Ordinary Disciples of an Extraordinary God
We moved to Costa Rica eight years ago, and God has provided for us to be here ever since. Lord willing, we expect many fruitful years ahead. Over that time, we've learned that most of what God does here doesn't happen on a stage. It happens around a table, in a neighborhood, and in everyday conversations.
Through everyday relationships, discipleship, and local ministry, we continue to see God work through ordinary disciples who say "yes" to Him daily. We're continually reminded that discipleship and mission go hand in hand (Matthew 28:19-20). As believers grow in obedience and become more like Christ, that transformation naturally shapes their relationships, careers, and everyday lives.
What does that look like day to day?
Following Jesus usually isn't one big decision. It's a lot of small yeses. Here are a few we keep coming back to:
- Open your table. Some of the best discipleship we've seen started over a meal, just like the early church breaking bread in their homes (Acts 2:46). You don't need a program, just an invitation and a little extra food.
- Read Scripture with someone, not just alone. Reading together keeps us honest and helps us actually do what we read, not just know it.
- Take the next step, not every step. Most people don't need a five-year plan. They need to know what obedience looks like this week, and someone to walk with them in it.
- Let your ordinary life be the mission. Your job, your neighborhood, and your kids' friends are not distractions from following Jesus. They're where it happens.
- Stay present. Slowing down enough to notice people is often where God starts something.
Much of that happens in our home. Every Sunday afternoon and evening we share meals, study Scripture, and encourage young leaders as they grow in faith and prepare to serve others. It's always great fellowship and feast together - we eat good. Some of the people who come are ministry leaders themselves, so it's a good time for them to receive and be re-filled. The group has affectionately started calling us the "old young adults"! Even more, we love how they love our kids. Selah and Judah call many of them their Tías and Tíos - such a gift as we raise our family in Costa Rica.
Following Jesus in ordinary life also means being honest about the ordinary parts. Both Alicia and I are plugged into local mom and dad networks, and having genuine friends who understand the unique joys and challenges of raising a family abroad has been such a gift. As Selah and Judah grow, we want to help them navigate life between two cultures. Those conversations remind us that ultimately, our true home and citizenship are in heaven (Philippians 3:20). With little ones at home, these are what we call "long days, short years," and we want to be fully present for them.
This year God provided for us to finish our Family House, and our hearts are full of gratitude. It opens the Mission House, also known as Casa de Selah, to supporters, pray-ers, ministry leaders, missionaries, families, couples, or just anyone who wants a close-up look at what God is doing in the Jacó area. We want every guest to come for life-changing, restorative experiences. If you or someone you know in ministry could use a place to rest and be re-filled, we'd love to hear from you.
Thank you for loving our family, praying for Jacó, and walking with us as ordinary disciples of an extraordinary God. If this was helpful and you'd like to partner with us through prayer and support, you can find us on our Shepherd's Staff page.
- Todd, Alicia, Selah, and Judah