Medford FBC Mission in Costa Rica

 At the end of June, we hosted a short term mission team from Medford First Baptist Church, one of our supporting churches. Pastor Jeff’s intention was to bring a group in 2020, but then the pandemic happened. We were finally able to make their visit a reality when our respective countries opened back up and relaxed travel restrictions.

Replacing walls on the bridge.

 

Adding a retaining wall by the shop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was a variety of projects for them such as replacing the sides of a bridge, building a short retaining wall by the workshop, painting a new bed, giving an appreciation dinner for the families that own the restaurant, and making the daily morning hike to deliver food to a family across the river from the Emmanuel Community Development Center.

 

The team that painted the bed.

Singing at the appreciation dinner.

I discovered that a couple of sisters had their favorite banana bread and cake recipes on their cell phones, so we were able to make good use of our surplus of ripe bananas that week. The team went on a banana and coffee tour and played a “fútbol” (soccer) game with the locals. The dental assistant received their donations of toothbrushes and toothpaste and showed them around the dental and medical clinic. Bridget did two children’s Bible clubs with them and they were able to visit our worker’s family in their home. The week was a great mix of work projects, cultural experiences, and building some relationships in the community.

Breakfast at the restaurant.

Banana and coffee tour.

One of the team had brought a guitar and at the end of the day, after dinner, we enjoyed worship together and then broke into two groups for devotional time. As usual, the younger folks enjoyed staying up playing games and eating popcorn. Bridget’s popcorn ministry is always welcome.

Please be praying for us that we finish well our responsibilities here, say good bye to our friends, and transitions back to the US in September. Thank you for your faithfulness to pray for us and for your financial support of the Lord’s work in Costa Rica. I will send more details in our next newsletter.

 

Following Jesus, 

Paul and Bridget Abbott