Arms flailing…he goes under.

“Day off and Free Day”… I dislike those terms. Why? Cause it’s NEVER a day “off” or “free day” from living missionally!
 

The night prior to this designated day, I shared a few stories about things that have happened in the past during these times. We are to still listen and obey, even though we are exploring the country. Little did we all know that the next day, we were going to experience this firsthand…in Puntarenas City, Costa Rica…and in a way, we could not imagine.

 

 

 (above photo by Kristen)

 

Following a stroll down the beach in Puntarenas, Costa Rica…we returned to the area in which we had all dropped our bags. The majority of the team were jumping waves and I could hear Pastor Marcos’ voice in my head, saying “Be careful! The current is strong and many have died.”

 

 

As I began to take pictures, I heard a woman yelling for help to my right. “Help! Help! He is drowning!”  I walked towards her, while scanning the water. I spot the man, arms flailing. He goes under and comes up…over and over. Strange how so many things can race through your mind at one time.

 

-We must save him.
-We’ve been called for such a time as this.
-I’m not that great of a swimmer, and can’t pull him to shore.
-I can’t ask the guys to go save him, or can I?
-Never mind…there they go.
-I hope they can swim.
-Should I stop them? I’m responsible for the team.
-Nope, let them go. The Lord will take care of them.
-Don would do the same thing.

-Pray.

I meet the guys in the water and my first instinct is to grab the 2 crosses that hung around the guys neck. In Spanish I say… “Friend! The Lord must love you! He sent these two big Americans to pull you out of the water. You will be fine!”
 
I yelled to another guy on the beach to bring down a lounge chair. The guys (Chuck and Andy…AKA Superman and The Hulk) laid him on the chair on his side. Our new friend began to throw up the part of ocean and ocean floor that he swallowed. His girlfriend was smothering him with kisses. We knew he was in trouble still and I told him we were going to pray.  Pray, we did. His color came back and he was able to respond to our questions. It took nearly an hour before we could get any medical attention. It happened that no life guards were on duty…and our friend was no ones responsibility, nor did anyone but a handful of woman from the beach, even care.
 
During this period of time…we were able to remind him of the love of Christ. Between his bouts of puking, he thanked his heroes in broken English, “Thank you my brothers, thank you! God bless you!”
 
Team Debrief later that night was exciting to say the least.  We rejoiced in the fact that the Lord places us in the locations we need to be at a specific time. Everyone responded each in the way the Lord asked. Some swam in after, others stopped and prayed. All we have to do is watch and listen… and He will use us to SAVE LIVES!