Update on Costa Rica

Luis in baptismal clothes

The Lord is adding to the church in the city of Heredia those who are being saved. Just last Sunday, Luis Vargas put on Christ in baptism. Our association with him starts about two years ago. The church doesn't have a parking lot, so he would be the one those homeless men who watched vehicles while we worshiped. He would do this for a small tip. While this was going on we learned to love Luis, and most members who have vehicles would reach out to him with the love of Christ. One day, about two months ago, Luis was the victim of a hit and run vehicle. As a result his lungs were punctured, and he was taken to the hospital across street. Church members ran to assist him. He survived, however, with some trouble breathing. As another result of this, the church decided to rent a parking lot nearby. Since he can't be outside watching vehicles, Luis began to worship with us and last Sunday the Word of God moved him to make a decision! He is back with his wife and no longer needing to be on the streets.

Church in Heredia about two weeks ago

Attendance to church is larger than the capacity of the auditorium. The Facilities Committee is working hard to find a solution. They have already raised 20,000 dollars among the local members. Meanwhile, the maximum attendance we can accommodate, somewhat comfortably, is 110. The attendance, however, has reached peaks of 145 people. When this happens, we are in trouble, because some who arrive late and see the crowded conditions decide to go somewhere else. We give the glory to God for this a good problem to have. It is evident that this growth is due to the good others see in the lives of those who persevere in God's ways.

Roxana teaching the girls in San Rafael

The church in San Rafael continues to meet every Sunday evening. Last Sunday was special because we had the meeting at the home of one of the families in the town itself. The family head is Freddy Leon, a man we have been reaching out in the last two years. This time he was very receptive to the Word. His wife and two little girls are members. He, however, had been reluctant to open his heart to the Gospel. On Sunday, the meeting at his home was significant because he was so excited about what was done that he wants us to continue meeting there!

The church in San Rafael is an outgrowth of the church in Heredia. Little by little it will become independent, just as it has happened with the church in Heredia, according to the philosophy of missions we sucribe to. We concentrate on helping local Christians become what we call a showcase for the Lord in the eyes of their friends, so that their friends can be reached out to.