Logos Hope’s maintenance department heard about the employee’s mother, María Peña, whose small house was falling apart, and decided to take care of refurbishing the most urgent needs in the home. The roof was caving in, and water was coming inside. The metal roofing sheets were full of holes and the supporting beams were made out of several pieces of wood put together, which were decaying.

The maintenance team tore everything down, lifted the roof off and replaced the sheet metal. María’s only source of water was an outdoor hose, so the team dug around the house and installed two taps inside.

David Schmidt (Paraguay) said, “Helping anybody is always exciting. The lady was in a really difficult situation, and being there with this wonderful group doing different jobs with the plumbers getting the water line in, seeing this spirit of working with joy was a big encouragement. It is better to give than to receive, and this was a great opportunity to be giving!”

The ship team had raised money to pay for the materials, so they could share help and hope with María and cover all the expenses for the work. Tony Patureau (France) explained that they had started the work in order of priority and were planning on coming back a second day to finish, but were not able to do so as Logos Hope had to leave Costa Rica early due to weather conditions. “I was very sad that we missed the last day, I was very much looking forward to it. That is why I came on the ship, to get out and meet people; that’s what I love to do,” David shared.

The team could still rejoice in knowing that the most important parts had been taken care of, and they donated all the materials and tools they had bought for the work, so that it could be finished with the help of the community. As for María, she shared, “I am very grateful to God and to you for being here. I can imagine that now we will be sleeping better, because we won’t be getting wet.”

Talamanca is one of the least-reached areas of Costa Rica. Alex and Julie Paniagua (OM Latin America Associate Directors) have been working closely in this community with OM Costa Rica for many years. When one of OM's previous ships, Logos II, visited the country in 2003, there was only one small church in the area with no regular pastor. Since then, OM has enabled a full-time pastor to live in the community, and there are now churches in six different areas and an OM ministry centre. Beyond the outreach that takes place from there, this facility is intended to provide a place to train and mobilise missionaries from Latin America and equip local leaders to better serve their own people.

Life in Talamanca is not easy. “The people from Talamanca have no material possessions, they work the land and get little in return for the produce they sell,” explained OM Costa Rica’s Roberto Ramirez. “They have little education and very little contact with the outside world. No cellphones, television or cars, but they are happy to hear about God.” They do have the New Testament in their language, Cabécar, and the Old Testament is now being translated by an American missionary who grew up in the area.

The group who visited Logos Hope are from a community called Sibujú (meaning ‘land of God’). Their pastor, Pedro Ocon Flores, expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome they received on board. “We are indigenous people, nobody really cares about us and our struggles,” he explained. “But here we feel so loved and honoured and we are happy to be on this ship during this visit to Costa Rica.”

The group shared about their community’s struggles with addictions, domestic violence, witchcraft, unemployment and lack of proper housing. Crewmembers then prayed with them for their community and these issues. As they got to know each other more, the guests were amazed by stories from some of the crew who also come from places of poverty, high unemployment and limited access to education. As they heard how these crewmembers are able to serve on board, they realised that, though they have similar challenges, there is opportunity for them to be involved in sharing the hope of the gospel with the nations.

Further involvement with this community continues as nine women from Talamanca attended a sewing workshop on board, and sewing machines will be donated to help provide a means of income. Conversely, three crewmembers have the privilege of personally experiencing life in Talamanca as they spend time there sharing knowledge, help and hope.

Learn more about Talamanca and OM’s ministry amongst the people at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BFIzey7UHI

On the previous trip, Diego had shared a story from the Bible with a couple in whose home he spent the night. The husband had asked if he would share more later. On this trip, Diego visited them again and shared more about Jesus. The husband told Diego that he had heard about Jesus from Catholics, the Baha’i and Jehovah’s Witnesses who have passed through the area, but he had never heard it explained like Diego presented the message. He said it was different, more real, and he was eager to hear more the next time Diego passed through. The group ended the night with prayer together and went to bed.

Along the hike, the team had the opportunity to stay with a family who believe the Baha’i religion. While the group was sharing with the family, a gentleman walking by stopped. He asked Diego why he was there and told him that, because he was not indigenous—of the Cabecar or Bribri tribes—he was not welcome in the area.

The second evening, the team stayed in a communal, a community gathering space with one room and a large porch space. The home next door belonged to the same man who had spoken to Diego about not being welcome in the community. He was, in fact, the leader of that community. That night he came over and spoke more with Diego, leading to a change of heart at the end of their time together and a new acceptance of his gringo, or foreigner friend. This was God’s providence and the beginning of an open door for relationship.

In the daytime in San José Cabécar, the team went to visit Angela’s brother, Javier, on the way to visit her mother. Angela introduced Diego to him, and Javier became upset. He stated that nonindigenous people were not welcome, especially Christians, and that he should be asked for permission for any guests.

Angela’s mother, Ermelinda, considered the most well-known witchdoctor in Talamanca, greeted her daughter and the team and served them a meal of camote, which is a root vegetable similar to a sweet potato. After the meal, she turned to go inside her home. Diego asked her if he could enter and speak with her. She said no, and repeated that no nonindigenous person could enter her home, as it was a holy place. Later in the day, she described having great pain in her body, and Angela offered that Diego could pray for her. Once again, she turned down this request.

In these Talamanca communities, people speak their native languages, not Spanish. Enrique is a local Cabecar man from the community of Sibuju where the OM base is in Talamanca. On this journey, he was sharing Christ with others in their native language of Cabeca. Diego commented that this was very special to witness, as Enrique came to Christ and has been mentored by OM workers.

Through these trips to the deep and remote places of Talamanca, OM hopes to open the door to indigenous communities and start relationships started with those along the way. The heart of OM is to see people from the Cabecar and Bribri tribes who have been transformed by Jesus Christ sharing the message of hope in their communities.

Pray that Angela’s mother, Ermelinda, would accept the message of Jesus Christ and be saved. Pray for God to reveal Himself to people, like the husband who hosted Diego in his home, who hear about Jesus from OM workers and believers passing through their communities.

Angela is a widow with ten children, and many grandchildren. When asked recently how many grandchildren she had, she smiled, and said, “I don’t know, a lot.” There is a lot of joy in being a grandmother, and a story behind the last three.

The last three grandchildren that were born to her family, were named after previous and current OM Costa Rica team members: Roshani, Diego, and Benthe. Home visits are precious with this family, as one can see Benthe holding the one year old baby girl named after her. You can see Talamanca team leader, Diego, with a big smile holding little Diego, who is usually sleeping. Toddler Roshani takes turns wandering around the room to different people during the visits. According to Angela, there are no more grandchildren on the way, but she said with a wink that she has the next name already picked out from the team as well.

One never knows how much of an impact sharing a hug, smile, a kind word, a Bible verse, can have on someone over the years. For Angela, it has meant deep friendship and community so much so that her grandchildren’s names will always lead her to remember times with her OM family. What an honor, privilege, and legacy. To God be the glory for those serving the kingdom who impact those around them with such love that it carries over into naming the future generation.   

My decision to become involved in missions rose out of a week-long service trip in 2008. I went with OM Costa Rica to the indigenous reserve of Talamanca, six hours south. After that trip, I made a few more each year with annual outreach trips in other countries, learning more about missions and serving in local churches.

Each December I would go to the mountains to join in Festival of Smiles, an annual program to bring Christmas joy, love, and the hope of Jesus Christ to the children. It was in 2012 in Honduras when God used various circumstances to speak to my heart and lead me to missions full-time. 

The following three years involved preparation for my change to missions, and each time there was an internal struggle as it was difficult for me to surrender and make sacrifices.

I finally realised that the love that I had serving in missions short-term would only grow as I pursued it long-term, and that I needed to obey the voice of God. As I moved to walk in His will, OM was the avenue that God decided to use and brought me to this team to mobilise His church to serve and to encourage others to get involved with this wonderful calling.  

Luke 10:2 says, "And he said to them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"

Please join us in earnest prayer that the Lord will raise up more brave and willing workers to serve in full-time ministry. 

One morning, Maria and the other dancers were collecting trash along a river shore.

“There [in Israel], the best way to show that you love God is through your actions” Maria shares. “A young military man came up, with big weapons at his side and asked us why we were collecting trash. He was surprised by my response that we were there to love and serve the people of Israel. He said that I must be an angel because no one does that.”

The young man engaged in conversation, curious about Maria’s purpose in Israel. “One can’t say directly that they are a missionary in Israel. I was nervous speaking with him, but I told him that we were here because we believe in God, Jesus, and his love, and want to be a blessing to them all in this park. He was surprised and a little apprehensive but quietly asked me to share more about Jesus and I did. God uses these little things, these little moments, to plant seeds of faith. I shared my testimony about how God has changed my life. I put him in contact with the local OM leaders and they are doing follow-up with him. Something so simple was able to reflect God’s love and plant a seed.”

Please pray for those using arts to reach out to people around the world, to reflect and share the love of Christ.

*Name changed. 

Over the past 10 years, through social support and home visits, a woman named Angela has welcomed the OM Costa Rica team into her home, and her life, as dear friends. Over the years, she has shared bits and pieces of her dark past, involving witchcraft and abuse.

Her mother, Ermelinda, is the most well-known witch doctor, a dark spiritual authority, in Costa Rica. When Angela accepted Christ as her Saviour, she began to talk about visiting her mother, who lives a long hike away in the jungle of Talamanca, Costa Rica. After years of Angela hoping and praying, God provided an opportunity for her and OM workers to visit her mother.

In August, a team of seven from different Costa Rican communities started a journey to San Jose Cabécar, where Ermelinda lives. The team started each day in prayer and reading scripture to prepare for the spiritual challenges they knew were ahead. The journey started with a boat ride, a bus ride, and a three-hour walk. The team arrived at the community of Arenal, where the stayed with a local family for the night.

The next day they climbed into the mountain El Piste. Hiking and helping each other up the steep terrain, they crossed rivers on rope string bridges, used a zip line trolley, and witnessed the beautiful, untouched nature. Massive trees with equally massive snakes, the sound of wild animals, and flowers in vibrant colours were wonders that could only be found in the heart of the jungle. After a total of 11 hours hiking, the team arrived at the home of Angela’s daughter to spend the night.

After recovering spiritual and physical strength, the team completed the last hour of hiking and arrived in San Jose Cabécar. They were greeted by men with machetes and grimaces, who only allowed Angela to pass to see her mother, while the rest of the group had to wait outside the village.

A group of 15 BriBri, an indigenous tribe, had come to visit Ermelinda for two weeks, as is customary at this time of year. They brought food offerings and took care of her home and needs. Twice a year, people make the pilgrimage to care for her. All visitors and pilgrims obey many rules, such as not touching her or taking any pictures, because the locals consider it holy place and see Ermelinda as a god.

After Angela spoke with her mother, she presented Diego, a team member, to her. Ermelinda told Diego that she knew of him, and that she was thankful for the help he had given to Angela and that he was considered family. When asked how she knew this information, she answered that she had seen it from “the great beyond”, and also that she sensed a spiritual collision by the team’s presence. Ermelinda said she could not discuss spiritual matters because of the indigenous group visiting her. The BriBri people got upset with the OM team’s presence, so Diego and the team were asked to leave, but Diego received an invitation to visit another time. 

The team returned to the house of Angela’s daughter to sleep before undertaking the journey home. Two days later, the team arrived at the OM base, tired and blistered, but encouraged. Many families they had met along the way were open to the gospel and asked the team to come back soon.

On this difficult, but beautiful, journey the team better understood the Cabécar culture. They saw great need, but as Diego shared, "God is faithful. He was with us on this trip and created many open doors for us to return. We are praying about our next visit already."  

Please pray that God will provide for further trips to visit Ermelinda and San Jose Cabécar, to share the gospel, and for strongholds to be broken. Pray for the people and communities, that they will be open to Jesus and God’s Word. Pray for the OM team members to be strengthened spiritually as they serve and work in Talamanca. 

Linda’s father provided land for a church to be built, so she grew up knowing about Jesus and being involved in the church. Because she also takes part in OM activities, Linda learnt about an outreach programme taking place in El Salvador, called Global Impact. In March, aloing with a group of 33 other OM staff and volunteers, she spent a week in Ahuachapan, El Salvador.

“It was beautiful because I learnt a lot about God,” Linda shares. “It was also an incredible journey, as I met new Christian friends. I learnt how to preach, how to give thanks to God for the things that I have. I also learnt a lot about the Hindu culture, Islam, and more. I learnt that to be a missionary isn’t easy, but if God calls you to it, He will give you the strength to continue forward. To be a missionary is to win souls for Christ, and that is what God has called me to do.”

Linda desires to continue serving God in her community in Talamanca: “I like to serve God in all ways; however, I would especially like to work with the youth in my community. There are some that are involved in drugs and alcoholism. I would love to see them come to Jesus, and in whatever area that God wants, I will be ready to serve and support the Lord’s work.”

Please pray that God continues to move in Talamanca, and that hearts will be opened to the gospel in this place.

Recently, in Talamanca, Costa Rica, an incredible moment took place.

OM was hosting an outreach group from the United States in this indigenous community in the mountains of Costa Rica, where OM ministers on a regular basis. During their time in Talamanca, the group went on several visits to meet and pray with individuals.

One of those people was Enrique.

Enrique is a faithful man of God and a single father to three young girls. His life is not easy, but he never complains, never misses a Bible study and is always smiling and willing to help anyone in need. 

“Enrique works very hard to care for his girls,” a Costa Rica team member shared. “His love for them is evident in everything he does.”

During the visit to his home, which is a roughly-constructed indigenous house, one of the outreach participants, Jordan, shared a passage of the Bible where Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. He then talked about how Jesus had a servant’s heart, and how we in turn need to serve others as well.

Jordan then asked if he could wash Enrique’s feet as a blessing and a sign of respect. As he washed Enrique’s feet, Jordan prayed that Enrique would be blessed to continue to wash the feet of his daughters, to teach them about God, and bless them as they grow up.

“The amount of respect that Jordan showed to Enrique was a huge blessing for him, but also for all of the others who were witnesses to this act of selflessness,” recalled a team member. “It was a moment for everyone to understand the heart of serving, and to let the reality of how Jesus served sink into their hearts and minds.”

Pearl Process, a ministry of OM Costa Rica, aims to reach economically disadvantaged women who have suffered domestic violence, through discipleship and job training opportunities, all while demonstrating the love of Jesus.

Given that many of the women involved in Pearl Process lack a sense of hope for their future, they need to know that they have value and purpose. Pearl Process seeks to empower these women in this way by connecting them with godly mentors who teach them about their worth in Jesus Christ. They also train them to better support their families through specific job skills, which includes learning to make mosaics and sandals that can be sold for a profit.

For many of the women who become involved in Pearl Process, it's the combination of Bible study, fellowship and job-skills training that help to release them from the hurt of past experiences, and bring healing.

OM Costa Rica trusts that the small groups that participants are starting now, in areas where women who are at risk live, will have a broad impact on the communities. They hope that as the groups grow, more small groups can be established and more women impacted.

"Our hope is that these women continue to find true freedom and self-worth in Christ, and that they can become connected to a strong support system of other women," shared the Pearl Process coordinator. "In this way, these women will have the tools to build a better life."

The team spent time visiting with people, listening as they shared their hearts through their stories. The team also worked on a water pump in the local well and placed sheet rock on the interior walls of the OM base in the area.

Some girls shared how they had been sexually abused, threatened and were even afraid to leave their home. This left them with heartache and fear in their hearts, especially given the long history of witchcraft.

"[Witchcraft] holds an oppressive position of power over the people," a team member shared. "When we first arrived in Talamanca, it appeared that many were walking around with no hope. The depression and the darkness was visible in the faces and eyes of nearly everyone. However, in contrast to that profound darkness, the light of Jesus Christ is overwhelmingly bright."

During this last trip, the team brought gifts of clothing for several of the families, and it was a joy for them to them to watch the people of Talamanca open their gifts. More importantly, the team showed them that they care and, more importantly, that God cares for them also.

"My heart felt heavy when I heard of their suffering," a team member said. "But I also have a hope, brighter than any darkness and stronger than any pain. The knowledge that God heals, that God restores and that God is the answer."

At the end of each visit to people’s homes, the team prayed together with the people. Each time, a new glimmer of hope was visible in those they had prayed for. As the week progressed and the team continued to share the Word of God with the people and pray with them, the changes in the village were visible. The team realised that the hope of God is more precious than any material gift they could have brought.

The team hosted a women’s activity and devotional time, during which they shared about the love of God. They brought materials so the people could make handmade cards for their friends and family to share words of love, hope and encouragement. The team members shared how important it is to show the love of God and support one another. At first, the women seemed hesitant, but before they knew it, they had spent hours talking, laughing and creating together.

"It was a beautiful time," recalled a team member. "Several women came to the activity that did not attend the church, and it was a great moment to be able to make a connection and build friendships with them."

As OM Costa Rica continues to work in Talamanca, please pray for the people there. Little by little, things are changing, hope is growing and lives are being transformed.

Coni is a member of the Pearl Process women's ministry of OM Costa Rica, which aims to help women caught in poverty, trafficking, forced labour and domestic abuse. The ministry works in a slum area to train and equip women to develop skills so they can establish a sustainable income for themselves and their families.

Sunday, 30 November marked the day Coni and her partner, Julio, married after living together for 15 years. They are proud parents of five beautiful children.

“I knew I was living in disobedience,” said Coni, “and this step needed to be taken so that my walk with the Lord could grow.”

Coni’s original plan was to have a civil wedding, even though deep in her heart she wanted to be a bride. She wanted to celebrate their commitment and love for one another in the presence of the Lord and those who loved them.

It began with Coni and Julio’s desire to obey the Lord by getting married. It was confirmed by a financial donation given by a group of women in Atlanta, US, to cover the cost of the lawyer fee. Finally it was embraced by Pearl Process Ministry Coordinator Julie Paniagua, who assisted as their wedding coordinator.

The planning quickly jumped from simply signing a piece of paper in front of a lawyer to dress shopping, hair and make-up appointments, organising the ceremony and preparing decorations.

Decorating the church took place the day before the ceremony. OM staff members helped Julio, Coni and other family members transform the church into a romantic setting for the celebration.

The next day, Julio wasn’t able to see his bride until she walked down the aisle. With tears in his eyes, and a huge smile on his face, he took Coni’s hand and received her from Job, Coni’s brother, who gave her away.

Their pastor sharing a brief reflection on marriage, the couple exchanged vows and rings and performed the candle ceremony, and everyone listened to a song dedicated to the couple. It seemed both the bride and groom had tears of joy throughout the ceremony.

Many pictures were taken of the couple, family and friends during the reception. Coni would continuously whisper, “I feel like such a princess, I am so happy.”

The newly married couple finished their celebration with a honeymoon they never had had before: a gift for one night at a hotel.

Throughout the event, the joy was evident in both the bride and groom, as they delighted in their love for one another and in the freedom of obedience.

Praise God for leading Coni and Julio to obey the Lord through marriage. Please pray for God’s blessing on them and their family. Pray also for those involved in OM Costa Rica’s Pearl Process ministry.  

This new office is operated with the help of missionaries Elida and Hans Valster.  Previously having worked with other OM fields, they are very passionate and equipped for the great responsibilities of this location, already having had strategic meetings with local pastors who took part in April’s Global Impact Outreach.

This powerful outreach gathered more than 180 Christian workers from Mexico and Central American countries. Teams of Latins were then sent to fifteen local churches in the southern area of Costa Rica to do evangelism, justice work and relief and development.

Alex Paniagua, Director of OM Costa Rica, challenged outreach participants in the great task of reaching the world for Jesus. He motivated each individual to participate by praying, giving or going. Leaders and pastors responded to the challenge with an enthusiastic "Yes", then gathered at a giant globe to pray for the unreached.

Please continue to pray for a missionary awakening in Perez Zeledon and the southern region of Costa Rica. May this new office help bring the good news of Jesus, leading to the transformation of people and communities locally and across the globe.

Over 180 participants were exposed to global teachings on evangelism, justice, relief and development, church planting and mentorship/discipleship. Participants took part in various cultural activities from around the world that brought them together and fostered new cultural connections.

On bent knees, participants prayed for the nations in the name of Jesus to a loving, sovereign Father. Then, inspiring testimonies were declared of Jesus at work in the world. The Holy Spirit bore witness to the truthfulness of what was said, strengthening many Latin hearts to follow God’s calling to the mission field.

As believers tasked to send workers into the mission field, OM invited various other mission organisations, including YWAM, Frontiers, International Teams and Wycliffe, to present their international mission opportunities. There was a special atmosphere of valuing each other, worshiping together and giving honour to God; thoughts of competition were not given space. Mission leaders from several organisations expressed the desire to continue combining efforts to reach the world, fulfilling the Great Commission.

Another highlight was a poverty simulation. The express purpose of this simulation was to illuminate global issues related to food and security, confronting realities of at-risk families barely surviving month to month. Participants role-played as low-income families with few resources and barriers that challenged their lives.

Each “family” achieved an income by building small newspaper bags, purchased at a small price from local dealers. Families then had to budget their earnings to cover necessary expenses like rent, food and education.

While participants began with great motivation building their bags, they soon realised it would take a huge amount of work just to cover rent. With pressure building, hopes were crushed as local dealers rejected poor-quality bags. Adding tension, owners threatened to increase rent at any given moment. Families who could not cover their expenses were sent to live in a garbage dump, facing realistic encounters of the sex trade and gangs.

The simulation encouraged participants to face tough the realities of life, which confront those in missions as they seek to help the unreached and marginalised.

Finally, after training and prayer, participants went in groups to local churches to share God’s love, pray and preach. Testimonies of transformation were abundant as people reportedly came to Christ and were healed, and many participants received God’s call to full-time missions. 

Impacto Global embodies the vision of Mexico and Central America to influence global transformation by Latin missionaries through taking knowledge of Jesus Christ to the world. The dream to send hundreds of Latin missionaries to the nations continues strong in the hearts of OM Central American leaders. Impacto Global was just the beginning.

The Festival of Smiles was made possible this year through the donation of approximately 1,800 boxes of toys from the Netherlands and another donation of Crocs-style shoes from the US.

A team of eight nationals and eight foreigners left San José early on 13 December to travel to Talamanca. After six or seven hours and a blown-out tire, the group arrived at a small local church at Siboju, where they would stay during their visit.

The next morning, motivated despite weariness, the group piled into a pickup truck that transported them along gravel roads to the first location for the Festival of Smiles.

At the start of the festival, the children arrived on motorcycles, horseback or by foot. Some came from nearby, while others walked for five days to get there. Many were filled with excitement at seeing the gifts, but some would receive much more.

Besides giving each child what was probably the only gift they would receive that year, the team’s purpose was to share the real meaning of Christmas. Through stories, songs, clowns and games, they shared with the children that God died for them on the cross, and that even though we have failed, God loves us and wants to be our friend. 

When the activities finished, the children lined up to receive their gifts. With eager faces, they opened the presents to see what was inside. When the day ended, the team was grateful that everything went according to plan.

The next morning the team set off for their second location to bring the Festival of Smiles to the Bribri community. After breakfast, they went to one of the main commercial areas on the Telire River, where they began a 15-minute trip on canoe downstream, carrying with them the materials and gifts for the second day.

On the other side of the river, they took a 45-minute bus ride to the city centre of Katsi, where they met the Bribri tribe leader.

“The festival started and the clowns made us laugh, we played and had a lot of fun with the children,” said one team member, “but even more important, most of them prayed and accepted God in their hearts.”

After the activities finished, the children each received a gift and a pair of Crocs-style shoes.

“At the end of the day, there was a great feeling of satisfaction because besides the presents, we were able to bring hope, love, and knowledge of salvation and God’s love to children and adults too,” the team member concluded.

To find out more about the work of OM in Costa Rica, visit their news page.

Angela, 54, has been widow for 15 years. As a Cabécar indigenous, she has faced discrimination and systemic poverty her entire life. Alberto, Anselmo and Elida, three of her children, have a genetic brain disorder that prevents their limbs from coordinating movements.

Their home had no protection from the elements or the hard rains of the jungle, and it had no running water. Angela struggled to carry her disabled sons to the river to bath them. In April of this year, after much prayer, OM Costa Rica began the process of meeting with Doña Angela to proceed with plans for the building of a new home.

Praise the Lord for raising up donors who have paid to complete the entire construction process. Since April, the work on Doña Angela’s house has progressed by leaps and bounds. Although Doña Angela, eager to leave her old house, has moved onto the construction site, the work still continues on the house.

Please keep Doña Angela and her family in your prayers as preparations for the new home continue. Pray, too, that she would know with assurance that, just as the OM Costa Rica team loves her dearly and wants to meet her needs with this new home, her Father in Heaven loves her even more and desires to build her a mansion to keep her loved and comforted for eternity to come.

During the past Christmas season, the team worked hard to bring joy and kindness in the name of Christ Jesus to as many children in the indigenous area of Talamanca as possible.

“Sharing in the joy of giving more than 1,000 children a dream Christmas complete with laughter, smiles, gifts, the gospel, clowns and more is a memory I will not soon forget,” remembers OM team member Abby Gallop.

More than 20 volunteers worked with OM Costa Rica in the seventh-annual Festival of Smiles.

Judy Ní Liatháin, one short-term volunteer from Wales, admits to being nervous beforehand about coping with the heat, insets and cold showers. But, she says, "I needn't have worried. Once I arrived, these were not major issues. The welcome and friendship of the team in Costa Rica was fantastic. It was a real privilege to work together to bring the Christmas story to children and parents in the indigenous region of Talamanca.” 

The team of OM Costa Rica thanks you for joining this ministry through prayer. This year the ministry, with God's help, begins its eighth year transforming lives and communities in the indigenous region of Costa Rica.

Christmas comes every year, and it is a time to celebrate being alive in Jesus Christ. OM Costa Rica’s AIDSLink* ministry visits a community of people living with HIV and AIDS in Cartago, and a Christmas party was certainly in order this holiday season. On the eve of December, the OM team gathered their friends for the festivities.

The main table, decked out with construction paper, scissors, ribbon and confetti pieces was soon surrounded by eager residents. “Do you give gifts to one another?” an OM team member asked. The answer came that there wasn’t any money to spare for gifts. “Well, now you can give handmade cards as gifts!” This spurred on new enthusiasm in the group and became the highlight of their day.

With “Feliz Navidad” playing in the background, residents and OM team members decorated Christmas cards to hang in each other’s undecorated rooms.  

“We were having fellowship, munching on snacks, making cards and sharing about the gift of Emmanuel," reflected OM team member, Abby Gallop. "It was a morning of joy and fun, and a beautiful reminder that God really is with us, even amidst sickness, pain and strife!”

Entering into the new year, OM Costa Rica is being intentional to remember to celebrate life—the life they have today and the life they have forever in God who values each person, Who is bigger than financial or health situations, Who loves deeply, is always present and gives new hope each day.

*OM partners with AIDSLink International to make a difference in the HIV and AIDS pandemic.

About four years ago, OM set out to help some of the women caught up in poverty, trafficking, forced labour and domestic abuse. Their quest led them to partner with a church in a dangerous slum area called Las Tablas.

"The pastor of the church wanted our help in starting a women's group," relates Julie, dynamic wife of Field Leader Alex Paniagua, "so we went there every other week and held a Bible study followed by arts and crafts classes. At first the women weren't interested in the Bible—they walked out or fell asleep!—but they loved the arts and crafts. After we’d kept at it for a year they told us they'd rather have Bible study than do crafts! Because these women came from abusive homes and had all kinds of needs, we wanted to be more holistic in our ministry, so we brought in practical speakers like psychologists and child-rearing counsellors. We also wanted to teach them a business so they could have some kind of self-sustaining income.

"When I asked the women what they'd like to do, half said sewing and the other half wanted to do some kind of craft work. I told them they'd have to pray because I couldn't do either one! Later on at a Christmas craft fair I saw a woman selling beautiful stained glass items. I decided to take lessons from her and afterwards teach each lesson to the ladies at Las Tablas. When I finally told my teacher what I was doing, she offered to teach the women herself. Then I found a professional seamstress who wanted to help, too.

"In September last year I was invited to speak at the Freedom Climb conference in Colorado and sell some of our products. We had one and a half months to prepare, and our women were really pumped. Eight of them worked non-stop to produce items to sell. Then they prayed and kind of commissioned Tricia (another team member) and me to go. We sold everything we brought to the conference! And people placed orders for more.

"Back in Costa Rica we paid the women for their products and they were overwhelmed. It was three times more than they expected, such a moment of affirmation and accomplishment for them! One lady named Lucy said, 'I thought these hands of mine could only clean toilets. I can't believe they made something so beautiful!'"

The Lord began to show Julie and her team that He wanted them to go even further. The Las Tablas church was willing for OM to relocate in a more neutral, central area, and a search led to the rental of a new workshop space only two blocks from the office. The project's partners and churches that had donated or sent teams were happy to continue their support. The Freedom Climb representatives were eager to help, too. They organised a team of six to travel to Costa Rica and each one brought a sewing machine, bringing the total of machines to 10. This February the ministry was relaunched.

One important goal of the Pearl Process ministry is to train and equip women to develop sewing skills so they can establish a sustainable income for themselves and their families. Those who want to go a step further will be able to apply for acceptance into the Pearl Process Mosaics business, making items from stained glass that will be marketed more widely.

The name Pearl Process reflects the fact that pearls are the symbol of something very precious and beautiful. While natural or wild pearls can occur spontaneously, these are rare. Most pearls must be carefully cultured by implanting a tiny bead of tissue into a living mollusc shell. The tissue forces the creation of a pearl sac and the secretion around the bead eventually forms the pearl.

Pearl culture takes time. Julie and her team understand that the personal transformation of hurt and oppressed women also requires much patience. The process will involve the study of God's Word, skills training, input by professionals, legal aid for specific cases and caring for their children.

Will you join with OM's Costa Rica team in asking God for miracles of transformation? Through persevering prayer they hope to see the women of this kingdom experiment gradually take on a reflection of their Saviour, shining with the iridescence of the very best pearls.

When Christopher Columbus landed in Costa Rica in 1502 there were a half million indigenous people. Following a century of ill-treatment and infectious diseases brought by Europeans, their number diminished to 10,000. Today only about one per cent of Costa Rica's population are of indigenous heritage; 98 per cent are white, descended from the Spanish. In a recent United Nations survey, 77 per cent of Costa Ricans admitted they didn't even know that 22 indigenous territories exist within the borders of their country. One president (Rafael Calderon Fournier, 1990-94) went so far as to state that Costa Rica had no Indians!

Given little chance for development, the indigenous people of Talamanca--mostly Bribri and Cabécar tribes—live in a world of their own. They suffer from deep poverty, illiteracy and health problems, and their lives are dominated by animism and witchcraft. Men may marry several women. Incest is common. Even the name Talamanca is spiritually significant, coming from the Miskito Indian word Talamalka, which means “place of blood”.

When OM leaders Alex and Julie Paniagua discovered this hidden territory they were convinced that OM needed to concentrate on making a difference there. Partnering with a pastor whose church lay in the heart of Cabécar region, they started sharing God's love in practical ways. One time they transported several residents with severe medical problems into the city to receive a proper examination and treatment. They visited a local clinic and pledged to furnish the doctor who ran it with much-needed equipment. A group of men worked hard to construct a hydraulic ram pump that now furnishes running water for the church and surrounding houses. Another team built a small home for a destitute elderly lady who had been forced to walk over two hours on rough roads to attend church. And for the last years a Christmas Festival of Smiles has delivered toys and God's good news to over a thousand needy children and their parents.

OM's work and genuine concern won the respect of indigenous tribal leaders. So impressed were they, in fact, that the community gifted the mission with a piece of land next to the church: a rare honour accorded to outsiders. Alex has already received donations for building a compact ministry centre that will accommodate visiting teams and provide a base for more projects.

"OM Costa Rica receives an average of 10 teams each year from outside the country," he says. "We can use five of these in Talamanca. I also have a goal of bringing nationals to the area every two months and use it to train them before they go somewhere else in missions."

One of the families that OM has touched belongs to Angela, the daughter of a woman who tends the "spirit stones" of their indigenous religion. Angela has two very disabled sons who have been forced to sit all day in the same place doing nothing, unable to move on their own, while she works in a field to support them. Her house is completely derelict, without even the most basic amenities. This past November a team delivered a wheelchair so that Angela's sons could move around more easily. OM staff had witnessed to the family on several occasions, so this time Alex quietly asked Angela's daughter, who is a Christian, if she had seen any spiritual difference in her mother's life.

"Yes!" she responded eagerly. "She has asked God to forgive her and come into her heart. She has changed!"

"That had to be the highlight of my year," Alex related afterwards. "I don't care how far it is to come to Talamanca, how much work and money it takes or how many mosquito bites we get! It's worth it to see that transformation, even for just one person like Angela."

Forgotten people? By most, perhaps; but never by God. And by His grace, no longer forgotten by OM.

"I understand these people," says Yami, whose own life has been redeemed by the grace of God. As a little girl she was left alone a lot by her working mother. She was sexually abused and also introduced to alcohol at the age of six. "I grew up not trusting anyone," she relates. "I decided women were weak, so to protect myself and my little brother I would be like a boy. When I was nine, my mother sent me to live with an aunt. I remember my aunt making me kneel on beans for two or three hours at a time and never understood why. She told me her dog had more value than me. My cousin showed me a knife and threatened me. Once he threw me on an anthill where they'd put poison and my body swelled up. They killed the sweetness in my heart and I hated them.

"When I was older I went back to my mom, but I was on the streets a lot, drinking and smoking. My life was empty; I wanted to commit suicide. I tried going to church but they didn't accept me because I dressed and looked like a man, even worked in construction and firefighting.

"But just before Christmas when I was 25, my Christian brother said that God had loved me since the creation of the world and I should love what He had created. I watched my brother laughing with his friends and I wanted to have what he had. So I prayed, and Christ came into my heart.

"Four years later I went to an OM Costa Rica camp and felt a call to serve God. I've now been working with OM for six years. I accept myself as the woman God created me to be and He has transformed me from a Yami that hated people to one that loves people.

"He has also led me more and more toward a ministry with HIV and AIDS. As I talk with people at the centre and build relationships I can sense their deep longing to know God's love.

"Lundy is a good example," continues Yami. "I could identify with her because a lot of her experiences with drugs and alcohol on the street were like my own. I understood Lundy's deep loneliness. Every time our team visits we do Bible studies and talk about a personal relationship with the Lord--not just knowing He exists but that He is a God of mercy who will never turn His back on us. Lundy says our team embraces her and makes her feel special. And when I share my story with her, she says she knows God can do great things for her, too."

Yami smiles, her face alight. "I love hearing peoples' stories—and knowing I can make a difference in their lives!"

*AIDSLink International partners with OM to transmit hope in the worldwide HIV and AIDS pandemic

"I met my first missionary about 12 years ago in my church and began to support two of them," relates Brian. "God really laid the Great Commission on me. I began to study it and prayed that God would show me if he wanted me in mission work. I argued about it for two years. I thought all missionaries were preachers and was surprised to learn they weren't. God wore me down. In 2008 I said, ‘OK, if you want me to go, where?’

"The Lord laid Alaska on my heart. I'm a southerner and don't like the cold, but I said I'd go. I sold my house, called some churches in Alaska, and they said they could use me. I got a part-time job as a park ranger in the Talkeetna Mountains and did missions work in the afternoons and weekends. But I still felt God wanted me to do more, so I asked a friend who was a missions pastor in Southern California for help."

Brian's quest led him to represent a church's ministry in Mexico for a year. He learnt more about missions and met a man named Brian Mount, from OM USA.

"I really like him. Then I met Rick and Kathy Hicks from OM who said, 'Brian, you're the guy we've been looking for!' and told me about Business4transformation (B4T). It was a moment of revelation for me. Later, the leader of B4T, Mike Lyth, said he'd like me in his team and God confirmed that I should join."

Mike explained to Brian that in the past missions effectively said to business people, "You know how to make money. We know how to do missions. Give us your money and we will do missions." "But in Business4transformation we are saying, 'We do not want your money. We want you to come and use your skills, experience, contacts and investment to build profitable businesses which make a kingdom impact.' Not OM-owned businesses but local businesses. The goal of B4T is transformation of communities spiritually, economically, socially and environmentally through 'for-profit' business."

Invited to serve in various parts of the world, Brian raised support from his home church and headed to Nepal for five months. Four or five projects have now been started there. During the next three months in Belgium he built a business plan for OM's ZavCentre. Following a brief stint in Liberia for his church, Brian was appointed to head up B4T for all of Latin America. Starting with Costa Rica, the hope is to eventually have a B4T field developer in every country where B4T spreads. Brian will then move into more of a B4T regional developer role, overseeing a number of B4T field developers.

Brian moved to Costa Rica in November 2012. While learning Spanish and orienting himself to the culture, Brian will do feasibility studies to identify possibilities for integrating business into OM's ministries in Latin America.

"The Pearl Process here in Costa Rica, helping women in need, is the first B4T project that could be ready for investment. The doors could open any time," he observes. "We will enlarge the marketing of products using an aggressive marketing plan. Both Field Leader Alex Paniagua and his wife, Julie, have good business minds, so it makes it much easier to work with them. Hospitality is another option. Countries like Costa Rica receive many visiting groups through the year. Instead of putting people in commercial guest accommodation they could be lodged by a business that directly supports the OM Costa Rica ministry. My focus in B4T," he adds, "is to work with each Latin American country's team, making their vision part of our vision."

Business training is also part of Brian's ministry, and finding the right people to head up potential B4T businesses is crucial. "It's so exciting!" he smiles, obviously full of enthusiasm for his new venture. "I love ministry and I love business, and the Lord puts it all together."

If you have a business background, too, and have a heart for investing what you've learnt or earned to advance God's kingdom, why not follow Brian's example and consider Business4transformation? Contact info.b4t@om.org for more information.

Praise God for the difference these teams have made to hundreds of people this season! Pray that the light and love of Jesus, delivered in such practical ways, will give Central Americans a more hopeful future.

On the 28 October, the OM Costa Rica team, along with Costa Rican volunteers and a team from Colorado, US, travelled to Talamanca. The purpose of the trip was to provide natural water for the people, to glorify and point them towards the Giver of living water.

The OM team has partnered with a local church in the area for some time now. This trip had a double-schedule: one predominantly for the men and the other for the women. But it was evident that whether male or female, the team was united in purpose.

Greater access to water

Hauling 40-kilogram (88-pound) sacks of cement on a jungle path, the men of the team constructed a hydraulic ram pump water system. This system gives greater access to water—and water pressure—to the church, community feeding kitchen and surrounding families.

Local men came to support the team’s efforts. “It was a joy to see the men connecting with each other and creating relationships,” said OM Costa Rica team member Abby Gallop. “It didn’t matter whether they were men from North America, the north of Costa Rica, or men from the local indigenous community.”

Indigenous culture is, in general, more timid, she said, and the doors this project opened were incredible. “Not only for access to water, but also access to the gospel, the living water,” Abby said. “Praise the Lord for providing the strength and the funds to make this project possible.”

The new water system brought joy to many families. One girl, though, broke her arm as a result of slipping and falling while excitedly running around her house after seeing the water connected to her home.

Personalised gospel

The other part of the team, the ladies, focused on home visits within the community and a women’s workshop. During the workshop, three ladies from Colorado conducted a study on women in the Bible. Through these examples, the participating ladies learnt that God is faithful, approachable and full of love and forgiveness. By bringing a personalised gospel to homes and valuing the women, the team brought the hope of Jesus to many families.

The local pastor’s family provides consistent pastoral ministry for the believers. “It’s wonderful to see how God uses the faithfulness of this family to strengthen the community,” said Abby. “And our short-term outreach encouraged and strengthened them as a family in turn.” The trip drew attention to God’s goodness and his care for people living in remote places like Talamanca, the team members concluded.

In the town of Valverde Vega Sarchí, Costa Rica, the people continue their lives in silence. A number of the town’s families were affected by the earthquake disaster that took place on 5 September. Many of these people don’t know how they will recover. They have many questions about the future, but the government seems to have no answers and gives no relief.

Valverde Vega Sarchí is filled with loneliness and sadness, but even amidst the sadness are a few lingering smiles. Hope can be found in the hearts of Don Ricardo and his wife, among others, who survived the earthquake by God’s grace. Their household is now cultivating a seed of encouragement.

"I was setting up a ladder to climb to the roof. At that very moment my wife called me, "Don Ricardo recalled. With tears in his eyes, he showed team members of OM Costa Rica his house, destroyed by the 7.9 earthquake.

"Minutes later I walked into my house and it started to move around out of control, the only thing I thought about was my wife and my son,” he said. “I was trying to force the door, but I was completely pressed against the wall. Seconds later the ground began to open. A large hole opened and closed in my living room floor. God did not allow me to climb that ladder, because if I had I would’ve been dead today. Definitely, I have another chance, but I feel that this is not my home anymore.”

It was very moving for the OM Costa Rica team to hear these people open their hearts and share their memories of panic and helplessness.

"We firmly believe that God will bring the peace that this devastated town needs," said a team member. "We trust that the necessary resources will reach each one of these people. Thank you to every person who has taken the time to pray for Costa Rica at this time of national grief. Please continue to pray that God would use this catastrophe for good by transforming lives in the town of Sarchi."

Tucked away in the slum called Las Tablas in Costa Rica's capital, San José, sits a small building that once was a brothel but is now the local church, called Jehova Shama. OM Costa Rica partners with this church for the Pearl Process ministry.

It was 9:00 in the morning on 31 May, and you could hear the sewing machines running and the laughter of the women as they cut material, made patters and sewed. You could also hear glass cracking as several women in another room cut pieces to build their first mosaics. Both groups were led by professional teachers.

OM Costa Rica’s Pearl Process ministry, with its vision to see the lives of women who have suffered interfamily aggression transformed in an integral way, has been praying and waiting for the Lord to provide the right people to start the small-business aspect of the ministry. Last week, the prayer was answered. Professional teachers have offered to teach sewing and mosaics at no cost so the women can learn to create marketable products.  

That morning, one OM team member turned to another and said, “Look, we are doing it…” They exchanged a smile of gratitude for the Lord’s faithfulness in this project. Fifteen women are learning how to either sew or make mosaics. All are committed to learning how to make a marketable product, as well as participating in weekly discipleship Bible studies.

As they do this, they are growing in their love for God and His Word, and they’re beginning to believe that He has created them with skills and abilities that can be used to glorify Him. For many, this is the first time they are committed to a project and are demonstrating discipline and perseverance.

The project is still in its beginning stages. However, God has brought the right people to the ministry to keep it moving. The women in Las Tablas are excited and motivated to see this through.

"Our prayer is that the women will continue to grow in faith, love and hope as the Lord continues to work in and through their lives," says Julie, OM Costa Rica team member. "Thank you all who have believed in the project, who have prayed and donated to see this start. We ask that you continue to partner with us as we see the lives of the women in Las Tablas changed and transformed."

Through Hospital Clinica Biblica in Costa Rica's capital, San José, the team was able to arrange for three people from Talamanca to see specialists. A mother and son and another mother and two sons travelled from Talamanca to San José, accompanied by OM Costa Rica team members, to fill these appointments.

"We had the privilege of meeting Doña Cristina and her son Porfirio by referral of Dr. Ratana," shared OM Costa Rica leader Alex Paniagua. "Doña Cristina is an elderly lady who is practically deaf and has bad cataracts, osteoarthritis in both knees and chronic bronchitis."

Doña Cristina saw a specialist and received medication for her symptoms. "She seems depressed about not being able to hear and engage in normal community life," said Alex. "When we talked to her individually though, using hand gestures and being individually intentional, she gave the biggest, most beautiful smile."

Doña Angela’s sons, Ancelmo and Alberto, also saw a specialist in Clinica Biblica in San José. Unfortunately, the tests the specialist did were inconclusive. They ran a blood test to make sure their illness is not caused by a virus, but further testing costs 1,000 US dollars. "We unfortunately do not have that in the budget," said Alex. Angela started to cry at the clinic.

During their time in San José, both families stayed at a team member’s house and everyone from the office stopped by to visit. "On the way back to Talamanca, Alberto said that he didn’t want to come home because at home he is rejected," recalled Alex. "People don’t talk to him or want to touch him in Talamanca. During his time in San José he got to experience some of the love of Jesus." 

Through a partnering church and the collaboration of many community members, OM Costa Rica was able to help another older lady, Doña Dolores, with a new home. Her new home is safe, secure, and more accessible to family, community members and to supplies for her wellbeing.

"Please continue to pray for these families," said Alex. "God is doing exciting things in our midst, calling his children to know His love more and more through many practical and relational ways. Please pray for our witness, that God would use us and the local church to speak truth into the lives of those living in Talamanca. Please also pray for a pure gospel to be preached, uprooting deep-seated beliefs in witchcraft."

Saturday was a chance for the kids of Las Tablas, an underprivileged neighbourhood in Costa Rica's capital, San José, to escape the pressures of life in a dangerous community. They had a chance to play, eat lunch and be safe for a few hours while learning about the God who offers freedom.

“One little girl, whom I had never met before, came up to me right away and snuggled into my leg,” said Tricia. “No introduction, just a need to be loved and held.” She spent time with several of the team members throughout the programme, just needing attention and to feel important to someone. "What a beautiful time to share the pure love of Jesus with her."

Some of the little boys who came followed directions very well. "Then there were the rowdy ones," said Tricia, laughing. "Jesus loves both groups desperately. We take every open door to speak into the lives of young boys, who will grow into young men. The hope is for them to live life without being ensnared in the violence and drugs that plague their community. That’s an opportunity we couldn’t pass up!"

The OM Costa Rica team feels privileged that God would allow them to be involved in the community of Las Tablas. "His Spirit is moving," said Tricia. "Being part of what He’s doing right now is so encouraging. We are watching small miracles happen right before our eyes. Praise the Lord!"

More than 800 children were impacted by the Festival of Smiles 2011 that took place in the community of Sibuju, Talamanca, an indigenous area in Costa Rica. A group of 40 volunteers participated in the outreach to bring them the true meaning of Christmas—the gift of Jesus. This was represented by gifts distributed to each child. The children also participated in a programme that included songs, dramas, clowns and more. It brought many smiles to the kids faces.

Although the outreach challenged participants, taking them out of their comfort zone, it was a time that brought great satisfaction as they saw the results and the joy it produced. Many families walked several hours to participate in the Festival of Smiles but said it was all worth it, and they would do it again.

During the first day, the OM Costa Rica team worked hand-in-hand with another group of volunteers. The team was encouraged to see the bond between the two groups. In the morning they presented the first programme and then gave the children lunch. Later they distributed gifts to children and clothing to the families.

“It was difficult to see such long lines of women waiting for clothes,” says Julie, a member of the OM Costa Rica team. “I saw the need in their faces, but I thank God that He used us to help with this need, at least for now.”

The team managed to do everything they had planned. A local pastor, with whom OM Costa Rica works, said he was very glad to see the happy faces of the children. Most of them live difficult lives, with few moments of great happiness. Thanks to Jesus, they could celebrate the true meaning of Christmas—the salvation, joy and peace He brought to the world.

"Deep lines in her face spoke of many years of life experience, yet there was still that inquisitive spark in her eyes, alert to all that was happening and curious," said OMer Elke Hanssman, who participated in the medical outreach. 

After Doña Julia received food and medical attention, Elke remembers her saying, "It is wonderful that you brought food and glasses to help me see. But the most important part for me is that you came and that I have not been forgotten."

Doña Julia has indeed not been forgotten. On 7 September, almost a year after OM Costa Rica’s first visit, Alex, OM Costa Rica´s leader, received a call from Talamanca´s local doctor, whom OM partners with. 

The doctor explained that Doña Julia was suffering from an illness in her eye, which was causing her to lose her eyesight. She needed further tests that could only be done at the hospital in San José, Costa Rica's capital. Additionally, he explained that she had a doctor’s appointment the next day and asked if OM Costa Rica could help with transportation.  

Talamanca is approximately a five- to six-hour drive away from the OM Costa Rica base. The team however immediately planned a trip to Talamanca. Alex and team member Gerardo drove to Talamanca that evening, spent the night and drove Doña Julia and her son back to San José the next morning for her appointment. 

This was the first time that Doña Julia had been to the city. The doctor’s visit was successful and the tests completed. Afterwards, Gerardo and another volunteer drove her back to Talamanca that afternoon. Now she will be able to receive further treatment in Talamanca with the hope of restoring her eye sight.

"It was such a joy to serve Doña Julia this way," said Gerardo. "This is what transforming lives is all about: being available to demonstrate God’s love through acts of kindness and service, putting the needs of another above oneself."

Doña Julia and her son were extremely grateful for the assistance. The love of Christ reaches even to the most remote parts of the world.

After a six-hour bus ride they met the local pastor who, with a huge smile and great anticipation, warmly received them. One of the activities that weekend was to finish laying the tile floor in his house. 

For several years Pastor Gerardo, his wife and two children have lived in a small room. His dream was to one day have a home for his family, a place where his children could run around and play. OM Costa Rica took part in making this dream come true. Laying the tiles was the final detail of the much prayed-for and awaited home.

The first night, participants lead a service for the local church. The programme included the movie Faith like Potatoes, which brought great encouragement both to the members of the local church and those participating in the outreach. 

The next day was the most strenuous for the team. Half of them finished laying the tiles and the other half walked for an hour in warm and humid weather over gravel roads until they arrived at the location where the construction of a school would take place. Then they moved all the construction material into a small room. 

Additionally, several people dug stairs in the ground for an elderly lady in her 90s who lives on a hill. She had already suffered several injuries from walking down the steep, muddy road from her home to the main road.

That night everyone celebrated with a group of teenagers graduating from a discipleship programme run by the local church. The huge smiles on their faces conveyed a sense of accomplishment and gratitude to the Lord for the privilege of being trained in His Word. 

At the Sunday service the following morning, OM Costa Rica Field Leader Alex Paniagua, with great fervour, motivated the church and the youth to know and understand God’s heart for the world and their place in the Great Commission. They too have the responsibility to go and make disciples to the ends of the world, he said.

“We must remember at all times that our Lord Jesus came to this world to serve and to die for all," said Sarah Vargas and Joaquin Quesada, two participants.

"We as his children must be determined to die to ourselves, so that Christ may live through us. It is no longer our desires, our feelings, our words, but the Holy Spirit working through us making us bold, so we may be some of the few that go out to the harvest.”

As soon as they arrived on 8 July, the OM team sensed that this group was enthusiastic and they had attitudes to learn and serve. OM’s goal for the outreach was that the team would “Come, Learn, Return and Respond”.

“Of course, our heart’s desire was for them to serve and aid the local people,” says OM Costa Rica team member Julie Paniagua. “But we didn’t want this to end in a one-time great experience only.”

Demonstrating God’s love

During the outreach participants demonstrated God’s love to the local people within the slums in various ways. They led a church service and youth group meeting one Sunday morning and led a vacation Bible school (VBS) for 60 children for five days. They repainted the walls of the computer room and kitchen in the community centre of Las Tablas and installed new kitchen sinks, laid tile and cleaned the community centre in La Carpio. Late at night they visited the red district in downtown San José to give food to people living on the streets, including commercial sex workers and drug addicts, and they spent time with people living with HIV.

I wish I could stay longer to help; but I am thankful for the opportunity to demonstrate God’s unconditional love during this week.”

“My heart is growing bigger,” said an outreach participant during the VBS. “I have just heard the testimony of a young teenage girl who is pregnant with her second child and I saw another young girl who had a glass eye because of domestic violence. I wish I could stay longer to help; but I am thankful for the opportunity to demonstrate God’s unconditional love during this week.” Later, this participant asked the group for prayer so he would learn to love like Jesus did, both in San José and at home.

Responding hearts

During the week, members of the OM Costa Rica team took turns giving Bible studies and challenging the participants in three areas: God’s heart for the poor, God’s heart for the lost soul and God’s heart for the world.

At the end of the first Bible study, one participant wrote the following: “I was so blessed by what you had to share with the team. I have been on two awesome mission trips before, but I can already tell that this trip will be unique because of these night-time talks. I will miss Costa Rica when I leave, but I know what I need to do for the kingdom when I get home. I am so grateful that OM equips us to be sent back home!”

At the end of the second Bible study about God’s heart for the lost soul, another participant said, “I never understood until now why the father was so overjoyed when his prodigal son returned, but now I see that he demonstrated God’s heart for us, for the lost souls.”

“Don’t just be poverty tourists. Go home and put into practice what the Lord has spoken to you during this outreach in your own communities and areas of influence.”

As the group was getting ready to go back to the U.S., one OM team member challenged them not to forget what they had learned: “Don’t just be poverty tourists. Go home and put into practice what the Lord has spoken to you during this outreach in your own communities and areas of influence.”

The team left motivated to do just that.

Tonje: What influenced you to choose a life in missions?

George: My mother's prayers were the most important influence in my time—two years in Canada—of floundering around looking for God's guidance. She prayed and suggested that I should do missions somewhere in South America. The Lord also put a desire in my heart to express His message in conversations with foreigners in Canada.

Tonje: How has your background helped you survive on the mission field?

George: My past in farming and the evangelical community life in a nearby town assisted me in doing physical and spiritual clean-ups in various situations. Sometimes on this field I do dirty jobs, for which I prepared when cleaning out animal barns on dad’s farm.

My conversations are limited to loud talking because I'm 90 per cent deaf. I have to incline myself, like it says in Psalms 17:6*, towards a listener to hear him, so that causes me to get closer to people. The family of 14 that I come from—my parents and 11 siblings—prepared me for associations with large numbers of people on the field.

Tonje: Why did you enter the Latin world and what made you choose OM?

George: The first place in the Latin world to which the Lord led me was Puebla, Mexico in 1973 to press and distribute Gospel records for Grabaciones Buenas Nuevas (Global Recordings Network). After a year I was lead astray by my own desire to see places in Europe for nine years. God led me back to Mexico through a former OM speaker in my Canadian church who encouraged me to go to Mexico with OM. After participating in the Christmas outreach in 1981, I knew that Christ wanted me to work with OM in Mexico.

Tonje: From whom have you learned the most important lessons in life and missions?

George: My dad took me along on his missionary trips in Canada to minister to the Dukhobors, a group of Russian origin, who rarely accepted Christ’s message. My mother also gave me tracts to hand out on my trips. Our evangelical church financially supported and prayed for workers in ministry. Conferences about missions in our community were boring to me at 10 years of age, but I never escaped from them. Dad taught me the most important lesson: read your Bible! He led us in family devotions daily.

Tonje: How have so many years on the field made you the man you are today?

George: My heart is still deceitful above all things and desperately wicked after 30 years of service. The work in ministry hasn’t made me a better man, but Christ has! Anything of benefit in my life is due to Christ and His working patiently in my soul.

Tonje: Is there anywhere else you’d like to live, and what would you like to experience there?

George: God knows where I could live the rest of my life, but I would like to stay here in Costa Rica. Although the cities give me allergies due to air pollution, I still prefer to stay in San José until my respiratory system won't tolerate it any more. Then I might move to Panama or up to a Costa Rican mountain.

Tonje: After all these years what still motivates you to get up in the morning?

George: If it was for me, I'd probably sleep all day! Really though, God motivates me to spend at least one hour in prayer before the activities of the day. Then I like to sing any hymn or chorus to put my hard heart in a softer mood.

Tonje: What kind of skills has God given you that makes George Wiens one of a kind?

George: Music, sports, phone and verbal Skype communications are all like forgotten friends. My hearing impairment has put an end to a lot of those things. Writing letters and visiting poor people are still most important to me. Many people enjoy my donations of funds, so I try to keep a balance of what I might need and what the receivers need! God is helping me to learn to be generous with dollars and things given to me. All the glory goes to Christ!

* “I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.” - Psalms 17:6 (NIV)

Las Tablas is an underprivileged community within the country’s capital San José. For three years now, OM Costa Rica has been offering bible studies to a group of women in this neighbourhood.

Candy, one of the women participating in the bible study, had an AHA!-moment during a study on the book of Habakkuk. She said: “if the righteous live by faith, meaning believing and standing firm on who God is and what he promises to do, then I have not done that.”

She told the story on how a loved one had deeply hurt her. “I am having a hard time forgiving her, but I want to live by faith and believe that God can heal me and bring restoration to our relationship.” Candy at that moment came to the conclusion that she would rather forgive her friend and see God do the rest. 

“God’s word does not return void,” says Julie. “More and more women in the discipleship group are realising that knowing and holding on to God’s truth sets them free and free indeed.”

Leave an eternal mark

Up until now, the work has mainly been discipleship. “This has been rewarding and we have seen the Lord speak profoundly to the women,” says Julie. “However, we would like to take practical steps towards making a difference in their emotional, economical or physical state.  After evaluating all this, we have come to the conclusion that our ministry in Las Tablas must be a lot more holistic, focusing on several areas of the women’s lives.” 

Julie shares that the team in OM Costa Rica is coming to understand more and more that Jesus' love was and is transformational. “When the Lord called us to love one another as Jesus loves us, he meant more than feeling emotional or compassionate towards someone. When Jesus loves someone, he makes a difference in that person’s life and leaves an eternal mark.  This is the kind of love that we want to see more and more evident in the ministry we do.”

The result of this conclusion is a new project called the ‘Pearl Process’, created by Association Operation Mobilisation Costa Rica and Association Jehovah Shama, a local church working within the community.

Transform in a holistic way

Besides the study of God’s Word, the team plans to advocate, guide and provide the women legal help and professional services that would offer speaking engagements and assist in specific cases. Furthermore, Pearl Process wants to train and equip women to develop a skill to produce and be self sustained in two specific areas: sewing and baking.

‘The vision of Pearl Process is to reflect Jesus,” says Julie. “The programme seeks to transform in a holistic way the lives of women who suffer interfamily aggression and personal growth limitations.”

Please pray for this new project. Pray that it may truly leave an eternal mark in the lives of the women in Las Tablas. For more information on praying for, coming to or giving towards the Pearl Process, contact Julie Paniagua at julie.paniagua@om.org.

All though most participants came with basic information on HIV and a desire to make a difference in the pandemic, all were challenged in their worldview and attitudes. 

“I was unaware of some prejudice attitudes in my heart,” said Maria, one of the participants. “This training has bought them out to light and has enabled me to work through them.” 

“Thank you for putting this together,” said Pilar, OM Guatemala country leader. “I am leaving with a deeper desire to make a difference – our plan is mainly to work with the younger generation, youth and children.” 

All the participants were challenged to leave Costa Rica and be Channels of Hope in their countries. After a session on strategic planning, the participants' conclusion was that there was a lack of information and an overall ignorance on HIV and AIDS. 

All left committed to give workshops in their local churches, schools, universities and communities; to form strategic partnerships with other organisations working with those living with HIV and AIDS; and to find ways to share God’s love through practical acts of service. 

More testimonies

“I would love to hear more 'Juan type-testimonies',” said Julie Paniagua, AIDSLink Latin America representative. “All of you have represented God’s love to him throughout this week and he has responded in loving God again, now let’s go and do the same in our communities." 

Due to this training, AIDSLink ministries will now either start or continue to work in nine different Latin American countries.

*name changed

Rescue workers spent all day Thursday searching for bodies in the mud. A number of people is still missing; hundreds of people were evacuated. Many people lost their homes. “Only in our church, six families lost everything they had”, says Olger Morales, one of the leaders of a church in Quepos, a city in Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. “They need food and clothes, as soon as possible.”

OM Costa Rica is dedicated to help these families, and many others in the affected areas. “We plan to take clothes and water filters”, says leader Alex Paniagua. “And we would love to receive money or supplies so that we can organise more help for other heavily affected areas, like Parrita in the coast and the neighbourhood of Escazu in San José.”

In a meeting on Thursday, the OM Costa Rica team members spent time praying for the disaster in their country. A few hours later, a group of volunteers did the same thing. “Every year we cope with heavy rainfall in Costa Rica”, says Paniagua. “But it was never as bad as it is now.” The rainfall is expected to continue during the weekend for several hours.

About 800,000 people in the country were left without safe water supplies in their homes, including Paniagua and his family. Classes in most schools were cancelled. President Laura Chinchilla has asked help from neighbouring countries. She called attention to the victims’ families.

“It’s a sad day for Costa Rica”, says Paniagua. “Please pray for our country. Pray that the missing people may be found and that the families of the victims may find comfort in the Word of God.”

For more information, please contact OM Costa Rica through info@cr.om.org. To give, contact your local OM office and designate your gift to: “Central America – relief work landslide Costa Rica” (OM fund 20).

“Thank you for coming. You provide such a wonderful break from our reality. I hope you never get tired of coming,” said Candy, a young mother attending OM Costa Rica’s women’s ministry in Las Tablas, a community that suffers from poverty, drug and alcohol abuse, commercial sex work and domestic violence against women and children.

Two months ago the women of the OM Costa Rica team, in partnership with a local church, began a women’s ministry in this community. Every two weeks a group of 15 to 25 women, mainly young mothers, come for two hours in the afternoon.

The group meets at a communal centre owned by the local church, and fellowships with ice-breakers and crafts, learning how to make cookies, cards and bookmarks. But, it is the time spent in the Word of God that truly makes the difference in these women’s lives. Through these studies they receive truth that is applicable to their reality, and their lives are slowly transforming. The OM Costa Rica women are blessed to share in the special relationships that have already formed.

Please pray for the time that these women spend together, that God’s presence would transform more lives. Pray for the women of OM Costa Rica and for the ongoing ministry in Las Tablas. 

LES FEMMES A LAS TABLAS - Costa Rica

« Merci d’être venus. Ce break merveilleux que vous nous avez offert, nous a permis de sortir pour un temps de notre réalité. J'espère que vous ne vous lasserez jamais de venir » a déclaré Candy, une jeune mère qui participe au ministère des femmes d’OM Costa Rica à Las Tablas, une communauté qui souffre de la pauvreté, de la drogue, de l'alcoolisme, du travail dans le commerce du sexe et de la violence familiale envers les femmes et les enfants.

Il y a deux mois les femmes de l'équipe d’OM Costa Rica, en partenariat avec une église locale, ont commencé un ministère parmi les femmes dans cette communauté. Toutes les deux semaines un groupe de 15 à 25 femmes, principalement de jeunes mères, se réunit l'après-midi pendant deux heures.

Le groupe se réunit dans un centre communautaire appartenant à l'église locale pour partager des moments de convivialité autour d’activités manuelles, comme la fabrication de cookies, de cartes et de marque-pages. Mais, c'est le temps passé autour de la parole de Dieu qui fait vraiment la différence dans les vies de ces femmes. A travers ces études, elles reçoivent la vérité qui s’applique à leur réalité, c’est ainsi que leurs vies se transforment lentement. Les femmes d’OM Costa Rica se sentent vraiment bénies par les relations toutes spéciales qu’elles ont déjà avec ces femmes.

Merci de prier pour les moments que ces femmes passent ensemble, et pour que la présence de Dieu transforme encore plus de vies. Priez pour les femmes d’OM Costa Rica et pour la continuité du ministère en cours à Las Tablas.