Wow
what a month! While most of the United States is cold and dreary,
things here have been warm, sunny, and incredibly fruitful. God has
done some amazing things, and I'm so excited to share them with you.
Since the last update we've hosted five
different mission teams, distributed child sponsorship materials to 136
children, started two new feeding ministries, and have built two new
homes!
The
first mission teams to arrive were from Pinewood Presbyterian and
Celebration Church. They came to help with the child sponsorship
distribution. Over a period of three days 136 children received
uniforms, shoes, school materials, Bibles, haircuts, eye exams, school
photos, and lots of love and prayer! It was such a blessing to be able
to help these children and their families in such a powerful way.
While
these teams were busy with the Child Sponsorship Program, a team from
"For the Joy" ministries were busy loving and serving the people of
Alajuelita in many various ways. Especially by helping us start a new
feeding center for children! They purchased tables and kitchen
equipment. They served and loved in the name of Jesus.
Then
God sent a mission team from Mason Community Church. This team brought
the resources and manpower to build a home for a family in one of the
poorest parts of Alajuelita. This precious family of six was living in
horrible conditions. Alex, the father, works as a day laborer, but has
trouble making ends meet. His wife Rebecca stays home caring for their
four children. Two of the children were able to start
school for the first time due to the child sponsorship program! The
family is now consistently attending Celebration Church and is becoming
connected to the body of Christ and growing in their faith!
God
then brought another team from the Cambridge Financial Center in Salt
Lake City, Utah. This team came to build a home for a family in Juan
Pablo. This young family was living in a small one-room shack that had
no bathroom. The father, Eduadro, works guarding cars at night. His
wife, Carmen, stays home watching their three children Kerlyn (5),
Alison (3), Henry (1).
While
the team was here serving tragedy struck. One of the couples on the
mission team lost their home in a devastating fire! It was a intense
blow, and the irony was surreal. Gary and Marilyn had come to love
others, they had sacrificed their time and resources to help build
others a home...and in the process they lost their home. To add to the
irony, Gary was a retired firefighter! Though they had to
return home early to pick-up the pieces they left an incredible
impression. People here are still talking about their servant hearts
and willingness to sacrifice to love others in the name of Jesus
Christ! Evidence that God is good even in the midst of tragedy.
So
like I said...wow what a month! Even more so WOW WHAT A GOD WE SERVE!
He truly is working all things together for good here in Costa Rica!
Love in Christ,
Spencer
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