The church of Jesus Christ has a message of salvation given by the Lord Jesus Christ; when He sent us to share it, but He lets us be creative in the way we do it. The Poas Church of the Nazarene in the Costa Rica North District found a different and creative way to share the gospel. That is how they are reaching hundreds of young people and many families in the city and nearby towns.
More than 13 years ago, the Lord gave the Poas Church of the Nazarene an extraordinary vision that led them to acquire a property of 22,000 square meters where they have built a multipurpose hall with a capacity for 5,000 people. They have achieved these developments with God’s help, W&W teams and an approximate membership of 200 people, low-income families and low percentage of professionals. The community uses the room for soccer championships, where hundreds of people are attracted, providing an opportunity to share the gospel.
During April and May of this year, the church began “Patines”(skate), an evangelism project born in the heart of the leadership some time ago, but held off until this year since the multipurpose room was not yet ready. The facility was rented to a company that held skating events in the evenings. People in the community and other nearby cities started coming every night and at least 150 young people meet to skate and have a good time. This time had been a formidable way to preach the gospel.
All church ministries have joined together to work, projecting videos, handing out tracts and sharing the message personally with them. More than 70 young people have accepted Christ into their hearts. Hundreds have heard or seen the message of salvation through videos. Many families also have been impacted and have come to know Christ.
Many young people are already involved in youth church services, where the Holy Spirit is changing their lives and ministering to them.
Karla Diaz, NYI president commented: “Young people who have visited, drink alcohol or do drugs, use vulgar language and behaviors of a person who does not have Christ, but the church has made a difference because since the project started, they insisted that all visitors shouldn’t do do these things in our church and we have seen wonderful testimonies of many who behave appropriately, because they realize they are in a different place. They have learned to have fun in healthy way.
It hasn’t just become a skating court, but a restoration center to heal and bring hope to the hearts of many in need. The church has been acquiescent to collaborate, through security, food sales, and much more. Of course, some have criticized us for allowing people with skates in our church, but if I think: What would Jesus do in my place? Without underestimating Jesus, I believe that He himself would wear skates and look for any way to get to those needy people to share His love, embrace them and transform their lives. Therefore, our NYI put on the skates to share a hope and create a fun time, but even better, time of salvation ”
Trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 1 Timothy 1: 15
Information provided by: Karla Diaz Murillo Poas NYI President.
Edition: Mesoamerica Communications
