Greiven’s Garage

Back in our May newsletter I (Paul) talked a little about the Gospel in relation to Easter and its relevance in 364 other days of the year.  I also gave you a little teaser about a mechanic named Greiven (Grey-bin) and will tell more about him in this writing, but first I want to provide a little context.

Cabécar translation of the New Testament

For many of us, over time we have seen missions come in different sizes and functions.  The list is long!  Pioneer (initial contact), Bible translation, church planting, medical, community development, youth, short term, and communications are a few examples.  I'm sure you could add to this list.  There are just as many providing assistance to the above mentioned.  Need help getting to another location?  Need something printed and published?  Need a construction crew?  How about your vehicle or boat repaired? Help with teaching mission kids?  The list goes on.  It's amazing! 

Our organization falls under community development.  Community development is generally seen as helping those, likely living in poverty and often in remote locations, find solutions to the issues or problems of their region.  The goal is sustainable solutions that enable people to meet the needs facing them individually and as a community.

Alekcey Murillo, MD with wife Judith Dunteman, MD

An effective way to begin community development is by going to an area of interest for a period of time and asking and observing “what is needed”.  The people will tell you.  That is exactly what our director Alekcey and his wife Judith did after finishing residency at the Mayo Clinic.  They also took note of what resources were available which generally exist in the social, cultural, physical, spiritual, and intellectual realms. Fast forward to now and look at the ICDI projects … Need safe bridges for crossing rivers ...we do that.  Medical assistance and evacuation … we're there too.  High infant mortality rate … our indigenous health promoters are doing an excellent job with moms and newborns! Microloans (and a little financial tutoring) for producers and sellers.  Rebecca is addressing the need for dental care at our clinic and during her trips into the reservation. Okay, I think you get the picture.

Paul and Greiven Sanchez

This brings me to Greiven, who is an excellent example of the impact of our microloan project. A year ago I was having a conversation with one of the Sanchez brothers, Greiven, who is a mechanic and was living in a city one and a half hours away.  He was working at a car parts store at the time but his heart wasn't really into the parts business.  He loves working on vehicles and is good at it, definitely gifted.  I think it was one of those God inspired moments when we talked about the idea of him setting up a mechanic shop in our area to provide a much-needed service.  He was definitely interested but I could tell he had many questions and wanted to talk it over with his wife Adriana (Always a good thing!). 

I have always liked cars and Greiven and I have that in common.  With the rough and difficult roads in our region it is essential to have a 4x4 vehicle that can handle the abuse, as well as a good mechanic.  Car maintenance is as much a given here as death and taxes. Also, Costa Rica’s annual car inspection is rigorous, but a trustworthy mechanic makes the process easier, and the current sticker on your windshield is needed to satisfy the traffic cops in town.

The doors being hung on Greiven's Garage.

The next time Greiven and I met he was excited to share that the whole family was very interested in relocating to our region where Greiven and his wife had grown up.  We talked about the ICDI microloan program, the need for a secure and weather-proof building to work in, and a place for his family to live.  Just a year ago he met the qualifications and became a partner (recipient of a low interest loan) from ICDI’s microloan project.  Since then he built a mechanic garage with a small house on a piece of property in the community.  He has a well-equipped shop and a steady flow of customers.  His family has adjusted to living in rural Costa Rica and is thriving. A team made a video of Greiven working in his shop and talking about himself.  You can see on his face how happy he is to be doing what he loves – working on vehicles.

In His service,
Paul and Bridget