Let’s jump right into this: we are returning back to the USA! I (Christopher) will be working on staff at Access Church (located in Polk County, Florida) as the Next Steps Director role at the South Lakeland campus, which entails pastoring people in their faith walk with Jesus. Hannah will be helping out as she desires and continuing to love on our blessing, Eliana Grace.
That is the short and condensed version of the big news! But if you would like more details as to how we arrived at this decision, when we will be leaving Costa Rica, and what the rest of our time here looks like, continue reading below!
What led up to this decision?
For some time, Hannah and I had been struggling with some leadership situations occurring behind the scenes in the La Carpio ministry (if you have any specific questions, please feel free to reach out to us). After talking with some wise, pastoral counsel, in July we finalized the decision to step away from the La Carpio ministry and have already communicated to our ministry team that our last day in La Carpio will be Saturday, August 29th. While it was not entirely easy, it was necessary, and thankfully our La Carpio ministry team has truly responded with love.
Again, our decision to move away from the La Carpio ministry was finalized and communicated in July. Simultaneously, two great ministry opportunities were presented to us in July as we began praying and asking God the question: what’s next? One opportunity was to work alongside a ministry called Levanta, which is led by the pastors of our local Costa Rican church of which we are members. The focus of their ministry is helping victims of domestic abuse through prevention, intervention, and restorative protection. Alongside Levanta, we would have also continued serving at ILE, as we are currently doing. The other opportunity was to work at Access Church. I (Christopher) was a member there during my college years and they have supported us during our time abroad. Both opportunities have their beauties and exciting factors, and both come with their own challenges.
After weeks of prayer, fasting, seeking wise counsel, several conversations, and a two-day visit to the church, we ultimately have decided to return to Florida and be a part of Access Church.
Undoubtedly, our hearts are saddened to leave Costa Rica, as we have a number of beloved friends here and it has been almost 4 years since we started our mission here in October of 2022! At the same time, we are hopeful and excited for what God has in store for our next mission field stateside. In short, it has been quite a bittersweet time.
By when do we hope to return to Florida? What is happening in the meantime?
We plan on returning to Florida this December, in about 4 months. This gives us time to finish out this year strong with the missionary students and the rest of the ILE team while also helping ILE find a new Campus Pastor or missionary care staff. I (Christopher) will also be working on a small group material to pass along to different ministries with the purpose that it can be a tool in helping Christians live in freedom from pornography. I hope to finish that before we return to Florida.
We appreciate everyone’s support, offerings, and prayers, as they continue to help us finish our last few months in Costa Rica with excellence while also transitioning with this big move back to Florida.
Prayer Requests:
- Our transition back to the USA. Pray that we may leave well and have proper goodbyes with our loved ones here.
- For us to remain faithful in fulfilling and finishing out our ministry commitments.
- Our future home, community, and job!