February News

Dear Family and Friends,

It has been difficult to find time to write this blog with all that has been going on since February began.  The two Costa Rican districts held their Assemblies, we enjoyed spending time with the Iowa District Work and Witness team, CALL continues to be a busy ministry with three classes continuing for the month, and David traveled twice to various locations in the indigenous area.   

Kayley and Josh are both having good semesters in school (Kayley – sophomore in high school, Joshua – sophomore at MVNU), but are both looking forward to spring break in a few weeks.

David directed the Costa Rica North Assembly at the new District Center in Muelle. It was held at the newly purchased property, which includes a gymnasium and lodging.

The new gymasium building at Muelle.

David helped to bring some new mattresses to the center…that’s one loaded down vehicle.

David did a great job as always and one highlight was the donation of part of the needed video conference equipment to four centers in the district for theological education.  The funds were donated from two districts:  the Tennessee district and the Iowa district.  We spoke at both NMI (Missions) conventions last summer and promoted this special need.  This donation will make theological education more accessible to all the leaders and pastors in these zones.

David with Superintendent Johnny Calvo, his wife Maureen and the Secretary Gustavo.

Two of the recipients of the video conference donation for theological education.

The Central district assembly happened the next day on the SENDAS campus.  The General Superintendent, Gustavo Crocker led the meetings.  In the evening, three leaders were ordained in a very special service.    

Six of the Central district pastors give their reports.

David with two of his pastor friends, Oscar and Manuel.

 

Raul, Sharon and Rolan being ordained by GS Gustavo Crocker.

We said goodbye to the CALL students from MNU as it was time for them to return to the USA to finish their student teaching hours there.  It was a joy to have Kara and Hannah with us for a month.  I have no doubt we will see them again.  I don’t think we have ever had two students who loved Costa Rica more than they did.  

The Iowa Work and Witness team helped the San Isidro Church in Heredia to complete the retaining wall and to redo the concrete floor of the sanctuary.  Here are some photos to prove how hard they worked.  Our friends and fellow missionaries, the LeGrands, led this team and commented after a day or two that this was the hardest working team ever and I (Shelley) answered, “Of course, they are from Iowa!”  Thanks, fellow Iowans, for doing anything that was needed and doing it with a great love.   

Moving materials from one place to another.

The bucket brigade.

David with Pastor Carlos and Pastor Marvin, two great friends.

The Iowa district team on the new flooring of the San Isidro Church.

Another neat experience this month was holding the first (well, as far as we know) English deputation service in Costa Rica.  Missionaries Trino and Anna Jara (Trino is Costa Rican and Anna is Aremenian) were in country and we caught them the night before they left to speak to the Iowa team and the CALL students on campus.  It was a great blessing to hear how God is using them in Armenia and beyond, under difficult circumstances.  We have joined in prayer with them that the Church of the Nazarene can be officially recognized this year by the government so more ministry can take place there.  We are pleased that an offering of $1300 was taken for that night.

Trino speaking in the bohio.

Trino and Anna Jara

David’s birthday is coming up soon (March 3^rd) and I am sure he would love to hear from you for this milestone day (50 years young!).  If you would like to email a note or send a message on facebook, that would be great.  Maybe you can remind him of a special memory you treasure of being with him.  His email is dwebb@mesoamericaregion.org and his facebook is David Webb.  

 

The next blog will be filled with photos from Tayni, the indigenous area of Costa Rica where David just spent a good portion of the last two weeks.  But for now, we’ll say goodbye, thankful for all your prayers and support that make being away from precious family and friends worth it all.