Shared Blessings in 2008

Our Share the Blessings 2008 project was to provide 33 children with a Christmas gift. Donations were asked so that we would have $20 to spend on each child. As we all know, this was a hard year here in Costa Rica as well as everywhere else. By the morning of December 19 we had received funding for 23 children and it was time to make our purchases. GOD was most gracious in HIS provision. The available funds ($460) were divided by 33, giving us $14 to spend on each child. I spent the 19Th shopping and GOD provided so absolutely amazing sales. Each of the children received either clothing or school supplies (whichever the parents had said was most needed). Here are photos of some of the children receiving their gift.

Gifts distributed on December 20th at the church in Ochomogo.

Gifts distributed in Barrio Nazaret (Maria Elena´s house) on December 24th.

Nandis is a very special child. She is a twin. She was born with cerebral palsy and her twin was born completely healthy. They are 8 years old. Their mother is a single parent and is always so grateful for any help provided for Nandis.

We want to send a huge thank you to everyone who made Christmas special for these children. You, through your love and giving, made this wonderful time of year blessed for them. Thank you so much for your willingness to be a part of Share the Blessing 2008. We will not list your names. What is most important is that GOD knows exactly who you are. May you be richly blessed in 2009.

Kid´s Kitchen Ministry

Children are the main focus of our ministry and have been for the 23 years we have been on the mission field. We take the words of JESUS very seriously when HE said in Luke 18:16 Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for such is the kingdom of God.

Every other Saturday throughout the year, the church in Ochomogo feeds the children in the community (if funds are available). The number of children fed is normally between 40 to 60. After the meal a devotional is given, a memory verse is taught, and songs are sung.

At Christmas time we always want to make it a bit more special. This year on December 13th we celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ and had the last Kid´s Kitchen of 2008. The menu was arroz con pollo, papas fritas, bebida, and helados. After the meal, the children gathered in the auditorium where Don Samuel (my husband and pastor of the church) had a movie ready for them. He showed a Veggie Tales video that told about the birth of Christ and the true meaning of Christmas followed by a question and answer time. Afterwards, Doña Rebecca had games and activities ready for them. Following the activities there was a piñata which is always a big hit with the children. As a small gift, each child was given a bag of apples and grapes. These were donated by a friend of Doña Rebecca who purchased the fruit with funds given by her co-workers at a nearby paint factory.

The children enjoying their meal.

Youngest child present. She slept through it all.

Happy, smiling, beautiful children.

Two of the several ladies who help with the cooking and clean-up.

Doña Rebecca organizing the children for games and activities time.

THE PIÑATA

Everyone loves to take a swing at the piñata.

Doña Rebecca´s friend handing out the bags of apples and grapes to the children.