Two Special Mission Areas

 Hello to all our friends and family,

That's David in the Red 4-Runner, making his way through the jungle.

We would like to highlight two special areas of Costa Rica this time around:  The Valle de Estrella (Star Valley) and Las Marias in Sarapiqui. 

Patrick, David, Stephen and O.E. having an afternoon meeting (Looks like the white sock convention to me!).

This month, David went with a group of five others to the Indigenous Area of Valle de Estrella.  This is in the southeast part of Costa Rica, just southwest of Limon and a Caribbean port city.  David has been there many times, but this trip was for a new purpose of investigating the possibility of a bridge project.  In the area of Cuchey, the people are isolated by the river.  To reach medical attention, or to buy food or supplies, one must cross the river.  Thankfully, when the team went, the river was low and it was not difficult to pass.  But many times during rainy season, the river swells to a level where it is dangerous to cross, but many times the people try.  Every year more people die trying to cross the river. 

The terrain in the Indigenous Area.

So, since the COTN has churches and contacts in the area, the idea of building a walking bridge has been brought up.  Still we are not sure if this will be possible since the cost would be high and governmental support needs to be obtained, but this is project that could be a huge help to the people in the area of Valle de Estrella, which has a population of just under 7000 inhabitants.  We have one church and preaching points in nine other nearby communities all under the direction of Pastor Arcelio.  Pastor Arcelio’s son-in-law Elber is starting Nazarene works in another indigenous area in Costa Rica as well. 

Hiking from one village to another.  David, Leyla and O.E.

This was a tough hiking trip.  The team parked on the east side of the river and walked into the villages from there.  They slept in hammocks and tried their best to keep the mosquitos away.  It was hot and humid during the day, but cooled off at night.   The second day they hiked a total of 6 hours to visit 2 villages.  They showed the Jesus Film one evening and had a worship service in the community of Cuchey the following evening.  Spanish is actually the second language as the inhabitants of this part of Costa Rica speak Cabecar.  We ask you to pray that God will continue to raise up indigenous leaders as this is vitally important for the growth of the work there.  

Jesus Film showing

Typical structure in the indigenous area.

Another trip is planned for the near future to make plans to set up an educational extension center there for the pastors from all denominations who are wanting Biblical training from SENDAS.  Educational opportunities are very limited there, and we thank God for the door He is opening to make disciples.

Another area where David travels to often is called Sarapiqui.  This area is filled with banana plantations, and Las Marias is one of many villages there, in northern Costa Rica, not far from the Nicaraguan border.  Pastor Franklin is doing a wonderful job as the Pastor of two churches there:  Las Marias and Jerusalem.  

Pastor Franklin with the biggest yuca I've ever seen.

Pastor Franklin and Pastor Mayorga in Las Marias.

David has kept busy with preaching opportunities.  He preached at San Pedro de Poas, Pavas and at Barrio Mexico Church of the Nazarene.

David preaching at San Pedro de Poas.

David at the Pavas Church of the Nazarene

Shelley is busy making future plans for CALL as there are many students beginning in January.  Also, she is preparing for the arrival of new volunteers to the field, the Gentrys. It will be great to get them settled in on September 19^th.  ESL classes will start in two weeks, another W&W team will arrive at the end of the month, and the translation projects just never end. 

Kayley and Joshua are both doing well.  Kayley has been in school now for a few weeks and is settling into a routine.  Joshua has begun his RA position at MVNU and starts classes next week. 

Yesterday we said goodbye to Juarez family.  Helmer and Susy have been our neighbors for four years, and although we all travel lots and don’t see each other as much as we would like, we will miss having them nearby.  They are moving to Guatemala to continue working with Compassionate Ministries there.

Prayer Requests:

1. Pray with us for a new Spanish professor for CALL.  The program is growing, and we need another quality professor.

2.  Pray for David as he travels.  He has upcoming trips to Sarapiqui, to many local churches in the city and to Liberia in the near future.  

3. Pray for the new SENDAS educational center in the Cuchey, the Indigenous Area.

4.  Pray for our kids as they adjust to their sophomore years (Kayley in HS and Joshua at MVNU).

5.  Pray for the Juarez family and other missionaries families in transition.

Thanks for your prayers and support.   Many blessings to you all,
David and Shelley Webb