by Cyndi staudt

Cyndi visited Faithful Servant Missions in Costa Rica for the first time in January 2025. Here’s what she had to say about her experience.

Planting Seeds of Faith

Stepping into a new place on a mission trip always comes with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. A different country, a new culture, unfamiliar faces. Will barriers of culture and language stand in the way, or would shared faith bridge the gap? Will I be an outsider looking in, or would God weave me into the story He was already writing here?

But as soon as I arrived in San Ramón, any lingering uncertainty quickly faded. I was met with smiles, open hearts, and a sense of community that transcended language and cultural differences. It didn’t take long to realize that God was already moving here, and inviting our mission team to be part of something bigger than ourselves.

From the very first day, I knew this trip would be about more than just what we came to do—it would be about what God was going to do in and through us.

During our two weeks in San Ramón, we witnessed countless moments that were undeniably orchestrated by God. We saw transformation unfolding in individuals, families, and the community. We shared meals, stories, and meaningful time with the locals, building connections that will stay with us long after we’ve returned home.

Serving & Growing Spiritually

If there’s one word that defines our time with the staff, women, and girls in the community, it’s discipleship. We had the privilege of coming alongside the women of Bajo Tejares, sharing the love of Jesus in tangible ways. Sitting with them, looking into their eyes as we shared conversations, offering a safe space for vulnerability, praying together, and even shedding tears—these moments became the foundation of deep and lasting friendships.

As we spent time with these women, I realized that discipleship isn’t always about grand gestures or events—it’s about being present, listening, and responding to the needs right in front of us. Sometimes, that meant simply offering a shoulder to lean on or a prayer spoken in faith. Other times, it meant recognizing deeper needs and stepping in to help.

That’s when a simple yet profound statement from one of our leaders came to mind: “See a need and meet it.” This is the heart of discipleship, and it’s exactly how Jesus ministered when He walked the earth

When Jesus saw needs, He met them. When the wedding ran out of wine, He created more. When a hungry crowd gathered on a hillside, He multiplied what little they had to feed them all. When He encountered the sick, He healed them. In the same way, Faithful Servant Missions responds with action whenever they see a need. They are more than just an organization; they are a family. A family that serves, loves, and walks alongside the people of Bajo Tejares in a way that reflects the very heart of Jesus.

Faith that Perseveres

If I had to sum up what this trip taught me in one phrase, it would be “faith that perseveres.” I saw this in the families who continue to trust God despite their struggles, in the FSM staff who serve with relentless love, and in the church community that keeps growing and healing.

A verse that came to life for me on this trip was Galatians 6:9, "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Faithful Servant Missions is planting seeds every single day. Seeds of hope, education, faith, and love. And the harvest? It’s already visible in the transformed lives of so many in this beautiful community!

Come and See

As I watched the FSM team pour their hearts into this community—through education, service, and the love of Christ—I was reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:23, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!"

Faithful Servant Missions is a living testimony of what it means to serve with faithfulness, love, and unwavering commitment. They have been faithful with what God has given them, and He is honoring their faithfulness by multiplying their impact.

I came to serve, but I left changed. Seeing the dedication of those who serve and the transformation unfolding in this community was a powerful reminder that God is always at work. He invites us into the places where He is already moving, allowing us to be part of His greater story of hope, restoration, and faithfulness.

All we have to do is say yes.

As I reflect on this experience, I can’t help but wonder—what if more people came alongside this mission? I can assume if you’re reading this you’re at least somewhat familiar with FSM. But in case you’ve never been on a mission trip to Costa Rica, consider this your invitation. I personally invite you to prayerfully consider joining a mission team this year. Come and see for yourself these seeds as they grow, and cultivate new ones with us.