where it all began...

Today I had the INCREDIBLE opportunity to meet the founders of Young Life Costa Rica, Marv and Wilma!  It's an incredible story.  Marv is from the States and had been working in Brazil when the Lord brought him to Costa Rica to start Young Life.  Wilma is a Tica who had noticed a need for ministry in her community and started praying for Young Life to come.  Marv spoke English and Portuguese but not Spanish.  Wilma spoke Spanish but not English or Portuguese...

But in some miraculous way, Young Life Costa Rica was born!  Their passion for Jesus and this ministry is still so evident.  It was so encouraging to hear them describe Young Life years ago and realize the message and the mission has not changed.  The desire is still the same, for every kid to know Jesus and grow in their faith.  To do life and live life together.

They shared several stories of success and several more of failure.  Through it all, the Lord has been faithful and constant.  He has raised up leaders within the various communities to continue pouring into local kids and growing the ministry.  Both Marv and Wilma left us with the charge that the best is yet to come!!  How exciting to think and pray about the future of ministry here - The hundreds and thousands of kids and families who will be changed because of it!

Thanks for sharing, Marv and Wilma!  And thank you for your obedience years ago, and establishing a solid foundation for Young Life in Costa Rica!

The founders of YL CR!
Marv to my left and Wilma to my right.