crucial mile. He was energetic and smooth, offering words of encouragement as he ran. I found that I as I looked at him I began to feel better. I began to feed on his energy and fall into step with his stride. That mile that he ran with me gave me the energy that I needed to be able to finish the race in my best time ever.
I was talking with our itineration manager on Friday He told me that, in order to be able to buy our plane tickets for language school in Costa Rica, we would need to finish our support raising by July 31st. That means that our last $1600 of monthly support would have to be in by the end of this month. Hearing this news gives me that feeling that I had at mile 21 of the marathon. We are working so hard and we have gained so much ground, but the goal still seems so far out of reach.
That’s when I can take comfort in the words of the writer of Hebrews: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..” So often, I think of Jesus as standing before me, almost as a loved one would stand at the finish line of a race, but now I realize that Jesus has not only gone before me, but He is also running with me, and as I focus on Him, falling into his pace, and hearing His words of encouragement, the race becomes runnable again.
Does the task before you seem to be too big to handle? Know that Jesus is working with you to complete, and with the two of you working together, there is nothing that you cannot accomplish!
A quarter of our budget that is! Yesterday, following our service @ Highway Assembly in Brighton, MO we reached the 75% milestone. Thank you to Highway Assembly and to our the latest supporters who joined them in helping us make it to this point in our fundraising:
Leaman & Angie Geosling of Springfield, MO
and
First A/G of Tipton, MO
They’re both Godzwas. They’re both missionaries, but can you guess which one is going to Mexico?
Dave got the chance to team up with his twin brother, Mike, when they had the opportunity to share about missions together in Mechanicsville, MD at Living Word Community Church. Mike shared about Chi Alpha at American University where he has served as campus pastor for 6 years. Dave had the opportunity to share about Mexico and our plan to follow Jesus’ commmand to make disciples there.
Following the preaching, they were able to minister together in music, as they lead an extended time around the altar. Even though it is almost 10 years since they graduated from CBC, this was the first time that they have been able to minster in the same service. Thank you, Pastor Wickham, for providing the opportunity!
Now about that lead question: If you said that Dave is the one on the left, then you guessed correctly!
