Cougar Athletics Costa Rica Report
After serving in the San Jose area of Costa Rica for ten days, Colorado Christian University's largest missions group to date returned to Colorado at the end of May with countless stories of ministry and growth. Working in partnership with Food for the Hungry and GoAll sports ministry, coaches and players from CCU's women's soccer, basketball and volleyball teams participated in competition, clinics, and service projects as part of the trip -- the third so far for Colorado Christian Athletics to Costa Rica.
The 37-person group that included CCU staff and others spent the bulk of their time in the San Jose area. Projects included repair work on the Food for the Hungry headquarters, painting lines on gym floors, hanging out with kids at a Montessori school, and helping GoAll further their sports ministry to local schools and clubs.
While the emphasis of the trip was outward service, the group benefited inwardly from Bible studies and small group time. CCU Cross Country Coach Ryan Long described the spiritual journey taken by many on the trip. "Many of the players and staff took a harder look at their own faith, and what it means to live a life in pursuit of Jesus Christ not just on the mission field, but on campus at CCU. Most of the members of the group were stretched in their faith in extraordinary ways that will hopefully have a great impact on CCU's campus."
Cougar Athletics remains committed to the partnership that was established with FHICR and GoAll in 2009. "Ideally, we'll return to San Jose in the next year," commented Athletic Director Darren Richie. "We want to continue to help our friends in the ministry in Costa Rica in any way we can."