Hello, or should we say Hola!

Wayside, God is doing exciting things around the world. He has brought a great opportunity for our church family to expand our service in our global missions ministry. Our church family has been looking for an opportunity to partner with a ministry organization outside of the US, as well as an opportunity for the families of Wayside to serve alongside each other in another country on a mission trip. God has given us  an opportunity to do both in a single trip, so keep reading.

Wayside is considering joining dozens of other churches to support IBAC Ministry, which equips pastors and leaders in Central and South America through theological education they call Bible Training. If we decide to do this, twice a year Wayside would send a team of 4-6 volunteers to teach a 5 day curriculum to around 40-50 pastors in Costa Rica. This opportunity is open men and women who have a heart for teaching, no seminary experience needed. Our church family is able to send different volunteers each time, though would keep some consistency where either Jason or Ben attend each of the trips.

In addition, during the summer trip to teach, there would be great opportunities to  have a family-friendly ministry opportunity nearby to where the Bible Training is taking place. This adventure is still in the early planning phase, but would likely be partnering with an organization that provides for the marginalized Nicaraguan refugee slum outside of San Jose. It would likely include putting on a VBS for children, and do some ministry to women in the community. After 5 days of mission work and Bible Training, the Wayside team would head to the Costa Rican coast for 2 nights on the beach for some fun family de-brief and fellowship time.

WHAT'S NEXT:

The next step is for a vision trip that will allow the Wayside missions team to better access the organization and if it's the right fit for our church. Wayside leadership is hoping to send Jason to Nicaragua in late October to teach on the Old Testament at one of the Bible Training five-day courses. We want to be wise and Spirit-led about how to best spread the gospel, and both IBAC and our team believe in the value of a vision trip, and even better this one is hands-on where Jason will be able to teach. After his trip, the church family would actively help us determine if this is where we feel the Lord is leading us.

Wayside family, funds need to be raised by October 19, for Jason's trip, which is next Monday 10/29! Would you please prayerfully consider making a donation to our missions fund? Any amount would be helpful, no amount too small, please designate the donation to the missions fund - DONATE HERE. In-country costs are minimal, but sufficient funds are needed for his flight and his room and board.  Thank you for your support both monetarily and in prayer.

What are your thoughts! The missions team is trying to gauge the interest of families interested in an 8-day mission trip next June or July to Costa Rica, either helping on the refugee side or the Bible Training (can be a combo of both!). Please let Jason (jasonpeterstennis@gmail.com) know if this is something you are interested in learning more about, no commitment required, just trying to understand the level of interest.

We all have a heart to share the love of Jesus with our neighbors in Austin and around the world, and are excited to be on this journey with you!

In His Hands,

Wayside Elder Team