Celebrating Rosa's Birthday

Our sweet friend, Rosa, has had a rough couple of months so we as a Bible Study group decided to have a surprise birthday party for her.  When I was praying for her 2 weeks before I felt like the Lord said "Love her, show her you love her" and so we did!  She was so blessed and very surprised!  We always have a wonderful time with this group of women and I was blessed that she felt so special!  Here are a few photos from our night...

Rosa entering as we were singing

Posing with her sweet signs

Luz, Jessica and Rosa

Eva, the cake maker

Rosa with Thomas, Naomi and her granddaughter, Cionny

Zeneyda, Beatrice, Isabel and little Andy

Rosa showing off the gifts she received

First Annual Horizon Church Women's Retreat 2013

What an amazing time with an amazing group of women at the 2013 Horizon Church Women's Retreat!  Each woman has a different "story" as to why they are here in the Jaco area, and this sweet time together united us even more as sisters in Christ!  The teaching was amazing, the worship was wonderful and the fellowship was really special!  I am still in awe of what the Lord is doing here in Jaco and so humbled that He allows us to be a part of it.  He is truly a miracle worker in so many ways!! We are all so blessed to have been a part of such a special weekend!

Registration

Lovely Tech Support!

Getting set up

Waiting to eat!

Sweet friends!!

Fun fellowship!!

Sweet friends!

Wonderful worship!

Love these girls!!!

Retreat Theme

Recent Happenings

We have been super busy lately, yet so many amazing things going on here in Jaco!!  In September, the kids participated in the "Desfile de los farroles" (Lantern Parade) that represents Independence Day.  All the kids in town make lanterns and parade through the town with their lanterns lit.  It is always a cultural experience!

 

Parade of the Lanterns

Youth Group is going well!  A few weeks ago we merged our Youth Group with Iglesia Radical's Youth Group and it was a success.  We started small groups last night and the kids seem excited about all that is happening.  We look forward to see what God will do through our new Youth Group "Raices" (Roots) based on 1 Timothy 4:12.  In addition, the youth have had opportunities to reach out and serve another pueblo in extreme poverty.  We have begun a once a month kids club outreach to a little pueblo in Esterillos, a town about 25 minutes South of Jaco.  We felt this would also be a good opportunity for the youth to serve others.  This past Saturday we took 12 youth with us to help.  It was great fun acting out the story of King David, making crafts, playing games, etc.  I got to spend some time with the moms and they are asking for a Bible Study for the women in this town as well.  We are praying about starting a once a month outreach to the moms, just like we started in Jaco, and see what God does with it.  Please be praying with us as we pray about God's timing with all of this.

 

 Costa Rica Soccer Game at our house

Two weeks ago, a group from the church who have a huge heart for reaching this community, made and delivered brownies and cookies to the local government officials, the police force, FBI, etc.  This was to show our appreciation for all they do and to let them know we are praying for them.  It was an amazing time of ministry and the response was such gratitude.  We are looking forward to the next one in December!!!





Here are a few pictures from Cultural Day which is celebrated on October 12th here in Costa Rica.  The kids' school had a big celebration/presentation and both boys participated.  It was lots of fun!

Thomas doing a typical dance from the Philippines

Jacob getting ready to dance to a song from the Dominican Republic

Thomas with one of his classmates sharing about the volcanoes of the Philippines

Enjoying some family time!