Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
— PSALM 37:3–4 (NLT)

Two years ago, Marcos and Cecilia left their life of security in San Jose, Costa Rica and moved to a very poor and very rural community. They restarted life in an empty field with no access to comforts and conveniences. They left family, a small business and a growing community ministry. I remember Cecilia told me that God directed them elsewhere because there were other people who needed to hear of what his love and grace could do. God gave her a purpose, and she heard the Holy Spirit give direction.

They lived out of their car for weeks, trying to establish a home in an empty field. They made a water drill bit out of a soup can; a roof of leaves was all they had as they cooked over a fire in torrential rains. Marcos and Cecilia moved forward with a strong desire to serve God. They listened as the Holy Spirit gave hope and direction through difficult times.

Two years later, now they have a home that is the focal point of God’s transforming work in this community. Every Saturday, 85 children meet to hear about God, memorize Bible verses and receive the only food that most of them will eat that day. Adults are welcomed to receive daily counsel. Women meet weekly to sew and interact as they explore God’s Word. They also started a weekly worship time which has grown from eight people to a local church with 60 people attending three weekly services.

Psalm 37:3–4 directs us to trust in the Lord, to dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. As we delight in the Lord, he will give us the desires of our hearts.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. What are my desires for my local community?
2. How can I “dwell in the land” of my neighbourhood or community?

Curtis Doell is an International Worker in the Caribbean Sun Region focusing on ministries of Justice and Compassion.
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