Costa Rica Mission Trip March 2026
Dear Friends and Fellow Laborers in the Harvest,
In February 2026 a small team from our network traveled to Costa Rica for a week of ministry, prayer, and outreach. What we witnessed again reminded us of something that Jesus declared long ago: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37). The need for Spirit-filled missionaries and ministry teams around the world is immense, and the testimonies from Costa Rica are powerful reminders that when we go, God moves.
One of the first testimonies shared during our team debriefing involved Pastor Francisco. Prior to our arrival he had been suffering with serious issues affecting his eyesight and physical strength. When the team visited and prayed, the presence of God touched him deeply. By the time we gathered later in the week, those close to him noticed a visible improvement in both his eyesight and overall energy. What began as a simple prayer became a moment of encouragement and renewal for a local shepherd who has faithfully served his community for the past 40 years.
At a celebration gathering for Pastor Francisco, Kathy Barber encountered a large, muscular man who was quietly battling deep depression and spiritual oppression. As she prayed in the Spirit and gently led him through repentance and forgiveness, something remarkable happened. The man began to weep openly as the weight he had been carrying broke off him. Freedom entered the room as the love of God touched his heart. Kathy also prayed for his wife and their son, who had been suffering from bullying. That single moment of prayer turned into ministry for an entire family.
Throughout the trip, God continued to confirm His compassion through healing and prophetic encouragement. John Barber prayed for a young boy who had been struggling with knee pain. As prayer was offered, the boy experienced healing and regained movement without pain. In fact, he was shouting and praising God for a remarkable healing in his knee. He was scheduled for surgery in the next 2 days, but the great physician healed him instead! Glory!
The outreach at a local drug rehabilitation center was particularly moving. Several team members described sensing the presence of Jesus the Good Shepherd ministering to the men there. Many received prayer for restoration, freedom, and renewed purpose. After sharing testimonies and praying with the men, they wanted to tell us what our visit meant to them. One man told us that this was the best day he had ever experienced in his life because now he knew that God remembers him. He told us through brokenness and near tears how God gave him a vision for how he is to live his life…he wants to be moved with love from God to reach the broken around him just like we just demonstrated. Wow…just wow!
On several occasions we had people approach us during ministry time to tell us about prophecies fulfilled in their life from previous trips where we ministered to them. One woman told us her encounter from a prophesy she had received two years ago that God was going to give her a children’s ministry. Shortly after receiving this word she was approached by Samaritan’s Purse to become the Operation Christmas Child representative for the San Carlos Region in Costa Rica. She now distributes these gifts each year as part of that children’s ministry outreach. Yay God! While we were in a meeting this time, the boxes from Operation Christman Child was stacked in the back, ready for the next week celebration!
Through the gift of prophecy and words of knowledge on these trips we have seen families healed, ministries created, children born, people activated in their giftings, churches revitalized, bodies healed, children baptized, houses built, evangelists activated, and much more. It makes you realize that if we are just willing and presenting ourself to the Lord, He will provide, He will heal, He will come! Oh if we just have a heart to help there is no telling what God can do.
Team members also spoke about the relational impact of the trip. Several team members remembered encounters they had in previous years and the joy they received in reconnecting when visiting Costa Rica this time. Their joy and connection reminded the team that missions is not only about events—it is about relationships that carry the love of Christ across cultures and generations.
As the team reflected together, one theme became clear: there are people around the world who are waiting for someone to come and carry the presence of God to them. Simple prayers, prophetic encouragement, and acts of compassion can shift the trajectory of a life, a family, or even an entire community.
Our Costa Rica outreach is a testimony that mission work still matters deeply. When we go, we bring hope. When we pray, heaven responds. And when we partner together as a missions family, the gospel continues to advance.
May these testimonies encourage each of us to remain faithful to the call—loving, equipping, connecting, and sending messengers of fire to the nations.
The harvest fields are ready.
Blessings in Christ,
Dr. David Bates
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