1.¨The Surge09 mission trip was an incredible experience for our youth group. The support we received from DeLynn and his staff was awesome. They handled all the organization so we as leaders could focus on our youth and blessing those we were serving in Costa Rica. Many (if not all) of our youth didn’t want to leave the work they were doing and will definitely be returning on future trips!¨ Sarah, Vineyard youth leader

2. ¨DeLynn Hoover and the rest of the PVM staff run a fantastic organization. Our first experience with them was God-orchestrated and I especially appreciated their philosophy of ministry - partnering with local churches and asking them how we could be helpful rather than having us come in to do a pre-assigned task.  Their preparation of our teens during the first few days was well thought out, well done and vital.  It was a joy to see our teens getting to know a Central American church across a language barrier and sharing deeply with each other.  I would gladly partner with PVM for a future trip.¨ David, BIC youth pastor

3. ¨Surge was a great opportunity for God to work both in and through our entire team. I appreciated the time at the start of the week to first receive from the Lord, to get filled up with Him, and then to give that out in the remainder... I liked that we didn't have to just "hit the ground running", but could get ready through the teachings at PVM. It was great to have the opportunity to do outreach in so many different ways: the concert, Kid's Club, etc. It caused us to be taken out of our comfort zones, each in a unique way.  The whole PVM experience also was a contributing factor in that. The accommodations were spartan, the showers cold, the food both delicious and authentic. But it helped to keep us focused on why we were in Costa Rica. It wasn't a vacation; it was so much more!  And, of course, the PVM staff. I loved the summer interns. They became part of our teams with their openness, enthusiasm, hard work, and example. They were definitely a huge bonus!¨ Darryl, Vineyard youth pastor, Surge 2009

4. ¨Our experience was awesome.  Each of us was touched by God.  I know we are all more thankful for how much  we have and much more aware of how much we take for granted here in the states.  I know God led us to you and desired for us to be where we were for the 10 days we spent with Pura Vida.  Our youth group  began to seek God's will for where and how we would serve in the summer of 2009 in the summer of 2008.  By December 2008 we were all in agreement that Pura Vida was where we were to go.  We were impressed by the mission of Pura Vida.  If we were to write a list of what we wanted our youth to experience on a mission trip it would mirror your mission.  It was also important to us to know that a staff person would always be with us while we were there.  It is a big responsibility to bring youth, many of which had never flown or been out of the United States previously, to a foreign country where we could not speak the language.¨ Sue, Mennonite church youth leader

5. ¨My name is Meghan and I was recently there in Costa Rica with my youth group. I just wanted you to know how much I really do appreciate the time spent serving there. I watched as well as experienced many powerful God things happen in our group while we were in Costa Rica. Having our staff leaders was definitely a well-planned idea. It seemed like God had really just hand picked them each out for our group. We all felt that growing in the Lord together as a group was something that became an every day occurance during our stay. I am actually 19 and came along sort of as part of the leadership for the team. Seeing the needs in places I never knew before really impacted me. I am actually seeking the Father to find out if He is leading me to come back and work.  Thanks again for the leadership and service you and your ministry are a part of.¨ Meghan, youth group member/leader

6. ¨I keep thinking about the whole experience.  I have been on mission trips before with our older children....this was definitely different, in a positive way.  What I like (love) is that I felt like we were on a work camp/retreat.  Not only did we do the work we needed to do ( physical and relational ) but there was a HUGE focus on the spiritual growth of the kids staying at PVM.  THANK YOU!!!  I have seen unbelievable  growth in my daughter and the other teens that went down with us.  They have been getting together, almost daily since we have been back, praying, fasting, and just keeping the after glow burning!  PLEASE keep this part of Surge going...they NEED to be taken out of their comfort zone and meeting their Lord and Savior on the mountain top.  The other mission trips I have been on with teens were good...this is special.  The worshiping together, the words brought to us before quiet time, so important.¨ Laura, Vineyard leader/parent Surge 2009