March 20, 2008
Dear Harvest Hands Friends,
It is Semana Santa here in Costa Rica, which is Holy Week. And throughout the country people celebrate in several ways. Most businesses are closed, so people take vacations. And the churches take advantage of the story that leads from Palm Sunday to the resurrection of Jesus. Mainly, it is the Catholic church that does this. The streets are quiet all around us.
Interesting enough, there are even a few days when the country is “dry” and liquor is not sold. There are many other things that happen during this time, as well. It is interesting to watch how other cultures pay recognition to this week of the story of Jesus.
We have a new wonderful young lady with us now. Her name is Holli Litwiller. She’ll be with us for 5 months. Her being here has already been a benefit. And it’s awesome to watch God work in those that serve. If anyone is interested in reading her blog, the address is: http://somegirlnamedholli.blogspot.com/
Last night, Wednesday, March 19th, we had a great time with the FundaVida employees. We were able to introduce them to the Passover Seder meal. We had 21 people, which was a full house here at Harvest Hands. It was a night of revelation for all of us, especially those who experience it for the first time. That revelation is discovering Jesus in the Passover.
We have had three teams in a row since January, which has kept us quite busy. And we are looking forward to the Mechanic Falls team coming in April. All of the teams have truly made an impact in the community in different ways, the local school, being one of them. We have seen God’s expression and His compassion work through all of those who have taken part in serving here. We have seen how the hands of Christ are touching the lives of the children, the mothers and the addicts here in Los Anonos.
The groups who come to work have been a great support to the local Vineyard Church of Escazu. One of the main reasons is their desire to plant a church here in this community. The teams have been an expression of God’s love in a way that has not been seen in Los Anonos. One of the older addicts approached Rodney one day, while one of the events was taking place in the open air gym and said, “Don’t ever stop doing this kind of work. I see that God is involved and it’s touching the children’s lives, as well as the community. Don’t stop.”
Church planting has always been one of the focuses of the Vineyard. We are well on our way to seeing this happen in Los Anonos. The group of committed people from the Vineyard here in Escazu, who we work with, are doing an awesome job. And also, once again, they greatly appreciate all of the help that has been given from all of those who support this endeavor. The Kingdom is truly being expanded, little by little.
While one of the groups was here, we met a woman, whose name is Ana, who has three daughters. She is new to us. She lives in a little tin house, about 10 feet by 18 feet, with a dirt floor. There is only one twin sized bed and a crib for this family of five. The shower curtain is made of black plastic trash bags. Her husband works far from home and probably is only home for the weekends. Two of her daughters are twins that are two years old. One of the twins was born with severe problems and must be fed with a feeding tube, which is the only way that she can receive nourishment. She is two, but is about the size of a baby of one. Ana is a great mom and gives her and the other two children lots of love. When we first met Ana, it was as if the Lord’s light was shining on her. Or I should say, shining through her. Her smile has attracted us. Her openness to allow us into her home and life is truly genuine. She has asked for nothing. We have come to find out that both she and her husband are believers. One of the things that Ana said to Rodney is, “My daughter is a special gift to me.”
As we look around, our thoughts are “How can we help her? What can we give her?” This is when we feel so inadequate. Yet at the same time, we know that we can become her friend. And to us, friendship has such great value. As time goes on, I’m sure that you’ll here more stories of Ana and her three children. We have included here a photo of her and her husband and children. Also included is a photo of the twin, whose name is Jackeline. Pray that we would have wisdom on how to be the right kind of support to those like Ana. Ana believes that God is going to do a miracle in their lives. Pray for this!!!
There are many here, who have similar stories and at times, again, it is overwhelming. But we are reminded again and again that it is the Lord’s plan to use us as He pleases. It is our part to be submissive and obedient.
An article that we found by David Ruis goes deeply into this. You can read it at this site:
http://www.pastors.com/rwmt/article.asp?ArtID=10087
Blessings to you all!
In Jesus,
Rodney and Cindy representing Harvest Hands
