"I knew you before you were formed within your mother's womb; before you were born I sanctified you and appointed you as my spokesman to the world." Jeremiah 1:5

Last weekend we found ourselves on sacred ground as we witnessed God working in and through the lives of over 50 people who came together at our Baptist Camp in Ochomogo to explore God's call on their lives. Our retreat theme was, "Out into the Deep, the Adventure of God's Call." Pastor Marlene Dell, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Limon and rector of the Caribbean Theological Center, led us through the scriptures of Jeremiah's call and Peter and the disciple's re-call after going back to fishing following Christ's death and resurrection. Reminding us that God's call is irrevocable and inescapable, Marlene challenged us to decide what we would do in response to this call.

Many who came left inspired, challenged, renewed and reconnected with God and the community of faith. We left exhausted, but also encouraged that God continues to call, equip, and empower new leaders to meet the needs and challenges of ministry here in Costa Rica.

We were expecting 70, but because of work schedule conflicts, death in the family, unexpected travel plans, and lack of access to transportation some 15 people couldn't make it to the retreat. Some we had on the original list were replaced by others, but overall, those who God wanted there, showed up. Many had to rearrange their lives and overcome certain obstacles, but they made it so that God could rearrange them once again. We've learned that we can plan as much as we can that depends on us, then we hold those plans lightly so that God can do what God wanted to do in the first place.

One of the liturgical acts that we did during our worship time together was to write on strips of cloth the unique gifts and strengths that we each bring to the building up of the Body of Christ. As an act of offering, we brought each cloth forward and wove them together into an artistic representation of who we are together as the Body, called to serve and glorify God with our gifts. We remember that we are not alone and that God calls each of us to add to something much bigger than our own individual lives. If each of us gives of who we are than the whole body is built up and strengthened, bringing renewed strength and vitality to each of the parts. We are not called to save the world on our own, just called to be partners in the saving work of the God who calls us to new life.

Many of you added your own metaphorical strip of cloth to our weaving with your prayers before and during the retreat, your scholarships that allowed many to attend who otherwise could not, and your faithful giving to WMO that allows us the privilege of being in these sacred places, witnessing God at work in the lives of people called to serve here in Costa Rica.

Thank you for doing your part that encourages us to do ours as well.

Blessings on the Road,

Mylinda