Tayní

Hello one and all,

This time it's David's turn to share about his most recent trips to the Indigenous area.  The area the church is working in is called Tayni. The Indians there are the Cabecar people. David's visited twice in February with the first trip being to three communities (Gavilan, Cuchey and Calveri) to meet with leaders about community health needs. 

Leaving the health clinic in Limón.

Two special guests from the USA came along for this trip, Dr. Becky Morsch (former missionary to Papua New Guinea), from Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in Kansas City and George Sisler, President of One Heart, Many Hands (Nazarene service projects in the USA and around the world).  With the help of these two experts and the doctors and leaders of the local communities, the ways in which the church can be of assistance are clearer (see photo at the end to see Becky and George).

Location of the proposed bridge project.

Rain boots are the norm as people walk in the mud or cross rivers

A part of the school in Gavilan.

After meeting with the locals, the team went to the port city of Limon to have meetings with some government officials.  All of this in an effort to make a difference in this small part of the Indigenous area of Costa Rica.  God is opening doors and there are big plans for a bridge project and other compassionate ministry projects.

Then a week later (Feb 18-20), David and two other leaders visited 3 different villages in Tayni.  They participated in an evening service in Tayni, and then visited Alto Coen and Alto Arrocero.  Since it is dry season, it was possible to drive using 4 wheel drive much of the way.  Then the team hiked 30 minutes to reach Alto Arrocero. The Jesus Film was shown there and more than 65 people came to view the movie.  Most people stood up to watch the move; they were so excited to see a film, even though it was in Spanish and not in their native tongue.  Ten people accepted Jesus that night.

Jesus Film showing in Alto Arrocero.

David's bed for the night - mosquito net included.

Nazarene Pastor Arcelio from Cuchey.

The Three Musketeers on their way to Cuchey.

Jesus Film training for the new minivista set - the smallest there is. It weighs about 10 pounds

The team ate tepesquitle for one meal, a highlight for all! Everyone agreed it tasted like pork (not chicken!).

Aren't they cute!?

Yum-Yum.

The week ended with a final meeting back at SENDAS to discuss future plans.  We hope to hold a special community health development training in the future so that more people can be educated on various topics such as clean water, family care and preventative medicine.  

Here's the ministry team (from left around the table): Dhariana, George, Becky, Shelley, Leyla, David, Mario and Stephen.

Pray for the various projects in process.  We already have one organized church in Cuchey and now there are 7 missions (cell groups) meeting regularly.  We can't wait to see what God will do in the days to come as we offer the hope of Jesus to the people there.  Will you pray with us for the Cabecar people in Tayni?  Also, pray for our vehicle.  Every time David runs the Toyota over those rough roads, there is more and more damage to the car.  Honestly, the roads are made only for tractors, but we are praying for God's protection for the vehicle so no more repairs are needed. 

Quick update on the kids:  Both Joshua and Kayley have spring break next week.  They both have lots of tests and projects this week, but then a chance to rest.  Kayley will be home with us, while Joshua leaves Mount Vernon to camp in Tennessee.  I am sure he will have quite the adventure. 

Finally, we are looking forward to having two Work and Witness teams on campus.  The Monticello, Iowa teams arrives tomorrow and on the 19th, the Pierpont Church from Morgantown, WV will be with us in Costa Rica.  We are not leading the teams (thankfully, just too much else to do), but we can't wait to see old friends and make some new ones.

Blessings to all,
The Webb Family