Mission Report | April 1–October 31, 2026

God Is Raising Up Servants for His Work

Mission Report | April 1–October 31, 2026

Carlos and Roxana Ulate | Heredia, Costa Rica

Dear brothers and sisters at Bammel Church of Christ,

Greetings from Heredia, Costa Rica! Roxana and I thank God for your faithful partnership in the gospel. Your support continues to help sustain our ministry of preaching, teaching, discipling new Christians, and strengthening the church.

During these past seven months, we have witnessed encouraging developments. Some are visible, such as baptisms, a new church building, and the appointment of elders and deacons. Others take place quietly, around kitchen tables, during personal conversations, and through visits to people who need encouragement.

One lesson connects these experiences: God is accomplishing His work by raising up people and equipping them with the gifts needed to serve His purposes.

1. Twelve New Lives in Christ

Between April 1 and October 31, 2026, twelve people were baptized into Christ: Byron, Isaac, Fátima, Angie, Abraham, Carolina, Rodrigo, Andrea, Keitlin, Bastian, Jimena, and Johnattan.

Each has a different story, reminding us that evangelism is much more than encouraging someone to make a decision to be baptized. These conversions reflect patient Bible teaching, personal relationships, and the faithful witness of many members of the congregation.

Angie first contacted us because she was concerned about her marriage. She found our telephone number on the sign outside the church building. Roxana and I began studying Scripture with her and her husband, Abraham. As our conversations progressed, they came to understand that their deepest need was reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. Both were baptized on May 10. We have continued studying with them, and it has been a joy to witness their growing commitment to Christ and the restoration of their marriage.

Another encouraging story concerns Andrea and her children, Keitlin and Bastian. Roxana and I had studied with this family for approximately a year and a half. Each person needed time to understand the gospel personally. Their questions were different, and we tried to address them patiently rather than pressure them into a decision. On October 18, all three were baptized. Their experience illustrates the importance of patient discipleship, family relationships, and faithful Sunday school teachers.

Our responsibility does not end at baptism. We continue walking alongside new Christians, helping them understand their identity in Christ and what it means to live for God's glory.

2. Three Remarkable Blessings

Looking beyond these seven months, three developments stand out as particularly significant in the recent history of the Heredia congregation.

A Building Made Possible Through God-Given Gifts

For nearly ten years, the congregation had saved approximately $40,000 toward a new building but had been unable to move the project forward. Then Juan Carlos Hernández, a brother gifted in organization and administration, volunteered to lead the construction effort.

He coordinated workers, materials, finances, and volunteer labor from church members. Today, we have a building with an auditorium seating approximately 150 people, six classrooms, a baptistery, and other essential facilities.

The building is not simply a construction achievement. It is a place where people can hear the gospel, grow in faith, and serve one another. We thank God for providing a brother with the gifts needed to make this long-awaited project possible.

A Congregation Preparing People to Establish New Churches

For many years, I personally tried to begin new congregations in surrounding communities. Those experiences taught me valuable lessons, even when they did not produce permanent congregations.

More recently, we have seen something different: disciples who grew spiritually in Heredia have taken the initiative to establish congregations themselves.

In Ciudad Colón, Mauricio Jiménez, his wife Wendy, and other family members have helped develop a congregation of approximately 15 members. Their work grew naturally through family Bible studies and relationships with neighbors.

In San Pablo de Heredia, Didier Rojas, his wife Ericka, and other believers began a new congregation on March 15, 2026. Approximately 60 people attended its first gathering. Before they began, the Heredia congregation prayed for them and commended them to the Lord.

These developments are teaching us that a healthy church does more than gather members; it prepares disciples who can carry the gospel into other communities.

Elders and Deacons Established to Serve

On July 26, 2026, after months of biblical teaching, prayer, and congregational participation, the church recognized Carlos Delgado Ulloa and me as elders, together with six deacons.

God used our brother Kenneth Matarrita in a particularly meaningful way. We have known Kenneth since childhood and watched him grow into a mature Christian husband, father, and student of Scripture. Having earned a degree in Biblical Theology through IBIT, he took the initiative to move this process forward with determination.

This was not simply about filling positions. It was about recognizing men who were already serving and encouraging them to use their gifts for the good of Christ's church.

3. Shepherding God's People

Since being recognized as elders, Carlos Delgado and I have been developing a more intentional approach to pastoral care, working alongside our wives and other faithful members.

Our work includes home visits, telephone conversations, prayer, personal Bible studies, and encouragement for those who have become discouraged or disconnected from congregational life. We also spend time listening to people who are grieving, struggling with family relationships, or facing difficult circumstances.

Some conversations require several meetings. Others involve simply being present, listening patiently, and reminding someone of God's grace.

These activities rarely produce impressive statistics, but they are essential to the spiritual health of the congregation. Shepherding is not primarily about managing an organization. It is about caring for people who belong to Christ.

Another encouraging development is our Monday evening fellowship, attended by approximately 25 people. We share food, discuss Scripture, ask questions, and reflect together on what it means to live in Christ.

These gatherings are helping us understand that fellowship and worship are not merely religious activities but expressions of the life we share through the Holy Spirit.

4. Preparing Workers Beyond Heredia

The Heredia congregation has also become a place where Christians are equipped for ministry beyond our community.

Víctor Araya and his wife Aura, who served alongside us for several years, are now missionaries in Querétaro, Mexico. Juan Carlos García and his wife Heidy completed a missionary internship in Heredia and now serve in Managua, Nicaragua. Other former members and collaborators serve congregations in the United States and elsewhere.

My work with Estudios Bíblicos Internacionales en Línea (EBI Online) extends this commitment to training. Each week, I prepare approximately five to ten pages of biblical teaching material, which we discuss during Saturday Zoom sessions. Typically, 20–30 participants join from several countries, including Cuba, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Honduras, Costa Rica, and the United States.

These sessions involve gifted teachers from different congregations and provide opportunities for mutual encouragement and biblical growth.

In October, we also welcomed Ronny Amán Cerrato and Yariel Olivera from Baxter Institute in Honduras. Their visit included fellowship, teaching, and conversations about preparing future Christian workers.

5. Thank You for Sharing in This Work

Dear Bammel family, these developments remind Roxana and me that missionary work is not primarily about what one preacher accomplishes. It is about what Christ does through His people as they grow in faith, discover their gifts, and serve one another.

We continue to face challenges, including the financial realities of maintaining our ministry and household. At times, I have supplemented our income by driving for Uber. Nevertheless, we remain deeply grateful for your faithful support and for the opportunities God continues to provide.

Your partnership has helped sustain a ministry that reaches beyond Sunday preaching. It includes discipleship, pastoral care, leadership development, the preparation of future workers, and the strengthening of congregations in Costa Rica and elsewhere.

Please continue praying for the twelve newly baptized Christians, our elders and deacons, the emerging congregations, and the families we are accompanying. Pray also that Roxana and I will remain faithful servants, sensitive to the Lord's direction.

The church belongs to Christ. He is its head, and He continues to provide the people and gifts needed to accomplish His purposes.

With Christian love and gratitude,

Carlos and Roxana Ulate
Heredia, Costa Rica

Byron

Fátima

Angie

Abraham

Bastian

Andrea

Rodrigo

Second Quarter 2026

Mission Stories from Costa Rica

Seeds Planted Years Ago Are Still Bearing Fruit

The story of Sharon, Roxana, Sendry, and a family God has patiently continued to reach

One of the greatest lessons the Lord continues to teach us in mission work is that His timetable is rarely the same as ours.

Sometimes we faithfully teach God’s Word and see little or no immediate response. Years may pass before we begin to understand what God was doing beneath the surface.

This is one of those stories.

Seeds Sown Many Years Ago

About fifteen years ago, I began studying the Bible with several members of one extended family. Among them were Sendry, her husband Walter, and other relatives. I also studied with Roxana Hernández and with Sharon’s parents, Beto and Raquel.

At the time, there seemed to be very little visible fruit. Sharon’s parents did not respond to the gospel, and the family did not become consistently involved with the congregation. For a long time, it appeared that the studies had produced no lasting results.

But the seed of God’s Word had not disappeared.

A Grandmother Brings Her Granddaughter

Roxana Hernández had previously been baptized and had faith in the Lord. After several years away from regular fellowship, she began bringing her granddaughter Sharon to worship with us.

Sharon studied the gospel and, on July 27, 2025, at thirteen years of age, she confessed her faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized into Him.

Sharon’s baptism on July 27, 2025. What began with one young life is now encouraging members of an extended family to seek the Lord.

We did not treat Sharon’s baptism as the end of the process. It was the beginning. For several weeks afterward, I continued giving her personal Bible studies to help her become rooted in the faith. Her grandmother Roxana was present during those studies.

Sharon is now fourteen years old and has become one of the most active members of our youth group. Together with Tracy, another young woman who recently came to Christ, she invites friends to Sunday morning Bible classes and to other activities organized for the young people.

An Old Seed Begins to Grow Again

Roxana Hernández is Sendry’s aunt. Through the family relationship, Sharon’s baptism, Roxana’s renewed involvement, and the visible changes taking place, Sendry’s spiritual interest began to awaken again.

The Bible studies I had shared with Sendry and her family approximately fifteen years earlier had not been forgotten. In June 2026, Sendry began gathering with us again.

Sendry is a hardworking businesswoman. She operates businesses in and around Heredia, including a nutritional beverage business, beauty and personal-care services, and a bakery. Despite the many demands on her time, she is showing a renewed hunger for the things of God.

Recently, during a sermon about Jesus declaring His followers to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world,” Sendry listened carefully and took detailed notes. She later shared those notes in the Church of Christ in Heredia’s group chat, allowing the entire congregation to see what she had learned.

“Years ago, when you came to my house, I saw you as a bulldog that would not let go. You would not leave us alone—you had to come and give us the Bible study. Now I appreciate it because I am beginning to see the results. I am gathering with the church now, and I wish my husband Walter and my brother Roberto would also respond faithfully.”

— Sendry

Her words deeply encouraged me. They reminded me that faithful teaching is not wasted simply because the results are not immediate.

The Harvest May Take Years

This story did not develop in a straight line. Bible studies were given, but some people did not respond. Years passed. A grandmother eventually brought her granddaughter. The granddaughter was baptized and discipled. She became active among the young people. Then another relative, who had received teaching many years earlier, began seeking the Lord again.

We still pray for Sharon’s parents, for Sendry’s husband Walter, for her brother Roberto, and for the other members of this extended family. Their story is not finished.

Mission work often requires the patience of a farmer. We plant, we water, and sometimes we wait much longer than we expected. Yet God is able to preserve a seed in the heart and bring forth fruit in His own time.

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”

1 Corinthians 3:6

Mission Lesson

God’s timetable is often longer than ours, but faithful discipleship is never wasted, and His harvest is always worth the wait.

Please Pray

• For Sharon and Tracy as they continue growing and influencing other young people.
• For Sendry’s renewed faith and spiritual growth.
• For Walter, Roberto, Sharon’s parents, and the other members of this extended family.
• For wisdom and patience as we continue planting, watering, and trusting God for the increase.

Thank you, Bammel Church of Christ, for standing with us through your prayers, encouragement, and faithful financial support.

Your faith, expressed through generous action, enables us to remain present, continue teaching, nurture new believers, and patiently serve families over many years. You share in the fruit of stories like this one.

To God be the glory!

Carlos and Roxana Ulate
Missionaries in Costa Rica

First Quarter 2026

Didier, Ericka, Roxana, and Carlos—part of the story behind the new work in San Pablo.

Mission Field Update

A Second New Church in Less Than a Year

Dear brothers and sisters,

Thank you for your faithful partnership in the gospel. Your support over the years has not been wasted. By God’s grace, it has helped sustain real work, real people, and real progress here in Costa Rica. We are grateful for your prayers, your generosity, and your continued confidence in this ministry.

At present, our work is moving forward on three main fronts: strengthening the church in Heredia and sending workers into new fields, equipping leaders through EBI Online, and continuing the patient work of discipleship in Turrúcares.

1. Strengthening the Church in Heredia and Sending Workers

A major part of my work continues to be with the church of Christ in Heredia, where I serve as one of the leaders and share much of the preaching and teaching. I work closely with Kenneth Matarrita, a gifted teacher whom the church supports. Years ago, I encouraged the church to invest in him, and that has proven to be a wise decision. Kenneth has earned the respect of the congregation and now helps organize the teaching plan for the entire year.

Our teaching in Heredia is aimed at something very specific: leadership formation. We do not want believers to remain dependent on one local work. We want them to grow in faith, maturity, and readiness to respond when the Lord calls them to serve where they live.

Men in Heredia are being formed for future service and leadership.

That emphasis is bearing fruit. As we reported last year, the congregation in Ciudad Colón continues meeting each Sunday as an independent work about an hour from Heredia. And now, on March 15, 2026, another new work began in San Pablo de Heredia, near the campus of the National University. That first meeting as an independent congregation had 60 people in attendance.

This new work is being led by Didier Rojas, his wife Ericka Chaves, and their daughter Yuliana, together with others who were formally sent out by the church in Heredia. In one sense, Heredia lost precious members. In a better sense, the Lord gained workers for a new field. We give Him the glory for that. Both Ciudad Colón and San Pablo grew out of willing, spontaneous decisions by members who sensed the Lord’s call to serve beyond Heredia.

Women from the church in Heredia pray over and send Ericka into the new work in San Pablo.

“In one sense, Heredia lost precious members. In a better sense, the Lord gained workers for a new field.”

Another part of this first front is a Monday night discipleship gathering that I lead for about 15 to 25 disciples. It is not a traditional worship service. It is a time of shared food, fellowship, and participatory learning. We focus on foundational matters such as identity in Christ, spiritual disciplines, and evangelism. This week, for example, we were studying biblical fasting—what it is, why it matters, and how to practice it faithfully.

Roxana continues to lead the children’s Bible teaching efforts in Heredia. She coordinates 15 teachers and assistants who rotate throughout the year, serving different age groups. At present, these classes serve about 25 children and 15 young people. She also meets with the teachers twice a year to help them improve their methods and materials. This ministry goes beyond Sunday itself and includes special activities that strengthen fellowship and care for the children and their families.

A few of the children served through the Sunday Bible teaching ministry in Heredia.

Part of a special annual activity that helps care for and encourage the children.

We are also grateful for major progress in the Heredia building project. For many years the church had saved toward this goal, and in the Lord’s timing He raised up Juan Carlos Hernández to help carry the project forward. He stepped away from his secular job for a period of three months so he could devote himself to coordinating builders, workers, and technical help. The church had already saved $40,000 over a ten-year period, but more was needed. Through generous gifts from sister congregations in the United States and additional giving from local members, the work is now almost complete, with only the painting still remaining.

The meeting space now has a much better appearance and includes an auditorium with room for about 120 people, a kitchen, bathrooms, a courtyard, and six classrooms for children and youth. This has been a major step forward for the church in 2025 and into 2026.

Teaching continues in the improved meeting space in Heredia.

This front also includes a weekly Bible study with the family of Xinia Morales, whose son Gabriel passed away two months ago. During his illness, the church stayed near the family in prayer and care, and now we continue walking with them in grief. Through that relationship, Xinia’s daughter Andrea, along with her two children, has asked for preparation for baptism. We have already completed four study sessions together, and we are encouraged by the direction this is taking.

A weekly Bible study with Xinia’s family has opened the door to deeper discipleship.

Discipleship Across Generations and Church Fellowship

Healthy churches are built not only through preaching and teaching, but also through fellowship, service, and shared life. Alongside formal teaching, the church in Heredia continues to grow through relationships, mutual care, and opportunities for members to serve one another in practical ways.

Fellowship and care continue to strengthen the life of the church in Heredia.

Roxana and Carlos helping transport sisters for a special church activity.

2. Equipping Leaders Through EBI Online

The second front of the work is EBI Online, a teaching effort carried out through Zoom and WhatsApp in cooperation with Rocky Castleberry, who lives in Costa Rica.

EBI Online currently serves leaders connected to:Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Venezuela, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Texas, and Cuba.

This ministry serves church leaders in several countries. One especially valuable co-worker in this effort is Juan Carlos García of Nicaragua, a Baxter Institute graduate and a leader in Managua. He is an excellent teacher and often helps carry the teaching load.

My role in this work is heavily focused on developing content for the classes. So far, we have taught full courses on Christ-Centered Evangelism and Jesus the Christ. Participants receive the material beforehand so they can come ready with questions and comments. The live sessions function more like guided panels and serious discussion than one-way lectures.

In addition to those who join live by Zoom, about 30 Cuban brothers and sisters from different provinces receive the class content through WhatsApp. These men are eager to learn and to be better equipped for evangelistic work and for the strengthening of local congregations. According to Rocky’s reports, they are seeing dozens of baptisms each month and are growing in their ability to function as indigenous, self-sustaining, and self-organized churches. We thank God for the reach of this ministry beyond Costa Rica.

“The Lord is allowing teaching developed in Costa Rica to strengthen leaders across several countries.”

3. Patient Work in Turrúcares

The third front is the ongoing work in Turrúcares, about an hour from Heredia, where we have been serving since January 2025. We meet there each Thursday night with a group of about 15 people.

This work has developed largely through the family network of Nelcy Sánchez, a member in Heredia who lives in Turrúcares. Her husband Felipe, their son Juan José, and other family members have formed part of the core group. In recent months, others have also joined. During the adult study time, Roxana teaches the children, while several brothers and sisters from Heredia travel with us each week to support the work.

This ministry has required more than weekly teaching. It has involved patient shepherding, prayer, and care through real family hardships. In one especially delicate situation, we were able to give careful emotional and spiritual support to a woman going through deep pain after a personal loss. We mention that discreetly, but it matters, because this is the kind of quiet ministry that often prepares the soil for lasting spiritual growth.

“Some ministry moves forward through public teaching. Some moves forward through patient presence, prayer, and quiet shepherding.”

The work in Turrúcares is still developing. We have prayed and fasted, asking the Lord to show us clearly what He wants done there. We have not grown weary, because we believe the Holy Spirit is still at work, forming Christ in hearts. Our hope is that, in time, this group will also become a healthy and autonomous local church.

4. Current Needs and Looking Ahead

Vehicle NeedI had to purchase a newer vehicle because the one I had been using was no longer adequate for the demands of the ministry. I sold the older vehicle for$6,000and took out a$17,000 loanin order to purchase a2022 Mitsubishi Xpander, a seven-passenger vehicle in excellent condition and very well suited for mission work. The monthly cost of the loan plus insurance is$290. It would be a great relief to our financial situation if funding could be found to help cover this vehicle loan.

Technology NeedWhile I am still using a2022 laptopthat continues to serve well, this tool is essential for communication, teaching, and content production. Because it is difficult to predict when computer problems may arise, it would be wise to replace it before it becomes a crisis. A newer laptop of about$650would be a significant help.

Lord willing, we plan to continue laboring in these same three fronts. We hope to see stronger leadership in Heredia, continued stability in Ciudad Colón and San Pablo, more people reached in the Heredia area, more leaders equipped through EBI Online in several countries, and the gradual establishment of a faithful local church in Turrúcares.

By God’s grace, we are doing well in health and still have strength for the work. The Lord has also allowed me to keep working on two books based on the teaching content we are using in these participatory learning settings, and we hope those may be ready for publication in the coming months.

Please pray with us for:

• continued maturity and leadership development in Heredia,
• strength and stability for the new work in San Pablo,
• continued growth in Ciudad Colón,
• wisdom and fruit through EBI Online,
• discernment, patience, and spiritual breakthrough in Turrúcares,
• and provision for the vehicle and technology needs mentioned above.

Thank you again for standing with us. Your support continues to matter. It is helping strengthen the church, train leaders, send workers, and open new doors for the gospel.

With gratitude in Christ,
Carlos and Roxana Ulate

New Church in Ciudad Colón, Work in Turrúcares, Costa Rica

Extension Evangelism: New Church in Ciudad Colón, Work in Turrúcares, Costa Rica

Mission Report for Bammel Church of Christ – November 2025

A New Church in Ciudad Colón

To the glory of God, we’re happy to report that through the work of the Church of Christ in Heredia, a new church has been planted in Ciudad Colón, about an hour from Heredia.

This new congregation currently has 15 active members (see photo below), meets on Sundays at 6:00 p.m., and has already witnessed three baptisms. The most recent addition is Guillermo, who was baptized on November 16, 2025, in an improvised baptistery (see photo).

The work in Ciudad Colón is being shepherded by faithful members of the Heredia church:

• Mauricio and his wife Wendy
• José, Wendy’s teenage son
• Randall, Wendy’s father and Mauricio’s father-in-law
• Eugenio and Susy, Mauricio’s parents

How Did This Church Begin?

The story behind this new church is deeply personal and Spirit-led. Eugenio and Susy, longtime members in Heredia, relocated to Ciudad Colón. Their son Mauricio and daughter-in-law Wendy began visiting them regularly to share the Word and care for their spiritual growth.

At first, while living in Ciudad Colón, they continued attending the church in Heredia, and those who wanted to be baptized made the trip to Heredia. That’s how the first three baptisms happened.

However, the seed of the gospel began to grow. Neighbors and newcomers in Ciudad Colón started attending the gatherings. On Sunday, November 16, Guillermo’s baptism marked a turning point—this one was held locally. A new chapter had begun.

Discipleship with Deep Roots

Mauricio’s spiritual formation is the fruit of committed discipleship. He was mentored by Víctor Araya (wife: Aura), a brother who had been rejected by other congregations in San José because he came from the International Church of Christ (ICOC). Some churches considered his baptism invalid.

But in Heredia, we welcomed Víctor and Aura with discernment and love, and through them, Mauricio came to us. That was back in 2015. Víctor and Aura then began working with Mauricio’s divorced parents. By God’s grace, not only were Eugenio and Susy baptized, they reconciled and remarried.

Later, Mauricio married Wendy, a single mother, and their wedding was joyfully celebrated in Heredia. Today, they serve as a united and faithful family actively engaged in expanding the Kingdom.

All of this shows how the Spirit moves freely when we allow space for people to grow at their own pace, without forcing institutional expectations.

A Growing Group in Turrúcares

We are also witnessing a new group with great potential forming in Turrúcares, located between one and two hours from Heredia depending on Thursday evening traffic.

At the home of Nelcy (Colombian), a diverse and spiritually hungry group has been gathering weekly. Her husband, Felipe (Venezuelan and former member of Hugo Chávez’s presidential security detail), is part of the group, as are:

• Yenny, Nelcy’s daughter, and her husband Gustavo (Peruvian)
• Juan José, Nelcy’s son, and his wife María (Venezuelan)
• And more relatives and friends from the neighborhood

We’re learning that for groups like this to become spontaneous, self-sustaining churches, it takes time.

“We must first form Christ in their hearts, so that they don’t feel like the demands of a religious organization are being imposed on them. In this way, the power remains with the Spirit—not with our cleverness, nor our methods, nor any agenda of our own. These works often start small, but once they become self-reproducing, a process of multiplication begins.”

This is not about control or human strategies. We want the Spirit to lead. When churches are born this way—spontaneously, locally, and at their own rhythm—they grow to become faithful, durable, and fruitful.

This aligns with what Roland Allen called the “Pauline principle,” what George Patterson described as “immediate obedience and spontaneous multiplication,” and what Ed Mathews taught through his model of “Leadership Training Evangelism.”

A Growing Church in Heredia

The Church of Christ in Heredia continues to grow with spiritual health and vitality. The congregation just inaugurated a new church building, and its members are actively evangelizing.

Just this past Sunday, November 16, Daniel (church treasurer) and his wife Raquel, respected leaders in Heredia, baptized Tracy, a young woman of 18 (see photo).

They are raising a beautiful, Christ-centered family and are part of a growing movement of believers who are living and sharing the gospel authentically. Heredia is not only preaching—it is multiplying.

A Word for the Global Church

These stories remind us that when we step back from institutional control and allow the Spirit to work freely, beautiful and lasting things happen.

Extension evangelism may not be fast or flashy—but it is organic, durable, and faithful.

Just like with Mauricio and Wendy in Ciudad Colón or Nelcy and her family in Turrúcares, the Kingdom of God grows like a seed planted in good soil.

Bibliography

• Allen, Roland. The Spontaneous Expansion of the Church
• Patterson, George. The Spontaneous Multiplication of Churches
• Mathews, Ed. Leadership Training Evangelism
• Bosch, David. Transforming Mission
• Newbigin, Lesslie. The Gospel in a Pluralist Society

Thank you, Bammel Church of Christ, for your generous and faithful support. All of this is fruit you share in.

To God be the glory!

Carlos & Roxana Ulate
Heredia, Costa Rica

Ciudad Colón gathering

Baptism of Guillermo by Mauricio

Baptism of Tracy by Daniel and Raquel

Honduras Field Report (Aug 22–Sept 1, 2025): Extension Evangelism at work

 Dear Bammel family,

This report is about our missionary trip to Honduras (Aug 22–Sept 1, 2025). The Lord allowed us to revisit long-standing relationships, strengthen local leaders, and confirm again the value of Extension Evangelism—training in the churches for indigenous leadership and reproducible ministry.

Highlights by date

• Aug 23 — Instituto Baxter (Tegucigalpa): I preached a 20-minute devotional to faculty and students. Brother Ronny Cerrato later shared that the message met them in a pivotal moment—God’s timing at work.

• Aug 25 — La Loma Church (Tegucigalpa): I preached on Sunday; grateful for Steven Teel (Baxter’s rector) and the hospitality at the campus.

• Aug 26 — Amacuapa (Olancho): Workshop “Evangelizing with Meaning.” We worked with 25 participants from several congregations alongside instructor David Chacón, emphasizing that evangelism overflows from the treasure we have in Christ—because no one can give what they don’t have.

• Aug 27 — San Esteban (Olancho): Roxana and I led the same workshop with about 30 participants at the locally led, self-supported San Esteban church under Manuel Rubí.

• Aug 28 — Trujillo: Manuel and Maricruz drove us to this coastal city, where we taught 45 participants in a vibrant Thursday-night session, under Mario Ulloa's leadership.

• Aug 29 — Catacamas: At the home of Tacho Hernández and Rosa, we celebrated decades of fruit: their sons now serve in various places. Tacho highlighted how face-to-face formation (character + doctrine) shaped him for long-term service.

• Aug 30 — Catacamas (with Santos Espinoza): Santos described the ongoing shift from a school-centered model to church-led extension training—short seminars, weekend campaigns, monthly cohorts, and shared responsibility—with a servant-leadership ethos: “We don’t chase numbers; we do the work and leave results to God.”

Provision & partnerships
Lodging at Baxter and at Manuel Rubí’s hotel in San Esteban, along with Manuel’s assistance for our round-trip air travel Costa Rica–Honduras, reminded us how work begun decades ago still sustains today’s training. In addition, Norberto Otero—a former coworker from my Honduras years and now CEO of Leadership Development International—contributed funds toward the vehicle rental. Praise God for this inter-generational partnership.

Why this matters for Costa Rica
These Honduras lessons—indigenous leadership, obedience-based discipling, and simple, reproducible church life—are shaping our Extension Evangelism proposal from Heredia toward the Northern Zones of Alajuela & Heredia and all of Guanacaste. Current fronts include Río Frío (house-church seed with Manix & Maryuri), Turrúcares (leaders Gustavo, Juan José, and Nelsy, ready to launch), and Ciudad Colón (first Sunday gathering held recently).

Please pray

• For strengthened local teams in Olancho (Tacho, Santos, Manuel) and health for their families.

• For wisdom and favor as we train facilitators and avoid dependency in Costa Rica.

• For stamina and clarity as we finalize the Extension Evangelism plan and mentor leaders “on God’s clock.”

With gratitude for your partnership,

Carlos Ulate — Heredia, Costa Rica
November 2025

Church in Tegucigalpa, brother Steven Teel, Baxter's President

Manuel Rubi, former trainee

With Tacho and Santos

With Tacho Hernández

Part of the participants in Trujillo

Part of the participants in San Esteban

Part of the participants in Amacuapa

Entrance to Amacuapa Church

Entrance to Department of Olancho

Tegucigalpa Church

Preaching in Tegucigalpa

Iglesia Ciudad Colón, Costa Rica

Second Quarter 2025

 Church in Heredia: Construction Update

We are excited to share that the construction of the church building in Heredia is nearly complete. Thanks to God’s grace, a brother named Juan Carlos Hernández has taken on the responsibility of managing this project. The church had saved approximately $44,000 over the past ten years, which allowed us to begin the remodeling work.

Everything has been done except for the finishing touches, which are being covered through loans that two members have requested from their "Loans and Savings Associations." Additionally, donations have been requested from churches in the United States to help complete the final work.

The leadership of the local men and women has been incredible throughout this process. They have made decisions and shown great maturity and capability, all without needing intervention from this missionary. This is a clear indication of their growing self-sufficiency as a church.

The new construction includes a second floor with five or six classrooms, an office, and other necessary facilities. The main auditorium on the ground floor can now seat up to 200 people, which will help accommodate larger gatherings. There is also a parking area across the street, making it convenient for visitors to access the church.

We are truly grateful for the progress, and we look forward to seeing what God will continue to do in and through this growing congregation.

Click below to see the pictures.

Pictures of Construction

A New Weekly Bible Study Group in Purral: A Story of Faith and Healing"

A new weekly Bible study group has been started in Purral de Guadalupe, following an unexpected turn of events. It all began when Juan Pablo Quirós, the brother of Frank Quirós, a member of our church in Heredia, suffered a severe bicycle accident. He was hit by a vehicle, leaving him in a coma with fears of brain and spinal injuries.

In the midst of this crisis, Víctor Araya and I reached out to the family to offer our support and prayers at the hospital. During these difficult moments, we got to know other family members, including Kiara, who is married to Memo, as well as Memo’s grandmother, Roxana, and his mother, Jennifer.

The heartfelt care and genuine interest shown by the Heredia church during Juan Pablo’s recovery deeply touched the family. As a result, Memo, Kiara, Roxana, and Jennifer opened their hearts to God’s Word and began attending our gatherings. Since then, we have been meeting every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Purral, near San José, for Bible study. These gatherings have been a great source of encouragement for the entire family.

Miraculously, Juan Pablo has made a remarkable recovery and is now back on his feet, only waiting for his jaw to fully heal so he can eat and speak comfortably again.

This journey of faith and restoration has been a true blessing, and we look forward to seeing how God will continue to work in their lives, bringing new conversions and strengthening the community.

Juan Pablo (before the accident)

Purral Group with Memo in the foreground

Dominican Republic Mission Trip – June 22 to July 1, 2025

I had the privilege of traveling to the Dominican Republic to assist Rod Aleandre, a preacher from the Key West Church of Christ, with teaching a Bible study group in Santiago de los Caballeros. I served as his translator, and taught some of the classes directly in Spanish. This approach proved to be both useful and fruitful. Additionally, I had the opportunity to preach at the Arroyo Hondo Church of Christ and establish meaningful connections with the local congregation for future collaboration.

During our stay, Roxana and I were hosted by her brother, Mario Chávez, and his wife, Maria Ribeiro. We also had the chance to engage in a Bible study with Mario, which opened the door for future spiritual discussions.

This trip reaffirmed that the church in Heredia is thriving independently, allowing me to serve more broadly as a missionary-at-large.

Arroyo Hondo Church, Dominican Republic

Ongoing Ministry and Future Transitions

As we look to the future, our ministry continues to thrive in multiple locations. The Bible study group in Turrúcares remains vibrant, with Victor and I continuing to lead sessions every Thursday evening. Additionally, the new group in Purral meets every Wednesday night, and we are hopeful that both of these groups will eventually grow into local churches. Your prayers for these budding congregations are greatly appreciated.

It's also a time of transition. Victor, a Baxter Institute graduate and a dedicated member of the Heredia church for the past decade, will be leaving at the end of July to join a missionary team in Querétaro, Mexico. While we will deeply miss Victor and his wife Aura, we trust that the Lord will continue to guide and bless their journey ahead.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers. We are excited about what the Lord is doing here in Costa Rica and beyond.

First Quarter 2025, Pictures

Teaching the ladies in Turrúcares

 

Kenneth Matarrita

Didier Rojas

Juan Carlos Hernández

Meeting in Communal Hall nearby

Renovation Progress