Sibuju “god of dirt”

Hello everyone! 

 

This last week we went to Sibuju. Sibuju means “god of dirt.” It’s a small village south of Lemon Costa Rica. The village is in the jungle, a 45 minute truck ride from the nearest town. The people here are an indigenous group split up by clans. There primary language is Bribri then Spanish. The men and women only marry from other clans. And the children of the family inherit there mothers clan, not the fathers. Marriage can only happen with two different clans. People that are of the same clan are considered family. Regardless of blood relation or geographical location.

Here in Sibuju we worked with OM a missionary organization that helps local churches. We gave sermons, did house visits, loved on the community. We had women’s, men’s and children events. We learned to be ready to preach share and worship at every encounter. The people have heard of Jesus, and many are believers. But getting to church is not easy and for most can take hours of walking.

One of the most beautiful examples of God’s love and pursuit was displayed here. One day the ministry host told us, “after lunch we are going to visit a home make sure you where your boots.” We had our rain boots ready because out here in the jungle there are many dangers that can happen to your feet and legs. There are poisonous snakes, poison dart frogs, poisonous scorpions, poisonous spiders and my personal favorite the Bullet ant. This ant has a bite so painful it’s been compared to a bullet wound lol. We all loaded in the bed of a truck and headed deep into the jungle. We reached a point where the truck could no longer travel. That’s when we start walking. We walk through beautiful rainforest, where the trees and overgrowth get so thick that they completely block out the sun. There are vines to swing on like George of the jungle and Tarzan. The sounds of tropical birds all around. Thick mud covers much of the ground. Luckily for us it had not rained in a few days. After about one hour of hiking in the jungle we found a house.

This house was all by itself, the nearest neighbor was 30 minutes away. At this home we find Jose. A father of 2 and husband to a deceased wife. Jose loved Jesus, and had been praying that the Lord would send him brothers and sisters in the faith. Well we happened to be that answered prayer. Jose prayed this prayer then soon after 30 people show up at his house. Jose was so grateful that God heard and answered him. We sang worship songs together and shared a message from the Word of God. We prayed for Jose. He told us he had pain in his right knee for the last 5 years. Well after praying God healed him. All the pain was gone! Jose was so loved that day. He was reminded that he may be out in the jungle but God has never forgotten about him.

I was reminded of scripture where Jesus talks about leaving the 99 sheep for that 1 who has gone astray “Matthew 18:12.” Today we got to be the hands and feet of Jesus. It’s so encouraging to know that the God of all creation is always seeking us. That even in the thick of the jungle He is still sending His people to minister.

I’m not sure where your at with your relationship with God. You might love and know Him well, or you might not know or even believe He exist. My friends there is no place we can go that will separate us from the love of God. No place to far, no place too hot or too cold. Absolutely no place He won’t be.

I want to encourage you today, be the hands and feet. Put your boots on and go. If your on the other side of the spectrum, open your heart and let God show you just how much He loves you. May God of all creation bless you today, love you guys.