First Costa Rica Training Conference

Yesterday marked the first day of our conference for pastoral couples in Costa Rica. The topic, “El Pastor Pacificador: Buscando la Paz en un Mundo Conflictivo” has been very well received. Though our early research indicated it was an important topic, you never know it is going to resonate with the audience until you try it out.

Our ministry model, which was also untried, has been a bold experiment since the beginning. Already, several of the pastors who lead denominations and associations have invited us to hold other events for their leaders. We expect to have several on the calendar before the weekend is over. We have definitely found our niche. By God’s grace this ministry will continue to grow. We are believing Him to use us to greatly impact the churches of Costa Rica.

More than anything, the Spirit of the Lord is in this place. We have people praying during every hour in the United States and couples here who are praying during every session. Prayer works.

Below are some photos to give you a sense of what is going on here.

The audience during the first session.

Pastor Oscar and his wife, Edith, during an interview

Dear Donor

Dear Donor,

Bad News: I have no idea who you are or how much you gave.
Good News: The Post Office Cares.

Steve Lucas
The Brook Ministries

Mail we received today at The Brook Ministries.

2009 Winner Chosen!

This morning I visited the offices of Truth Advertising, in Plano, Texas, to draw the name of the winner of our 2009 Pastor Renewal Trip to Costa Rica giveaway. Here’s the video of the draw (very exciting stuff): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5c44bP6CPU

The winner is Dave Barrett, Pastor of Operations at Austin Stone Community Church in Manor, Texas.

Congratulations, Dave!

Only 3 Days Left to Register

The Brook Ministries is giving away an all-expense paid week of spiritual renewal at our retreat center in Costa Rica to one deserving pastor and spouse. The registration cut-off is December 31. The following week, we will randomly select one winner.

If you are not in the ministry, I’m sure you know someone who is. Please spread the word! 

Registration is totally free, with no obligation. Pastors can register at Truth Advertising (our sponsor):

http://www.truthadvertising.org/costaricagiveaway_registration.php

  “We minister to those who minister to us.”

El Pastor Pacificador: Buscando la Paz en un Mundo Conflictivo

As our January conference for pastors in Costa Rica approaches, we released this flyer. 2010 January Pastors Workshop

Please pray for our registrations and for the preparations being made for this important workshop. If you would like to sponsor a pastor and spouse, please click here to donate. Our cost for each couple is $500.

The Brook Expands Vision for Orphans

The Brook Ministries has always cared about orphans, and has included relief efforts to assist orphans as part of our calling from the beginning. However, with the leading of the Lord, it has become clear that we have an obligation to tackle the problem of orphans in Latin America, working through the local churches. It cannot simply be a “small part” of what we do, but must be reflected in our overall strategy.

A meeting last week with a major international orphan care agency confirmed that The Brook will be uniquely positioned in Costa Rica to make a real difference. Much still has to be developed, but we are moving forward to embrace this as part of God’s call for our ministry (James 1:27).

We invite you to pray for our efforts to care for the orphans of Latin America. If you want to understand the global orphan problem better, listen to this excellent message by Kay Warren. And as an adoptive father of two girls from a Costa Rican orphanage, I can tell you that even one individual can make a real difference. A single visit, a single pray, a single letter, a single donation, a single word spoken up for those who have lost their parents. Every single one of us can at least do something.

Ministers Neglect Themselves

On Religion (From The New York Times)

When Serving the Lord, Ministers Are Often Found to Neglect Themselves

By SAMUEL G. FREEDMAN

Emerging evidence has shown that ministers are more vulnerable to diabetes, depression, hypertension, gastrointestinal distress and heart problems…(more)

As the article above makes clear, we need to rally around our ministers and encourage them to maintain a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Encourage your pastor or minister to register to win a free spiritual renewal week for two to Costa Rica, courtesy of The Brook Ministries and Truth Advertising. Sign up here.

Last Chance Auction Stuff – Make an Offer

We have just a few items left from our auction. The RETAIL price is listed, but make me an offer and you will probably get it. Remember, all proceeds benefit The Brook and will help with our January Pastor Training Conference in Costa Rica.

Think “Christmas” and get ahead on your shopping. If you need photos or more detailed descriptions, let me know.

A04 – Purse/Jewelry/Socks/Wallet (Retail $70)

A08 – Music jewelry box ($15)

B02 – Shirt/Cologne set/3 Speedzone passes ($150)

B06 – Autographed Dustin Nippert pennant, etc. ($25)

C09 – Sitting w/Portraits of Distinction & Photo box ($600)

D04 – One hour golf lesson w/ Peter Murpy at TPC Craig Ranch ($150)

D05 – One hour golf lesson w/ C.J. Goecks at TPC Craig Ranch ($150)

D06 – Crest Date Night (weekend use of luxury Cadillac or Infiniti), dinner for two at Chamberlains Steak and Chop House or Fish Market Restaurant, plus four rounds of golf at Bear Creek Golf Club in Dallas ($500)

E06 – 55 Degrees Wine Bistro & 4 tix Southfork ($60)

F01 – Teeth Whitening ($400)

F02 – Arbon Gift Certificate ($100)

F03 – Chaffey Consulting – 20 hrs professional serv ($600)

F09 – Chiropractic Consult, Exam, X-ray ($250)

F13 – 10 Hours Party Planning, Custom Cake ($300)

G03 – USA Martial Arts – 3 mths membership & uniform ($400)

Our Costa Rica Team

Many thanks to Michael Walker of Portraits of Distinction for his excellent work with our team. I would encourage everyone to use Michael. He’s a class act with a great talent.

Jason and Carol Benoit, Steve and Angela Lucas, Steve and Kelly Ezell

2009 Brook Golf Tournament and Auction

Many thanks are due to the players, sponsors, and volunteers who made our first golf tournament and auction a success. While the weather certainly made things challenging, nothing could dampen the spirits of those who took part.

The beautiful (and well drained) TPC at Craig Ranch was the venue, and it certainly proved to be a challenge. The first few holes were no doubt the toughest as the rain came down and the temperature dropped. But by the time the day was done, and guest speaker Everson Walls was sharing his story, everyone had warmed up and were able to enjoy a fabulous buffet and a massive auction. 

Of course, the focus of the day was The Brook Ministries, and the ultimate goal was to raise funds for pastoral training in Latin America. And Founder and Executive Director Steve Lucas was able to share the vision of the ministry with a diverse group of men and women from around the Metroplex.