From the time we arrived in Costa Rica until the time we touched down in Miami our team experienced the mighty hand of God at work not only in the lives of the children we came to serve, but in our own lives as well. We have learned through our events to ‘go with the flow’ of the Holy Spirit as our plans are often changed in a heartbeat. Such was the case in Costa Rica. The group of ‘street’ children that we had planned to minister to at our first “A Day to Remember” event canceled unexpectedly due to their school schedule. God, however, was not caught by surprise and we had the opportunity to watch Him orchestrate a series of events that only He could do.

First of all, the lake owner, Don Horner, ‘just happened’ to pick up a hitch hiker who ‘just happened’ to live in the local Nicaraguan refugee camp. He was excited to learn about our event and promised to bring at least 29 children on Tuesday. This man was true to his promise, but his numbers were a bit off. On Tuesday, March 4^th, we watched 68 Nicaraguan refugee children come running down the hill to the lake filled with excitement and eager to learn to water ski!

To say that our team and the amazing group from Lighthouse Church from Dunn, NC had to put it in ‘high’ gear would be an understatement. Lighthouse church and the musical group DeMaskus ministered on shore to the children who were waiting their turn to water ski, boat ride and tube. They provided the children with three fun “stations” where the children were able to make balloon animals, bead crafts and have their face painted. This provided a wonderful opportunity to break through communication barriers and allowed the team members to build relationships. Once on the water, the In His Wakes team gave the children the time of their lives as each child learned to water ski and had the opportunity to swim, tube and ride in the boats. The children were so excited to experience this new sport and practiced over and over the phrase, “Hit it!” There was absolutely NO fear in these children. They were just grateful for the opportunity to be loved on and to have such an amazing day.

When it came time for the children to receive their awards and to hear about the saving grace of Jesus through our unique water sports analogies, we were once again blown away by God’s blessings. When offered the opportunity to receive Jesus into their hearts, we were absolutely humbled as we watched child after child make the life changing decision to make Jesus their Lord and Savior. We were so thankful for His plans. We have learned so often that we can make ‘good’ plans but God’s plans are always so much better. We knew without a doubt that this refugee camp was exactly who God sent us to minister to.

On Wednesday, we had our second “A Day to Remember” event as 57 more children, both from the refugee camp and a local school, made their way to the lake. Once again we were amazed how God met our needs. We had just enough medals for each child, even with an unexpected 60 extra kids. We truly had to pray for our daily bread as we made the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches we had brought from the United States. God was faithful to multiply the food as we fed the refugee children, many of their parents, and the 30 member team.

God was working both in the water and on the shores. While the kids were out on the lake, Patricia, our interpreter and a couple of ladies from our team took the opportunity to gather the refugee children’s mothers together in order to share their testimonies. The result was four of these ladies giving their hearts to Jesus. Throughout those two days, we witnessed God bring 53 souls into the kingdom. It was truly amazing. What was also amazing was that God had even brought a local minister to the event (who the lake owner met when he ‘just happened’ to ask him for directions on the side of the road back in November). This minister met the children and their families, and then videoed each child’s face so that he can go back into the village and round up these children to take them to church on Sundays. How wonderful to know that God has made a way for these children to be ministered to after we returned to the United States.

Our final event with the Lighthouse Orphans was a highlight of the trip. These children who come from the background of being sold into prostitution, who are mentally and physically handicap and who have suffered many horrific events, were truly an example of the power of Christ’s restoring and healing love. Although all the children had an incredible day at the lake with our team learning to ski, we have to admit that it was our team who truly received “A Day to Remember” FOREVER! We know without a doubt that these children and their incredible parents, Sally and Terry were sent to be a blessing to us. Our last evening was spent at the orphanage fellowshipping with the kids and the orphanage staff as we were invited to be their special guests for a dinner and special musical performances. There was not a dry eye amongst our team as the children welcomed us into their home and truly reminded us our blessing come from above, not from what we own or who we are in the world’s eyes.

We would like to say a special thank you to Jeff and Jan Hamberg who raised the money necessary for our team to travel to Costa Rica. We’d also like to thank Don and Susan Hornor who organized the equipment necessary for our team to minister on the water. There are already plans for our team to return to Costa Rica within the next year.

To view a slideshow of our trip, click: here

What an amazing way to kick off the 2008 “A Day to Remember” season. The Lord’s blessings at these first three events were more than we could have ever hoped for or imagined. We cannot wait to see what He has in store for the remaining 60 plus events! Thank you for your prayers and as always, thank you for financially making it possible for In His Wakes to introduce people to the life changing power of Jesus Christ through water sports.

Please consider partnering with us today as we still have many financial obligations from our trip to Costa Rica as well as insurance premiums and ministering resource costs that are due in the coming month. We are believing that God will provide the $30,000.00 needed to cover these cost. Together we can continue to change lives across this nation and the world as we join our resources and passions for Him.