This is my 1st trip to Costa Rica with East 91st Christian Church, and I say 1st because after only spending 3 days down here, I feel that I will be coming back here in the future. I really get the sense that developing lasting relationships with the people here is the most important thing that we can do. Building homes and serving different ministries is very important but without trusting relationships none of the work can be accomplished. It seems that the people we are working with have seen relationships come and go, but the ones that continue to last (the relationships with Larry and Carole for example) really change lives and create a bond that allows all the work done so far to continue.
In my case, I see some of the relationships that I have developed already, will need some form of continual communication to last. Who knows what may come of those relationships. I have many ideas swirling in my head, especially in regards to the soccer / futbol programs that are being created at CCA and with the kids of Jasmin. I’m really starting to appreciate my relationships that have developed over the past few days. Especially those with The Pribles, Maximo and his family, and Edson the soccer and physical education teacher at CCA. I really hope to develop some relationships with the children of Jasmin and the surrounding communities. These children are the future of this community and I would love to see the relationships that are being built with the love of God change the lives of the people hear. It already has.
-- Craig Woodfill, E91 team member
Reading Craig’s comments on relationships, we cannot help but think of our trip to Fraijanes on Wednesday, the area devastated by the earthquake, and our visit with our close friend and brother Pastor Roy.
The situation there is desperate. Two hours after the earthquake, Shalom Christian Church decided to open their facility for all the people who lost everything, including 66 families from their own church. Since that time, they have been doing everything they can to provide for these homeless people . . . temporary shelter, food, medical assistance and clothing. They are serving 1200 meals per day and have over 120 people sleeping on their floor, among them many, many children as well as Pastor Roy. During the earthquake, as his house was collapsing (see photo to left), Roy saved his daughter’s life by pulling her out of a creek by her hair.Pastor Roy is carrying some heavy burdens but is walking by faith. “It’s very hard. But at the same time, it’s good. Because every single day we have to walk by faith . . . waiting for the chicken, waiting for meat, waiting for clothing, waiting for everything, every single day. It’s very hard. I don’t know for what reason God put me and put Shalom Church in this position, but we hope to do the best we can in order that He can look good.”
We don't know how Pastor Roy and the families of Shalom Christian Church will get through this without the help of churches like E91 who share their burden. When asked what we can do to help, Pastor Roy responded, “The most important help is to see you here . . . to know that so many people are praying. God hears the prayers of so many people. The second thing is money, because the church has not received any income for around four weeks. We cannot pay the salaries of our employees. We have more than 600 volunteers waiting for my call, who came here to build houses. But we need the financial resources.”
Organizations like Habitat for Humanity are holding back support until the government takes action. The government of Costa Rica is going to bring solutions for some families, but only the families that own their own property. But there are a lot of other families . . . poor families, who’ve worked on the plantations, who’ve lost their jobs, and who don’t own any property. According to Pastor Roy, “If we don’t do anything, nobody will do anything for them.”Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: “Two are better than one. Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him.”
From the beginning of time, God has made it clear that it is not good for His people to be alone. Especially during difficult times, it is critical that we are walking in fellowship with other Christians. When a crisis hits, it’s overwhelming to face it alone. But if we have supportive friendships, we will find strength in their comfort and encouragement. God wants to develop us into the kind of friends who can strengthen others.
Pastor Roy is not discouraged: “You know we believe that this is not a crises. This is an opportunity . . . an opportunity for the Kingdom of God and for the church to build houses, to bring hope, jobs and love to these people.”
Maximo Cisneros, E91’s Latin America Coordinator, wanted me to add: “We hope our friends and team at E91 will pray, encourage and support Pastor Roy and Shalom Christian Church, and let’s go build the Kingdom together.”
-- Larry and Carole Prible, E91 team members
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.
