Encountering Jesus in a Landfill

Hello humans, 

    We have spent the week serving alongside the government here in Jacó, Costa Rica. Most of the service projects we are doing, are in partnership with the government which is proof God is breaking walls that have been in the way of bringing light to this dark town. The government has seen the energy and light we have brought to the community so they asked us to come help out at the recycling center. The town of Jacó has a major trash problem, it’s piled up on the streets and seems to be everywhere you turn. There aren’t any large receptacles to put trash so it turns into bags of it on the streets. Once the trash is left on the streets, animals will tear into it making a huge mess. We are getting to take part in cleaning up and beautifying the streets. At the recycling center, we have sorted trash from items that can be recycled like paper, plastic, aluminum & etc. The landfill is also passionate about the growth of new plants throughout the town. One day, we sifted mulch & manure in order to get a finely mixed fertilizer. Never did I imagine sifting horse and cow poop would be part of ministry. After working in a bit of disgust, I realized… if Jesus was here this is exactly what he would be doing. I immediately did a self check and changed my heart. Jesus didn’t come to Earth and do the easy clean jobs, he did the ones others neglected. He wasn’t too good to do the gross jobs, so why would I be? After a heart exam I came to the conclusion that I am not too good to do any job that is asked of me, especially when that job is an opportunity to plant seeds for the kingdom. Those government workers asked us to come, because they were amazed at how hard we worked without complaining & they loved the joy we brought to all we do. I clung to that thought and it no longer bothered me to sift through manure. During that moment, it was honestly a very raw and vulnerable moment with the Lord. He spoke so much through that unusual task that I wouldn’t trade it for an easy one. While we worked, we played Spanish worship music. We danced, sang songs, & praised while completing tasks and the workers seemed amazed yet so happy. Most of them didn’t speak English & there was a language barrier since we don’t speak much Spanish. It was awesome to see their excitement radiating over the joy we brought along with us & the exchanging of smiles. I praise Jesus for this week of sorting, recycling, and making fertilizers; none of which sound like ministry. The main focus of service projects is to plant the seeds and water it with love & joy. Although we may not see the effects of planting these seeds, they are still just as important for building the Kingdom. Thanks for all the love, prayer and support you have sent my way!

                                                 Much Love,

                                                     Erika Talley