Gateway sent 17 people to Costa Rica on October 1-8 to partner with Score International and a small, local church started and lead by one obedient and courageous pastor. The team shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Bible school in a portion of the “squatter” village of Alajuelita. It is estimated that close to 100,000 people live in Alajuelita, many of which are Nicaraguan refugees. In addition to Bible school for the children, the team shopped for and delivered food to 17 families in the surrounding village. Toiletries and basic first aid supplies collected during Gateway’s vacation bible school were also distributed to these families. This was a special blessing as we were the first team to be invited into the resident’s homes. We were blessed with the opportunity to visit and pray with each family.
The team also served as the hands and feet of Christ at the neighboring church through painting, building a new fence, and planting two beautiful gardens. The team also hosted a movie night at the church where over 100 attendees were treated to popcorn, drink, and a movie. School supplies collected during Gateway’s vacation bible school were provided to the church.
On one afternoon, the team visited a family home named Casa de Pan where children in need are provided a home and loving family. Any guesses how many children call Victor and Melva Guzman “mom and dad”? 45 (and growing)! Makes the Duggars look like amateurs. The team played and did crafts with the children and was blessed with the opportunity to listen to the story of the family history.
On our last day, the team was treated to a white water rafting trip on the Pacuare River. Being rainy season the river was very high and flowing very quickly. It was an incredible blessing to witness the beauty of the rain forest including several very picturesque waterfalls (not to mention world-class white water).
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