Update on the Indigenous Area of Costa Rica

 Hello Dear Friends and Family,

David recently traveled with a special group of people to the Indigenous Area (Gavilan and Cuchey).  He always enjoys his travels there and this time a larger group went along to meet the leaders there.  Read on to learn more...

David crossing the river - it was low so they could cross this section by vehicle.

In the last few years, the evangelism leaders from the Central District of Costa Rica have been working in the indigenous areas of Costa Rica, evangelizing and discipling some of the isolated communities located south of Limon.  Currently, there is one organized Church of the Nazarene in Cuchey and two church planters who are working in approximately 15 different preaching points.

On May 6^th, a group of 11 leaders traveled from San Jose to this forgotten area of Costa Rica with a number of different purposes in mind such as education, compassionate ministries, evangelism, and support of the Pastor and church planter.  It is not an easy trip to reach the villages in the indigenous area.  It involves a 3.5 hour drive toward Limon and then unless the river is low and can be crossed in a vehicle, one must cross on foot to reach the interior communities.   Then the team hiked to the nearest villages to meet with the indigenous leaders there.

The roads are less than ideal!

More rivers to cross.

The group consisted of 11 persons including Franlym Pena from SENDAS (Seminary), three leaders from EMI (an engineering missionary organization),  the Work and Witness Coordinator Stephen Sickel, the District Superintendent Mario Vargas, a representative from the Regional Communications ministry Gabriel Salazar, Missionary David Webb, Evangelism Coordinator Leyla Ramirez and two representatives from the Alabama District in the USA.  

A typical house

Sleeping in the church in hammocks is the norm in Cuchey.

Recently, Pastor Arselio in Cuchey and his son-in-law, Elber in Alto Palmera have suffered greatly.  On March 21^st, Elber’s wife Thelma (Arselio’s daughter) died from complications after childbirth.  She was 24 years old.  Elber has three children: Gerzan (7), Kenia (4) and Joseph (2 months) who he is now raising with the help of his extended family.  This has been a very difficult time for the family and church in Cuchey and the surrounding areas, but God has been there to console them in their time of need and grief in the loss of Thelma.

Elber receiving the lead rope and halter for his horse.

Pastor Arselio, Fred and Jeff with Arselio's horse.

One encouragement to these church planters came through the help of two Work and Witness representatives from Alabama: Fred Faith and Jeff Hudson.  They brought funds to Costa Rica for the purchase of two horses, one for each church planter.   This is a great blessing since the terrain is difficult and slow on foot, but with a horse much time and energy will be saved and more people will be reached with the good news of Christ. 

The engineers traveled to the area to see about the possibility of building a foot bridge across the river, but since the river is so wide, it appears this would be very costly.  For now, the people will have to continue crossing the river on foot.  We are hopeful that one day this may be possible to help the 600 people who live on the other side of the river.

Another encouragement to the leaders was to meet with Franlym Pena, the Coordinator of Undergraduate Programs for SENDAS.  The leaders in Cuchey and beyond would like to begin theological courses.  They already have approximately 20 people interested in taking courses from various denominational backgrounds.

This would be a wonderful resource for the indigenous people who currently have to travel great distances to receive theological education.

It was a great trip with much accomplished in a short time period.  Pray for Arselio, Elber and his family as they continue to pastor and disciple even during very difficult times.  They are an inspiration!

Until Next Time,

La Familia Webb

Evangelism Meetings in Cuba

Hello Dear Friends and Family, 

We have had an exciting last few weeks.  There is not time or space to tell you all now, but here is a summary of our trip to CUBA!

In April, David and I had the opportunity to travel to Cuba for a 5-day visit to be part of Evangelism Meetings and trainings.  Two times each year, David is part of Regional Evangelism meetings.  The last meetings were in the Dominican Republic.  But this time, Bernie Slingerland, the Regional Coordinator for Evangelism choose Cuba as the meeting / training location.

The Evangelism Coordinators from the Mesoamerica Region

As it has been my dream to visit Cuba for many years, I asked permission to be a part of this event with David.  I was privileged to be able to go and to represent SENDAS (the Seminary here in San Jose, Costa Rica) and two new programs we are promoting at this event.

Immigration and Customs in Cuba were not as difficult as expected, and we made it out of the airport in good time, after a short wait for our visas.  We stayed in a hotel near the Nazarene Cuban Seminary.  It was neat and clean, with air conditioning and hot water (luxuries for Cubans).  We met up immediately with the other Evangelism Coordinators from various countries including Haiti, Mexico, Guatemala and one person from the USA. 

We did not have time for tourism, but did enjoy a roundabout drive from the airport to the hotel.  A few landmarks were pointed out to us as we drove by.  

The flags you see in this photo were placed there in opposition to the USA “mission” (not an embassy, but a representation, I assume) who were running electronic board messages about human rights, etc. on a high building they had for offices.  The Cuban government then constructed this “memorial” to block the view.  Here is a bit more information about that from a news article I read when I got home.

"Cuban national flags wave in front of the U.S. Interest Section in Havana, Cuba, 13 August 2008. In 2006 the US installed the giant electronic banner on the fifth floor of their building in the centre of Havana and start to broadcast political propaganda, news, messages and statements. In return, the Cuban government erected so called "Monte de las Banderas" (Forest of Flags), 138 flagpoles in front of the building to prevent Cubans from seeing the scrolling letters.

Havana says it symbolises the people who have died as the result of violent acts against Cuba since its 1959 revolution - more than 3,400 of them."

This sign says, "In my barrio, we defend socialism."

Propaganda is a part of life in Cuba.  It reminded us some of Nicaragua, where you see many similar types of signs in favor of the government. 

The revolution happened in 1959 and since that time, very few new cars have been imported.  So, most cars are ’57 Chevys or older Soviet models.  The engines and interiors have, of course, been replaced with whatever parts can be found.  Most people walk or take a bus for their local transportation.

Our meetings were held at the Seminary grounds in Havana.  We met in the largest meeting space there, which holds approximately 300 people.  For their yearly meeting for the Church in January, they had more than 500 there, so people just stood outside the windows listening intently, passing their ballets through the windows.  

The Entrance to the Cuban Nazarene Seminary

We enjoyed the people so very much.  They are smart, resourceful, kind, while being opinionated and strong.  Doctors make no more than $40 per month and pastors, perhaps $10 per month.  Everyone receives a small packet of rice, beans and oil each month but it is not near enough for one month (maybe it lasts 10 days at the most).  People work hard to provide for their families.  Many receive funds from family living in the USA or other countries, and without this help, it would be very difficult to survive.  

Some of the administration and office spaces at the Seminary

The training was a great help to the pastors and leaders.  Since their resources are limited (very little access to Internet and the system is so slow that downloading is nearly impossible), the leaders were thrilled to have a training manual for evangelism.  As one pastor put it, “Now I don’t have to make a collage, using various resources from many sources…now it all here together in one manual.”  They were so excited to receive the training materials. 

The Cuban Evangelism Leaders and Pastors

We broke up into small groups for some sessions. This was the most special time for David and me as we really got to know some of the pastors and leaders.  We learned about their ministry context, their history and their current situations.  It was wonderful to hear personally from them about their lives.  They shared their photos (on their cell phones) of their families and their church leaders.  

This particular leader was not in our small group, but we shared some time with her before and after meetings.  She explained a bit about how she organizes her church planting ministry.  First, they pray that God would reveal to them the location.  Then, the evangelism team spends 40 days in prayer for the new place.  Then for the last week before the entrance into the community, someone is always in prayer 24/7 (like a prayer schedule). She said they have great success when entering new areas, and they believe it is because of the force of God’s power already at work before their arrival.  Then they use the Jesus Film and door-to-door evangelism to start a new cell group.  What a great model and example!

We are thankful God gave us the opportunity to visit the church leaders in Cuba and we can’t wait for a return visit.  Be praying for Cuba as they have many obstacles, but their faith is strong and enduring.  One of the most moving moments was during a worship/singing time when we sang the song “Heal my land” which talks about God working in the nation.  We will never hear that song in the same way. The conviction and meaning for the Cubans was far greater and deeper than most of the world can understand.  The song was a cry to God to move in their beloved country to make a way for healing.  Pray with us for this healing in Cuba.

Until next time,

Shelley and David Webb

Update: Kayley

 

Hello Everyone!

Well, as usual we are keeping busy with ministry activities here in Costa Rica.  Actually David just returned from a 3 day trip to Panama to visit the church planter and other leaders there.  He had a good, safe trip.  Now David is off to Liberia to visit the church plants there on the north district.

David has been preaching in different churches most Sundays lately, including Easter Sunday at the Alajuela church.  They are without a Pastor at the moment, but they are a good, strong congregation that has all the potential to grow like crazy this year.  Actually, they are growing even without having a pastor!  That’s good news!

Kayley enjoying time with one of the youth leaders, Joss.

This blog will focus on Kayley!  She is such a wonderful daughter and we’re so proud of her.  Here’s what is keeping her busy these days:

Youth Group – Every Saturday night, Kayley participates in the El Alto youth group.  She enjoys spending time with her friends there and learning more about God each week.  

 ICS – School is especially busy during these last 2 months as all the end of year projects are completed.  One such project is the science fair.  This year Kayley is studying why it is that after smelling a particular smell for a while, you can no longer sense it as strongly.    Good question!

Our friend, Luis, trying to see how long his "smeller" lasts.

Kayley with Cory, who agreed to help with her experiment.

During Semana Santa (Holy Week), Kayley got to do something she has wanted to do for some time…SNORKEL!  Actually, we all got to snorkel on the Caribbean coast at Cahuita National Park.  Awesome experience!  And we enjoyed the crystal clear water and beautiful beaches as well.

On the boat, arriving at the snorkel dive area.

Kayley also enjoys her friends from the local church dance group.  Kayley cannot participate in the dancing too much since we attend many churches, but she never misses out on the opportunity to hang out with her friends.  Here is a recent pool party she enjoyed!

Kayley loves it when new friends come for a visit.  This week, two MNU students arrived to do their student teaching at ICS (her school).  She loves having them around to spend time with.  She even took them to the mall on the city bus this week.  

 The Sickel family have returned to Costa Rica after a 4 month deputation time.  We are so glad to have them back, but especially glad to get to hold their baby Micah once again.  Kayley babysat the other day and took this photo which for a second I could have sworn it was Joshua as a baby!  Micah is a doll and it’s fun for us all to have a baby next door.

Joshua is doing well at MVNU.  His semester is winding down and he is applying for a visa to China for this summer to teach English.  There are no firm plans yet, but it is a real possibility. Also, Joshua was chosen out of 35 applicants for one of four RA positions for next year.  This is something he really hoped to get and we're so proud of him and know he will do a great job as an RA at Oakwood next year. 

We are already thinking about our deputation time in the USA coming up soon in June and July.  We hope to see many of you on our many travels!  Look us up at the General Assembly, if you will be attending.

God bless!

The Webb family

English Club

David's bday celebration at English Club.  Check out that candle!  I thought the sprinklers might come on, but thankfully we don't have those!

Hello Family and Friends,

This week, I want to share about the Nazarene Academy.  This is a separate association from SENDAS, but affiliated with SENDAS (the Seminary in San Jose).  This program is a continuing education program for the local communities.  Currently, the Academy holds classes in computer skills and English as Second Language classes.  A new Basic ESL class and a new computer course will start in April.  Just around the corner.

I have been super blessed to teach the English Club Class.  This class is for advanced intermediate to advanced level students of English.  The main objective of the class is to improve speaking skills in English.   Maybe you are thinking, well, if you have studied English for years, and if you can read it well, why can’t you speak.  Speaking is the last skill mastered as anyone learns a second language (unless you are talking about babies and children who learn differently!).   Also, did you know that pronunciation in English is very difficult?  In Spanish, the vowels have just one basic sound so that as I was learning Spanish, I could read many things even when I had no idea what it meant.  Not so in English.  You must hear and repeat word after word after word to pronounce correctly. 

So the class is like a round table discussion of different issues.  Right now we are talking about our families, learning the words and sayings related to the family (infant, toddler, adolescent, senior citizen, baby boom, to take after, to be named after…) and sharing about our families.  Plus, we talk about interesting issues related to the family like how families differ culture-to-culture, single parent families, divorce and custody issues, adoption, etc. 

Then we have about a half hour of something called Language Partners.  I bring in two or three native English to talk in small groups with the students.  This has been a BIG plus for the class since they get even more practice. 

The class is a 12 week class and we are now at week 8, and I can really see improvement in the students’ English.  They are a great group and I am so pleased to teach them every Thursday night.   

In other news, we are sad that the Faucett family is nearly done with their first 10 weeks of CALL Spanish study.  They will be leaving us later this week. 

They are volunteers who are learning Spanish to serve with us on the Mesoamerica Region in the future.  We are so excited to know they will be at General Assembly to help with the SENDAS booth.  They have studied very hard and learned so much in these 10 weeks and they have plans to return in the fall for more intense learning.  We are blessed to work with such great people!

Thanks for keeping up with us and for your prayers and support.  Maybe we will see you this summer as we make the rounds in the USA.

Shelley, David, Joshua and Kayley

Kingdom building in Costa Rica

Greetings All!

Our desire is that you are growing in your knowledge of the love in Christ in all that you do.  God is good!  God is blessing in many ways with many open doors for ministry in Costa Rica and we thank Him for a great start to 2013.  Thank you for your prayers and your encouragement.  David has been making several trips within Costa Rica and rejoicing how God is working throughout the country.  Here are some snapshots to share.

We start here at the seminary as three missional zone church planters came to take an intensive course.  David met with them off and on during the week following working withe the Lynden, WA team in Palmeres.  Two of the church planters are from the indigenous area of Costa Rica (Valle de la Estrella) and the other church planter is from Western Panama.  In this photo they are meeting with Brother Franlym from our San José seminary SENDAS to discuss opening new educational extension centers.  Praise God for the access to education our pastors and church planters have.

As the church planters prepared to head home, David travelled with the Costa Rica North evangelism coordinator to lead evangelism workshops in Liberia (northern Costa Rica).  They were blessed with the participation of 24 people.

The day after evangelism workshops, David preached in the Barrio Mexico church which is where the District Superintendent Mario Vargas pastors.  We had a great lunch with Mario and his wife Sharon afterwards. 

The following week, David went on a three day trip to one of the indigenous areas here in Costa Rica.  David traveled with two leaders from San José to visit two different missions, to distribute clothing collected by the Costa Rica Central district and to distribute school supplies which were purchased through funds donated by Vacation Bible school offerings from Los Angeles, Ca.  Our school year here goes from February to December so a January trip worked perfectly

loading up the car! (please pray for it :-)

worship service in the indigenous zone

Donating school supplies

One of God's greatest gifts is the ability to identify, to train and to encourage new leaders in the faith.  In this trip, David was encouraged to meet with 9 different people that are being trained to lead cell groups in different villages.

Leaders of missions and preaching points

We then had the privilege of attending the annual NYI (Youth) convention for the Costa Rica Central District before heading up to another youth event in the Costa Rica North district.  Jesus is moving in the youth in Costa Rica.  Please pray that the Holy Spirit has his way as He calls, equips and works in our youth here.

Drama at the Costa Rica Central Youth Convention

Youth in Costa Rica North that participated in a weekend of evangelism and compassion

The following week, David visited another church planter, Brother Franklin, in north central Costa Rica.  Franklin lives in a poor area but is bringing the riches of Jesus Christ in three different communities.  Here is a picture of Franklin's new chicken project that was funded by Nazarene compassionate ministries to help him raise revenue to support his family.  David had a special blessing as Brother Helmer Juarez, Regional Coordinator for Nazarene Compassionate ministries was able to travel with him

Brother Helmer Juarez, Compassionate ministries coordinator and Brother Franklin, in case you are wondering, Franklin wrote on the door of the chicken coop, Christ loves you and is coming back, we need to get ready

Franklin, his wife and son and a family from San Jose that traveled with David

We truly thank the Lord Jesus Christ who is moving, calling and equipping people for ministry here.  Please continue to pray for revival in every part of Costa Rica and Panama.  We are seeing new works grow and we know that true renewal only comes through God's grace.  God is good, He loves you and He is coming back soon....as Franklin wrote, we need to get ready. 

Much love in Christ, David, Shelley, and Kayley (and Josh by extension :-)