Saying “Here I Am, Lord” – A Summer of Impact

All summer we said, “Here I am Lord,” and we saw God use ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

At Hope Partners Costa Rica, one of our favorite times of the year is summer time because that means CAMPS! For 10 consecutive weeks, we host week-long summer camps for our elementary students that are run by church partner mission teams from the U.S. Over these 10 weeks we see a beautiful thing happen. God reveals Himself to His people week after week, team after team, camp after camp. 

Don’t miss our videos below

Walking with Jesus

This year our students came to understand that when they walk with Jesus, they have access to the peace that surpasses all understanding in any moment, trial, or circumstance. From coloring and crafts, to games and relays, even teachings and worship, these kids living in extreme poverty were surrounded by the presence of Peace Himself. They were given tools and resources to be able to carry that peace with them beyond our walls to their homes and the streets of Pavas.

A reflection of HOPE through crafts

Crafts the students created during camp

Mission Teams with Ready Hands and Open Hearts

One of the highlights of our summer is witnessing the impact of our U.S. mission teams in Costa Rica. Over 10 weeks, we hosted 10 teams with 220 volunteers who dedicated 7,040 hours to making Pavas a more beautiful place for its children. Their days began in local schools, transforming spaces into visual representations of HOPE.

This summer, one school was transformed as classrooms, hallways, and gathering areas were brought to life with a unified design—a testament to the collective effort of many hearts and hands working together.

We leveraged the support of our mission teams to enhance local schools like Escuela Finca San Juan, demonstrating that HOPE extends beyond our center walls to bless the entire community. These efforts have deepened our influence, showing Pavas that we’re committed to bringing light everywhere we go.

Rooted in the spirit of “Hinneni,”—“Here I am, send me!”—from Isaiah 6:8, this willingness to serve is at the core of our mission to spread hope and transformation.

Watch the video wrap-up now!

God Reveals Himself in Every Heart and Hand

Whether it’s pre-teens with their parents, motivated high school seniors, adults, or pastors, we see God reveal Himself to His people in a new way. Sometimes the Lord takes us to serve in another country, a different context, or a new community just to uncover something within us and show us more of who He is.

Experiencing how others live out their faith and come to know Him broadens our understanding of God’s heart in a unique way. This transformation unfolds all summer long. We receive the blessing of willing hands and hearts eager to work hard and serve our families. But the impact doesn’t end in Pavas, Costa Rica; it travels back with them to their cities, continuing to spread the Kingdom wherever they go.

Prayer Walks – Fighting Darkness with Light

This summer we added an intentional layer of ministry in Pavas. Every week, we took time to walk into the community and PRAY over our city and its families. But we didn’t do it alone. In this spiritual battle against a real darkness, our Provider and Defender equipped us with over 200 warriors to go into battle with us and physically walk alongside us to PRAY for our community and the evident work that God is doing.

Pushing Back Darkness with Hope

While the poverty we see is most evident physically, we know that poverty also exists spiritually. As part of our mission strategy to RESCUE and TRANSFORM kids in both the physical and the spiritual, we believe that pushing the darkness back and filling the city with light is a great way to do exactly that. So, from painting murals to dancing in worship, the HOPE of Jesus is filling the people and therefore the city of Pavas, one kid at a time.

Personal Testimonies from Mission Team Volunteers

This summer, volunteers like Goose Wootten, Emily Jansen, and Ansley vom Saal had life-changing experiences while serving at our Hope Center in Pavas. Their stories remind us that missions are not just about what we give but also about what God does in our hearts.

Together in Faith, Hope, and Love

Your support is the spark that keeps this light shining. Whether you’re rejoicing with us, lifting prayers, mourning the struggles, rolling up your sleeves alongside us, or faithfully partnering with us—you are an essential part of this Kingdom work. Together, we’re making a lasting impact.

OUR GIRLS AT THE HOPE CENTER • AJMER, INDIA