It is a joy for me to be a part of the Coordinating Team that is bringing the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course to Costa Rica for the first time ever!
Perspectives is a world-renowned course originating from the US Center for World Mission in Pasadena, California. According to their website, “Perspectives is not so much a course, as it is a "movement" involving tens of thousands of God's people throughout the world finding their niche in God's overall purpose to bless the nations.” (www.perspectives.org )
The 16-week series is being offered for pastors and leaders around the country. Our vision is to educate, motivate, and train Costa Ricans to bring God’s glory around the world. We want these “ticos” to know that they have a role to play in missions, that their work is integral to the fulfillment of Revelation 7:9, “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”
From a cultural perspective, latinos have many in-roads to various mission fields. Their generally fair skin and dark eyes and hair allow them to blend with numerous cultures in the 10/40 window. Their family structure, with strong extended families and care of elders and children, is seen in many non-Western societies. Finally, because many latin countries are still considered to be developing nations, many of their citizens have lived with less of the comforts and conveniences we take for granted in North America. It is one element that makes the transition to a less-developed nation a little easier for latino missionaries.
The tide for using so-called “southern” or “non-Western” missionaries is growing. We are excited to be part of the movement! Please say a prayer that God will use Perspectives to bring a global vision to Costa Rica. Thank you.