In our time in Jaco, we spent time serving the homeless, listening to their stories, and loving them as Jesus loves. We heard stories of God’s faithfulness to men and women. We met one man, we’ll call him Nathan for privacy, who told us about his experience living on the streets. He was a hitman for a drug ring and struggled with drugs and alcohol. He told us how one day these men had beat him and were going to toss him in the Crocodile River, which is a river that the cartel uses to dump bodies. As they were about to throw him in, he said he cried out to God, “Lord have pity on me, if You save me I will serve You the rest of my life.” They tossed him over the bridge into the water, and he said he felt crocodiles all around him but not one bit him. He got to shore, and at once he remembered his promise to the Lord. He walked through the jungle for three days, and was able to get a taxi to Jaco, where he saw the men that threw him over the bridge. He ordered the man who was driving to stop so that he could get out and see them. The men looked white as ghosts out of disbelief that he was still alive. Nathan was able to forgive the men that tried to kill him, just as the Lord has forgiven and redeemed him. What a gift!. The Lord blots out his and our transgressions and remembers our sins no more (Isaiah 43:25).
This weekend the guys went to a secluded island to have 24 hours of silence and solitude. We weren’t able to speak to one another until sunrise. On one side of the island, there was the raging Pacific Ocean and on the other side there were massive mountains. In between the two sides, I felt like I was in the Garden of Eden. Watching monkeys swing from tree to tree, peacocks with beautiful manes, chickens, goats, and tiny fish with intricate detail. It must’ve been what Adam felt like, just walking and taking care of the Garden with the Lord. Later that night, I was sitting under the stars by a fire on the beach and I was thinking about how awesome God is. That the God who created the universe, sent His son to die for us so that we could be with Him. I saw the lights of a town off of the island, and a question popped into my mind, “Why do I fear man who created that small town more often than I fear the God who created everything from the planets to the small fish of the sea? Why do I seek man’s approval more than my Heavenly Father’s, who has redeemed me and made me a new creation?”
His love is sweeter than the honeycomb, richer than wine, better than the finest things, and we get to taste and see it.
Blessings,
Zach
Good Word Zach!
Yes sir, Zach! So glad you and God are together on this journey. As brothers who love God’s creation, Gene-o (Psalms100 you might like too…) Love ya!!
KING!!!!! So powerful I have chills
I had the biggest smile on my face while reading this. That story with Nathan!! And what you learned on your men’s retreat! To the King!!
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us Zach. The story of Nathan is incredible! What an awesome God we serve! The things you are getting to see the Lord do and the ways He’s drawing you closer to him is amazing!! Keep sharing:-)
Zach – You have crafted such beautiful imagery in this post. I felt like I was sitting right beside you in the jungle. I’m so happy you are able to have this special opportunity, to meet others with where they ‘are’ in their journey and connect on a deeply spiritual level. Thanks for sharing these experiences and keep these posts coming! So well done. OX AK
Thank you for sharing that story with us. It’s profound to me how big Jesus love is for His creation. Even in our transgressions, iniquities, sin He still took the cords up for us. Amazing!
It’s also so cool to hear all that God’s doing on this journey and what He’s doing through you. I can’t wait to grab some coffee, play some spike ball to hear all about it!
Love you bro!
Great Blog! You do need to write a book when this world trip is over! What a testimony regarding “Nathan”! Your own testimony is just as inspiring!!!!! Love you and keep trusting Jesus!!!!!
Thank you for sharing, Zach! Encouraging to hear how God is working in your life and the people you interact with during your time in Costa Rica. I hope you are drink some good coffee down there too!
Bro, this is so good.
Continue to walk in that fear of God instead of man. Dig deep into what it means to walk and live it out. (Don’t just talk about it)
Love you, Jason