"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

We work in leadership development here in Costa Rica. Leadership seems to be the buzzword nowadays for success in the business and church worlds. There are countless seminars offered guaranteeing growth, happiness, and organizational efficiency if we learn certain steps or secrets to unleash our own personal leadership style. We, too, find ourselves trying to market workshops and classes that will attract students by stating all of the benefits they and their churches will receive from them. We like others are often motivated by self-interest rather than sacrifice, what makes us look better, feel better, and live better rather than what is best for the kingdom of God. Though all of the push for better is not in and of itself wrong, as followers of Christ, we must always seek to discover what true leadership is by looking to Christ.

After having spent a number of years with Jesus, listening to his teachings, watching how he treated people, living, eating, and walking with him, his disciples still had a few things to learn about real life and leadership. Though they said they would follow him, even to death, they were still desiring position, power and influence in His kingdom. After bickering about who would be on his right and left sides when he came into his kingdom Jesus had to remind them that if they wanted to truly follow him they would need to serve, and surrender their very lives just like he would in order for redemption to come. Instead of being the top dogs they would need to be the trash collectors, instead of getting they would need to give, and instead of worrying about their own lives they would need to be more concerned about the many. Often we too need to be reminded of what true leadership looks like. Jesus never bragged about his position or accomplishments, bullied his way with threats or paid off his adversaries for their vote of approval, instead he led by example, taking on the least desirable jobs, cleaning up the stuff everyone else ignored, and giving until the very end all for the good of many.

On Sunday we were privileged to celebrate the ordination of our good friend and co-worker Nidia Rodriguez Jimenez, pastor of the Baptist Church in Los Lagos de Heredia. Though it was an historical event for the Baptist Churches of Costa Rica, the first ever ordination from the national body, what was more impressive was the example of this servant of Christ who despite many years of sacrificial service felt uncomfortable being the center of attention. The honor she felt about being allowed to serve Christ and His body, the church, reminded us all of our own callings to be like Christ. Servants instead of being served, surrendering our wills to the will of God by saying yes to the call instead of running away from it, and finding joy in the journey with others who too are called to serve for the good of many. Surrounded by fellow pastors and leaders, men and women of different ages and races, Nidia knelt in humble submission to the One who had called her to serve, trusting that she does not walk alone. Ordination is not about being lifted up to some higher spiritual plain, but rather being brought low to lift up those who God has called us to serve that God's glory may fill the earth.

Thank you for serving Christ in your giving of spiritual and emotional support to us as well as your financial support to the World Mission Offering so that we can have the privilege of serving alongside of our Costa Rican brothers and sisters.

Blessings,

Mylinda Baits