August Update from Costa Rica

Can you believe it is August already? This year is flying by.  We are so glad to have had a part in 12 Work and Witness teams already this year.  I think this is a record for us.  We can remember one year working with 8 or 9, but 12 takes the cake!  And there are two more to go this year: one this month and one in November.  Whew...I think we are going to make it!

A big and special thanks to the volunteers who have made it possible:  Ted and Lori Bruce (MO District), Bruce and Linda Wilson (South Florida) and Peggy Strange from Missouri who just led her first team (she took the photo above). 

Between teams, we recently traveled to Iowa. We really enjoy speaking at NMI District Conventions. It is always a great experience to share with local missions leaders.  In July, we attended the Iowa District NMI Convention. We spoke in the morning and then held two workshops in the afternoons about a W&W trip to Costa Rica for 2018.  We expected to have a few people attend each workshop, but God surprised us with 55 people in the first one and another 35 in the second. Already we have more than 40 people signed up to participate so we got out our calendars to add a third trip to next year’s calendar.  Three Iowa teams next year!  Gonna be another great year for Costa Rica.

Speaking at the Ames, IA Church of the Nazarene

The construction project is the District Center for the North District located in Muelle.  This project has a great start, thanks to the North district churches who take turns working each weekend. 

Chicago Central Team taking a break from digging.

The first ever W&W team for this project arrived from Chicago Central district in late July.  They were led by a volunteer missionary, Peggy Strange (Bruce and Brian Wilson's sister),  along with her family. We are so blessed to have such great volunteers working to continue the work in Costa Rica. 

 
Two teams arrived in July to finish up the construction at the Quebrada Grande Church.  Here is a link to a great article with photos all about these two teams from Southern Florida.  Just click here: https://sfnazarene.org/big-miracle-costa-rica/

Bruce and Linda Wilson led these two teams, and we provided some logistical support since there were three teams in country at the same time.  

The two Work and Witness teams at the Dedication Service at the new Sanctuary in Quebrada Grande.

David leading the prayer time at the Dedication Service for the Quebrada Grande Church.

Two of our favorite people:  Rev. Johnny Calvo and Bruce Wilson.

At SENDAS, the second course for NTC Manchester was held by video conference.  This is a way to continue to provide great educational opportunities for the SENDAS professors and other leaders.  The course was held in Mexico, linked by video conference to Guatemala and Costa Rica. 

In family news, Kayley has enjoyed her summer at MVNU.  She worked as an RA, in the campus Post Office and has translated materials into English.  She recently attended the Rendezvous event in Canada (a Nazarene church event for Missionary Kids of college age).  She had a great experience! 

Joshua continues his work with Park Bank in the Columbus, OH area.  He and his roommates are looking for a new house to rent so a move is in the works. We are praying they will find just the right place, at the right price at the right time.

We are hoping to have both kids with us in early to mid-December to celebrate the holiday a little early.

Our home assignment time is approaching.  We have a full schedule with services in Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, West Virginia, Illinois and California.  We hope to see you along the way!

We have another W&W team arriving on tomorrow (Saturday) from California to help SENDAS complete the Orchid building.  Painting are tiling are the main jobs.  It will be a great week of work alongside good friends.

Thanks for your prayers. 

David and Shelley Webb