Our first ministry opportunity!

We had our first real ministry opportunity this weekend at the Costa Rican National Royal Rangers (Exploradores del Rey) campgrounds. It was the Campomento Nacional, National Campout. It was in the jungles of Costa Rica. Man, it was beautiful, hot, humid, gorgeous, hot, humid, fun, hot, humid, and amazing. The coolest part was that 43 royal rangers received Jesus Christ into their lives for the first time. WOW!

Jeff and Danette Cooper are the missionaries who head up the Royal Ranger International ministry in Costa Rica. They have three children: Zach, 14; Lucas, 7; and Maddie, 4. They are a really neat family, and they have a big heart for all the children here in Costa Rica. Several churches from San Jose came to the campgrounds and set up their tents, campsite, and entrances. Each campount, Jeff adds another thing the campers need to do to get points toward winning the trophy. It was impressive to see the creativity of over 300 boys and girls at the camp. It was the first time they made entrances to their camps and roped them off. They used a lot of the knots that are taught in the Royal Ranger handbook. It was fun to be a judge and photographer/videographer at the Campomento Nacional.

There are many wonderful and strange things in the jungle. Our first morning there, we were woken up by Howler Monkeys. They call them Congo Monkeys here (pronounced with a K and long O's). They started howling at 4 in the morning. Sherry said they howled all night long, but 4 a.m. was the first I heard from them. I guess I was tired. Then, Freddy Cooper (Jeff's dad) and I went at 6 a.m. to judge the campsites. It was fun and a lot of walking. Man, it was hot that early in the morning. I sweated through my clothes by 6:30. To see some of what went on at the campgrounds, please check out our website. We have put many new pictures on the website: www.mattixfamilynews.com.

God is good, and He was there in the middle of the jungle in Costa Rica. We could feel His presence (even while sweating a gallon or two of water an hour). The theme of the camp had to do with super heroes. Superman and Spiderman were tempted by the Joker, two Cat-girls, and the Riddler to drink the Toxic Potion. They were promised extra powers if they drank this potion and served the Joker and his minions. Then, Batman came in and reminded Superman and Spiderman that if they prayed and confessed their sins to God, He would come and save them from the evil ones. The kids at the camp really got into it. They were yelling for Batman to come and save the day when Superman and Spiderman drank the potion. Then, they cheered really loudly for Batman when he showed up. It reminded me of what Jesus did for us. He is the ultimate superhero for everyone. When we need Him, He is there. When we think we don't need Him, He is there. No matter how we treat Him, He still love us. No matter how others treat us, He is there for them. In fact, HE DIED FOR THEM. Isn't that an amazing thought? He died for everyone, not just us! Everyone should have the opportunity to hear about this amazing, more than super, hero.

Blessing to you all,

Charley