Team from Roseburg, OR

Hello Dear Friends and Family,

We had a wonderful time recently with a team from Roseburg, Oregon. There is so much to tell that I will have to split the info into two or three segments, the first telling about their work in a local school in an area called Tres Rios.

(The team in front of Volcan Poas on a partly cloudy day.)
The team of 17 split into two groups: the construction/painting crew and the VBS crew. The painting crew’s job was to paint the entire outside wall of the school, which is about 100 feet long.

Some rain delayed the team, but finally they got the work completed. We thought we were in good shape until the afternoon when “the big one” hit…lots of heavy rain and wind, so much so that the paint completely ran into the street! (See photo at end of blog to see what I mean!)

It was disappointing to leave in the rain with the project undone, but the plans were already underway to complete the work later in the week.

It seems the painting crew found enough time to play soccer with kids! You can guess who won.


With the rainfall, we had to move indoors. The painting team turned their efforts to the old, rundown desks, which were in serious need of repair and recovering. All their sanding and covering efforts were a success and old tables were given new life. The teachers and students were thrilled.















In the middle of the day, our Pastor (Pastora Leyla) received word that our friend, Joseph, a 15 year old new believer with cancer, was nearing the end of his life. The family requested that Leyla and David come immediately to the home. It was a blessing for David and Leyla to pray with Joseph and his family before his passing. He died later that night. We were all saddened by the news, but rejoice that Joseph, who had such a heart for evangelism, was no longer suffering, but enjoying new life in heaven. We’ll not forget him, nor will his community. His witness during his short time living a Christian life (18 months) will be remembered for years to come. We look forward to the reunion in heaven.

Even with the sad news, the work continued. The VBS crew dressed up as clowns, held up the puppets and sang/danced for more than 175 children that day. This wasn't any easy thing for Ruth (pink clown outfit in photo 1 and blue T-shirt in photo 2) to do since she was close to Joseph, but she gave all she had as she led the kids in the songs and games.


Each group enjoyed the message of the VBS (how a school boy took the blame for his friend when blamed for breaking a window...sounds a little like Jesus taking the blame for us, right!?) The good news was shared and many children decided to follow Jesus that day.



The school wall did finally get painted, thanks to the local evangelism leaders and another Work and Witness team from Ohio.

Part of the team from Ohio spent one morning repainting the wall. This time the rain held off and the paint stuck. You can see the remnants of coat #1 - pink, nearly all washed away.


Next week, more about the Maximum Mission and the Roseburg Team. But for now, a few prayer requests:

1. Please pray for all the missionaries from the Regional Office who are sorting, packing, selling and preparing to move to San Jose in January. This is a huge transition for everyone involved.

2. Pray for David and the next team, a Jesus Film Team from Kentucky. They arrive on the 22nd and will work in North Costa Rica near Liberia.

3. Pray for the kids as they continue studying at ICS (International Christian School). We received their first report cards and they are doing well. We are proud parents!

Lastly, Shelley enjoyed a great Birthday traveling around Costa Rica with the Roseburg Team. The beauty of Costa Rica continues to amaze us. A week later, she was completely surprised by a Birthday party at a friends house. What fun!

Thanks to everyone! We miss you all and pray for you.

The Webb Family