Adventist Mission

Real Missionary Work

by Alareece Collie

LINK TO AVS

I currently teach English as a Second Language in the Central American Adventist University Language Center in Alajuela, Costa Rica. My days consist mainly of lesson planning and teaching. I enjoy interacting with my students. I give brief devotionals at the beginning of my classes, and I love encouraging my students by sharing messages from God’s Word. I must admit that prior to my arrival in Costa Rica, I wrestled with the notion that being a teacher was not “real” missionary work. However, God reminded me, and has been showing me daily, that anything we do can be done for His glory and can have the possibility of leading someone to Him.

Whenever we submit ourselves to the work of Christ, Satan retaliates with fervor. It is no surprise then, that we have major challenges at the language center. We are short of reading materials, supplies, textbooks, and computers. However, I take comfort in the fact that the power of Christ triumphs over any weapons of the devil; for this reason, I am confident that the work we are doing here will bear fruit.

Whether you are a volunteer or not, no matter what challenges you might be experiencing or what doubts may trouble you, take comfort in knowing that where you are is exactly where God wants you to be. He is a faithful God and will uphold you daily—as He has done for me. Thus, I implore you to continue in the work He has designated for you, and please pray for our language center.

Alareece Collie, originally from the Bahamas, ended her year-long volunteer assignment in Costa Rica in May 2010.