On the weekend of May 1st-3rd a group of over 40 youngsters from the Linda Vista and Concepción Youth Club went on a missionary trip to Abangaritos, Puntarenas to serve in an economically challenged community.

 

They helped build a fortification for the church to prevent it from falling because of strong rains.

They also shared with kids and teenagers there and encouraged them by speaking words of encouragement and hope. They learnt the meaning of the phrase there is more joy in giving than receiving. They felt very welcomed and cared for. Many of the youngsters who went kiddingly said- “I would love to stay here and not have to go back!”

 

Shocked at the insufficient amount of supplies for people in Abangaritos, these Youth Club kids realized people here had less than themselves. So they began to feel blessed with the little they have and actually started to appreciate it. One of the kids serving mentioned – “they have less than us and in spite of that they are joyful and have such desire to live. This has been a great lesson for me!”

 

This visit was a determining factor to provide these teenagers with a new perspective about life and a fresh sensitivity for other people’s needs.  It became an experience aimed directly at attacking a poverty mentality that says “we are poor and have nothing to give”. Rather, they became aware of how much they do have to give… hope, purpose and freedom… because they have received it themselves!