More than a disruption.

Does anyone else feel like we are living in a movie right now?  Or just a really bad dream?  We are all feeling the affects of Coronavirus.  A month ago I was like most of us thinking how everyone was over reacting to something that was very far away.  I didn't think there would be any implications to us and the ministry.  Oh how I was wrong.  I want to share with you just how we are being affected, where Costa Rica is at in the fight, and a small family update.

1.) A large part of our ministry is to the people that come on mission trips with their churches and schools.  The groups not only help in the ministry but they provide work for the locals. Our spring teams have cancelled.  So we have had to cut back to keep people employed.  This has caused a lot of financial hardship on the ministry.  I know we are not the only ones suffering from this global problem.  We have taken measures to stretch the salary money for local staff as far as we can. We are concerned that teams will back out or travel bands will restrict people from coming but we are still planning on serving along side mission teams this summer. We are like everyone else 100% dependent on God. We are waiting and trying to be faithful with the day. Please pray for the ministries daily bread.

2.) Local ministries have come to a complete halt due to strict regulations on gatherings.  Right now Costa Rica is in a state of emergency with some very strict rules.  The boarder is now closed to all tourist and plans to re-open April 13th 2020. However, time will tell if that restrictions increase.  We are praying that Costa Rica gets a handle on the virus.  Once things are safe and legal we will start El Pozo back up. 

3.)  As most of you know we are not able to leave the country because we are in the middle of adopting our beautiful daughter Shelsya.  Of course the adoption process is slowed as the country fights Coronavirus.  So we are carrying on as normal life.  I'm still getting up at 5:30 to milk the cow and kids are being homeschooled.  We are spending lots of family time together.  I have been able to pour more into our children these past couple of days than I normally can during this time of year. There is a lot of upkeep work and little projects that need to be done.   For that I give thanks to God. 

4.  We added a new staff member to our team in February.  Her name is Alexis.  She is overseeing Our El Pozo ministry ( Children's out reach ministry).  She did children's ministry training and was getting ready to launch a new discipleship program (it will be delayed a little bit).  We were having El Pozo 3 times a week and were seeing great progress in the numbers of children coming and the relational depth with the kids.  Please pray that we can start back up as soon as possible.

   We had several teams help us with construction on the second family home.  It now has 4 rooms completely concreted.  We used a small concrete mixer and lots of manual labor to pour the floors. Not only were they a huge help but each team that helped pour the floor paid for the supplies.  Please be praying that God will provide opportunities for teams to come and the fiancees to continue projects.

5.  Our biggest ministry need as a whole right now is wisdom and discernment as we seek to love our neighbors and run the ministries.  Second we are looking for people to donate or join the 12 for 12 campaign.  The donations will go to help the ministry as a whole to stay a float during these dry times. 

Though these are times in our world that seems hopeless for so many we have hope. 

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16