BIG NEWS! We're Moving to Costa Rica!
- Samson Densmore
- May 7
- 5 min read
Updated: May 12
Hello everyone! I want to first off thank you for your prayers over ministry. We continue to have many great testimonies of God’s goodness and lives being changed by Jesus! We are excited to update you all on a transition coming up for us.
For the past year and a half, God has guided us back to the States, and we have had the beautiful opportunity to engage in youth ministry and a ministry-owned coffee shop. We deeply see God’s purpose in these ministries.
Through youth ministry, we got to engage in discipleship with young men and women. Chloe and I got to work with a team to engage teenagers in the Word. To engage them in missions. To be bold for the truth of the Gospel. We have loved the connections we have made with each of the youth, and have loved to see breakthroughs in their growth in their faith. We are deeply grateful for each of our students and encouraged by their journey with God.
Through New City Cafe, we have had greater engagement in what it looks like to be a business as mission. To be planted in the city, helping teens and young adults grow towards their future goals. We have had the beautiful opportunity to grow close with our fellow leaders and with those who go through the apprenticeship program. We have developed skills in running a business with excellence while holding a very focused mission. Having conversations about Jesus with our co-workers and the community.
A Calling
Partly in anticipation of taking our youth on a mission trip to Costa Rica, and partly to see our old community, my wife and I went to visit Jaco for a week. For those who are unfamiliar, this was the location of our year-long mission work in Costa Rica. What presented itself to us as simply a visit, with some time for discernment, became far more than a visit. This was a call…
Living in Costa Rica, we made a connection of our friend's ministry to our local church. Our friend had Christian rehab centers on the other side of the country. He helped us in the process to start one in Jaco. This center has now been open for half a year, and I see God’s call to pastor and support the mission of the recovery center. To make disciples. God has equipped and implanted a desire for this calling. For us, this is a big step. I am reminded of the story of Peter. A step of faith out of the comfort of the boat. To walk on water, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, even amidst any storms.
This is just the start of a call. The call continues in a walk of faith and obedience to this desire in our hearts. To steward this call in a way that is worthy of the Gospel. This missional decision, in contrast to our past seasons, is met with a long-term view in mind. That we are dropping all that we own, and running forward with all that God provides.
No time frame, no expectations. Simply a heart unto our LORD.
Here are some special moments that God has brought close to my (Samson's) heart in prayer over this decision:
My love for discipleship! I have felt for years that God had called me to disciple men. He had specifically planted that purpose and desire in my heart. I have been able to operate in this through the World Race, mission work, and youth pastoring. For each, I am deeply grateful.
My heart for those coming from the streets in situations of poverty and addiction. I have a deep desire to love those who feel forgotten. Those who may get passed over.
The experiences God brought me through in preparation for this call. From preaching Jesus on the streets to the homeless, to helping with rehab work, to building relationships with brothers coming off the streets into new life. This story is ever interwoven with God’s grace.
The need for the rehab center to grow in self-sustainability. Our experience in business as missions has provided a unique opportunity to find ways for the rehab to be self-sustaining. Which could look like coffee ministry, another sweet connection.
The honor it was to have a time of growth in New York, providing fresh hearts, minds, and eyes for going to the ministry at the rehab center.
Most importantly: The unity of prayer between my wife and I. I was very hesitant at first. It can be my tendency in the unknown to not move. On one hand, it gives me time to pray and discern, but on the other hand, it can lead to shutting doors that God has not shut. As I adjusted to a posture of open hands and surrender, I started to see all the ways God was moving in this decision. Simply put, above any other factors, there was a cry within my Spirit to fulfill this call.
This is a decision to go directly involved with the Christian rehab center, “Finca de Esperanza,” near Jaco. To be long-term missionaries, with a focus on discipleship and sustainability of the center. I am blessed with the role of co-director at the rehab. This transition is met with unknowns, but there is a peace that is provided in knowing God has gone before us. As we have been blessed with prayers continually, we ask for your prayers over this transition. We are preparing to phase out of New York in a way that is honorable to both ministries, while also building up our supporter base.
This transition will involve the invitation of monthly partners. That without an end time in mind, the sustainability of this mission will come from those who are monthly partners. Here is what I firmly believe. God instilled this calling for my wife and me. We believe God’s influence is the same for those who will partner with us financially. A calling to be part of what we are setting out to fulfill. To reach the lost and forgotten with the life-changing news of Jesus.
We ask for your devoted prayer in a decision such as this. We know that where God calls, He provides. And that as the body of Christ, we have the honor to partner with one another to bring the Kingdom of Heaven down to earth. In your prayerful consideration of partnership monthly, we invite you into further engagement with us. We are happy to connect with you over the phone, Zoom, or in person if possible!
Phone: 515-777-0411 Email: heavenlyrootedmissions@gmail.com
Peace be with you all, Samson & Chloe
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