Hello, Larry,
First of all, we would like to thank you for volunteering to be the spokesperson on behalf of CCA and carry the news about what is happening here as a consequence of the recent earthquake that happened in Costa Rica on January 8, 2009. All the help that you can get for us will be highly appreciated.
The earthquake has directly affected us, specifically in Fraijanes, a small town on the skirts of the Poas Volcano, where our CCA sister church "Comunidad Cristiana Shalom" – Shalom Christian Fellowship is located, under Pastor Roy Soto. The Pastor's house was damaged almost in its totality, 70%, and it is just impossible for Pastor Soto to move back there. Pastor Soto and his family are currently living in different quarters: he has been able to rent a small place for his family, but he stays overnight at his Community Centre. Even as Pastor Soto has been personally affected by the material loss of his home and the emotional impact of the earthquake on his family, he has really been a true shepherd and pastor for his congregation during these difficult times as well as a community leader for his community and other neighbour communities as they process the event, its dramatic consequences, and the immediate solutions. Pastor Roy helps and assists every one with a hopeful heart.
Also, 50 families of our sister church Shalom Christian Fellowship lost their homes. Many families are now temporarily in refuge at the church's facilities within the church building; in camping tents on the synthetic grass; and in the church's Sunday school classrooms. Besides, the church has a regular staff of 19 who depend on their salaries to live and provide for their families.
During the church services no monetary offering is being collected. Last Sunday, as Pastor Soto was going to dismiss the congregation and to give the benediction as usual "May the Lord be with you on your way home…," he struggled or words with a knot in his throat. (What to say? May the Lord be with you as you walk to your camping tents?) In quiet reverence, people slowly got up and left still in uncertainty and sadness.
CCA has decided to pledge assistance and commitment to CCS at all costs. We have indicated to Pastor Roy that we would at least pay his salary and half the staff's salaries for the following six months. Each one of us will sacrifice whatever is necessary to meet that goal.
We know that Roy is very resourceful, and, more so, we know that the Lord is with him. We consider that in a six-month term he will be doing as best as ever. However, at this point Roy really needs our spiritual, emotional, and financial support.
You know, Larry? Before the earthquake stroke, Roy had in his electronic signature the following prayer: "Let us pray for Shalom Christian Fellowship. We need miracles to happen here!” So, let us tell you that a great miracle has indeed happened. God allowed this earthquake to happen. It may sound confusing, doesn't it? I don't think that was what Roy had in mind. However, all of us, Roy and we, know that God is in control. He is a sovereign God, and EVERYTHING turns into goodness to all who love God.
This is the moment when we can have the privilege, the honour to help our brother. A very close friend indeed. Would you like to be part of this as well?
If you asked us how you could help, our answer will be please get cash donations. Roy will know how to administer them wisely as he has demonstrated his wisdom in previous situations being trustful and loyal.
Let us be caring and responsive during this reconstruction task.
Peace, Larry
Donations to the earthquake relief effort can be made in one of two ways. (1) A check payable to "East 91st Street Christian Church", specifying the "Costa Rica Fund" on the memo line. Please mail it to the church or place it in Sunday's offering. (2) A check payable to "Love At Work" and mailed to 5977 Heaton Pass, Carmel, IN 46033. 100% of all contributions will go directly to earthquake relief through our partner church, CCA, in Alajuelita, San Jose, Costa Rica.
