Team Member Bios and Testimonies, part III

We want you to meet the members of our 2014 Costa Rica/Nicaragua missions team. Just as we, the leaders, get to know the hearts and abilities of these young people, so we invite you to come along . . . . All bios can be found in alphabetical order at:  2014 Team Member Bios

A senior at Xenia Christian High School, Dan Griffin looks forward to studying health sciences in college with the goal of becoming a physician’s assistant.   A veteran of last year’s ministry team, Dan’s reason for returning to the field this year stems from the great experience he had last year and the spiritual growing it brought.  Dan shares that the studies and activities on the 2013 trip “put the idea of discipleship into a new applicable meaning” for him personally. In addition, Dan just fell in love with the country and people on last year’s trip.  He looks forward to returning to the people he met and now loves down in Costa Rica.

Dan’s other interests include sports—football and baseball being his favorites.  In the future, he plans on participating in college athletics as well. Besides his actual involvement in school teams, Dan is an avid Ohio State Buckeye fan.

As an encouragement to others, Dan reminds the reader of the truths of Psalm 27:3—“Remain confident,” Dan shares, “even when faced with trouble. If you feel like God isn’t there, remember the ‘the teacher is always quiet during the test.’”

Though an army encamp against me,
    my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
    yet I will be confident.

From the Dayton campus comes Menna Yohannes, another veteran of the 2013 trip.  As a senior, after graduation, Menna plans on study pre-med in college in order to become a surgeon.

Menna’s interest in this ministry trip stems from her desire to have others understand the love of Christ.  She wants others to get to know Jesus as much as possible.  Last year, Menna went to Costa Rica and states that the “trip was amazing, successful, and life changing.  I had to go again!” Last year’s ministry trip had a huge impact on Menna’s life and helped her to see how blessed she is in life.  In returning, she wants to share her abilities in helping others as much as possible.  She also anticipates seeing both new and familiar faces in Costa Rica. Particularly, Menna looks forward to working with the children and helping them learn about Jesus.

An important hobby and ability that Menna enjoys in life is playing the piano. Although she may not pursue it in college, she does hope to perhaps join a church worship team.  Menna reminds us that no matter how much we think we may mess up, God always loves us and forgives.  He never leaves us.

A new member to our team—and the younger brother of one of the veteran members (Savannah), Parker Slaton joins the team for the first time. Parker is a sophomore from the Dayton campus of the DCCS, and decided to participate in this trip because he strongly believes that we as Christians are called to share our faith in every opportunity that we have.  Costa Rica and Nicaragua was appealing because he studies Spanish and has heard great things about the trip (thank you, Savannah!).

A few years ago, Parker went on a missions trip to Peru which had a huge impact on his life.  He shares, “It helped put a lot of things in perspective and forced me to rely on God more than I ever had before.”  On this upcoming trip, Parker, looks forward to meeting new people and being able to share the love of Christ with them.  He also anticipates the joy of experiencing a taste of a new culture and life.

Parker’s interests include music, and while he looks forward to using his abilities in the future, even on this trip, he accompanies the group with his guitar.  Parker states, “I love music and playing instruments.” He also enjoys sports and an activity in which he can compete.

Parker encourages all to remember how much value we have in the eyes of the God of the universe.  But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God….” Ephesians 2:4-9

Team Member Bios and Testimonies

Katie Miller states with all the enthusiasm she can muster, “I am a senior!” Another of our Xenia Christian veteran team members, Katie plans on going to school for Psychology and Interior Design, and additionally taking art history classes at the Art Institute of Chicago.

“I wanted to go back to Costa Rica because I loved being involved in other people’s lives by connecting them to Christ,” Katie shares.  Even through this last year, Katie has kept contact with those that she met this past year and she is “excited to see some of them again!”  Originally, she decided on joining the Costa Rica team because she studies Spanish and she had heard that she would have many opportunities to work with children. Throughout the adventure of working with the Costa Rica 2013 team, Katie had “loads of fun” acquainting herself with the other team members as well as sharing Christ’s love with children.  The XC senior states that last year’s trip “really taught me to trust in God’s sovereignty and to trust that God really does know what He is doing.” She also developed a stronger faith in God’s answering of prayer—even the prayers that may seem “silly.”

This year—besides looking forward to warm weather—Katie looks forward to meeting new people with whom she is related to through Christ.  “If I make a difference in one child’s life,” she states, “my mission will be accomplished!”

Besides her interest in missions, Spanish, and children’s ministries, Katie also loves theater.  She has just finished participating in her eighth production with the Dramatic Arts Department at Xenia Christian (seven on stage, one as student directer). She looks forward to student directing the middle school play this year as well as being a part of the musical in the spring.  Katie also spends quality time watching movies with friends and eating Chinese food.  She hopes to discover a meaningful way to utilize those hobbies in the future, too.

Katie shared, “I want readers to know that I am super excited to go back to Costa Rica!  I want them to know that last year in Costa Rica, for a few days we would drive through a valley to get to a church, and the drive was so pretty!  Every morning in the van I would think ‘it would be so cool to walk to the church instead of drive!’  The last morning we were there, the bus got a flat tire and we had to walk to the church!  I was so excited and spent the entire walk taking pictures and thanking God over and over again for letting me walk.

Madison and Katie 

“If I could encourage someone, I would tell them: GOD KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING!  So often we do not give God credit for all he does, or we blame Him when things go wrong.  But in the end, God’s plan is perfect.  Look to God for all you do, and He will always be there and help you.  He will be your strength and rock if you let Him.”

A fellow senior at Xenia Christian, Madison Castle also plans a 2014 graduation and college thereafter.  Also a first-time team member, Madison’s interest in joining the ministry this year stems from her love to help people and spread the Gospel of Christ’s salvation.  She, too, had heard many exciting and positive stories from previous team members and wants to share in that excitement personally. She has had previous experience on weekend mission trips to the city of Columbus, OH, where her youth group helps at an inner city home.  This ministry has taught her the contrast of how blessed she is to that of how much less others have to get by in life.

Celeste, Madison,
and Rachel 

On this ministry trip, Madison looks forward to traveling and interacting with the team members, visiting a foreign country and learning about their culture. Ultimately, she looks forward to sharing God’s Word with others.

Madison also enjoys sports and art.  She hopes to one day find a job where she can use her artistic ability every day. Another hobby she admits to:  “I love to eat!”

To encourage others, Madison reminds that God loves each of us and is always there personally for each one.

Graduating from Xenia Christian this year, Celeste Davis looks forward to attending Cedarville University where she will major in social work and play on the reserve soccer team.

Celeste with sister Caitlin

Although this is Celeste’s first mission trip, she has heard of the incredible ministry experiences that people encounter on missions trips, and she herself wants to be part of sharing Christ’s amazing love to those in Costa Rica and Nicaragua.  Her older sister had gone on a mission trip to Costa Rica when she had attended Xenia Christian, and Celeste wants to take her own understanding of the ministry and beauty beyond merely that which she has seen photographs.  She especially looks forward to interacting with the kids down in Central America. She also looks forward to ministering with her father, Brent Davis, who will be a team leader this year.

Celeste’s interests include a love for playing soccer, which she will continue in college, and even more so, she has a “huge heart” for children, which has led her to help kids in the future through social work.

“I am the Lord the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”  This special verse, Celeste shares, reminds all of us to “keep your head up. Your storm is nothing compared to our God.”

  

Rachel on the Jan-2013 trip

Rachel Graver joins the team for her second time this year as a junior from Xenia Christian. Looking forward to the future, she plans on attending a Christian college and play soccer as well as study.

Last year’s trip, Rachel says, “was such an eye-opener for me. The children, teens, and even adults were such genuine people.” They were interested in learning more about Christ. “Last year I went to Costa Rica,” she continues, “and it taught me how I need to put others above myself and always look to see what I can do to help someone else—not what can someone do to help me.”

Rachel directing this year's ministry mime

Just as Rachel’s sister had during her own XC years, Rachel hopes to go on this trip as many years as possible. The mission trip to Costa Rica provides so many ways to share the Word of God. Rachel looks forward to seeing many of the “ticos/ticas” that she met last year, and she looks forward to this year’s new venture—going across the border and ministering in Nicaragua.

Other hobbies that Rachel enjoys include sports, anything imaginative, and photography. Hoping for a scholarship, Rachel hopes to play college soccer. She also enjoys hearing and telling jokes; “laughing is what makes everything ten-times better,” she states.

This is what it's all about.

“No matter what is going on in your life--,” Rachel encourages, “No matter how much you feel you have messed up or if you’re lonely, God is the God of love and forgiveness and will always be waiting with open arms to receive you.”  Rachel reminds us that God desires us to have Him present in each of our lives.

Team Member Bios and Testimonies, Part I

We want you to meet the members of our 2014 Costa Rica/Nicaragua missions team. Just as we, the leaders, get to know the hearts and abilities of these young people, so we invite you to come along . . . . 

A senior in high school, Arin Wilgus plans on including Spanish language as one of a double major in college.  He believes, too, that ultimately God may involve him in full-time mission work, and that possibility drives him to pursue short-term mission trips.  This being his second trip, Arin chose again the field of Costa Rica because of this first trip and having grown closer to God through that experience.  Arin states that that experience “really made me stop and examine my life.  I have now wondered if God is leading me to be a part in missions in some way.” Whether long-term or short-term, Arin looks forward to serving God.

Arin’s other interests include being outside, playing with his Airsoft, running track, and participating on the swim team.  Above all, he LOVES Spanish.    

Arin encourages everyone to go on a mission trip.  “It expands your comfort zone,” he states. “You grow closer to God, get to serve Him, and you get to be a light for Him in another country.”

Another of our veteran team members, Savannah Slaton, hails from the DC campus from where she will graduate this year. Her plan includes majoring in fashion merchandising at Kent State, with a minor in journalism. While Savannah does not see full-time missions in her future, she states that going on a short-term trip really gives her a chance to spread God’s Word.

On last year’s trip to Costa Rica, Savannah learned not to question God, but rather to just trust Him.  On a previous trip in 2011, to the South American country of Peru, she learned to appreciate what God has blessed her with in this life.  This year, she looks forward to building new relationships and continuing relationships that began last year, and above all, doing Christ’s work.

A large interest in Savannah’s life comes through her involvement in the DC cheer team. She particularly hopes to apply the values she has learned through cheering and through her youth group’s student leader team as she moves forward in college and in life.

A first-timer to the Costa Rica team and to short-term missions in general, Haakon Nelson looks forward to meeting and interating with new people from a new culture.  “I am looking forward to presenting the gospel, and I want to be a good example,” he states. “I’m also looking forward to working as a team.”

A junior at XCHS, Haakon plans on attending a Christian college in order to get a pre-med degree. His long-range dream is to become a medical doctor and travel to a foreign country. “I would be able to serve and share the love of Christ. Regardless of where I am, I want to strive to be obedient to God. I think now is a good time to start!”

Wanting to serve the Lord in every way possible, Haakon signed up for this particular team because he has heard great things about the Costa Rica trip from past year’s participants. He currently studies Spanish, so this sounded like a great fit.

Recently having studied through the gospels, Haakon shared Luke 14:27, 33:  “And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple….In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”  Giving up material possessions, not worrying about life, forgetting about personal gain, putting your family behind, carrying your cross—all this is required to be Christ’s disciple.  While a difficult calling, this life brings freedom.  One who follows Christ needs not worry about anything of the world.  One’s entire life is focused on one purpose:  to obey God…and to be rewarded in heaven.  “It’s amazing to think about,” reflects Haakon. “I encourage you to consider whether you are devoted to being Christ’s disciple.”

A senior at XCHS, Caitlin O’Guin looks forward to attending a Christian college and work toward ministry in the future.  Having been on a state-side missions trip and watching family members participate in ministry trips to Brazil, Caitlin has desired for a long time to participate in a mission trip outside of the U.S.  With having studied Spanish these four years, she thought Costa Rica would be a great opportunity to practice what she has learned. Above all, Caitlin adds, “I also love serving—Mission trips are all about serving.”

About her previous mission trip to Pikeville, KY, Caitlin remembers, “On this trip we built a new deck and ramp onto a house owned by a man who had medical problems and was in a wheelchair. When we were done, you could just see the gratitude he felt and had, and it was just a blessing for us to bless him.” On this trip to Costa Rica, Caitlin looks forward to getting close with the team and helping run the Bible schools for children.

Besides serving others (which may include baking them brownies or other delicious goodies, she shares), Caitlin also loves sports, specifically cross country and softball.  She also loves to laugh (which any of those who have been around her long can attest to).

Visit from the Salley Family

The missionaries with whom we work in Costa Rica--the Salleys--stopped by for a visit at Xenia Christian this past Thursday (11/14/2013).  The Salleys work with pastors in Costa Rica and in Nicaragua to develop church plants and a national outreach program.  We work with them specifically in outreaches to children and in church or local school construction/painting projects.

From the team leader: Praise the Lord

I have some exciting news! God had a plan and has answered our prayers by providing the final team leader for the Costa Rica/Nicaragua 2014 Team. Join me in welcoming Brent Davis to the team. Mr. Davis is the father of Celeste, who is also part of our team this year. We are so excited to have him join us and looking forward to how the Lord is going to use him.

This is just one example of the many ways that the Lord has provided already for this trip. We hope and expect to see Him work in even greater ways as we continue preparing and, in January, when we minister in Central America. Thank you for praying. Keep it up! J

Juntos en la brecha,

Camille Clements

Decisions, decisions

As we look toward January, most projects are the result of group discussion and planning. Each year an important foundation is laid when the group determines a team verse and a mission statement.  The 2014 team has decided on Romans 10:14-15.

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

The mission statement of the team reflects this message as well.

We share the truth and love of Christ Jesus by being wholly devoted to Him, by serving others sacrificially and by demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit. 

Another day at work . . . and team building

 

Team Picture for the Prayer Cards

Last Wednesday the team began strong with praying, planning, and . . . well, you'll have to ask a team member about the "munching," "moving," "dashing," "teaching," "crying," and "dying" elements of it all.  Already we have begun preparations by dividing into committees and discussing possibilities for team t-shirts, kids' music, and devotional studies.  As a group, we are creating a team motto and backing it up with Scripture. (More pictures in gallery in right-hand column.)


This coming Wednesday, we plan to take a team picture (although we are still praying for another male leader).  So everyone needs to bring a nice shirt (no writing/no sweatshirts) and jeans (or the like, but no sweats).

First Team Meeting for the DCXC.CostaRica2014 team!

Good gathering for our first meeting with team members and parents (or brothers). We were sorry to have missed having with us Arin, Taylor, and Lauren, but we look forward to working all together starting this coming Wednesday!  ¡PURA VIDA!

Last few notes from team members

David Dupont -- I have learned that not having technology with me actually helps keep me healthier and gives me more sleep. Like Coach says, it’s freeing not to have it all the time. The trip also blesses me to learn what it means to sacrifice for the kingdom. To be on this trip, I had to give up some things at home, and it’s a glimpse of what  true sacrifice feels like; in actuality, these may not be big things, but for me they have been. 
 
Evan Ramey -- Going to the south of Costa Rica was interesting. It was more dusty and spread out. The houses were further apart which made inviting kids a longer walk. Instead of doing kids VBS in the beginning, I helped with teen camp, which was fun. Teen camp games were much harder to play since the kids are older. It was cool to hang out with kids my age.

One thing that impressed me happened at the end of a VBS in Tronodora (north Costa Rica). One of the kids gave Dan his small stuffed dog as a gift. The kid probably did not have much, so the fact that he gave it away to his new friend was very impactful.

Dan Griffith -- The beauty of God's nature here in Costa Rica has impressed me. The kindness of people down here is a lot different than in the U.S. Even when you can't speak the same language, we can still make good friendships with kids here. I also like team meetings: when LaMar spoke to us, he put the Bible in practical ways and it really spoke to me.

Menna Yohannes – For one, I really like LaMar’s messages at night. He’s just really good at showing us and explaining truths in the Bible. I like helping the kids, too—they get really excited and seem very happy for us to be there.

Arin Wilgus –When I first heard people talking at the airport, it seemed very difficult, but I’ve been impressed by how much I’ve been able to overcome the language barrier. Also, even though it is a different culture here, we have learned about how we need to focus on relationships, and that is what they do here. They just accept us and welcome us.

Nathan Tighe – The mountains and views here are impressive. Most of the people are nice, and dogs are everywhere. Lots of the buildings are partially open—you live outside more. I like the plants and the palms. I like the food, but it’s been mean to me. 

Joanna and LaMar Salley, our hosts, with their daughter Alexa
(not pictured--sons  Matthew and Kevin)

I’ve learned a lot through LaMar’s teaching—like what a real son/daughter of Christ is—or what a real disciple of Christ is.

I think it’s very hard to communicate with people. It’s fascinating to think that these people who seem so similar live in a completely different language.

More thoughts from team members

Danny Kolota -- When I came on this trip, my big fear was my lack of recent Spanish study. When I wanted to share with someone here, I almost didn't. But God gave me words and a good teammate--Arin--who tag-teamed with me to lead games during the Bible club times.  I have often seen, too, how God has worked through me in this trip--when I have waited on Him. Often I have wanted to go ahead and do something, but I felt like God wanted me to wait. Shortly, I would see how God answered that prayer and why He had me wait. Waiting upon God really does work.

Sierra Cole -- What I enjoy about this trip is walking door-to-door inviting children to VBS, practicing Spanish as we go. I also love playing with the kids and and babysitting the babies. Our evening group devotions are good, too. They remind us why we are doing what we are doing and keep us all in check regarding what we do and say.


Savannah Slaton -- What has been special to me is seeing kids worship God. And when kids come to the Lord, it's cool to see their saving faith. [Editor's note: 11 kids have made decisions in this last three-day VBS.] Also, the scenery here is breath-taking.

Rachel Graver -- What has really impressed me is how friendly and excited the children are here. And even though we are busy, I feel really relaxed here. I love "tico time" -- not having a specific schedule and being worried about when to get everywhere. I'm not as worried about schedules here. Also, being excited about getting going really helps me get up early in the morning without complaining. I do not want to go home.

Notes from our team

Mariah Smart – Every time I come here to Costa Rica, I get a better understanding of the culture, have more chances to build relationships, and get a better understanding of what God wants for me.

Maria Howarah – This year in Costa Rica, I really enjoyed teen camp. I was able to connect with kids my own age who are going through the same things in life as I am. Another thing I like—as much as I love the work during the day with kids and teens, I also really enjoy the team worship and meetings in the evening. It’s great to study the Bible like this.

Katie Miller – One of my favorite things about this trip is walking along, going door-to-door, to invite the kids to the VBS just before it starts. I also appreciate the informal nature of the Bible schools—almost a traveling VBS sometimes. We’ve had VBS in the parks and on a basketball court. The focus isn’t so much on a big to-do, but rather on teaching the kids and playing with them.

Andy Urschel – I feel blessed just that God has taken care of us during the trip—where many things could go wrong but haven’t. I think one of the neat things is with Pastor Manuel and Pastor Samuel—working with these pastors is so similar even in a different country.  It’s neat to see Christ work here and at home in the same way – that’s almost a comfort zone in itself. Another blessing is that I get to work on something that I have been working on at home –relationships with people are more important than schedules. 

More photos from our early work

I need to thank my XCCanoneers team for their help with photography, too. What a blessing to have help with taking pictures. Several people have helped, but especially Dan, Danny, David, Steven, and once in a while, LaMar and Camille. Also, I hope in the next two days to post some comments from the team on how they are doing and feeling. Here are pictures from Day 3 in south Costa Rica working with teen camp and with two Bible Clubs with very young children. The next group of pictures follows with the next day's activities of two more Bible Clubs (one of which our team ran entirely without any help from pastor or lay people of the church). Our teen camp team that day did painting; a few of those pictures are in this second batch as well. The beautiful mosaics and gardens at our hostel also made for some sweet pictures and memories. In some ways, the accommodations were rustic, but in other ways, so very creative and unique. We also enjoyed a lot of God's natural beauty--including groups of toucans at the tops of tall trees.

Day Two: We split up into two teams

Here in the deep south of Costa Rica, we have split up into two separate work teams--8 of us working with teens at a camp at the church, and the other 10 going door-to-door to invite children to the VBS run at the local soccer field. Miss Camille and Miss Tia got to teach lessons in Spanish about King David -- two important points: God looks at the heart, and He also provides the courage we need to overcome "giant" challenges and obstacles. Like listening and trying to speak Spanish all day long. The first pictures here are from our orientation with our missionary host, LaMar Salley, and from teen camp. The second bunch are from the VBS.

Day One: Travel

We have already been here five days, and they have flown by. The teens on the team have played with, worked with, sang with, colored with, and so on with kids of all sizes. Here are some pictures from our travel day.

Prepping for the ministry!

Singing, mimes, cutting out crowns and hearts.
    Playing games, taking time to worship and study the Bible.
       Learning about culture, Learning new vocabulary.

This week at the Xenia Christian campus, the Costa Rica mission team has gathered for each full school day to prepare for our weeks of camp and Bible clubs. So much activity, and we are excited to say, so much progress! 

Here is a peek at some of our activities in just the first three days.