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.
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.
Please sponsor a camper!
Read their stories below and if you decide to give, the button gives you the option to select $160 for admission & “go” bag, $120 admission only, OR $40 “go” bag only. “Go” Bags consist of a blanket, bath towel, beach towel, toothpaste & toothbrush, soap, crocs, notebook & pen and a backpack. “Go” bags are essential to make sure campers have what they need to attend as many do not have these items at home.
Special thank you Hope Fellowship Church of Chestertown, MD for sponsoring 40 of our campers!
Children remaining to be sponsored are listed below. This page will be updated daily
Camper #06
This boy is 12 years old and has grown up in Las Gradas. He is a very athletically talented child and loves many sports, but especially soccer and boxing. He likes to be helpful and to learn about the Bible.
Camper #07
This boy is 12 years old and has grown up in Las Gradas. He always has a huge smile on his face, ready to have fun and compete in a soccer game. He is great at memorizing Scripture verses.
Camper #08
This boy is 10 years old and has grown up in Las Gradas. He is the youngest of 4 siblings, and he loves to play soccer and enjoys colorful artwork.
Camper #09
This girl is 10 years old and lives in Las Gradas. She loves playing with dolls and is a very calm and respectful child. She helps her mom run a small store out of their home and is very good at memorizing Bible verses.
Camper #11
This girl lives in Las Gradas and is 11 years old. She is always one of the first to arrive for a Bible study and is quick to ask for help on her homework or to study for an exam. She’s quiet and respectful and willing to share her heart with her small group leader.
Camper #15
This girl is 11 years old and lives in Las Gradas. She is a quiet child but loves to play. She loves to play Minecraft, and is always drawing something, she’s very talented. She is also a very good big sister, taking care of her little brother.
Camper #16
This girl is 11 years old and has grown up in Las Gradas. She is a calm but very fun child. She loves to talk and play with dolls and stuffed animals. She loves to play with her younger sister who is also going to camp.
Camper #17
This girl is 10 years old and has grown up in Las Gradas. She is very kind and gentle with the other kids, and likes to play with dolls. Her best friend is her big sister who is also going to camp.
Camper #18
This girl lives in Las Gradas and is 10 years old. She is a hardworking, playful and fun child. She works hard to help her mother takes care of her younger siblings and nieces.
Camper #22
This boy is 11 years old and has grown up in Las Gradas with his twin brother. He is a great artist with a big imagination, and is always respectful and kind to both his teachers and other kids.
Camper #23
This boy is 10 years old and lives in Las Gradas. He is a sensitive, soft-spoken young man who reflects on Scripture and is always ready to participate in a small group discussion.
Camper #32
This boy is 16 years old and has grown up in Las Gradas. He loves to play soccer on the Las Gradas team. He has many siblings who have all been part of Las Gradas Betel for many years.
Camper #38
This girl has grown up in Las Gradas and is 13 years old. She has been part of the Las Gradas program since she was a young child, along with her older siblings. She is quiet and kind, and loves to play games.
Camper #39
This girl is 14 years old and has grown up in Las Gradas. She is good at dancing and loves to play games in general. She has already earned her black belt in taekwondo.
