Exciting announcement--joining the Commission to Every Nation family!

I'm excited to announce that I have been officially accepted to the Commission to Every Nation (www.cten.org) family!  Commission to Every Nation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides spiritual and financial accountability to those serving in ministries around the world! Founded in 1994, CTEN now assists over 450 individuals serving in more than 50 countries as they pursue their own great adventures to bring hope and life to a world in need.  After much prayer and research, I'm excited to join the team at CTEN and believe they will provide me, along with the leadership of the local organizations I will be serving with and my home church in Indiana and local Costa Rican church, with the support and accountability I need to faithfully carry out the work I believe God is leading me to do in Costa Rica.  

For those of you who have been financially partnering with me over the past 2+ years, I hope you will consider continuing to partner with me, as I follow the passion God has put on my heart for youth to know and love Him, and in the process for their lives to be transformed by this love that brings complete, holistic healing for a future free from poverty and violence.

To continue supporting me through Commission to Every Nation, you can make a tax-deductible gift by check or online via credit/debit card:

To give online, go to: www.cten.org/alicampbell and click “Donate” where you can sign up for a recurring monthly gift or special gift. 

To give by check, please send your check made payable to "CTEN" with a separate note indicating you would like the gift to be credited to "Ali Campbell" to:

Commission to Every Nation

PO Box 291307

Kerrville, TX 78209-1307

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at ali.c.campbell@gmail.com.  Thanks for reading!

Illegal Immigration--not just a problem in the US

This is the second in my series on organizations I will be helping with in this new season of life and ministry in Costa Rica.  For the first blog, scroll down to the entry directly before this one about FundaVida.  Now, I'd like to introduce you to New Horizons, a project by Christ for the City International in La Carpio, a largely immigrant community in San Jose.

La Carpio is a squatter community in San Jose, surrounded on two sides by a river and on the third by a large landfill, that arose in the mid-1990s at the height of Nicaraguan illegal immigration to Costa Rica.  Around 40,000 people live in the 1 square mile of La Carpio with an average of 6 per "home."  Most of the residents in La Carpio do not have titles to their land and live in houses constructed of scrap metal and wood with exposed cement or dirt floors.  Over half of the people living in La Carpio are undocumented immigrants from Nicaragua (the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere) and other Central American countries.  The majority of its residents live below the poverty line and opportunities for work are few.  Those who do find work often work for a third of the pay a Costa Rican would receive with none of the social security and medical benefits Costa Rican workers receive in jobs such as construction, waste collection, and as maids. It is arguably one of the poorest, most violent slums in Costa Rica.

Below are some pictures of La Carpio:

One of the organizations fighting the cycle of poverty and violence in La Carpio is Christ for the City through their New Horizons project.  New Horizons has a plot of land at the end of La Carpio where there is a huge field for recreation, outdoor and indoor meeting areas for youth events and educational opportunities, two computer labs, and much more!  

There is no high school in La Carpio and so many kids stop going to school after 6th grade because their families either can't afford to send them to a school outside of La Carpio or they just don't.  New Horizons offers a systematic way for kids to move through high school by taking classes in each of the materials they need to pass and then taking the tests to pass them.  The idea is sort of like a GED.  I may help by teaching English through the Institute.  Learning English is one of the fastest ways for teens to rise out of poverty because it opens up a wide variety of job opportunities, even without any other formal education.  

Additionally, there is a great need for mentors for teen girls who have grown up in neglectful or abusive homes and are often sexually active by age 12 or 13.  There are opportunities to form relationships with girls through a Saturday recreation and bible study program, teaching Zumba (which I became licensed to teach in the States), and/or small group discipleship.  

Here are some pictures of the Saturday program I was able to volunteer with recently:

To read more about New Horizons, Christ for the City and the two American missionaries I will likely be helping out (Andrea and Seth Sears), please visit their blog:  http://richinfaith.blogspot.com/2010/08/day-in-la-carpio.html

Also, take a look at this video made by another missionary who works with New Horizons.  He has an amazing skateboard outreach to teen boys, as well as computer program that is providing real and tangible opportunities to learn skills to get better jobs!

Bringing HOPE to at-risk youth in San Jose

As promised, here is a closer look at FUNDAVIDA, one of the three organizations/causes I will be working with in the future here in Costa Rica.  The majority of my time/focus will be with FundaVida, I believe, and I am excited about the work they are doing with at-risk youth in three very high risk, poor communities around San Jose.

Here is a short video about their work.  It is a little older, but the newer ones are not in English just yet.  So sit, back and enjoy this introduction to FundaVida:

Click HERE

There are a couple areas in which I will be helping with FundaVida:  teen outreach clubs, English tutoring, and mentoring/discipleship.  While I am still just getting to know FundaVida, I've been volunteering now for about a month, I am still figuring out exactly what my role will look like.  I do know, though, that I will be helping once a week in two different communities with their teen outreach clubs.  I am also doing English tutoring in the third community they work in once a week.  And I will be helping with the discipleship group of student leaders for the teen clubs, and hopefully starting my own individual mentoring/discipleship with teen girls that grows out of relationships formed in the teen clubs, and as I help get some dance outreach going as well.

Through volunteering the last several weeks there are a couple things I have discovered about FundaVida, its leaders, and the youth:

• All of the leaders come from VERY rough backgrounds.  They have dealt with abuse, addiction, family dysfunction, and pain in intimate ways over the course of their lives and they can speak from personal experience into the lives of these kids.
• All of the leaders are wise and have unique gifts for working with youth.  I am excited to be joining an established group with great leadership!  They have really taken me under their wings.  The director, Eladio, said he has been praying for a female to come alongside and feel the need for a female leader in the two communities I will be focusing in, and when I called him to inquire about working with them, he felt very clearly that I was the answer to that prayer!
• These kids are not only dealing with REALLY serious issues in their lives (abuse, drugs, violence, family dysfunction), but they are so open and ready to be loved and looking for change--a different way of living life than their families and friends.  The harvest is RIPE!  

I can't wait to share more with you in person, hopefully, next month when I am in Indiana, but in the meantime, please check out the pictures below and visit the FundaVida website (particularly the pages on the NEEDS of these communities.) (For English, choose the "EN" button at the top right hand side of the screen.)

Below:  Me with some of the other youth leaders of the teen clubs at a retreat in the mountains.  They are starting a new study on healthy dating relationships this month that I will be helping with.  Given that 40% of the youth grow up in single parent households, many to teen moms, and almost all kids are sexually active at a young age, this is a really important topic!  I got the opportunity to talk with one of the girls during lunch about the unhealthy relationship she is in right now.  I am hoping to win the right to speak into her life and remind her that she is a daughter of God and He wants the very best for her!

Below:  The teens playing "ninja" at club.  It was fun teaching them this game!  These kids have a TON of energy and are not accustomed to having to listen and follow instructions as well as kids I have worked with in the past--it is a challenge, but one I am learning to meet!

Below:  All the kids hanging out at club--this is in 25 de Julio in Hatillos, one of the highest crime areas of San Jose.  Check out these statistics on the drop out rate in this community:  http://www.fundavida.org/need/drop-out/?lang=en

Below:  Me and Kelly.  This is a super sweet girl that I felt an instant connection with!

Below:  Me and some of the kids at club!  I feel so blessed to already be starting to form friendships with them and so quickly.  

Below:  Watching the little ones (0-4 years old) at FundaVida's Saturday program while their moms, most of them teen moms, where in a class designed to teach them parenting skills and help shape their faith.

Below:  I just couldn't resist including this video from club.  This is a really funny game where a guy has to come out and give the girls his best "pick up line" and if the girls approve they invite him to sit with them.  Little does he know what he is in for!  My years of Young Life experience are coming in REALLY handy as a lot of these kids have never seen such high quality programming and games.  It is a great way to attract kids and humor is an amazing way to build friendships with kids and break down walls so they are ready to open up their hearts!

March Madness in Costa Rica!

Okay, so it isn't basketball.  It isn't even a sport.  But my life has felt like "March Madness" here in Costa Rica the last six weeks or so!  It has been chalk full of all the excitement and uncertainty of what will happen, starting with one winning team (or in my case, idea) in mind only to have a huge "upset" before the final round, and stories of faith and taking home the "title" against all odds!  Okay, enough with the sports analogy...we all know I am not the biggest sports fan! But I hope I have your attention :)

Here are some "sports" analogies I can track with (pun intended):

If you have raced with men on foot 
   and they have worn you out,
   how can you compete with horses?
If you stumble in safe country,
   how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?
-Jeremiah 12:5


I have loved this verse since the first time I read it, and I actually memorized it in Spanish during my language training.  It had such significance for me as I was struggling to learn Spanish.  And now as I am transitioning into a new season of life and ministry, I am reminded of how good God is and how He protects us in trials and never gives us more than we can handle. 


But that matters little. What matters most to me is to finish what God started [the race-NIV]: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.  -Acts 20:24 (Message)


The NIV says "my only aim is to finish the race" but I love this Message version.  God started this work here--He brought me here and what matters most is that I finish the work He has prepared for me to do here--to finish the race in Costa Rica.  And I love that I get to "work" telling everyone I meet about the incredibly extravagant generosity of God.  And the rest just doesn't matter as much.  The hard parts, the loneliness, the feelings of failure, the safety concerns, the bad Spanish days.  They all pale in comparison. This month has reinforced this for me.


And finally:


Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  -Hebrews 12:1-3


I could reflect on this passage forever--it is so full of truth and encouragement!  But for this month, I have been thinking about how as much as we struggle, no matter how much pain we go through, it will never equal the cross.  Nothing ever will.  And for the JOY set before Him, Jesus endured the pain, and the insults, and the humiliation.  What humility!  What love!  And what a prize we have waiting for us if we do not grow weary or lose heart.  Not just in Heaven, but here on earth, too.  There is so much FULL, ABUNDANT, ADVENTUROUS life for us to live and to share with others!  


And that is why I am more than JOYFUL to announce that after my own version of March madness,  I believe that God is leading me to stay in Costa Rica--that my adventure, this little stretch of the race--isn't over yet!  


More details to come in future posts about what exactly I will be doing, but here are some highlights from what I've been doing the past six weeks or so:

• A two-day solitary beach retreat at the end of February.  I was able to spend two days at the beach resting, praying, and seeking God and His will for continuing my time in Costa Rica.  I heard Him say to me over and over again:  Just seek me.  Just seek me.  Just seek me.  And that is what I have done for the last six weeks!
• Saying goodbye to Young Life and Wyldlife kids and leaders.  This was the hardest part of the last six weeks.  Two goodbye parties and two last clubs filled with tears and wondering what in the world God is doing!  Though it wasn’t in my plan when I moved down here to only spend 1.5 years with these kids, God knew!  And I am trusting Him with the timing of everything.  It was great to have parents, other leaders/staff, and kids share with me how much my friendship has meant to them over the past year and a half and how much they will miss me.  I am looking forward to continuing many of these friendships as I continue my journey in Costa Rica!
• Important conversations with trusted mentors who know me well.  I have continued my one-on-one discipleship through the program Sonship (going on one year), as well as talking with other trusted mentors and friends about continuing to (1) work in ministry and (2) do that work in Costa Rica.  These friends/mentors have given me Godly wisdom, as well as helping me process life during this transition. 
• Visiting the various programs run by FundaVida, Christ for the City/New Horizons, and LightForce International and Freedom Street Ministries.   I’ve been all over the city each week taking time to talk with the leaders and staff of each ministry, learn more about their core values and work, and volunteer to get a feel for what it is like working with them. 

The next chapter of the Great Adventure

Friends and fellow blog followers, I have some news to share with you.  

As some of you are already aware, before coming to Costa Rica I felt a strong desire to work with the poor and use my background in nonprofit organizational development to serve in an impoverished area overseas.  However, God had other plans, as He often does!  And He made it very clear that He was calling me to serve in a ministry capacity with youth.  Because I was already leaning toward serving in a Spanish speaking country and had extensive Young Life volunteer experience, it seemed like a great fit to come on staff with Young Life in Costa Rica!

Over the past year and a half, I have been broken, stretched, and molded in ways I could have never imagined.  You can read about some of that here in my blog entries.  And all the while, I have served in a ministry where over 250 kids have heard the amazing news that God loves them unconditionally!  What an amazing experience the last year and a half here in Costa Rica has been!

In the past couple months, however, God has made it clear to me that continuing to serve on the international schools team with Young Life here in Costa Rica just isn’t the right fit for me.  While it is sad to close this chapter in my life, I very much feel God’s peace in the decision to move forward in another direction. 

Who knows why God calls us in and out of seasons of life, family, ministry, careers, etc?  If I had all the answers I likely wouldn’t still be living here in the midst of seeming uncertainty!  I’d already be with the One who holds all the answers! 

I am prayerfully considering where God might be calling me next, whether that be to continue serving here in Costa Rica or return to the States in another capacity.  I am going to take the next month or so here in Costa Rica to pray for wisdom and guidance, as well as meet with and volunteer with various ministries serving the poor, at-risk youth, women and children involved in sex trafficking, and more!   

For more information about how you can be joining me in prayer during this time, or help support me financially through this transition, please send contact me at ali.c.campbell@gmail.com.  Thanks for reading!  

Merry Christmas!

This Christmas I'm reminded of just what JOY and LIFE we have because God stepped down from Heaven, humbled Himself in ways we will never fully understand, put on flesh and walked this earth to show what great, awesome lengths He would go to to reach us with His love!

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of helping out with the Vidas Jovenes' (Young Lives, an outreach to pregnant and parenting teen moms) Christmas party!  I love that Christmas parties in Costa Rica are called "fiestas de alegria" = parties of happiness!  What happiness this season brings!  Below are some pictures from that event.  These are all teenage moms with 1 or more kids (or one on the way) and most are living in poverty.  They are not much unlike Mary that very first Christmas--underprepared, overwhelmed, scared, often feeling very alone, and worried about the future for them and their babies.  The Young Lives' staff, volunteers, and older women mentors come alongside to walk with these young women offering practical help and other-worldly hope!

May you and yours experience the HOPE and JOY of Christmas this year.  May it overwhelm your hearts and fill you to overflowing.  May you rest tonite in the wonderful news that we don't have a God who is far away, but one called Immanuel (God came near) who longs to know us and be known.

P.S.  For a copy of my Christmas newsletter, email me at ali.c.campbell@gmail.com!

These two twin girls stole my heart right from the start.  They and their mom were there early and I was immediately taken in by them.  Aren't they precious!  People from all over have donated pack 'n' plays for the littlest ones to rest in during clubs.

A clown came to paint all the kids faces!  She was a huge hit!

This is me and Genesis after she got her face painted--

she's such a ham and loved getting her picture taken!

This is Samara and Jonathan, two of the four Suwyn kids.  The Suwyns (Kevin and Michelle and their four kids) have lived in Costa Rica for almost 12 years.  Kevin is the Regional Director for Central America and Michelle started Vidas Jovenes a little over a year ago.  All four of their children were born in Costa Rica!  Samara was very sick and they spent a year at Los Angeles Children's Hospital with her when she was a baby--but miraculously she is doing great now and such a joy to be around.  

Jonathan came around as a surprise and right when Michelle wanted to start Vidas Jovenes--with her social work background and heart for teen moms--it had been a dream of hers for a long time.  While obviously excited about the new addition to the family, Michelle was a bit discouraged thinking this would just prolong the launch of this ministry.  However, Jonathan has turned out to be one of the ministry's greatest assets as he steals the heart of each girl he meets with his bright blonde hair and blue eyes, and Michelle can share "in real time" the struggles and joys of motherhood alongside the girls.  Reminding me once again that God's timing is always perfect, and almost always not our own!

Wyldlife Camp Wrap Up and Christmas Plans!

Wow!  I can't believe it's been 2 months again since I've posted!  Please forgive me--those of you who follow my blog :)

I just got back from Wyldlife Camp a little over a week ago and it was AWESOME as it always is!  Wyldlife Camp is when we get to take our 6-8th grade friends to an all-star camp for a weekend of fun, adventure, and learning more about what a life of faith looks like.  The kids are always SUPER excited for it and this year was no different.

If you would like to read my latest newsletter including highlights from camp, please send me an email and I'll send it over:  ali.c.campbell@gmail.com.

Below are some overviews from surveys that kids fill out after camp and some photo highlights as well!  But I also want to mention first that I will be back in Indiana for Christmas Wednesday, December 21st-Tuesday, January 3rd and would love to see you and catch up on life!  If you will be around the Indy area, please let me know!

Highlights from kids' feedback on camp:

• 20 kids wrote that they began a relationship with God through Wyldlife either this weekend or previously.
• The most frequent thing kids mentioned for the most meaningful part of camp was:  Cabin time and Club talks.

Some quotes from kids:

"He didn't make any mistakes when He made us."
"No matter what happens to us we still have value."

"A life with Him is a better life."

"He wants us to have an exciting life."

Above:  Prisinnia after a balloon full of shaving cream popped over her head!  In Wyldlife we use humor to invite kids into a very fun and adventurous life with God!

Above:  Kids and leaders sing Waves of Mercy during Club

 "Your love has captured me, oh my God, this love...how can it be?" 

Above:  Erin tries to protect herself while Ollala pushes her on a cart playing Plunger Hockey!  

I was so privileged to have these two awesome girls in my cabin this year.  

Erin met Jesus through Wyldlife and while Ollala is still considering her faith.

Above:  Middle school teacher, Will, hangs out with three of our most energetic guys--Harry, Andrew and Max.  These boys commented at the end of camp that they learned how much God loves us and that He doesn't want us to have a boring life!

Above:  Me with my awesome friends Kaitlyn and Andrea.  Andrea just moved here from Argentina a few months ago and doesn't speak English.  While clubs were all in English, hangout time and cabin times (where we get a chance to sit down and discuss with the girls what they heard in the club talk) were in Spanglish for Andrea's sake.  I love that my hard work (and God's grace!) in learning Spanish has paid off so I feel 100% confident developing a friendship with Andrea and sharing God's love with her in Spanish :)

Above:  Larissa, me and Daniela.  These two girls were in my cabin last year and while we were in different cabins this year, I loved hanging out with them during meal times and free time.  These two girls have a special place in my heart.  Both girls said that Wyldlife has had a huge impact on their relationship with God!

Above:  One of the coolest parts of Wyldlife here is that we get to train high school friends to be leaders for middle schoolers.  Here's a picture with Laura (center) with girls from her cabin.  This girl loves sharing with kids younger than her about her faith and what it means to be a teenager who makes great choices!

Above:  Another awesome leader (left) is Laramie.  Laramie is one of our younger leaders but he totally "gets it".  He's always looking out for the kid who doesn't quite "fit in" or feels left out, and is quick to make friends and include them!  He truly is Christ's hands and feet to his middle school friends!

Above:  Dania and Moni took a weekend away from their friends and activities to be on our Work Crew.  Work Crew are kids who volunteer at camp to help out behind the scenes--they work really hard but learn the value of humble serving so that others can experience an amazing weekend!

And finally here's the whole team--adult leaders, student leaders, and our camp speaker, David Morgan, who flew in from Texas just for the weekend to use his amazing gift of communicating the GREAT news that kids are loved unconditionally with us.  

THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT AND PRAYERS THAT MADE THIS WEEKEND POSSIBLE FOR 65 KIDS AND LEADERS!!!