Merry Christmas from 6:8 Ministries! Our savior is born and that is a great reason to celebrate. The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ gives us incredible hope, joy, and peace. God is so good and has given us many other reasons to celebrate this year. He continues to use 6:8 Ministries in powerful ways here in Costa Rica. It's an honor to be used by God to strengthen and expand His kingdom here on earth.
I would like to thank all of the people that are 6:8 Ministries. I'm not talking about the board of directors, or the staff families. I'm talking about all of the people that support 6:8 Ministries through their prayers and financial support. Without so many faithful supporters we would not be able to follow His calling. It's these faithful individuals that allow us to be here to continue to bless and reach many people for Christ. These people are the unsung heroes of 6:8 Ministries. It's because of their faithful financial support that we are able to have seven missionary families on the ground here in Costa Rica.
Thanks to God, and thanks to all of you who God has used to build 6:8 Ministries. We are eternally grateful for your generosity, and awestruck with the privilege of serving God through 6:8 Ministries.
Incredibly Thankful,
Spencer
Showing posts with label 6:8. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 6:8. Show all posts
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Disaster
Please read this update as we are in urgent need of your prayers and assistance.
Torrential rainfall over the past 72 hours has caused significant flooding and mudslides in and around our area. Last night tragedy struck as mudslides and swollen rivers claimed the lives of 20 people. There are a dozen people still missing and hundreds are left homeless. The rain continues, the ground is saturated, and some areas are being evacuated because the risk of further mudslides. Click here for News Articl
The 6:8 staff families are safe and relatively unaffected. We are without water, and I've been told that it may be a week before it's on again. However, lack of running water seems trivial in comparison to what some of the families have lost.
A few of the families of Celebration Church Costa Rica have been directly effected. Melba's mother lost her house in a mudslide and other families have experienced minor flooding. We are still trying to asses the extent of the damage and who was effected.
In the midst of all of this tragedy there is hope! We have been given an amazing opportunity to shine the light of Christ into the darkness created by catastrophe. Acts of love shine brightest in the midst of the darkness of despair.
6:8 Ministries and Celebration Church Costa Rica have already begun to take action. Today we helped the serve meals, carry and distribute water, and salvage items from the homes of effected families.
The plan is to focus on providing meals, clothing, and possibly shelter to meet the immediate needs. We also want to help rebuild and repair as many homes as possible.
There are three ways you can helps us help others:
* First - You can pray for the entire situation!
* Second - You can give! We need funding to purchase food, clothing, and building materials.
* Third - You can come help serve. Pray about bringing a mission team to help with the efforts.
Love in Christ,
Spencer Boulter
Torrential rainfall over the past 72 hours has caused significant flooding and mudslides in and around our area. Last night tragedy struck as mudslides and swollen rivers claimed the lives of 20 people. There are a dozen people still missing and hundreds are left homeless. The rain continues, the ground is saturated, and some areas are being evacuated because the risk of further mudslides. Click here for News Articl
The 6:8 staff families are safe and relatively unaffected. We are without water, and I've been told that it may be a week before it's on again. However, lack of running water seems trivial in comparison to what some of the families have lost.
A few of the families of Celebration Church Costa Rica have been directly effected. Melba's mother lost her house in a mudslide and other families have experienced minor flooding. We are still trying to asses the extent of the damage and who was effected.
In the midst of all of this tragedy there is hope! We have been given an amazing opportunity to shine the light of Christ into the darkness created by catastrophe. Acts of love shine brightest in the midst of the darkness of despair.
6:8 Ministries and Celebration Church Costa Rica have already begun to take action. Today we helped the serve meals, carry and distribute water, and salvage items from the homes of effected families.
The plan is to focus on providing meals, clothing, and possibly shelter to meet the immediate needs. We also want to help rebuild and repair as many homes as possible.
There are three ways you can helps us help others:
* First - You can pray for the entire situation!
* Second - You can give! We need funding to purchase food, clothing, and building materials.
* Third - You can come help serve. Pray about bringing a mission team to help with the efforts.
Love in Christ,
Spencer Boulter
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
6:8 Update
I love mustard. It's an amazing condiment! The mildly spicy flavor can make even a nasty hot-dog tolerable. It's probably my second favorite condiment, only beaten by Lizano sauce. I also love the parable of the mustard seed and everything it represents. I love that one of the smallest seeds has such great potential!Jesus teaches that the kingdom of heaven is like a small mustard seed that becomes a tree. Not just any tree, but it grows to be one of the largest trees in the garden. Growing so large that the birds of the air can come and nest in the branches.
In a direct contrast, sitting in my office are two bonsai trees. They are both over ten years old, and neither one of them is more than a foot tall. They are wonderfully manicured and look beautiful. It's work to keep them cutback and under control. Left alone to grow they would become wild and unmanageable. They would become significantly larger. So much so, they would no longer fit in my office.
While bonsai is unnatural, growth is natural. Not only is it natural, but it is also God's plan for His people and His kingdom here on earth. We should always be experiencing growth of some kind in our lives. The challenge is that when things grow they change, and change can be frightening. Often, things that grow become wild and difficult to manage.
We are experiencing tremendous growth. It's almost scary to think about how quickly things are constantly growing and changing! In four short years God has grown the small seeds of an idea into a thriving ministry that is changing the world for Christ in Costa Rica.
One problem is that it is way too easy to say no to growth. We could have tried to keep it small, neat, and manageable, much like one of my bonsai trees. We could keep it simple and look inwardly, striving to keep it small. It wouldn't have been hard to do. All we would have needed to do is ignore the call of God, and resisted the growth He was bringing. However, if we would have done that, we would have missed out on all the blessing of being used by God in such a powerful way.
I've come to believe that a desire to resist growth stems from a fearful, selfish heart. The primary purpose of all Godly growth is to increase our capacity to love and serve others. I'm awed and humbled that God would use 6:8 Ministries to impact so many lives. He has grown us to the point that others have come and find a home and nest in our branches.
Please join us in praying that He will continue to grow His ministry though us. Pray that we will continue to have the courage and conviction to embrace the growth that He brings. Pray that we will have the wisdom to prune the branches that may be stunting the overall growth, and that He would continue to use us to expand and strengthen His kingdom.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
6:8 Update - The Refuge Feeding Center
We wanted to send you a quick update on how God is using the "Refuge - Feeding Center". As many of you know last November we felt led to start a feeding center ministry here in Alajuelita. The purpose of this ministry is to reach the homeless population with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have called this ministry "The Refuge" feeding center.
The feeding center currently feeds three days a week. However, we are hoping that God allows us to expand to five days a week. This ministry is about much more than feeding the homeless. It's about loving the unloved, and bringing hope to the hopeless. Before every meal the Gospel of Christ is preached. There is also time for individuals to share their struggles and receive prayer. The 6:8 staff and local volunteers try to love and encourage these "least of these". Each of these men and women are warmly greeted with a hug and kiss; and because the center operates out of the new Celebration Church plant, we are getting many of these men and women plugged into a local church body where they can grow in their new found faith.
So far the ministry has been funded primarily by Mason Community Church, along with some start-up funds given by Cross Creek Church. It's only because of the generous support of these churches that were able to start and maintain this ministry. However, now we are calling out to the 6:8 body of Christ to help us grow and expand this ministry. One way we want to expand is by partnering with another local church to operate a children's feeding program. Please prayerfully consider if God is calling you to join with us in this exciting ministry.
In closing, here are a couple links where you can download a few photos of some of the people who come to the center (Page 1, Page 2). We ask that you would try to pray for each of them. Pray that they will come to have a deep faith in Jesus Christ, and that through this relationship they will be able to overcome their life stealing addictions.
The feeding center currently feeds three days a week. However, we are hoping that God allows us to expand to five days a week. This ministry is about much more than feeding the homeless. It's about loving the unloved, and bringing hope to the hopeless. Before every meal the Gospel of Christ is preached. There is also time for individuals to share their struggles and receive prayer. The 6:8 staff and local volunteers try to love and encourage these "least of these". Each of these men and women are warmly greeted with a hug and kiss; and because the center operates out of the new Celebration Church plant, we are getting many of these men and women plugged into a local church body where they can grow in their new found faith.
So far the ministry has been funded primarily by Mason Community Church, along with some start-up funds given by Cross Creek Church. It's only because of the generous support of these churches that were able to start and maintain this ministry. However, now we are calling out to the 6:8 body of Christ to help us grow and expand this ministry. One way we want to expand is by partnering with another local church to operate a children's feeding program. Please prayerfully consider if God is calling you to join with us in this exciting ministry.
In closing, here are a couple links where you can download a few photos of some of the people who come to the center (Page 1, Page 2). We ask that you would try to pray for each of them. Pray that they will come to have a deep faith in Jesus Christ, and that through this relationship they will be able to overcome their life stealing addictions.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
We Need You!! - 6:8 February Newsletter
We are expecting God to do amazing thing through 6:8 Ministries in the coming year. We currently have reservations to host 32 mission teams in Costa Rica. Through these mission teams many lives will be changed, and this community will continue to be transformed. So far these teams have committed to build eight new homes. There are also plans to build a playground, paint schools, run soccer camps, lead vacation Bible schools, and there is even talk of a team building a new skate park! It amazes me how God uses these mission teams to strengthen and expand His kingdom.
However, hosting short term mission teams is only part of what God is doing through 6:8 Ministries. We have several ongoing ministries that allow us to minister to the people of Costa Rica. We have a child sponsorship, and micro-businesses ministry, and last year God called us to help plant a church here in Alajuelita. The church is thriving and many lives are being transformed.
A few months ago God called us to start a feeding center in the church. This allows us to meet both physical and spiritual needs within the church body. Now we are planning to open a men's shelter to provide social and spiritual rehabilitation.
Amazingly, both of these new ministries are directed by local Costa Ricans. 6:8 Ministries is actively involved through providing resources, oversight, direction, and accountability. However, we believe it's best to allow locals to use their gifts to serve and grow in their faith. Furthermore, the local "church" needs to learn to rise to the challenge of ministering to local needs. We believe this to be the best model to have a lasting impact on the community.
So where do you fit into the picture? How can you help?
We need prayer and lots of it! Please try to remember to pray for 6:8 Ministries and the missionaries on the ground in Costa Rica. Pray that God will continue to use us to change-lives.
Furthermore, each of these ministries costs money, combined around $2,000 a month. Therefore, we are asking each of you to prayerfully consider giving financially to 6:8 Ministries. Your gift will allow us to continue to fund these ongoing ministries. (FYI - 100% of your gift will be used for ministry. None of our missionary staff are compensated in any way. We require each of our staff to raise 100% their own support.)
I'm guessing that about 750 people will open this email. If each person that opened this email would commit to give $3 a month we would have more than enough to fund both of these ministries! To break it down...for less cost than a trip to Starbucks you can be certain that these ministries will continue to change lives in Alajuelita.
However, hosting short term mission teams is only part of what God is doing through 6:8 Ministries. We have several ongoing ministries that allow us to minister to the people of Costa Rica. We have a child sponsorship, and micro-businesses ministry, and last year God called us to help plant a church here in Alajuelita. The church is thriving and many lives are being transformed.
A few months ago God called us to start a feeding center in the church. This allows us to meet both physical and spiritual needs within the church body. Now we are planning to open a men's shelter to provide social and spiritual rehabilitation.
Amazingly, both of these new ministries are directed by local Costa Ricans. 6:8 Ministries is actively involved through providing resources, oversight, direction, and accountability. However, we believe it's best to allow locals to use their gifts to serve and grow in their faith. Furthermore, the local "church" needs to learn to rise to the challenge of ministering to local needs. We believe this to be the best model to have a lasting impact on the community.
So where do you fit into the picture? How can you help?
We need prayer and lots of it! Please try to remember to pray for 6:8 Ministries and the missionaries on the ground in Costa Rica. Pray that God will continue to use us to change-lives.
Furthermore, each of these ministries costs money, combined around $2,000 a month. Therefore, we are asking each of you to prayerfully consider giving financially to 6:8 Ministries. Your gift will allow us to continue to fund these ongoing ministries. (FYI - 100% of your gift will be used for ministry. None of our missionary staff are compensated in any way. We require each of our staff to raise 100% their own support.)
I'm guessing that about 750 people will open this email. If each person that opened this email would commit to give $3 a month we would have more than enough to fund both of these ministries! To break it down...for less cost than a trip to Starbucks you can be certain that these ministries will continue to change lives in Alajuelita.
Child Sponosrship - Thank you!
A huge thank you to our child sponsors. Thanks to these generous sponsors we were able to provide over a hundred children everything they need to succeed in school.
Each sponsored child received two complete uniforms, two pair of shoes (school shoes and tennis shoes), backpack full of school supplies, and a Bible!
Please contact us if you would like to participate in the child sponsorship program.
Each sponsored child received two complete uniforms, two pair of shoes (school shoes and tennis shoes), backpack full of school supplies, and a Bible!
Please contact us if you would like to participate in the child sponsorship program.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
New 6:8 Feeding Center
God has allowed us to start a new feeding center in Alajuelita.
The feeding center is designed to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the homeless population in Alajuelita.
The feeding center is sponsored by Mason Community Church of Mason, Michigan.
The feeding center will serve 150 meals per week, and there will be a devotional before each meal. There will also be ongoing counseling for those in need.
The feeding center is designed to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the homeless population in Alajuelita.
The feeding center is sponsored by Mason Community Church of Mason, Michigan.
The feeding center will serve 150 meals per week, and there will be a devotional before each meal. There will also be ongoing counseling for those in need.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Ramblings - Praise Him!
We've made it through another busy summer, and as I reflect upon it one word comes to mind...praise! I find myself unable to fully declare the praise God deserves. He has done so many great things in and through 6:8 Ministries, that it would be impossible to list them all. However, that being said here, is my feeble attempt to boast upon my God and the great things He has done so far this year! Please celebrate and praise Him with me....
Mission Teams -
Since May, God has allowed us to host 224 team members from 22 mission teams, representing 18 different churches, from 9 different states. That is 224 believers challenged and inspired to live for Christ with reckless abandon.
This summer alone God used the mission teams to...
medically treat and prescribe free medicines to over 3,500 people;
construct 6 new homes, and 4 new chicken coops;
paint or remodel 8 houses, 2 schools, 1 park, 2 community centers, and 1 church;
teach English to hundreds of children in 3 different elementary schools;
conduct 4 Vacation Bible Schools and 2 soccer camps;
deliver clothing, food, wheelchairs, and diapers to dozens of needy families;
plant a garden for an orphanage, feed five orphans, serve hundreds of meals to the homeless; and pray with countless local people in Costa Rica and Guatemala.
New Staff -
God has brought new staff members to 6:8 Ministries. Omar and Bonnie Bravo have committed to serve with 6:8 Ministries. They will be serving alongside Dave and Leisa DeVaney in Costa Rica. Omar will oversee operations while Dave oversees teams. Amy Mikul has committed to serve with 6:8 Ministries in Guatemala. God has also brought four other families that are prayerfully considering about serving with 6:8 Ministries.
New Ministry Opportunities -
Thanks be to God that the Guatemala expansion is up and running. This expansion has already provided many new ministry opportunities. God has allowed us to build working relationships with a thriving local ministry, a local orphanage, a children's art school, a Downs Syndrome school, a clean water project, a house building ministry, and much more.
New Team House -
God has provided a new team house in Guatemala. It's going to be a great tool for His use and glory for years to come.
Purchase of the staff house -
God has provided the funding for us to purchase the Staff house in Costa Rica! We are currently renting the staff house. However this purchase will not only save the ministry money, but will also secure the use of the facility.
New Church Plant -
God has used this ministry to help start a new church plant in Costa Rica. Celebration Church of Costa Rica is reaching a segment of people that no other church is reaching. Each week drunks, drug addicts, prostitutes, and homeless, stumble in to hear a message of love and grace. God is radically changing lives through His new church plant.
New Feeding Center -
God has provided the funding to start a new soup kitchen / feeding center this fall!
As I said before, I could go on and on about the great things God has done...and is doing. We are humbled and honored that He allows us to be part of it. We completely recognize that He is working and He alone deserves all the glory and credit. I echo the psalmist as he writes...
Amazed and full of praise,
Spencer
Mission Teams -
Since May, God has allowed us to host 224 team members from 22 mission teams, representing 18 different churches, from 9 different states. That is 224 believers challenged and inspired to live for Christ with reckless abandon.
This summer alone God used the mission teams to...
medically treat and prescribe free medicines to over 3,500 people;
construct 6 new homes, and 4 new chicken coops;
paint or remodel 8 houses, 2 schools, 1 park, 2 community centers, and 1 church;
teach English to hundreds of children in 3 different elementary schools;
conduct 4 Vacation Bible Schools and 2 soccer camps;
deliver clothing, food, wheelchairs, and diapers to dozens of needy families;
plant a garden for an orphanage, feed five orphans, serve hundreds of meals to the homeless; and pray with countless local people in Costa Rica and Guatemala.
New Staff -
God has brought new staff members to 6:8 Ministries. Omar and Bonnie Bravo have committed to serve with 6:8 Ministries. They will be serving alongside Dave and Leisa DeVaney in Costa Rica. Omar will oversee operations while Dave oversees teams. Amy Mikul has committed to serve with 6:8 Ministries in Guatemala. God has also brought four other families that are prayerfully considering about serving with 6:8 Ministries.
New Ministry Opportunities -
Thanks be to God that the Guatemala expansion is up and running. This expansion has already provided many new ministry opportunities. God has allowed us to build working relationships with a thriving local ministry, a local orphanage, a children's art school, a Downs Syndrome school, a clean water project, a house building ministry, and much more.
New Team House -
God has provided a new team house in Guatemala. It's going to be a great tool for His use and glory for years to come.
Purchase of the staff house -
God has provided the funding for us to purchase the Staff house in Costa Rica! We are currently renting the staff house. However this purchase will not only save the ministry money, but will also secure the use of the facility.
New Church Plant -
God has used this ministry to help start a new church plant in Costa Rica. Celebration Church of Costa Rica is reaching a segment of people that no other church is reaching. Each week drunks, drug addicts, prostitutes, and homeless, stumble in to hear a message of love and grace. God is radically changing lives through His new church plant.
New Feeding Center -
God has provided the funding to start a new soup kitchen / feeding center this fall!
As I said before, I could go on and on about the great things God has done...and is doing. We are humbled and honored that He allows us to be part of it. We completely recognize that He is working and He alone deserves all the glory and credit. I echo the psalmist as he writes...
Praise the Lord
Give thanks to the Lord,
for His love endures forever.
Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord or
fully declare His praise?
Psalm 106:1-2
Give thanks to the Lord,
for His love endures forever.
Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord or
fully declare His praise?
Psalm 106:1-2
Amazed and full of praise,
Spencer
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Guatemala or Bust
I would like to take a minute to share a little more of our vision to expand 6:8 Ministries into Guatemala. The first question to answer is why? Why would we expend our limited resources to risk an expansion into Guatemala? We recognize that It would be much easier to continue to operate at the current level. We could just sit back in our satisfaction and maintain the current ministry.
The challenge is that God has richly blessed the mission model and the operational philosophy of 6:8 Ministries so much that it has created an interesting challenge. We have already reserved twenty mission teams for 2009, and unfortunately I've had to turn away several churches. This is tragic, especially since many have explained they can't afford to use other mission organizations. Proof to us that cost is the number one deterrent for individuals participating in short-term missions. So you have a large number of people willing and ready to serve, but aren't given the opportunity. This expansion will allow us to give these willing participants another option for affordable, high quality mission experiences.
The other issue to consider is the impact this expansion will have on the people of Guatemala. In keeping with our current philosophy we will be targeting areas where there is currently little or no missionary presence. We are planning to provide tangible ways to meet both the spiritual and physical needs of the local people in powerful ways.
Why Guatemala? It's a simple matter of need and opportunity. God has already provided staff and facilities. These are normally two of the largest obstacles to overcome. The Johnson family was strongly considering a move to Costa Rica, but God intervened. They did not know "why Guatemala", they simply heard God's voice and obeyed. Since their arrival in Guatemala, God has been at work in powerful ways. God has broken their hearts for the poor communities, connected them with a local pastor who has a heart for assisting with mission teams, and a team house. God has already provided churches from the United States that are ready to start sending teams! Why Guatemala? Because God is at work in Guatemala, and we want to be part of it.
Growth and Expansion
Growth is one of the words I would use to describe how God has blessed His ministry over the past year. We originally set a goal to successfully host eight teams in 2008. God obviously had a different plan. He's allowed us to host twenty-eight teams so far this year. God has also grown the ministry's resources through providing a ministry vehicle and additional facilities. However, the most exciting part about this growth is that God is using it to impact and positively change even more lives through His ministry.
Expansion is one of the words I would use to describe what we anticipate God to do in His ministry in 2009. He is expanding His ministry, His staff, and hopefully His impact through 6:8 Ministries.
I'm excited to share two ways we believe God is going to expand His Ministry in 2009. The first is His calling Dave and Leisa DeVaney to serve full-time in Costa Rica. Dave and Leisa have accepted the call and are currently making the necessary preparations.
The second is that God is allowing to expand His ministry to start operations in Guatemala. We are currently planning the expansion project and hope to start hosting short-term mission teams in Guatemala in early 2009!
Excited by Him,
Spencer
Friday, August 22, 2008
Sowing Seeds
Wow what a summer! God continues to work in and through His ministry in mighty ways! He allowed us to host fifteen mission teams, over a fifteen week period. If you combine team members with individual participants the total is two hundred and forty-one people, from twenty-two different churches in five different states.
Please allow me to explain why those numbers are so exciting to us. It confirms to us that God is using His ministry to strengthen His church on a global level. He is using 6:8 Ministries to change lives, and in-turn strengthen churches back home.
We realize that we can't control what each individual will take away from their experience here; that is up to God, and God alone. However, we strive to place each team member in a position to live out the gospel of Jesus Christ in a tangible way. This summer provided a lot of opportunities for Him to plant a lot of seeds, that in time He will use to bring a lot of fruit; and for that we are incredibly excited and grateful. We are humbled by the fact that He would allow us to be part of His ministry. It's amazing that He can use the likes of us to accomplish anything, let alone things that have eternal value. To God be the glory for the great things He has done, is doing, and is expected to do!
In Christ,
Spencer
Please allow me to explain why those numbers are so exciting to us. It confirms to us that God is using His ministry to strengthen His church on a global level. He is using 6:8 Ministries to change lives, and in-turn strengthen churches back home.
We realize that we can't control what each individual will take away from their experience here; that is up to God, and God alone. However, we strive to place each team member in a position to live out the gospel of Jesus Christ in a tangible way. This summer provided a lot of opportunities for Him to plant a lot of seeds, that in time He will use to bring a lot of fruit; and for that we are incredibly excited and grateful. We are humbled by the fact that He would allow us to be part of His ministry. It's amazing that He can use the likes of us to accomplish anything, let alone things that have eternal value. To God be the glory for the great things He has done, is doing, and is expected to do!
In Christ,
Spencer
Monday, December 24, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
Ramblings - A New Beginning
Almost a year ago we moved my family to Costa Rica seeking God's calling on our lives. We weren't exactly sure what He was calling us to do, but we knew He wanted us to do it in Costa Rica. During our time here we believe He has clearly revealed how He wants to use us here in Alajuelita. I'm excited to tell you that we have joined with a few friends to start a new ministry called 6:8 Ministries. The significance of 6:8 is a reference to our key verse, Micah 6:8, which sums up the core values of the ministry "To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God".
This new ministry will focus in a few key areas of ministry that we believe will expand and strengthen the kingdom of God. One of these areas is hosting affordable, life-changing mission experiences. God has provided us a facility capable of hosting up to twenty-four people safely and comfortably. This facility will be used as a tool that will strengthen and expand the kingdom of God.
This new ministry will focus in a few key areas of ministry that we believe will expand and strengthen the kingdom of God. One of these areas is hosting affordable, life-changing mission experiences. God has provided us a facility capable of hosting up to twenty-four people safely and comfortably. This facility will be used as a tool that will strengthen and expand the kingdom of God.
Alajuelita is the poorest county in Costa Rica, and because of this many of the children suffer in ways that most of us can't imagine. We believe that God is calling us to minister to these impoverished children through a child sponsorship program. This will provide uniforms and books for those who could not otherwise afford to go to school.
Another area of focus is planting children's feeding centers. We believe that planting feeding centers are a great way to transform entire communities. We partner with local churches and provide the financial resources to plant and operate the feeding center, while the church provides the space and the volunteers. The effects of the feeding centers are far greater than simply feeding hungry children. The feeding centers increase the church's presence in the community, provides lay people in the church opportunities to serve and provides children with spiritual food through teaching lessons from the Bible before each feeding.
The final area we believe that God is calling us to minister through teaching ESL (English as a Second Language). This ministry has many benefits as it strengthens our presence in the community, provides opportunities to building new relationships, as well as provides individuals a great skill that will assist in finding employment. We use the Bible for teaching references and are currently working on a curriculum that will combine teaching English and the Bible at the same time.
As we start this new endeavor we need your continued prayers and support. For clarification I will not receive a salary for my work with 6:8 Ministries. We will continue to trust God to provide for our family through churches and individuals. We are missionaries working with 6:8 Ministries, but raising our own support.
In closing I hope this email has encouraged you to see how God in working in Costa Rica. He has used your prayers and support to bring much fruit. I'm confident He will continue to bless and multiply them. All I can think to say is..."Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" Eph 3:20
Ramblings - A Costa Rican Twister!
The past 36 hours have been amazing! Late Thursday afternoon a tornado ripped through parts of Alajuelita destroying homes and reeking havoc on the city. My family and home are fine, but the team house took a rather serious hit. It looks as though some debris entered though a wall on the upper level toward the back of the house and blew through and exited on the opposite wall.
I've been amazed at God's provision through the whole experience. The first way God protected us is physically. My family was uninjured even though the tornado passed within 400 meters of my house. My daughter and her friend Laine had just run up to the "MegaSuper" to pick-up a few things for Molly. MegaSuper is about two blocks away from my house and is similar to a grocery store back home. While they were in the store it started to rain, and then within a few minutes part of the roof came off!
I've been amazed at God's provision through the whole experience. The first way God protected us is physically. My family was uninjured even though the tornado passed within 400 meters of my house. My daughter and her friend Laine had just run up to the "MegaSuper" to pick-up a few things for Molly. MegaSuper is about two blocks away from my house and is similar to a grocery store back home. While they were in the store it started to rain, and then within a few minutes part of the roof came off!
The second way God has provided is through our great friends. I was not home when the storm hit, but our friends Duke and Candy helped Molly and the boys with the immediate crises. By the time I got home Duke had left to check on the girls at the MegaSuper, while Candy kept my boys calm. They made the experience less frightening and later that night they had an ice cream candlelight dinner. They had no electricity and all of the of ice cream in the freezer was going to melt! In caring for my family they freed me to deal with the aftermath of the storm.
I went to the team house and assessed the damage and stayed to protect the house from looters! I called my other good friend Ernie, to tell him what had happened, and that his house here in Alajuelita was undamaged, in spite of the fact that the house four houses down lost the entire roof! He wanted to help, so he sent a generator with his son Storm, who drove late into the night to deliver the generator!
Then within an hour my cell phone started to ring! Many of our Tico friends were calling to see if we were safe and what they could do help us! It was an amazing thing to experience. I had several of my homeless drug addict friends come to check on me and offer to help.
The next day people showed-up with tools and strong backs and helped us repair and clean the team house. God used these friends to transform our disaster site back in a team house. Needless to say we are not completely prepared for our mission team to arrive today, but we are a lot better off than we were 24 hours ago.
Tornados are an extremely rare occurrence in Costa Rica and this is the first one ever to hit Alajuelita. Because of this, the homes are not designed to withstand a tornado. The news has reported that an estimated 3,000 homes were destroyed or lost their roofs. God has provided for some of these families as well as we are planning to use this upcoming team to bring some relief and assistance to the families effected by the storm. The mayor stopped by the house yesterday to ask if we could help...it was neat to be able to say to him "Yes we have a team coming Saturday, and we can help."
In closing I want to ask you pray. Pray that God would use all this chaos and tragedy to bring Him glory. Pray that this team will be able to minister during this time of crisis. Pray that God will continue to keep us safe dealing with the aftermath of the storm. Pray they will be able to get the electricity at the team house on quickly. Pray that God will continue to provide teams and the much needed resources to help our community recover.
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