When You Serve; You Change Your Life

As You Change the Lives of Others by Simply Serving...

Sarah Oliver – 10th Grade Student FCA Missions Costa Rica April 2011 – Her Story:

Words can't describe the impact God made on me. Everything this week; the team, kids/adults we worked with, and even the experiences you had on me.

None of this would be possible without the help of my support team. As i left Costa Rica i felt my work was a success and life changing. Life this week was rough 14-17 hour days, little sleep, and the things i saw/thought/experienced.

Talking with local missionaries this week really helped me capture and influence me more. Satan tried to stop us but you NEVER let him. Yes, we had our ups and downs but it was worth it.

The works you did in my life this week didn't only affect the team but the people we worked with as well. My favorite thing this week was seeing the smiles/laughter, instructors playing with the kids, how everyone blessed us, and scrimmages.
It surprises me how busy you can keep people, and the impact you can make. The laughter and bonding with everyone was AWESOME. This week we got to experience the life of a Costa Rican by going into their houses, eating the cultural food, interacting, and following their daily schedule.

As an overview this week we did great works and made new friends. My team established softball, worked with the national team, had several clinics with colleges and elementary schools, worked in the community, and we faced many experiences.

To be honest it was so cool how we challenged ourselves to speak Spanish and they were challenged to speak English. The country was marvelous and so willing and accepting. I hope you will let me keep in contact through facebook with the friends we made this week.

I pray you will let me go back soon to visit, as well as, have the opportunity to work with everyone again. It was a blessing to see the work and impact you stirred up. I could of been by the beach, pool, or at home hanging out, but i felt a need to go to Costa Rica and expand my calling. As i left Costa Rica i found my specific calling to be a nurse/ youth missionary.

I asked God to help me in everything i do for my calling. My prayer was he would show his unconditional love to his faithful servants. Clearly you were there before us. We worked so hard and strong to get your name out there, that Satan was to fear. He did everything to stop us, but it never worked because: A) there is no one like you B) you're greater, stronger, and higher than any other.

The biggest challenge this week was a little bit of language block and our devotions. As a team we studied Philippians 4, but for me i also studied 2 Corinthians 5 and 6. This week in Philippians we talked about our favorite verses, always rejoice no matter when in life, live by the whatever’s (vs. 7), be content, love others/ /know God is near, be a friend, and bless everyone.

My personal bible study was about loving people and to not be afraid to die. I was asked who my hero was and i said my parents. Because they love me and want the same for me as God would, and all they provide so much for me.

The purpose i had on this trip, was for God to make me seek him more and him to open the eyes of my heart to see the cry/hurt of Costa Rica. I would have to say i was most touched with the single moms and how they lived and provided for their families. Please bless everyone and keep them safe. Those who didn't pray to receive you, I pray that they will. Thank you for all you give/gave/ will give me.
Continue to let me be a faithful servant and light into your name. As i start back to reality, help me to remember the studies, experiences, and stay connected to you. The trip could not have been possible without our coaches, Score, and FCA.
Please let me keep in touch with everyone. Get ready God to prepare me for another trip, because my work is not done on earth or in my heart. I won’t stop till i die.

Sarah Oliver – 10th Grade Student FCA Missions Costa Rica April 2011