September Update

We are excited to share another update with you all. God continues to provide the strength and wisdom for our ministry here in Costa Rica. We are constantly reminded of our dependence on Him and of our need to stay humble and pray fervently for the ministry. We continue to ask for your prayers: for our leaders, our students, and the families of the students.

"² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

In this season, I am learning more deeply to take joy in the trials. Not just what could be perceived as trials from others, but trials that truly challenge my flesh. That lead me to my own weakness and need for God. Trials that help teach me to persevere. To mature and bear the fruit of the Spirit.

Consider it pure joy is no small task. It doesn't just say try to see the good in difficulty. It is truly a call to be joyful for the hardships that come. The call of a Christian does not promise ease in this life, but rather, to understand the hope that we have is to keep the worth of our obedience close to our hearts. That sacrifice, even when contrary to our human nature, is the call of Christ to deeper waters. To die to oneself over and over each day. To fix our minds and hearts on things above.

Program:

We continue to praise God for the growth we see in these men and the success of our graduates. We now have 24 graduates from the program and four men set to graduate in October. What has been such a joy to see is the restoration that happens in the families of our men. Many children have reconciled with their fathers. Grandchildren with their Grandpa. As a new father, it brings a strong feeling of gratitude to see these men stepping up as dads when before they were absent. Through this program, our intent is for the change in these men to pour out into generational change. Healthy fathers help make healthy families. What a blessing it is to even see the humble hearts of mothers who have had their hearts broken far too many times, and carried the weight of responsibility alone, saying they forgive the dad of their kids. So many stories of restoration and forgiveness.

Family:

When it comes to our family, we continue to move forward in the love of Christ. Sometimes the reality of being missionaries and also raising a family can show its complexities. I continue to learn how to serve my family and ministry well in this season. Our little boy Elijah is growing so quickly. He has proved to be a tough baby: barely sleeping at night, unable to sleep alone in a crib, and a little human with a big cry, but we are overjoyed to have our sweet Elijah. He is an answered prayer. He is starting to develop his social smile, and there isn't anything you can compare to smiling at your child and getting a big grin in return.

We just had a men's conference this past weekend, and one of the workshops I was in was about parenting. It is such a blessing to have a firm foundation in Christ before raising our children. Chloe and I have clear intentions for our goal with our children. To see them as devoted followers of Christ. Everything else falls to the wayside.

Intern:

We have the arrival of a new intern. His name is Seth, and he was one of the boys in our youth group when we served in the States. He is living with us and getting involved in some really impactful ministries. One of his main ministries is teaching kids in low-income neighborhoods how to swim. The concern of flash floods and even the riptide of the ocean when families go out can be a danger to kids. He is helping train and equip communities for education that we simply see as a normal part of childhood in the States.

Invitation:

We continue to invite your prayers over this ministry. We need many gathered in prayer over this mission. We thank deeply those who are partnered with our mission or have given in the past. We continue to extend the invitation to join as a partner if you are not, or to give towards the mission. The platform link is here.

Thank you for reading through our update, and thank you for your support of the ministry and our family. May God guide you where you are at, and may His love spur you on!

Samson & Chloe