2.28.2011

February Update



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.
2011 Sponsorship 3  2011 Sponsorship

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. 
 Alex and Rebecca                     
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).  
  Carmen and Eduardo                  

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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