Atlas Travel and Study Abroad

25/01/2025

“As soon as I finished high school, I knew I wanted to take a gap year of some sorts, but I had no idea where I would go or what I would do. I started looking for gap year programs in ministry but didn’t have any luck until a family friend told me about the Atlas GAP year program. The more I learned about it, the more I fell in love with the program. I loved the idea of taking Bible and Spanish classes, serving with weekend ministries, and living with other kids in the same stage of life.
Soon I applied and now I am living In Costa Rica! I have learned so much about myself, others, and God within the last few months. I love serving in ministries and spending time with my host family. This has truly been the best experience of my life and I am so grateful for the opportunity!”

28/11/2024

On this Thanksgiving, we are extremely grateful not only for our programs, but for our incredible Lord, Creator, and Savior. How amazing is our God!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

20/11/2024

19/11/2024

“I found out about the GAP year program through Andy Gordley. When he’s in the States, he attends the same church as me and promotes the program. In our church we also have many previous GAP year students who encouraged me to come here.
I chose to come to the GAP year because I wanted to grow stronger in my faith and I heard good reviews. I didn’t know what I wanted to do after high school, so this was the perfect opportunity for me.
Although it is only the first semester, I feel as though I have grown both spiritually and mentally. One of the main things I’m learning is how to tear the Bible apart for myself and finding the value of God’s Word.”
‘I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.’ ~Psalm‬ ‭119‬:‭11‬ ‭ESV

18/11/2024

What a blessing it was to have a team serve this past week here in local capacities from The Chapel of Buffalo, NY!!
We greatly enjoyed our time of fellowship and serving alongside them. Thank you for staying and serving with us!!

Do you or your organization have a desire to serve the Lord out-of country, witness the international church, all while making incredible memories? If so, please check out our website to receive more information (link in bio)!
We would love to host your group!

28/10/2024

Enjoy this month's update!

Do you know anyone who could benefit from a GAP year? We are looking for students for the 2025-2026 class!

It is exciting to see the students be able to serve in six different churches. The Lord has provided host homes for all of the students on the weekends from these churches. We hope to see the students grow closer with their host families.

22/10/2024

“Gap has been such an honor to be a part of. I found out about Gap when I toured Lancaster Bible College. During the tour, I met Hunter Kieley, and I was introduced to this program. I immediately researched this program and the mission statement, and I haven’t looked back since.

I chose to come to Atlas to grow. I wanted to study God’s word to the best of my ability and expand my knowledge in Spanish. Since then, I’ve been able to do just that.

I’ve enjoyed getting to know everyone and growing together as brother and sisters in Christ. The teachers for Spanish and Bible are truly a gift from above. God has been doing so much in Costa Rica. I am blessed to be used by Him for His glory. I’ve loved being able to build relations with my ministries on the weekends as well as the teachers and staff here at the Atlas Gap Program. Praise the Lord for His provision and His faithfulness for my life.”
“Be exalted, O LORD, in your own strength. We will sing and praise your power!” -Psalm 21:13

18/10/2024

From October 5-13, we were blessed to have the class of 2025 from join us for their senior trip. Throughout the week, they served with sports at a local school, learned about the Costa Rican culture, and were also able to visit Volcán Arenal.

We hope that the memories made have impacted the students as much as their service impacted the people here. Congratulations, seniors!!!

19/09/2024

Introducing the GAP students of 2024-2025!!🎉

Wonderful connections have been built and memories have been made throughout this orientation week. There have been many activities the students have participated in, from playing volleyball at the local park, to holding pigeons in San Jose!

We are so excited to see how the Lord uses and grows this new group of students to further His amazing glory this year!!!

17/09/2024

GAP Year 2024-2025! Blessed with 17 students and fantastic interns!

24/08/2024

Atlas Travel and Study Abroad group from Buffalo, New York. They did a great job teaching kids and helping teachers at several schools.

13/07/2024

DO YOU LIKE TO RUN? On August 3, 2024 Solid Rock Youth Ministries in Quarryville Pennsylvania will be having a fun run and 5K fund raiser. I will be in PA for a few days and plan to run. I am looking for a few more people to join our GAP Year Costa Rica Team! The cost is $30 per person.
When you register put "GAP Year Costa Rica" as the team name.
sign up at: https://www.solidrockquarryville.com

Atlas Travel and Study Abroad
Costa Rica GAP YearAndy Gordley

13/07/2024

Our GAP Year starts up again on September 12! We still have spots open for 3 girls and 5 guys! Do you know someone who graduated from high school within the last few years and is looking for direction in life? Students get:
-a solid foundation in the Bible,
-learn Spanish
-help out with a ministry
-experience a new culture.
visit Atlasabroad.org for more information!

25/06/2024

Recently we were blessed have a group from Old North Church in Ohio. Their campus ministry group, called The Bible Talks, brought 16 people to give talks on spiritual disciplines at a high school and they also led a spiritual retreat for International Baptist Church at our ministry center. They were also able to take a trip to the beach!

08/06/2024

Hi friends and former GAP Year students! On August 3, 2024 Solid Rock Youth Ministries in Quarryville Pennsylvania will be having a fun run and 5K fund raiser. I plan to run, and am hoping to have a team of friends and former GAP Year students join the fun! The cost is $30 per person. I will provide GAP Year t-shirts for those who want to join the team!
If you register put "GAP Year Costa Rica" as the team name.
Also, let me know that you signed up and give me your shirt size! Thanks!
AAndy GordleyAAtlas Travel and Study AbroadCosta Rica GAP Year
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Solid Rock’s annual 5k
Saturday, August 3!
Race Details:
The Fun Run will start 8:00am with the 5K to follow at 8:30am
The race begins at the East State Street Trailhead for Enola Low Grade Trail (301 E State Street, Quarryville, PA 17566)

Early Bird Registration is happening now and ends on Friday, June 14th!

Sign up today by going to our website!

The Solid Rock Youth Ministries 5K Run/Walk will be held August 3, 2024. The Fun Run will start 8:00am with the 5K to follow at 8:30am. The race will benefit Solid Rock Youth Ministries of Quarryville Pennsylvania. The race begins at the East State Street Trailhead for Enola Low Grade Trail at 301 ...

19/04/2024

"I do not regret for a moment my decision to take a GAP year in Costa Rica. Being in a new culture, where I did not know the language, and in classes where I realized how much about the Bible I had yet to discover, prompted me to cultivate a desire and a willingness to learn.  I am grateful I could study the Bible and take a variety of classes on different topics full of rich doctrine and practical wisdom on how to live as a Christian in the midst of a broken world. What a blessing it has been to learn Spanish in the classroom and to practice speaking it at ministry, where I taught English at my church and participated in the youth group. I was also blessed to develop relationships in the GAP community as well as with people from church and with my host family. Being surrounded by an awesome Christian community helped me grow in my walk with Christ. If you are a young adult, unsure of what the next step in your life is, I would highly recommend taking a year with Atlas - you will be stretched, challenged, encouraged, and deeply blessed!"

15/04/2024

Presenting the Atlas GAP Year class of 2024! Last Wednesday, our students graduated from the program after completing 280 hours of Bible and 250 hours of Spanish. Congratulations, graduates, we are so proud of you!

Photo 1: Students of 2024
Photo 2: Katherine, Lydia, and Janessa, leading worship
Photo 3: Abby Tyson encouraging students and her brother, Dan, translating during graduation.
Photo 4: Final words from Jeff Hackett and Andy Gordley.
Photo 5: Everyone celebrating in our newly constructed pavilion.
Photo 6: Our employees - Vivian, Diana, Tina, and Isabel (Adolfo - not pictured).
Photo 7: Our GAP directors, Evan and Nancy Esh.
Photo 8: Our Young Adult Staff - Payton, Chelsie, Brayden, Abby and Dan.