Transition For The Colliers

By Paul Collier

Isn't transition a nasty word? Not long ago Patty and I definitely would have said YES. Let me explain.

About three years ago, the Lord began working in my heart about changing fields to do pioneer missionary work. The idea was a challenge, something I thrive on. When I broke the news to my wife, Patty, I saw a wonderful answer to prayer. Instead of dismissing the idea, Patty trusted the Lord's leading.

It wasn't easy. We were appointed as ABWE missionaries to Paraguay in 1976 and arrived in the country with two infant boys. Our third son was born there. Paraguay was home for more than 20 years. We had an apartment where we wanted to live until we retired or Jesus returned. Our work, our missionary team, and the Paraguayan people were the best! The thought of leaving was awful. How do you say good-bye after so long?

God arranged the sale of our household goods during Paraguay's worst economic crisis, and we arrived in Costa Rica on September 1, 1999. At first we spent a lot of time comparing everything with Paraguay. Guess what? You aren't supposed to do that. Everything was SO different. Homesickness was a frequent disease.

Then one day while driving toward the airport, I saw a beautiful town nestled next to one of the many mountains surrounding the Central Valley of Costa Rica. I began to cry. Compassion for the ticos (the Costa Ricans' nickname for themselves) overwhelmed me. It was as though God said, "Paul, you had no room for these people in your heart up until now because Paraguay filled it completely." Thank you, Lord, for that needed lesson.

Church planting is a challenge. We work in an area surrounded by universities. Our goal is to reach professionals and students. Pray for us to raise up a network of strong churches committed to fulfilling the great commission.

Will you believe me when I say, "Transition isn't so nasty after all"?

Visit the Costa Rica field page on the ABWE website for more information.