Costa Rica

Impressions

Here we are in Costa Rica, the beautiful land of rice, beans and many different kinds of vegetables and fruits. The team is being well fed and no one has had to go without. Oh, did I mention that there is A LOT of rice and beans—breakfast, lunch and dinner!

We arrived here safely and immediately went to our host’s homes. Each one was unique in itself. You will need to ask your spouse child/children about it; some of them are quite interesting. That evening we went to the church where we would be working and had a service. The attendance was bleak with only thirteen children and about twenty adults, but we were hopeful through the working of the Holy Spirit that the numbers would increase as the week progressed.

The first day on the job, it looked rather bleak whether we would be able to get much accomplished. The supplies and tools were scarce and at times, somewhat primitive in nature; but coupled with lots of prayer and a good attitude, the team jumped in and they were able to do a great day’s work. We managed to raise one cement wall and half of another. At the day’s end, we were tired and dirty, but extremely satisfied. Later that evening, after freshening up and having dinner—yep, it was rice—we arrived to the church where we had been working to have the evangelistic meetings.

Below are several personal comments from some of the team members. They have expressed what this trip has meant to them thus far—enjoy! Judi Roberts
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The Costa Rica Mission Trip has been a success. We have completed the church walls and started stockoeing. Every night we have preached and provided VBS to the children and adults of the community. On Monday Pastor Ortiz and some of the youth went door to door inviting the members of the community to our meetings. Since then, the attendance has increased every night. Yesterday we helped over 25 people in the clinic and are helping more today. Tonight is our Christmas party for the children. We will pass out clothes, candy, and toys. For many of them, this is all they will receive. The community and the district Pastors are taking well to us. We were given a compliment last night at the meeting by one of the district Pastors. He said he and the Costa Ricans understand that we all have nice homes and beds in the States. He said we all probably have nice families who provide us with nice gifts on Christmas but that we came here instead to build them a church. This trip has been a blessing for everybody who came and nobody could imagine being anywhere else. Bonnie Moore-Walton

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Our trip to Costa Rica has been a blessing. We are fully engaged in working and serving others for the Lord. Not only are we involved in construction, but also the spiritual building of this lovely community. We participate in the evangelism by preaching the word, encouraging visitors to attend nightly, witnessing, and sharing Christ and His love with many of the local children. Although Costa Rica has proven itself to be one of the most beautiful, tropical, and friendly destinations in the Americas, it still leaves a lot to be desired. Many of the people are plagued by poverty, illness, and lack knowledge of the Bible. Our mission is not only to meet their spiritual needs but also their physical. We have connected with members of the community by immersing ourselves in their culture and language. It has been quite a humbling experience. The joy and peace that we have experienced thus far on our trip is what we hope to translate with the love seen through God’s power and answered prayers and the spiritual interest of many of the visitors. Continue to pray with us that the Lord will send the Holy Spirit on us and on the individuals in which we minister to. Verleen McSween.
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God’s hand is evident in the construction because He has blessed us with beautiful weather and we are getting a lot done; it is not one hand guiding the hammer, but two; ours and the Lord’s. Kevin Winklepleck
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The rain stopped right away, Monday morning after our prayers! God is excellent; this trip so far, has been a great success!! I won’t ever forget the people who have been here preparing everything for us, they are so great! This is my first mission trip and I can tell you it has already been a blessing on my life. We are all in high spirits and very willing to serve! God is good! Thank you all for your prayers. Jasmine Davison