Closing a Chapter

Samson Densmore
Jul 10
3 min read

Praise the LORD! This season has been a time of gratitude for what God has done in Rochester, NY, and also a time of embracing the next ministry ahead. We have been encouraged as we walk in obedience to this call, seeing how God has provided each step of the way.

Our partner team in ministry has expanded greatly. The relational connections and co-laborers in Christ that we have been blessed with in Rochester have not only been a testimony to what God is doing in NY, but also a continuation of ministry connections for Costa Rica. It was no mistake that in between our time of living in Costa Rica, God had many plans for our time in Rochester. As we prepare to transition, a clear reason has been the growth of our team in ministry, surrounded by prayer, resources, love, and financial partnerships.

We have now phased out of both the ministries we poured our time into. For youth ministry, our church has been blessed with a grant that will allow for another full-time staff member. This will prepare the way for an associate pastor who can lead youth ministry. For New City Cafe, we have two close friends in Christ who will be fulfilling roles as supervisors.

This past month has been embracing the last moments with those in Rochester. We have been grateful for the closure that God has provided in this season. We are grateful as well for transitioning out in a way that is still deeply connected with those we served and those we served with.

As we wrap up our season in New York, I want to share some of the words our youth kids have written in our departure. These words are a testimony to how God is moving in their lives and this ministry.

"There are so many truths you taught me, I could go on for a while. A recent one I have been learning is how to be a son of God. That has been a theme we've had, and I'm glad it was. Learning to rest in the presence of the Father and His love. I pray that we all continue to grow in love for one another and God. Thank you for all the truths you have spoken over me. Thank you for being willing to talk and pour into my faith."

"Thank you for making my last year the best year of my life! You have provided me with so much knowledge and wisdom from your inspirational lives. You have helped me navigate through my life as a Christian, which is still rocky but has been way better with your help."

"You have taught me that only God holds the future and how to feel secure in that. Chloe, opening up to me and seeing how strong you are, but still asking for God's help, was eye-opening. I struggle asking for help and still do, but you have made it easier and more comfortable. You also taught me how to fully open up to God and give Him my heart. Samson, you have taught me how to read my Bible in a way that makes it easier to understand, and it has helped me grow in my relationship with God."

"The most important thing you taught me is to be in the moment and recognize where God is in every situation. This usually meant putting phones in the phone bin, not having phones on the mission trip, and spending time journaling. You helped open my eyes to just how closed they were, and greatly improved how I look at being a leader. You helped me see leadership through God's perspective, and not my selfish ways."

"One truth that the Densmores have taught me is that surrounding yourself with people who love you is important. I saw a big difference, mainly during the school year, in the company of kids who only watched out for themselves, compared to the community Samson and Chloe helped create at youth group. By surrounding myself with people who cared, it was easier to grow my faith. Trusting Samson & Chloe has brought me to a spot where I am confident in my character, and I know who cares for me."

Fundraising Update:

We are at 80% of our monthly needs filled through partners. We extend an invitation for you to pray for our mission, to consider being a financial partner in it, and to help expand our reach by inviting others into what the LORD is doing in Costa Rica. Check out our giving platform here, and we would love to connect with you over the phone, or if possible, in person.

Our timeline:

A few more days in Chicago with Chloe's family and connecting with Village Presbyterian Church.
A month in Iowa with Samson's family and connecting with Prairie Ridge Church.
Leaving for Costa Rica around mid-August.

Peace be with you,

Samson & Chloe