Costa Rica
We are serving Nicaraguan refugee families in La Carpio slum. Within this slum is Las Gradas, cliffside slum with a polluted river at the bottom. It is inaccessible by car and named for the 125 steps that are surrounded by makeshift homes.
It was formed in the 1990s on the outskirts of San José, surrounded by polluted rivers and a garbage dump. Today it occupies 155 acres and has about 52,000 inhabitants – largely Nicaraguans who have fled turmoil in their home country. They live in extreme poverty but are working hard to make a life for their families. One of the largest concerns for the community is sexual abuse, which most children and their mothers have experienced in one form or another. Drug and alcohol abuse, gang activity, and prostitution are also common problems faced.
The families work in coffee farms across the river and carry their children across the dangerous river as they go to work each day.
Next to this river is Las Gradas Betel (CFCI-CR), where CoLaboradores Internacionales missionaries serve providing services to the women and children including basic education, emotional intelligence/ mental wellness groups, counseling services, food, hygiene, arts and crafts activities, and vocational training in sewing, “Sewing Hope” / Cosiendo Esperanzas”, to the parents. Products made by women can be purchased here.
This locally-led effort was founded by Marielos, a Costa Rican therapist. She also runs “Living Waters” / “Agua Viva”. Staff members grew up in the community, once in the same place as these children. This is where hope lives and the rebirth of a community is happening.
You can serve by interning in your field of study or offering a training in your area of expertise to help this community. You can also sponsor a child below.
STATS:
More than 350,000 Nicaraguan refugees live in Costa Rica, which is 80% of the foreign population there.
Since 2018, Costa Rica has received over 77,000 refugee applications from Nicaraguans that were fleeing violence and persecution.
Few resources are available to shelter and provide food to new asylum seekers.
During 2020, 47% of Nicaraguans in Costa Rica were living in poverty. More than three-quarters of which could only eat only once a day.
DOWNLOAD THE PAMPHLET HERE.
Please give online here – one time or recurring:
Or, mail a check made out to “CoLaborers International” and write “Costa Rica” on the memo. Mail to PO Box 959 Chestertown MD 21620.
OUT OF THE SLUMS, INTO NATURE
God gave missionary Frank the idea for a nature camp for the children and youth living in the slums. This camp is called “Encuentro en la Montaña: un lugar para conocer mejor a Dios y a nosotros mismos” which translates to “Encounter in the Mountains: A place to know God and ourselves better.” Our theme verse is Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”.
Living in a slum community, these children have no access to green space or even somewhere safe to play. This camp allows them to have a refreshing break from tumultuous home lives, in nature, to connect to the Lord and each other in a safe, spiritual environment. They will have a mixture of Bible lessons, arts & crafts, and recreation activities that all relate back to the theme of applying the Bibles to their lives.
Special thank you Hope Fellowship Church of Chestertown, MD for sponsoring 40 of our campers! Thank you to our individual donors for sponsoring 20 campers! 
Check back for updates, we can’t wait to share about all God will do!
