Day 6 -- Atenas, Bonilla, Santa Rita

On Day 6, two of us had to stay back at the "camp" due to illness, so the photos from the morning come from Kevin Salley (thanks, Kev!).

In the afternoon, after everyone returned from a long day of ESL and Bible club outreach, they spent some well-deserved cooling down time in the pool.

But after supper, we were back at it. Time for "jovenes" -- youth group -- in Santa Rita.  Our teens played game with the local kids of the area, and then we shared the evangelistic mime--with Rachel Sweeney switching from director to actor (filling in for Rylanne whose back was hurting her).

Pastor Eduardo shared a message from the life of Rehaboam, and five young people raised their hands in response to the invitation.  Praise the Lord!  His work.

We also enjoyed Drew Brads sharing his Rubics Cube giftedness.  So much fun to watch the kids' faces.

Pictures on Facebook -- Videos on Facebook -- All Photos

Day 5 --an excursion with nature

Day 5 was a day for excursion.  The students, plus Brian and Justus, enjoyed the Canyon Touring at Quepos (north up the coast from where we had been staying), and I know that we will share pictures from that adventure soon.

After that adventure, we traveled about another hour north to the popular vacation spot of Jacó, where we stuck our toes in the Pacific Ocean and enjoyed ice cream at POPS.

A little further north, we stopped at the Tarcoles River to peek over at the crocodiles.  It's a very narrow walk on a very narrow walkway, but at least all the rails are up now. :)  Everyone safe and sound.

By the way, this team is fun to be on a bus with--they break out in song at every little thing--often time praise and worship.

Photos on Facebook 

Complete collection of photos

Day Four -- Colorado

On Day four we left Buenos Aires to go to Colorado, a trip of about an hour and a half, with the last hour being all dirt and rocky roads, not to mention window and cliff-side.  Beautiful view, albeit precipitous.

In Colorado, we had breakfast at a local school -- gallo pinto and eggs and ham.  Cafe and Agua Dulce.  Then we split into two groups.  One group stayed at the high school to minister through English-as-a-second-language outreach, and the other to work at an elementary school, where the team ran a  Bible-club-for kids-style ministry.  Rachel S. and Victoria shared the story of Paul's conversion three times with groups of around 20 students.  The ESL group had about thirty to thirty-five kids in their two groups--one of 7th and 8th graders, the other of 7th and 9th graders.

 After a delicious lunch of rice, beans, and a stew-type topping (prepared in an outdoor kitchen), we got back to work.  The ESL team stayed at a local house, invited children in the neighborhood (which doesn't really describe the rural layout at all), and hosted a VBS where Ariana and Austin taught the story of Elijah and the widow.

Long, busy day -- hot sun dry, dusty roads. Great spirits! And a stop for ice cream.  At supper time, we enjoyed another meal at Pastor Samuel and Rebecca's home in Buenos Aires. We also got to see all the ocnstruction work that Justus and Brian had helped Efrain with through the last two days.  They are building classrooms for the church plant at the pastor's home there in Buenos Aires.

At the end of our meal, we shared a time of thankfulness for the Pastor's family, for Efrain and his wife Julia.  We prayed over the ministry there, and like every evening, made sure we washed all the dishes.

Day 3 -- Escuela Santa Cruz

So our third day was spent in the public school Santa Cruz (located next door to the Catholic church, which we have heard, does not always appreciate the outreach of the evangelicals in the school next door).  Throughout the day we saw groups of around 100 children at a time, totally over 500 elementary students all together.

We provided five stations:  Rene Panosian provided dental hygiene instruction integrated with the truth of God's Word about how our bodies are created especially by God for his plans and purposes. Both Eduardo and Rachel G. helped with translation, and Lyndsey provided whatever support needed. Two different teams of students--led by Caroline Nestor and Rachel Griffith--shared stories and Bible verses about God's providing and healing (Tyler, Rachel S. and Rylanne helped here).  Another group of crafters--Victoria, Austin, Garrett, and Drew--led the kids in making crafts to remind us of the Bible verses and stories learned.  And outside, another team (Matt, Clint, Anne, Tabby, Caleb, Luke) led in games.  For the teachers, Ari, Ethan, John, and David provided back massages, pedicures, and foot massage. What luxury!  Over 40 teachers were served.

In the afternoon, part of our team helped out with painting the wall of the building in which we served.  Even some of the students helped with that cause.  And Drew Brads had a chance to share his special Rubrics cube talent, too.  The children really enjoyed that.  (Videos posted on Facebook.) At the end of the day, we shared the evangelistic mime with a short message and then we gave out over 200 toothbrushes (as many as we had with us).  An exhausting day, but so rewarding.

We cannot forget, too, that two of our leaders--Brian Ray and Justus Denhardt--stayed back at the home of Pastor Samuel to help with floors and walls for the Sunday school rooms they are building for the church plant in Buenos Aires.  They enjoyed two days of hard work with Efrain. (Photos below.)

Please pray for these planted seeds of God's Word and hands, that they will grow into souls for His kingdom.

All pictures at https://goo.gl/photos/aVGsCBbKD3s8k7416