A few months ago, I was talking to my friend Pastor Ralph Schneck of First Baptist Church of Lexington. 
I found out he had recently returned from a mission trip to Costa Rica. It turns out that the church has had an active partnership with local missionaries there. 
LaMar and Joanne Salley went to Costa Rica in 2000 to help 3 other couples establish New Life Baptist Church. LaMar was youth pastor and Joanne served in other ministries. 
Then they went to Columbia International University. They immediately felt called for missions in Central America, especially Costa Rica. 
Dr. Brandon Emery of First Baptist went with a team from the church on a trip 3 years ago. He also developed a passion for Costa Rica and working with the Salleys. Now, First Baptist regularly sends teams there to do medical clinics with the Salleys and share the Gospel along with volunteers and local pastors. 
So far, Emery is the only physician, but other health care professionals have gone with them. 
Team sizes range from 7-14 people. If they have enough team members, they plan on splitting into 2 teams and going to separate locations. Brandon’s main interest is helping the local healthcare system reach the disenfranchised and to spread the gospel. The next trip is scheduled for July 31 to August 5. 
I asked him what he got out of the trips. He responded with 3 things: 1. The trips and work there rejuvenate him and make him more focused and intentional. 2. The blessing of knowing that the evangelizing would continue. 3. He had been part of something bigger than himself. 
He added that he’s excited about how missions oriented First Baptist is and the continuing relationships in Costa Rica.