Witnessing the Resplendent Quetzal
Since FSM first opened its doors in 2008, education and ministry have been the primary focuses of our programs. From preschoolers to adults, providing opportunities for the community to learn and grow has been our driving mission: to improve the physical, educational, and spiritual lives of those we serve.
Usually, this is through what you might expect an education or ministry center to look like–after-school programs, English classes, tutoring, church services, and more. But occasionally, an opportunity arises that is beyond any idea or program we could dream of on our own.
One such opportunity recently led us to the heart of the Quetzals National Park in the San Gerardo Valley of Costa Rica. Seven FSM teenagers from Bajo Tejares spent a weekend with eight university students from the United States as they studied abroad at the Quetzal Education Research Center.
They met two professors from Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma. One was a Tropical Medicine professor who shared her unique path to becoming a doctor. The other was an Old Testament scholar, sharing her passion for taking care of the earth as God has invited us to in the creation story.
Conservation, environmental sciences, and sustainability are not new ideas to these ticos. Costa Rica leads the way in these areas, being the only tropical country to reverse deforestation. And the work of environmental sustainability and conservation is a huge part of the tourism industry, making it a significant part of the country’s economic development as well (learn more).
But what made this opportunity so special was the unique faith-based approach to these important environmental practices and creation care. To see the secondary forest grow, full of diverse species of birds and insects, and stand in awe of the God who created them all was an unforgettable experience. Watching the quetzal gracefully swoop from branch to branch, its majestic tail feathers rippling in the wind like a ribbon, it’s easy to understand why ancient indigenous peoples viewed these creatures as gods. They draw us to worship God, the creator of all. They remind us of the words of Matthew 6, noticing how if God put that much care and concern into creating the quetzal, how much more detail and love does he put into creating us.
Witnessing the beauty of God’s creation undoubtedly deepens our faith.
Walking back from a hike through the valley, these students had a new appreciation for and love of their country.
But the weekend wasn’t over yet! Aside from the time spent in nature, FSM’s students experienced another educational opportunity–learning about the life of college students from the U.S., a different expression of diversity in nature! Gringos from Indiana, California, Oklahoma, and Washington shared their unique life and cultures.
Despite varying backgrounds and passions, these ticos and gringos became friends quickly, playing card games, worshipping around the campfire, and of course playing soccer together all weekend long.
Thank you, QERC for inviting FSM into your world and giving these students an unforgettable opportunity!
Learn more about the Quetzal Education Research Center at https://qerc.snu.edu.
Read the students’ perspectives in the next blog!