God knows I’ve never been a man of great faith. I wish I were. But to quote a friend of mine, “Jesus is making a believer out of me!”
Last month I shared several prayer requests. I trust you prayed. In fact, I know you did. I have so many great things to report, it is clear the hand of God has reached down to tiny Costa Rica. Rejoice with me…
- Pastor Oldemar Artavia came through his surgery with a perfect report. The surgeon was amazed that the wall of the artery was so thin that it was ready to rupture. He described it like the skin of an onion. The repair was flawless, and Oldemar’s recovery is proceeding faster than expected. I have tears of gratitude as I write this. Oldemar is precious to our little church. I’m thankful God has given him to us a little longer.
- Our Nicaragua Pastors Training Conference is fully funded. Thank you, thank you, thank you. The level of poverty there is unbelievable. These pastors work with the fewest of resources. With your help, we’ve secured our location, food, lodging, books, child care, and even an excursion for their enjoyment.
- The Cabecar pass-through house now has doors and windows! Journey Church in North Little Rock and All Points Church from Arkansas will be returning this summer for the grand opening and Lord willing to put in a concrete floor and minister to women through some hands-on training. Also, a new and improved New Testament was published by another ministry and distributed last week to the Cabecar! Imagine if the New Testament was just released in YOUR language! Thank the Lord they have it. Pray for the Old Testament translation to continue.
- The Matrix Ministries mission to work with the church in Grecia was a great success. A team made up of the senior class of Cookson Hills Christian Ministries worked for several days at a level rarely seen in mission teams. I was totally impressed and thankful for their hard work. The church is now meeting full time in their new facility.
- Our Atenas New Community Easter Sunrise Service was wonderful and well attended. It may sound like a small thing, but having a community that worships in your heart-language is a big boost to morale. We love our English-speaking Christian community in Atenas!
Update (June 2014)
Pastor Oldemar is home recovering from heart surgery, and he loves his new recliner, which you all made possible. Our Nicaragua Pastors Training Conference was an amazing success. One couple was unable to attend, but we brought in two other pastors to fill their spot. And the Cabecar pass-through house, now called Hogar de Paso Arroyo, is almost complete. A team is coming in just a few weeks to put down a concrete floor, distribute Cabecar New Testaments, and dedicate the house for God’s use among the Cabecar.