Working with Pastor Alphonso, the mission is to reach out to the locals in the town of Cachi and surrounding villages with a combination of street performances to initiate conversations and soccer matches. Don’t play soccer? No problem. But if you do, everyone who wants to play will have an opportunity. And just so you know, the “Ticos” take their “futbol” seriously!

Royal Servants takes the safety and health of each participant seriously. We go to great lengths to ensure that participants remain healthy and safe throughout the trip. Therefore, no participant is allowed to be alone in any city; Royal Servants always travel in groups of three or more, and when possible, with either a male or Summer Staff in each group. The Trip Leaders also continually monitor conditions within the host country both before and during the trip. If a situation arises that threatens the security of the team, either politically or from environmental conditions, the team will be moved to a stable location.

Costa Rica has coastlines on the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east, with a beautiful rainforest in between filled with waterfalls, volcanoes and organic coffee farms! Whether standing under an ice-cold waterfall, hurtling down a zip-line in the jungle, or just chilling out on the beach, Costa Rica has an adventure for everyone!

Costa Ricans are pretty laid back. Their motto is ¡Pura vida!, which means Pure Life! Therefore, relationships are key, so expect to make friends and learn more about their way of life as you share a cup of coffee or hang out between futbol matches. You can expect to find people who simply love life and have no problem taking time to enjoy it!

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Spiritual growth will happen throughout your time in Costa Rica. You’ll be studying the Bible and spending time in prayer on a daily basis. You’ll be intentionally discipled, memorize Scripture, and be trained to communicate your faith in a natural and personable way. All of these elements are things God will use to deepen and broaden your spiritual walk.

Whether you like soccer, want to use the Spanish you learned in school, or feel drawn to work in a slower, more relaxed Latin culture, Costa Rica might be a good fit. The time you spend there will be full of adventure and sharing God’s love for His people - anyone up for that should go!

Costa Rican cuisine can be summed up in four words: rice, beans, chicken, and coffee. All of it … delicious. As for sleeping, you and the team will be housed in a church. But walking out of the building each morning and looking across the valley at the mountains is a pretty good deal!

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After weeks packed full of ministry outreaches in schools, on the streets, and on futbol fields, you’ll wrap it all up and head west to the white, sandy beaches for debriefing. Your days will be full, but ample time will be set aside to reflect on all that you experienced over the course of the trip. Debriefing is also a time to relax, play, and have fun, celebrating a summer of serving God and doing Kingdom work. But be sure to pack your sunscreen - those beaches can get sunny!

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The Royal Servants have been working with Pastor Alfonso and his wife, Grace, since 2002. As a result of the long-standing and vibrant relationship, the church has experienced significant growth. Alfonso has a passion for reaching his fellow Costa Ricans, and you will walk away from the summer challenged by his zeal and inspired by his example of a Christ-centered humility.