"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
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Perhaps you remember Mariellos from the Tejarcillos bakery and a girl named Grace from Corina. Both girls were born with spina bifida and are wheelchair bound. The good news is that both girls are working in stores throughout the area promoting specific products to the public.
These young ladies are an example that God does have a plan for our lives; whoever or wherever we are.
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Melanie has worked in Costa Rica with us for many years and is now in Papua New Guinea with Wycliffe Bible Translators. She is a Physical Therapist. If you would like to send her words of encouragement, her e-mail address is melf621@gmail.com.
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WOWS (WONDERS OF WONDERS)
• The garden in Bijagua provides food for feeding centers and many families.
• Bibles have been distributed to schools and County offices.
• A group of 57 from various churches met at Shepherds Rest for a day of study.
• A rice company gives Outreach Ministries a bag (12 two pound bags of rice) for every bag we buy to give to needy families and feeding centers.
• School books, uniforms, and First Aid Kits have been distributed as needed.
• We supplied an electrician, plumber, welder, and supervision for a new classroom while families supplied labor.
• Plans for Christmas in Costa Rica are to feed children and families and provide a small gift to each child.
1. Approx. 500 children at the Police Command Post in the Upala Area
2. 60 families at El Llano Azul School
3. 60 families at school in Jardin
4. 2 feeding centers in Alajuelita
5. Food baskets for 50 families to be delivered December 24
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Saturday Bible Club in Tejarcillo School Assembly for Bubba & Miss Tiki
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Bubba & Miss Tiki & The U.S. Military
The clowns perform in full costume in the U.S. In Costa Rica they use public transportation and do not use full costumes but are able to give the same Gospel messages with tricks and skits.
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DOWNSIZING or EXPANDING
Outreach Ministries had two houses in Alajuelita, Costa Rica. Teams of 30 to 40 short-term missionaries stayed at the houses while working in the community. Two ladies who had worked with us and assisted in setting up a clinic for the physically and mentally challenged in Alajuelita asked Ernie if he would go to Upala and assist them there.
In 2003 Shepherds Rest was established in Bijagua, a district of Upala. Work with the schools, clinics, families, and churches continue in both areas. However, since the cities are about 150 miles a part, it seemed more efficient to sell the big team house and concentrate on small groups at both places and let another ministry handle the large groups. Large groups can contact spencetico@aol.com.
Shepherds Rest is located on 71/2 acres near the Nicaraguan border and has a little chapel overlooking many springs in a crystal clear stream that develops into rushing waterfalls. It is a nice place for pastors, parents, and others who need to get away to find what great things God has for them.
Bananas, oranges, mangoes, yucca, plantains, and various other foods are grown on our property and distributed to those in need.
INFO FOR NEW READERS “TAKING A WALK”
Small mission groups are invited to stay at this house in Alajuelita.
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We do not organize a program or agenda for individuals or groups to follow when they come on a mission trip to Alajuelita, Costa Rica, but we do provide a place to stay. If a group is planning a trip, it is wise for a leader to come first. The leader will “take a walk” to different communities to visit schools, homes, churches, nursing homes, clinics, rehab centers, parks, and various other places in the surrounding area. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the leader usually knows where the team will want to use their talents and skills. There is a place for everyone. Bijagua also invites small groups for rest & meditation. There is also plenty of work in the garden that supplies food for feeding centers.
For specific information, feel free to contact us. Our phone numbers and e-mail addresses are on the SUPPORT page.
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Visiting families is a favorite pastime. Sometimes we can help them; but most of the time, we learn from them. This is a homemade machine to extract juice from sugar cane. Martin (in the top picture and Ernie in the lower picture) really got involved in the process. And, I came away with a wonderful bottle of pure cane syrup.
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Many ask what our needs are; and as you can see, we work in many different areas. Spanish Bibles, school supplies, and First Aid kits are always in demand. The Christmas project will cost about $3,000.
Your prayers, love, and support have sustained us through the years; and because of that, we have touched thousands of lives.
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If the Lord’s plan for you is a trip to Costa Rica, we would be blessed to be a part of that plan.
