Praise God, we received our student residency visas for Costa Rica. This kept us from taking 3 long, costly trips out of the country, and waiting for hours each time we crossed the border. I'm working on the same process for Uruguay and Lord Willing I will have everything in order when we leave the states.
Yesterday, God granted us a pleasant surprise. Since we don't have a car, we rely on public transportation for any trip longer than a couple of miles. Mark always sits in the front seat of the taxi to use the opportunity to talk with the driver and witness to him.
On our way to a grocery store yesterday, Mark noticed the driver was listening to a sermon on the radio and asked him what he thought. The question, a great conversation starter, would have been a good opportunity for Mark to share the gospel, but something surprising happened.
The young man replied that many evangelical churches are preaching "a prosperity gospel" that is false. He then shared the gospel with us!
He talked of man's sinful state, Christ's perfect life, death and resurrection, and our eternal hope. It was a blessing to understand what he was saying and respond with affirmation in Spanish.
He stated that Jesus is the only way to Heaven, and that we must search the Scriptures for answers instead of relying on tradition or popular preachers. While driving, he pulled out his Bible and waved it to emphasize the point, "¿Qué dice la Biblia?"
We arrived at the grocery store, but stayed in the car for another ten minutes as he told us more about the merits of expository study of the Bible, the process of sanctification, and more.
His testimony and understanding of the gospel amazed and encouraged us. The Holy Spirit is using His Word to convict, regenerate, and embolden his elect in Costa Rica. We're praying for this young taxi driver and the many other passengers who will hear the same message.
