San Jose, Costa Rica: La Carpio

August 8-9, 2013: Day Six and Seven, Part II

After breakfast Thursday morning we left for La Carpio, a slum area on the border of San Jose that is literally situated at the edge of the city dump between two rivers.  The narrow streets allowing for vehicles to pass one way at a time are teeming with make shift shelters of corrugated sheet metal where people live or work.  Many youth linger at store fronts, homes and on street corners.  Toddlers play in a few tiny yards while older children play in the street as dogs lazily sun themselves on the warm asphalt.  It is a dichotomy of aesthetics with the clearest blue skies, distinct aromas of corn and chicken cooking in front of businesses for later sales which are mingled with looks of despair and displacement on the faces of young and old.   In the midst of this community profoundly impacted by disparity we stop at a larger space designated for a church, our destination, the ministry of Pastor Jose and his wife Sonia. 

La Carpio occupied by approximately 40,000 people on 145 square miles of land owned by the government are comprised mostly of native Nicaraguans who have little to no formal education, lucrative employment and survive below the poverty line.   Over 700 tons of daily waste from the rivers and landfill often overflow into La Carpio. Pastor Jose, anointed man of God and gifted chef, along with his wife Sonia minister to the people of La Carpio with open arms, joyful hearts in complete abandonment to their middle class lifestyle.  Owners of a struggling sushi restaurant, Pastor Jose and Sonia give of themselves to serve Christ in La Carpio, first and foremost. 

The team was to assist in the building of a wall using cement blocks.  The back wall was nearly completed and they were starting the left wall, joining it to the back.  Plumbing in place for a restroom, some digging was required in order to mount the first steel supports.  A pile of cement in the middle of the church floor was prepared for mixing while we formed a line moving a tower of bricks to the other side of the space to make room for construction. 

I attempted to help in any way I could, however once the new tower of bricks reached a certain height I could no longer stack them without the use of my right hand.  After taking photos for awhile, Tricia approached me with a request.  She asked if I would be willing to pray and write any words of encouragement the Lord gave me for whomever He directed.  Overwhelmed, at this point with a great sense of uselessness, I felt my heart release the uneasiness I’d been battling all morning.  Smiling to her I returned the camera, gathered my bible and began to pray and search God’s word as the Holy Spirit guided me to explicit scriptures.  The Lord gave me a word for Roshani, Tricia, the women of Pearl Process, Pastor Jose and Sonia and the La Carpio church. 

The word ministered to Pearl Process, Pastor Jose and Sonia, and the congregation made me laugh in utmost joy several times because they were words of promise, restoration and victory.  Later that evening praying before bed I could not contain myself as I walked, praising Him, jumping and clapping in the excitement of what He was doing in the lives of people.  To Pearl Process, God revealed how the women were each transforming into a Godly woman as outlined in Proverbs 31.  Pastor Jose and Sonia, God explained the situation of crossing the Jordan River at a time when the melting snow of Mt. Herman created overflowing banks of rushing currents.  Joshua was leading the Israelites to the land of promise: “Be strong and of good courage.  He is with you.”

Just as the Israelites stepped into the Jordan River, following God by faith into a new strange land so did Pastor Jose and Sonia move by faith forsaking all comforts to follow Christ into La Carpio.  The Lord has a plan and the congregation can look beyond what the world decrees, no longer accepting “slum” but join together as a community of believers tearing down the walls of Jericho in order to possess the land God brought them to.  This is the path of all believers, to be transformed into the image of Christ leaving behind temporal things of this world to follow Him, setting our eyes on eternal blessings.  Though the waters may rise and the waters rush, all is not lost for those who love and serve the Lord, the author and finisher of our faith, keeper of our souls. 

Friday morning we returned to La Carpio.  Alex pulled out a guitar and led an impromptu worship time.  Afterwards, he designated Tricia to take me shopping to make purchases for books.  We were introduced to Gissenia, wife, mother and sister to Sonia who recently walked away from a prestigious opportunity as a psychologist to work as a missionary on staff with OM Costa Rica, partnering with her family in the La Carpio church.  Knowing the needs of the children and the best place to make our purchases Gissenia went with us.  Like her sister and brother-in-law, Gissenia has a keen sense of humor and devotion to serving Christ.  Kaitlyn and Stacey went with us as well.  Listening to the dialogue between Tricia and Gissenia, able to translate the jest of what they were saying, I realized the immediate needs in La Carpio went beyond literature.  Remembering all the school age children and teens I observed the previous morning I asked Tricia to tell Gissenia to purchase what she needed in school supplies as well.   I also told Tricia to let Gissenia know much donated funds were available.   Looking to me for confirmation, wide-eyed and a bit surprised, Gissenia hit the aisles without a moment’s hesitation! 

Your generosity not only covered the cost for me to go to Costa Rica, but supported the purchasing of 3 dozen new Spanish children/youth literature, $310 in school supplies and academic student workbooks for at least 20 children, in addition to the ½ dozen gently used Spanish children’s books I collected.   Sonia shared that the people in their church felt forgotten and wanted to display at the evening service the materials donated as a witness that the people are not forgotten, that God has not discarded them and here is the evidence.  One of the biggest hopes of those living in poverty revolves around their children being educated.  God has put it upon the hearts of many to make provision where there was none.

Thank you for such compassionate service to Christ through your resources.  I am tremendously blessed be the one to transport and distribute what you have given to the children and youth of Costa Rica.  When paying for the purchases, I glanced at Gissenia who had stepped off to a corner wiping tears from her eyes.  As my own eyes watered my heart offered prayers of thanksgiving to do what my heart most desires….serve.

Writing to me recently, Gissenia shared her heart is “set on God to change the future of many of the kids through His love, which is our job, to show them the love of God, through a meal, care, the Word of God and offering opportunities for them to learn.”  Gissenia believes this will change the lives of many.  I wholeheartedly agree.  

While we were shopping, the team had an engaging game of fotbul (soccer) with the kids, who were very friendly.  I spoke to several of the boys off and on the previous day.  Practicing a few words in English they asked numerous questions and I was only too eager to answer them.  With just as much enthusiasm they took it upon themselves to correct my Spanish and were very good teachers! 

Later that evening Pastor Jose welcomed the team to his restaurant.   I do not have to be a fan of sushi to recognize a master of culinary arts when I see one.  Served in decorative wooden ships, the various types of sushi were exquisite in presentation.  Knowing I did not care for sushi, he blessed me with the best chicken and rice dish I’ve ever tasted!  All too soon, it was time to part and for the second time that week I felt a pull on my heart not wanting to go.  I could have very easily remained and worked alongside Pastor Jose and Sonia, with Gissenia ministering to the needs of the children of La Carpio. 

PRAY, CONSIDER, RECEIVE, SHARE 

     Please PRAY for the people living in La Carpio, Costa Rica and other regions in the world where so many continue to flee their countries due to war.   Many people are in need of suitable living conditions with clean water, food and unassailable shelter.  Many more are in need of resources and job skill training in order to learn a trade for employment.  Men and women require opportunities to earn a steady income to support their families sufficiently.  Children and teens ought to be available to access an education.  Many are unable to attend school due to the cost, distance or must work to help support their families.  People need Jesus to guide them to a loving God who is the only One who can protect the essence of self, their soul.  Jesus is the Way, the Truth and Life.  Only He can reconcile our hearts back to God.  Seek the Way.  Learn of Truth.  Choose Life.  Please PRAY for the work being accomplished through Pastor Jose, Sonia and Gissenia.  That God would honor and bless the efforts of these ministers of the gospel, missionaries, and other pastors of local churches, mission ministries and their volunteers.  Pray for others who support God’s work through resources, time, skills and/or finances.  Pray hearts open to hear the Good News of God's plan to reconcile all creation back to Him through His Son Jesus Christ.  Pray for spiritual growth with the people of La Carpio, that they embrace their faith in Jesus, fully trusting in Him.  May we all not just believe in Jesus, but believe Him.

     Please CONSIDER giving, through donations or volunteer service, to the people of La Carpio and/or locally within your own community.  Below are specific prayer requests to sponsor teens and projects, as well as links to websites where you can learn more about this God-honoring ministry fulfilling the Great Commission through service to the poor and neglected people of Costa Rica and other regions worldwide. 

     RECEIVE the Lord's eternal blessing for your partnership in whichever manner He guides you in. 

    Please SHARE this blog with anyone you know who is interested in supporting and/or partnering in missions work, locally or globally. 


PRAYER REQUESTS

Individual children and youth of La Carpio:

            Jerry, a 14 year old homeless boy, has been removed from his home by his mother.  Found living on the streets by a woman from the church, she took him home to her family.  However, Jerry’s host family endures economic struggles of their own.  He has not been able to complete his primary school studies and in order to attend he needs the required uniform, texts and school supplies.  A one-time gift of $150 provide Jerry with materials and the opportunity to continue his education.

            Antonio, is 13 years old and has not completed his primary school studies.  Antonio’s mother is not able to purchase the uniform, texts, or school supplies so she sends him to work.  A one-time gift of $150 provide Antonio’s mother with a means to purchase the necessary materials to send Antonio to school.

            Estefania, 7 and her brother Justin, age 10 are both in grade 2.  They suffer from malnutrition and Justin has a severe speech disorder.  Justin’s speech difficulty as led to conduct issues at school and he has been retained several times.   A one-time gift of $200 provide Estefania and Justin with nutritious meals and other expenses. The siblings are being sponsored to alleviate malnutrition and provide services for Justin’s speech disorder. Please continue to pray healing for both children.  Any other financial assistance to cover the cost of speech therapy for Justin, I am confident, would be considered a blessing. 

Dia del Saber (Day of Flavor):

            One Saturday, per month, the church dedicates one day to working solely with the children of La Carpio.  Dia del Saber provides a nutritious breakfast and lunch, recreation activities where the children learn to socialize and relate to one another without violence and thematic workshops in the areas of:

• Spiritual (biblical teachings)
• Psychological (work through emotional problems)
• Academic (assistance with homework)
• Crafts (encourage creativity and other skills)
• Art (promote alternative ways of self-expression)

Given the quantity of children going hungry due to the poverty in their homes, project Dia del Saber hopes to provide for 15 children.   Funding of $500 a month is needed to meet those needs and keep Dia del Saber operating on a monthly basis. 

The Church of La Carpio

           In order to continue working with the community, particularly the children, Pastor Jose and Sonia require a functional facility (classrooms, tables, chairs, kitchen, etc.).  There are no resources to continue the construction.  Please pray that God would bring forth the funds needed to continue, to completion, the construction so they are able to continue minister through services, meals and Dia del Saber.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT

La Carpio - (documentary "Village of Hope" following lives of 11 women)

Go to:  http://vimeo.com/12801861

Operation Mobilization (OM) –

Go to:  omusa.org

OM Costa Rica (Spanish, Chrome translates to English) –

Go to:  http://www.omcostarica.org/spa/

To donate to La Carpio, partner ministry of OM Costa Rica (English) -  

Go to:  https://my.omusa.org/page.aspx?pid=328

             Note:  In the additional information comment box type: “Donation for OM Costa Rica                                                                                               field #14500 La Carpio, then specify, as desired, construction, Jerry,                                                                                                                       Antonio, Justin's speech therapy, uniforms, school                                                                                                                                                                 supplies,  literature, Dia del                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Saber, etc.