Costa Rica Step Team

I've been spending some time with the Costa Rica Step team. They have been working in Abangaritos on the Gulf of Nicoya (on the Pacific coast). They've been working alongside a church in this small rural town, where most people work in agriculture or fishing (and are therefore vulnerable to the variable prices and the weather). Belen, the pastor, has been leading the church for about 10years and they have had a real vision to reach their community. As part of that they were really keen to receive help from members of the Amistad church in San Jose, who have been trained in installing water purification system. But this wasn't for their own sake - but so that they could offer this clean water free for all members of their community - which they are now doing. (there's an analogy in there somewhere).

They have also been working to build a bigger church building t0 accomodate their growing church. Belen told us of times when people brought single bricks to a church meeting as their offering.

The step team is just helping them along the way in this project - and specifically to build a toilet block for the church, under the calm and watchful eye of Sacquedino, the builder. Initially this involved cutting, bending, and tying re-enforcement iron bars for the foundation and walls, which the team quickly got the hang of. Whilst the team was there, the schools were actually on holiday so there were a lot of children and young people around the church. In quiet times in terms of building work, some of the team were able to do various craft activities with the children, which soon got taken over by their mums, many of whom were cooking for the team. Making friendship bracelets was very popular.

There was also lots of opportunities to teach and learn songs in English and Spanish. They had a great time getting to know the members of the church and the team were really inspired by the churches warm welcome and faith in them.

The team were invited to take a large part in the 3 week night services, the youth service on saturday night and the childrens activities and church service on the sunday. Most of the team hadn´t preached before, but over the time of their project, they all were able to share a message or a testimony of what God had taught them in their lives. It´s really exciting to see people doing something new and sharing their journey with God with others.

If you want to know more about step teams go to http://www.stepteams.org/