Costa Rica Mission Trip

Costa Rica Mission Trip 2012 Participants

We are excited to be going on this mission trip. Those participating in the 2012 trip are Dan and Cynthia Keesler, Helen Anderson, Carolyn Brashear, Doyle Harper, Chris and Michelle Lynch, Tony Rowland, and Larry and Crystal Lewis. Please keep them and the other members of the team from other parts of the U.S. in your prayers.

Costa Rica Mission Trip 2012 Update

from Cynthia Keesler

Trinity Mission Team Coordinator

I have the honor of being the coordinator for the Trinity contingent of the Costa Rica Mission Trip in February 2012. There will be 10 of us joining with others from Kentucky UM churches; all under the leadership of Ed Spears. As we move closer to going on this adventure, we are in prayer as to how each of us, and how Trinity church, can be used of the Lord for His Great Mission.

Prior to our trip in February 2011, our church generously donated infant/toddler clothing, a projector, two laptop computers, and $1200; which was designated for the Drawing Smiles Feeding Program dining room expansion. Upon our return we shared with you about the children’s feeding program. Many generous donations have been designated for that specific fund. I have been in contact with Marion and Mary Woods, the directors of the Methodist Rural Center where we will be staying, and I inquired about what their needs are.

· She said there is still the need to feed hungry children in several communities with the hope of having a more adequate building for the program.

· They continually need items for their Clothes Closet. We are currently collecting children’s clothing – all sizes, summer weight, light sweaters & jackets, socks and shoes. These can be new or gently used and dropped off at the church office.

· Financial help is often needed to provide school uniforms, and the Center helps to provide school supplies so we will be collecting those as well and carry over what we have luggage space for.

· There are ongoing needs for house repairs and new construction for individuals, families, community churches, and at the Methodist Center. The Center often relies on donations to meet operational costs and to pay laborers salaries and benefits.

I also shared some ideas we had for putting our Christian Love into Action towards our brothers and sisters in Costa Rica. An exciting new element this year is the participation of the Trinity Preschool! Ours is one of the very few programs in the area that incorporates Spanish into their lessons. We want to broaden the young children’s world view of another culture – in both directions - and offer opportunities to share and know Jesus. This can extend to children’s Sunday School Classes also. We would like to supply sports equipment (balls, jump ropes), games, and even costumes and props for biblical story telling similar to what we do for the Journey to the Resurrection. The Center helps, as they can, to provide Bibles to new Christians and we can be a part of that effort as well. Let us be grateful and awestruck as God prepares more hearts to be involved in mission work; in Costa Rica, and everywhere!

As you can imagine, the work of the church is never done. You may not be traveling with us in February, but you can partner with the team with your prayers, your time, and your donations. Monetary donations can be made payable to Trinity UMC and designated for Costa Rica Mission Fund. Please add a note if you would like your donations to go to a specific mission area, otherwise it will go to the General Fund. If you have any questions or would like to know more about this outreach, contact Cynthia Keesler at 260-9061 or ckees227@aol.com. Learn more by going online at umvim.org and methodistruralcenter.com.