TeamDuggan

I am very excited to introduce you to some of the people we work with in Costa Rica.  Although my role takes me to many countries, this is home and we have the privilege of working with these people on a regular basis.  Thanks to Doug Peterson (with help from Jenn Stork) for the terrific work.  You gave sacrificially of your time and resources.  The value speaks for itself.  And for those who have been here…that’s Jose & Gabriela’s daughter.  She was a real trooper during the filming.

Would you consider joining us in ministry? God can use anyone with a willing heart to serve the kingdom in missions.

For the second time in my life, I asked a father for his daughter’s hand in marriage. No, I’m not changing my marital status. The beautiful woman above is still the love of my life. This time it was for a Costa Rican who felt his English wasn’t sufficient to the task of communicating his heart to his prospective father-in-law in Nevada. It was quite an experience as I empathized both with the young man asking and the father hearing that his loved daughter is at this momentous point in her life. I was called in to help navigate language and cultural barriers, yet the message was clear…this young man wanted to show honor and respect to the father of the girl he loves. That message crosses all cultures and set this couple on a path for healthy relationship and marriage in the future.

Settling back into Latin America has been relatively easy-– crystal clear skies, warm breezes, and Costa Rican neighbors greeting us with huge smiles, running to their gates as we stroll the neighborhood.

Going through items we left behind, packed and carefully stored, with dehumidifier packets and all, has been hard. You see, a leak during rainy season allowed some water to reach our things, which went undetected…my reference books completely damaged, and my medical equipment partially so…a cost counted, as those books and my non-waterpoof doppler wand need replacement.

The cost of time, thoroughly cleaning loads of laundry, hanging it in the sun, only to find another wash is necessary, leading to the cost of electricity and water….

But the hardest hit to my heart thus far? The process of sorting and discarding handcrafted ornaments lovingly made by my four precious children in young childhood, as these were not plastic or metal, they were paper,felt, fabric or plaster ornaments no amount of water, detergent or sun could heal. Thankfully, only about ten were destined to the bags of trash, many were able to be restored and will still grace our Christmas tree next year.

All of us face costs in following Christ. As I sorted last night, and tears fell down my face, I was tempted to blame this temporary setback on this lifestyle that God has led us to. But then I remembered that those in New Orleans post-Katrina had mountains of ruined things and they were living where they always had.

Using our time, money, talents and whole being in investing in others, rather than the temporary trappings of this world are what bring my family contentment. And living life serving others has brought great joy and peace. Thank you to those who allow us to have one foot in each continent. For those who give sacrificially and who pray for us often. I felt those prayers last night when I so desperately needed them.

“What will you do when ‘they’ tell you to leave or face death?”

A godly Mexican pastor…we’ll call him Jose….was asked this question by a trusted mentor as he works to expand the church’s ministry in a difficult area in Mexico. Jose and his congregation are running AWANA programs for kids, job-skills training for adults and other outreach ministries in an area of town controlled by drug gangs. I was struck by Jose’s opennes when he told me, “I took two months to think through the answer. I discussed it with my family and we came to a decision together.” Their answer is evident as the ministry continues to reach those without hope in a region facing daily threats to life.

To this point he has not received death threats, but Jose knows what his answer will be when they come. Far from being a theoretical possibility that invites glib responses, Jose and his family know it is just a matter of time before the threats become reality. As I travel to various “interesting” locations there is theoretical danger, but the risk is miniscule compared to that faced by Jose and other faithful believers like him. These amazing servants increase their risk the longer they persevere in reaching the lost and hopeless.

My response? Pray for Jose, encourage him, and honestly consider my response if that question is asked of me.

Father, give your people the courage to persevere in the face of danger.

Living life outside the U.S. is filled with pros and cons. Delicious fruits, a variety of veggies and rich coffee are in abundance. Life flows at a much slower pace which is good on a relational level, but often frustrating when transacting business or keeping to a specific schedule. Many a family would be dismayed about missing out on scores of new products, popular books, the latest movies and music, and current fashion. Oh, eventually those products might make it to our part of the Western Hemisphere, but unless someone travels to Costa Rica, and has perused a book or magazine in flight or lugged a suitcase of surprises, it may be months or years before such items crossed our path.

I had heard of the Advent Conspiracy in the past, but never understood what it was all about until I purchased and read the book pictured above. After spending four years living in Latin America, and another year in Pakistan many years ago, I completely understand the author’s premise. And vow not to succumb to the advertiser hype and accumulation of goods while on U.S. soil.

But living life this way is…nearly impossible….the average Westerner is bombarded by advertising, peer pressure, and the idea of perceived need multiple times per day. And yes, while living in the Southeast, we are wooed as well. Others will benefit by foregoing toys and desires that often break and wane post-holiday season. In fact, we as a couple have committed to sacrificially giving not only during Advent, but throughout the year as well…won’t you join us?

Reachglobal leaders are encouraged to carve out time each month for a personal retreat day. Although Brian and I often have a difficult time fitting this into our schedules, God always shows up. This past Saturday morning was more of a “family retreat day”. A time to breathe fresh air, laugh with the kids, and enjoy the lake that we have missed for four years! The boat cooperated, and the rain held off until late afternoon.

Living life in the US, even though it is only for a few months, has presented challenges unique to our home culture. Fast-paced lives slow down for a few minutes on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. I long for the spontaneous porch chats with personnel and Latin church leaders and missionaries. Chatting with storeowners and neighbors while walking on foot, an impossibility with America’s sprawling suburbs!

But God is present and has interspersed calm moments with Him and others in the midst of a tightly-packed schedule. And among the blessings that are found in both countries? F-A-M-I-L-Y.

My brother Glenn is an incredible example of a life transformed by the gospel. From self-centered to God-centered, from spiritual indifference to bold proclaimer, and from a life of causing pain to a life of sharing God’s grace with as many as possible. This week he took me to a ministry in Canton Georgia where I spoke to 50+ people about Christ’s love for them….in Spanish. These folks are not your typical southern culture. They are undocumented Latinos, mostly from Guatemala, who are just trying to survive in a world that is foreign to them and that does not welcome them. This ministry, Church on the Street, is reaching those who live much of their lives in hiding, wondering if there will be work for the men and how they can raise their children in a safe environment. The words of the gospel are words of hope, even in my poorly spoken Spanish. And my brother, who does not speak Spanish, was engaging with the men, sitting with them and listening to their stories, entering into their world. Before Christ he would have ignored them and only thought about their illegal status. In Christ his focus is on their hearts and sharing the news of Christ’s love for them. I found myself in awe of the power of the gospel to change lives dramatically. What a privilege to see what God is doing in the lives of Latinos and the life of my brother and his family. This is one of those times I feel like I’m just holding on to the ride as God takes me from place to place all over the western hemisphere and shows me his power and his love for the world.

Two weeks ago I needed some welding done so I went to a country shop that Bob (not his real name) owns. He is 74 and has been a faithful servant of the Lord, visiting Mexico regularly to encourage and support church planters. We spent a few minutes on what I needed then talked a half hour about ministry and the world's need for Christ.

Yesterday as we were preparing our eldest son to head to medical school (he left today) I called Bob to see if we could get a small welding repair on our son's car. When he answered his voice was broken and he told me of a tragedy that occurred just a day after I had seen him two weeks ago. Besides welding jobs Bob leases and runs large equipment. Some neighbors were walking by as he was backing up a big machine. His wife saw them and tried to get them out of the way, but it was too late. The machine ran over and killed a baby and severely injured his wife. Bob was as broken a man as I've ever heard. The burden of what happened has him in constant tears as he sits by his wife's side in the ICU, fighting for her life.

What can one say to bring comfort? Christian platitudes are clearly not what is needed. I did what should be for me (though too often forgotten) the most natural thing. I simply asked Bob if I could pray for him and trusted that God would give me the words. They weren't fancy, and really just came from my heart that was so heavy for this brother. I prayed just a few minutes, simple and short, asking the Father for mercy and grace. Bob thanked me and as I hung up I knew something special had just happened. I could have called anytime over these past few weeks, but God knew that Bob needed prayer right then. I have no idea how else he will give Bob his grace. I did know that I had been used in a small way by God to show Bob that there may not be satisfactory answers, but God is with him in this deep pain. My words were not what ministered to Bob, it was God's demonstration to him that in the valley, he is still with his children and he brings his comfort at the right time from the most unexpected sources.