"In Christ's family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ. "Galatians 4:28 from the Message

When the group from Calvary Baptist Church in Salem, OR came down early this month to work on painting and the electrical system at the Baptist Church in Ipis, one of the first things I reminded them of was that the project was just an excuse to get them here to build relationships. Not only did they make connections using wire and outlets, but they created life-changing friendships powered by their common bond in Christ. As they lovingly beautified the walls of the sanctuary, classrooms, and a new ministry administration center they broke down cultural and language walls that often separate people and places. Together with their new Costa Rican friends, these ambassadors for Christ worked side by side, men and women, children and retired people, to do something that seemed humanly impossible, but divinely doable.

Spending two weeks in the homes of the folks from Ipis impacted the group on a deep personal level as well. One participant commented that she was touched by how quickly her host mother turned to prayer and how the prayers spoken for her, even though she couldn't understand the words, penetrated not only God's heart, but her own. Others mentioned how they saw Jesus in the hospitality and welcome they were given. Many hosts gave up their own beds so that their friends from Oregon could feel as comfortable as possible. Though some were hesitant to open their homes for fear that their homes were too humble, those that did found blessings that they couldn't have expected. Some hosts with family members who didn't have any relationship with Jesus or the church commented on how the witness and love of their Oregon friends made a huge positive impact on their families, a priceless gift indeed. There were many laughs shared, hugs offered, and special kingdom moments experienced.

During an evaluation time that I shared with the leaders of the Ipis Church, I was privileged to hear how the witness and love expressed by their new friends from Oregon was the best gift they received from the time they shared together. The impact of this short-term mission trip will be felt for years to come. Sure they'll enjoy the new lighting, safe wiring and refurbished office and classrooms, but mostly they'll remember how during those two weeks in August, God made strangers into friends. The love of Christ that now binds these two distinct churches and people from Costa Rica and Oregon together continues to build bridges and break down barriers. As the folks from Calvary Baptist and the Baptist Church in Ipis experienced first-hand, God is present in the midst of His people.

For us, this was a special time of reconnection since our first call out of seminary was to serve with the folks at Calvary Baptist in Salem. Being able to introduce some of the folks who were pivotal in our early ministerial formation to the folks who are helping to shape our mission formation now was a real gift. We have seen God at work in the sacrifice and giving of His people as together they work to build the Kingdom. Thanks for allowing us to be a part of this great work.

Your faithful support through prayer and giving to the World Mission Offering enable us to help make these connections a reality. Without you we wouldn't be here.

Yours in Christ,

Mylinda and Gary Baits