CGC Costa Rica

Saturday, August 29, 2015

August

Baby MEKHI is 10 months old. Watching him go from milk to solid foods and now from rolling over to crawling everywhere has been fun. We all know once he starts walking there is no turning back. His curiosity and wonderment of the world around him reminds us of that youthful zeal to learn and be more aware of everything in our surroundings. We marvel at how he has changed our lives forever.

When you ask Jesus to be the Lord of your life, your life is forever changed. There is a fresh inner peace and joy. Choosing to live a life of love and forgiveness brings hope and happiness. There is no turning back. Jesus changes lives forever. We are available to all ages to help continue their education, assist parents in parenting their kids, tutor as needed and encourage the setting of personal goals. We enjoy providing a safe environment to promote friendships and a place that everyone feels welcome. We feel blessed to get to share the love of Jesus here in Costa Rica.

When we were in the States we were able to buy several things for the school that we can not get in Costa Rica. We are so grateful for the love and support and generous donations. The students will certainly appreciate these too as one of our ministry goals is to make learning fun!

There is a soccer team that Cornelio started for the young men who were not allowed to play on the town team because they spent lots of time in the bars and smoking pot. These “less” sought after young men are so excited to be asked to be part of a real team, to have uniforms and to play against rotating teams from other towns. Cornelio expects good sportsmanship, coming on time to practices, and learning not to be a ball hog but a team player. Everyone gets to play and everyone has a chance to improve their game. We bought 3 soccer balls, goalie gloves, and some practice cones to take back with us. All of these items are much cheaper in the States and are essential to effective team practices.

Remember Cailene’s “BECAUSE” challenge?

Add the word “BECAUSE” to your sentences and risk being more intentional and relational in your everyday life.

We have received a lot of positive feedback from that challenge. “You are an amazing friend BECAUSE you encourage me, hold me accountable and you are a good listener.” Do the same with GOD. “ I love you God BECAUSE you see my heart and overlook my shortcomings. You give me each day to start fresh. I am so grateful for Your grace.”

The Because challenge can be a new way of life. Press into the heart of thankfulness Because it opens the heart of heaven.

Please know that we are a faith mission, meaning that we live and impart this ministry based on what God provides. If you feel led to give financially to support this work, thank you! Please know that 100% of your donation will go to CGC Costa Rica.

ONE TIME DONATION

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

July

Cailene teaches at the university one evening a week. It is a great opportunity for her to be around a different group of young adults. Teaching at a university level is a good professional stretch. This quarter one of Cailene’s classes is US History. She thanks God for the open doors this class is already making and the chance to boldly share her faith and the faith of our founding fathers.

Rainy season is starting in our small mountain area. Everyone has to get their clothes out on their roof or clothes line very early before afternoon rains come.

WE usually give our old clothes and food to the church and let them give it out. Every now and then we hear of a need and prayerfully act on it. This is Maria. She use to go to our church. She hauls her own water and lives very humbly. We heard things were a bit rough for her so we took her some food. She was so thankful and kept praising God.

Cornelio has started a soccer team in town for all the people who don’t normally get to be on a team because of their bad habits including drugs and alcohol. His goal with this team is to not only give them a second chance, but also to teach them that they are valuable people and it is better to be out on the soccer field than in a bar. The team is motivated and last Sunday they just had their first game with their new uniform. Showing a personal interest in others has been a great opportunity to find out needs and encourage perseverance.

Jesus ministered by approaching people with mercy and compassion. He did not judge he loved. It was that love that drew people and initiated a response.

At 211 degrees water is just hot. Turn up one degree and you then have steam. Steam can move an entire locomotive. What in your life do you need to turn up 1 degree? What action plan can you set into motion?

If you feel led to give financially, thank you! Please know that 100% of your donation will go to CGC Costa Rica.

ONE TIME DONATION

Thursday, June 4, 2015

June

Looking for ways to share the love of Jesus seems to be a daily joy. Cailene met a woman in the clinic with a two month old baby. Her name is Ruth and she had just moved to the area from the inner city with her husband and 2 sons. Her husband has a job and will be a pastor in the next town over. Her new born baby is very colicky. Cailene went to visit Ruth with a surprise. Cailene had cut some of her curtains to make a baby sling so the mother could have her hands free and do the things that needed to be done around the house. Being a pastor’s wife she was very use to giving and helping others but it was a new experience for her to receive a gift. God used these recycled curtains and some of Mekhi’s baby clothes welcome them and to give back to a family who gives so much to others.

Cornelio held up a 10,000 colones bill( worth about $20). He asked, “who would like this?" Of course all the students raised their hand. He then took the bill put it on the floor stomped on it and made it dirty. He wadded it up then asked who wanted it. Still most all the hands went up. He said, “This is a valuable lesson. Many times in our lives we feel like we have been dropped, stepped on, and feel dirty by the choices we have made or that others have made for us. Some circumstances come our way we end up being a victim. Often one feels worthless, helpless and alone. Remember no matter what happened or what will, you will never lose your worth. You are valuable and a treasure in the eyes of God. We are part of the family of God. Keep your focus on what He wants for you. Let love and forgiveness drive your life. Our worth does not come in what we do or who we know but by WHO WE ARE! "

Bonnie is encouraging her students to practice English in everyday conversation. She combined two classes and they practice asking questions and listening to each other as they played games and activities only speaking in English. She worked with both the students and parents to gather better awareness and participation.

May each of us be faithful today in the role that God has given us.

Lets begin this summer with a fresh desire

to serve HIM with our whole heart and use our time and talents to honor HIM..

ONE TIME DONATION

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Students express appreciation!

Samantha spent 3 months with us in Costa Rica. She was such a blessing to us and the school. She helped us with school administration and getting all our student information on the computer. She willingly helped with whatever project or outreach activity we had. In this picture she is showing some girls different ways to wrap scarfs around their neck for a new fashion. They loved learning new things from the “gringa”. It was a joy to have her volunteer her time, enthusiasm and love.

Daniela is one of our sponsored students who is excelling quickly. She wrote this letter in English. "Hello, my name is Daniela Picado. I live with my mother and my brother. I walk 40 minutes to school everyday. My favorite foods are soup, pizza. I also practice scoccer every saturday. My hobbies are listen to music, read amazing books. Studying English is important to me becasue I want to be a turistic guide, English teacher or work in a call center. I am so grateful for the English Classes. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to study English. I'm very happy."

We try to listen to our students and ask questions that stimulate thinking and self-evaluation. Building self-worth and confidence is a very important part of what we do.

Our neighbor Pablo came over to have Bonnie help review for his English test. He had dropped out of school and is working during the days to financially help his family. He now attends night school so he can receive his high school diploma. Bonnie has made several games to make learning English fun and create a safe learning environment. We encourage kids to stay in school and not drop out. Bonnie also gave Pablo an New testament Bible in Spanish and one in English so he could compare the words and increase his vocabulary. The word of God never returns void so this will open his heart as well as his mind.

Cornelio and Cailene are so thankful to be be parents and to share God's love to the next generation! May each of us be faithful today in the role that God has given us.

Lets begin this summer with a fresh desire

to serve HIM with our whole heart and use our time and talents to honor HIM..

Jesus ministered by approaching people with mercy and compassion. He did not judge he loved. It was that love that drew people and initiated a response. John 15:1