Emerging Conservative

Recently, I received some information about a couple who are doing missions in Costa Rica that got my attention for several reasons. First they are not only from the Marion, Ohio area but Luke’s family are old friend’s of my wife’s family. Also, I understand how financially and emotionally challenging being in missions can be. It is not a life you choose but a life that chooses you by God’s calling. Their ministry is currently under a huge strain of lack of financial support and I can’t imagine how that pressure must feel.

At the time I heard about them, I was doing a message on missions at our church on missions and contacted them to put together a video about what they have going on. As I watched the video and saw first hand the work they are doing, I was really taken by the multiple areas God is using them. One thing that really excited me was seeing them pull up in a SUV, open the back gate, and start feeding the people lining up from the streets for free food. While this is going on, Luke is standing and reading the Bible out loud as they minister to the spiritual and physical needs of those they serve.

I asked to have dinner with Luke’s parents and find out more and share some possible ideas for fund-raising. Again, I was captivated about the ups and downs this young couple have gone through. With their experience and education, they could be in the lap of comfort in the States but instead choose a life of service where they have no hot water and choose to sacrifice for others who do not have a choice. For instance,a recent Facebook status shared about Luke picking ants out of the cereal instead of throwing out the box like the rest of would do. Why? So they have that extra money to buy more food for others.

Does that put your financial and comfort situations in a new light? It does mine.

The current need is to find 70 people who would support their ministry at $20 a month. Of course, all and any support is great and needed but could you make a small sacrifice of foundational support to encourage those who sacrificed so much more?

Now, let me get real for a second. It is not enough for people to read this and say, “Wow, what they are doing is so awesome! I know God will provide for them”. You and I have a chance to be part of His provision. If we do not, then our next thought might be “It’s so sad they had to shut down their ministry to come home and raise support for 6 months. All the good things they were doing and those who counted on them are on hold. How sad.” Be part of the provision that God desires to provide to their work.

So, do me a favor…. check them out more by visiting their blog, consider being a sponsor of their ministry that is happening as we speak, cover them with prayer cover, consider talking to your church about adopting them, and send a link to this blog to your friends via Facebook! If you have others ideas to support them, let me know and I can pass them on to their folks!

Info about Luke and Summer from their blog…..

Missions Costa Rica currently consists of Luke and Summer Felcyn-Ghenco. Our ministries are located in western San Jose, Costa Rica in the neighborhoods of La Carpio, San Antonio De Escazu, Cristo Rey, and Downtown San Jose. Missions Costa Rica was officially started in 2010 by Luke and Summer, but they have been doing ministry in Costa Rica since June, 2009. We are in the beginning phase of starting our ministries, and we are very excited to see where and how God leads us in the future. Please join us in prayer and support for the Glory of God.
– Luke and Summer

 Summer is the oldest daughter of previous missionaries to Honduras, Mike and Suzie Felcyn. Summer grew up on the foreign mission field in Guaimaca, Honduras. As a result she speaks fluent Spanish. Summer graduated from Liberty University in May of 2008 with a BS in Health Promotion (Public Health) and she received her CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) in October 2008. Her background in health has prepared her for our feeding program, the local issues with drug and alcohol abuse,  STD’s, Dengue, Malaria and teen pregnancies to name a few. 

Luke began college at the young age of 15 and therefore currently has background in a variety of areas such as Accounting, Networking and Software, and Biblical Studies. He is also certified as a TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) instructor through Oxford Seminars. He has a great passion for children and education.