Our Ministry

WHY THE MOVE
After a service meeting part in August 2011 entitled "Can You 'Step Over Into Macedonia'?" we decided to reach out for this unique opportunity. We settled on Costa Rica and the Mexico branch assigned us to the Cartago English congregation. The obvious reason for the move was and remains to be: the ministry. Our congregation here in Cartago has a huge territory, covering the whole state (county) of Cartago plus parts of San Jose. Only a small percentage has been censused. One of the "good" problems we have working our territory, is that everyone starts more and more bible studies which takes away from the census work.

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In Green is the whole state (county) of Cartago. The city of Cartago is on the far left.  Less than 50% of the inner city of Cartago has been censused. We have lots of work ahead of ourselves. 

CENSUS WORK
As we are a a foreign language congregation, we are looking for English speakers among a Spanish community. Thus, in our presentation we say in Spanish that we are looking for those that speak English and ask if anyone in their house speaks English. A typical presentation would be: "Buenos días. Esta mañana, buscamos a la gente que habla ingles. ¿Hay alguien aquí que habla ingles?" If the householder does speak English, we usually can get into a demonstration of our Free English Study Course. Many times, the householder will say their son/daughter/niece/nephew/husband/etc. speaks English and we will return to find them.




LITERATURE

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Main Study Aid. It helps us
qualify their English level.
Many times we place both
English and Spanish so they
can translate unknown words.

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Can be used if they are not
ready for Bible Teach book
or can supplement a study
that is in Spanish so they can
begin to improve their English

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Used with those that have a
good grasp of English

TERRITORY
For the majority of Costa Rica, there are no street names or addresses. So, how do we keep track of territories? Our territory servant has created maps like the one below. When we get to the territory, we begin by working one of the blocks, and in effect, creating our own house numbers. In the sheet below, you will see that we write a description of each house as well as put information about English Level, name, etc.

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CHALLENGES
No territory would be complete without challenges. It is great that when we meet English speakers, we pretty much have a Bible Study or Return Visit at the least. But some of the territories we work may not have any English speakers. The other challenge, as is true of any other territory, is that many times it is extremely difficult to find them at home again. Many Costa Ricans work 6 days a week. On their off time they may be running errands, relaxing with family or at church. For this reason, we do our best to get their cell phone number and text/call to make an appointment.

LANDSCAPE
Because of the frequent afternoon rain, this country is GREEN! As I write this, I have a great view of the Irazu volcano, which is covered in lush greenness. Many times driving through our territory, we are just in awe of the surrounding mountains, livestock that roams the street and beautiful fields.  Below are just a few pictures from our gorgeous territory.

Typical Neighborhood

Saturday Farmer's Market where Missy and I have studies

 We hope you have enjoyed getting to know a little bit about the territory here. If you would like more information, please feel free to put any questions in the comment section at the bottom of this article. We look forward to maybe seeing you here one day soon.

In an upcoming post, we'll share some of the experiences we have had thus far.