Today we received, into the children’s homes, a sweet baby girl. Jennifer is only 19 days old and came to us directly from the hospital. All the kids in the home were excited about our newest addition. She is the youngest of six siblings (some are with their father and others have been adopted). Her mother is physically abusive towards the other siblings. We are hoping she will be declared abandoned so that she can be adopted by a good family soon!
Good News! Good News!
Good News! This morning Ericka, Luciano, and Angelly went to “audencia” (hearing with a judge). We are thrilled to report that everything went super well and they are now formally adopted by Micah and Sara! Knowing their past and everything they have endured, we couldn't be happier! We can now chalk this up as our second U.S. adoption! *Yoo-Hoo!*
Ministry News!
Last go-round we shared that there was a potential family in the U.S. for Ericka Luciano, and Angelly. The family was contacted and affirmed their desire to adopt the siblings. The case worker for the kids came out and gave them the good news that their parents would be arriving in Costa Rica on April 2nd. Needless to say, the children were elated! They have already been talking via SKYPE with their family and have learned that their adoptive parents have 2 children of their own! Luciano is thrilled that he will no longer be the only boy in his family. He’s going to have a brother just about the same age! We really do feel like the Lord has already been preparing the hearts of these kids for their transition to the States. Our psychologist, Marcelle, shared with us that days before their case went before the adoption council (back in January) that Ericka went to find her and told her that she needed to talk to her urgently. Marcelle told her that she would give her an appointment for the following week, but Ericka told her, “I need to talk to you now because I’m leaving soon.” Ericka didn’t know that her case was being heard by the adoption council that week, nor that the adoptive family would even accept her case. She just had that intuitive feeling (the Holy Sprit) that she was leaving soon! That same weekend, Gabby (the house parent) told us that Angelly had shared a dream with her. She had dreamed that she was getting on an airplane with her new mother. All this, before anyone even knew that there was a family waiting in the wings! We truly feel like this family has been handpicked and that the Lord has already, supernaturally been preparing the kids for their transition!
Micah, Sara, and their children arrived in Costa Rica on April 2nd. The following day, the adoptive couple came out to the project to meet their new kids. Ericka, Luciano, and Angelly were outside waiting for their parents to come. When they did, they embraced one another. The reunion was very sweet. It’s amazing to witness God’s inconceivable love for these kids, in that He has provided them with exactly what they needed … a new family!
Anthony and Aislinn’s case will be going before the judge on May 18th. Not too long afterwards, a date to receive the judge’s decision will be set. We hope the case will be resolved in favor of the children soon. Please pray for a quick resolution on behalf of these kids.
We are so proud that Isaac, one of the pre-teen boys in our homes, is the newest addition to Comunidad Crisitana El Faro’s worship team. Last year, he tried out for a spot and made it! He has attended all worship practices, and has demonstrated responsibility and diligence in this area of ministry. On any given Sunday morning you can see him in the choir. He has also begun taking guitar lessons and is enjoying learning how to play that instrument. We are confident that by developing his talents, God will use him mightily in the future!
God’s word promises in II Corinthians 6:18: “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters.” Over the years, we have learned that as much as we fall in love with each child that comes through our doors, nobody loves them like their Heavenly Father does. Each little person here has a destiny, and ultimately it is His responsibility to make sure it comes to fruition. So we rejoice when our kids ask Jesus into their hearts, when they get adopted, join the worship team, or make good grades in school. He promises to be their father. Like any good father, He demonstrates active interest in every area of their lives. Our kids can say with confidence,
“His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”
Teams!
Teams are always a blessing around these parts! We've already hosted a number of groups and are gearing up for the busy summer months ahead. Our short term groups have blessed the children’s homes with pajamas, flip-flops, school supplies, homemade meals, and spring cleaning! We are grateful for these tangible acts of kindness!
School Days, School Days, Good Ole' Golden Rule Days!
Stephen’s mom, Connie Thomas, has been visiting the Abraham Project for a number of years. Each time, she teaches ESL in the daycare center. Connie incorporates many teaching tools in order to make class fun and interesting for the children of our community. In this way, she teaches the children basic skills and knowledge of the English language. She also uses God’s Word as an important tool in her lessons. She is a gifted teacher who truly has a missionary heart.
Lexi’s back! She returned to Costa Rica this month (March) and will be serving as an intern here at the A.P. until May. Lexi is always available to do anything we need around here. She has been helping Miss Connie with her ESL classes and has been a huge asset to the team!
The Terrible Twosome!
Today, Esteban and Gabriela received two new kids in their children’s home. Let’s just say that our house parents have their hands full! The siblings are pretty rambunctious. They have both thrown big, ole’ hairy fits, but with lots of love they are adapting to the ways of the home. We are happy that Joshua and Brittany are here. We know that whatever their circumstance, God is more than able to make a difference in their lives!
Parking Lot Gets Paved!
Today we began paving the parking lot at the Abraham Project! For those of you who don’t know, when the project began back in 2002 there was only a dirt road leading to our place. A few years ago, the main road leading to the A.P. was paved. After many years of battling dust during dry season and mud during rainy season, today we rejoice because our parking lot is getting paved! God is faithful!
Ministry News
We want to start by sharing a couple of updates. In our October newsletter, we had mentioned a sibling group of three that had been declared abandoned. At the end of November, a case worker from the Office of Adoptions came by to visit the children. She wanted to get to know them a bit so that she could begin the process of “promoting” their case internationally. The meeting went well and the process began. When we returned from our trip to the states, we were informed that the Adoption Council would be meeting on January 17th in order to review their case. Fortunately, there was a family in the U.S. interested in their case. Why do we say, “Fortunately?” Because the oldest sibling is 12 and it’s a “combo” pack of three children. In our experience, it is very difficult to find families that want to adopt more than one child at a time, not to mention, one that is a pre-adolescent. Needless to say, we are thrilled that there is a potential family waiting for them. The Office of Adoptions has contacted the family and we are awaiting word as to when the family will be coming to C.R. to finalize the process. We continue to pray knowing that God cares infinitely more for Ericka, Luciano, and Angelly than any of us ever will! As for the other case of Steven and Maria José, we regret to inform that they left our home on November 27th after some “back & forth” with the PANI Office. The office that had the case was from the Province of Alajuela about 2 hours from here. A judge had granted the parents visitation rights (mind you, this was a domestic violence case). The visitations started out just once a month, but their father insisted that the judge grant them two per month. The judge granted the request. Since the visitation was “supervised,” that meant that a social worker or psychologist from that local office had to come here to supervise the visit. That was the big hang-up. Basically, the PANI office didn’t want to do their job. We tried negotiating with the office so that the kids could stay here. We asked them to supervise one of the visits (like they were already doing) and our psychologist would supervise the other. They rejected our proposal due to the fact that it was just to far to come and they weren't agreeable to supervising any of the visits. They told us that they would begin looking for another children’s home to move them to. They found a place just 25 minutes from the Abraham Project. Steven and Maria José had been with us for five months and had adapted well to the environment here at the project. We were very sad they had to go just because someone didn’t want to be inconvenienced. As hard as it was to see the siblings go, Psalms 72:12 promises, “He will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them.” We are confident that He is more than able to keep Steven and Maria José wherever they are.
On a “happier note,” on December 17th (while we were away) Silvana was adopted by a wonderful Costa Rican family. Many of you remember her, she came to the A.P when she was only 3 months old. Her Costa Rican parents have a 5 year old biological son, so Silvana is the “baby” in her family. It’s interesting to note that she left just days before Christmas. We’re thrilled that she and her folks received the “gift” of family this holiday season. We are sure it was an incredibly meaningful time for all of them!
Shopping Fun!
Every two weeks our house parents shop for all the food, school snacks, and fruits and veggies the kiddos will need in the homes. It’s an activity that takes up most of the morning, but from time to time one or two of the kids tag a long for fun. Groceries in Costa Rica are not cheap. The average Costa Rican eats a simple diet of chicken, pork, rice, beans, vegetables, fruits, and pasta. Fish is popular, but it is expensive. The supermarkets look like the ones in the USA. They tend to carry a lot of the products that cater to North Americans; however, you can expect to pay a premium. The grocery bill for the children's homes is close to half our budget each month!
Ministry News
“They will call him Immanuel” which means, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)
Recently, we had the opportunity to encourage one of the boys in our homes who has struggled with fear for many years. Since arriving at the Abraham Project, he has received Jesus into his heart, attended the Baptism class at our church, and has been baptized. However his struggle with fear is very real to him. We asked him if he ever prays when he feels scared. He said, “No.” We began to realize that he had not yet fully trusted Christ to take care of his fears for him. He wasn’t convinced that Jesus would help him. We reminded him of the life he once had: no education, poverty, hunger, and neglect. We shared with him that God brought him to the project because He cared so much for him. Coming here was a gift that God gave him. We wanted him to know that Immanuel lives in him, and He is so faithful to take good care of him. This will be a lesson that he will carry with him for the rest of his life. It is one of hope, confidence, and love and it will bring great comfort.
We are grateful for the privilege of instilling this important concept in our kids. God is with them and He is for them. The children in our homes have been able to see Immanuel, “God with us” in a practical, powerful way. Here’s what they have to say:
● “Jesus died for my sins. God has a plan for me.” ~ Isaac
● “My tíos care about me because they help me with my school work.” ~ Ericka
● “My tíos love me.” ~ Angela
● “As I get older, I learn to respect others and value the things I have.” ~ Roberto
● “I love it here.” ~ Sharon
“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
This holiday season may our hearts go out to those who will not enjoy a blessed Christmas Day. Look for the opportunity to share with those who have nothing. There is nothing more inspiring than giving to those in need and seeing the difference that Immanuel, “God with us” makes in their lives!
FELIZ NAVIDAD Y PROSPERO AÑO NUEVO!
Urgent Need for 2013
As we move forward in our ministry, specifically considering Phase II (four additional children’s homes), we would like to hire a consulting firm to help us develop a strategic plan. Basically, the idea is to have someone analyze our current operations and make recommendations for the exponential growth that we will be experiencing in the future. We have already chosen a Christian consulting firm to do the work. It would be a one-year coaching process in which they would assist us with implementing the strategic business plan. The only thing left to do is to raise the $7,500 needed to hire the firm. If you would like to donate, see instructions below for giving. All contributions should be marked for World Hope Outreach in the check’s memo section.
For those who desire to contribute financially, mail to the following address:
Cornerstone International, P.O. Box 192, Wilmore, KY 40390
Please make checks payable to Cornerstone International and note in the memo section “World Hope Outreach”
Thomas Family Contact Information:
Phone #: (956) 287-3131 Email: sgthomas@ice.co.cr
Interns say "Adios!"
Lexi and Cait arrived in September to begin their intern stint at the Abraham Project. The girls did “A little bit of everything” around here…literally. The girls worked with Jason, our short term mission coordinator, facilitating our last team of the year, they painted, washed dishes in the cafeteria, cooked dinner for the children’s homes, babysat, mowed the grass, and so much more! Cait & Lexi have definitely left their fingerprint on the hearts of everyone here at the project!
Katherine
Today we received a sweet little girl in our children’s homes. Katherine is only 1 ½ yrs. old, the second child of her drug addict mother and father. Her older brother has already been adopted and the plan is to proceed down the same path with her case. She is really timid, but we are confident that with time she will come out of her shell. Looking forward to watching how God transforms this little girl’s life!
Ministry News
In 1954, the United Nations General Assembly instituted Universal Children’s Day in order to encourage all countries to initiate action that benefits and promotes the welfare of the world’s children. On September 9th, Costa Rica celebrated this special day. Our kids enjoyed an outing to the Crown Plaza Hotel, where our hosts, Eclipse in Action, treated the kids to a festival of events. The theme was “Jesus is our Superhero.” The kids played games, devoured lots of good food, and fellowshipped with kids from other children’s homes. It was a fun activity for the kids and house parents alike. Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should to, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” We take this verse to heart here at the Abraham Project. The task of discipling the children is the most important thing we do here. In the day to day devotionals and Bible study periods, the kids are learning to forgive people from their past and trust their Heavenly Father. Seems like an easy task, but in reality what makes it difficult is that they tend to relate their earthly father to the Heavenly Father. Unfortunately, their earthly fathers have neglected and abused them giving them bad examples of what a true father should be. We’re working on changing that mental picture to one of confidence and trust in the One who truly loves them. In short, we’re raising kids who experience the freedom that comes from passionately pursuing Jesus.
With that said, we’ve had several kids express desires to be pastors or missionaries someday. We see their giftings and talents in the areas of music, public speaking, and art. Proverbs 20:11 says, “Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right. We love to dream about God’s plan for their lives and look forward to seeing the fruit of all we are sowing right now.
The older kids are now leading their very own devotionals in the homes and the house parents are seeing huge success. The kids are delving into the scriptures, preparing and participating in the activities. We’re excited to see such growth in their spiritual lives!
Last newsletter, we mentioned that we had a group of 3 siblings that had been declared abandoned. We did our part to prepare the psychological reports, health evaluations, and photos. The local PANI office took over a month to even send anyone out to pick up the reports. We have called a number of times and they are still sitting on the file. It hasn’t even been sent it to Adoptions yet. It’s been two months with no movement, that’s highly frustrating! Please pray that they would move quickly to get their part done and sent to the Office of Adoptions. These kids are hopeful to have a family soon!
We also shared about our newest kids, Steven and Maria José. They have had a couple of visitations with their parents. Unfortunately, the judge has asked for extensive evaluations to be administered to a family resource that is interested in obtaining custody of the children. In our experience if a child comes from a highly dysfunctional family, their extended family tends to be dysfunctional as well. All of this has put the judicial process of declaring the children abandoned on stand-by for now. We know that the Lord is fully aware of what is going on with this case. Please pray for God’s will to be done.
First U.S. Adoption ~ Hooray!
On June 20th, the PANI asked if we would receive a sibling set that was up for adoption. Although, Ruth and Emmanuel were only with us for nine weeks, we were able to help facilitate the bonding process with their new adoptive parents from the States. At the end of August, their parents arrived in Costa Rica. Their initial meeting with the kids was touching. Ruth ran outside, clung to Mommy & Daddy and just cried. Everyone was moved to tears as they watched the realization of a dream come true! God’s gifts are perfect!
The “Intern Season” Comes to a Close
As we mentioned in the post Interns at the Abraham Project , we have many teens and young adults come serve at the Abraham Project as interns over the summer. A big group came in June to serve (pictures in the post mentioned above), and then several more came in July and August. The Project was blessed to have these willing and enthusiastic youths dedicate a month or more out of their summer to come and do whatever was asked of them!
Ministry News
We always count it a privilege to receive new kids here at the homes. We take the work we do very seriously, knowing that each child or sibling set is here for a season. We know that God has entrusted our team with the responsibility of demonstrating His love to each kid that walks through our doors. We are fully aware that even though we provide food, clothing, a warm bed, and an education, the most important thing we can do is to share Jesus with each child. That is the most precious gift we can give them during their tenure here at the project. With that said, we are happy to have our most recent newcomers. In our last newsletter we shared about Steven and his little sister Maria Jose. The brother and sister have adapted well since arriving at the beginning of June. The PANI has initiated the judicial process to declare them abandoned. Please keep them in your prayers as their parents are appealing the process and apparently have a family resource that is possibly interested in accepting the children. Both kids have really come out of their shells. They are interacting with the other children, talking, dancing, and more.
At the end of June, we received Ruth and Emmanuel into the folds. They are a brother and sister team that are bound for the States soon. The Office of Adoptions has already found them an adoptive family and they are in the process of getting to know their parents via SKYPE at this time. We are praying the all the paperwork will be complete soon so that their parents can come to Costa Rica to meet them and finalize the adoption!
We recently learned that a sibling trio has finally (after 3 years) been declared abandoned. We are in the process of submitting psychological reports, health evaluations, and photos so that their file can be sent to the Office of Adoptions. Please pray with us that the Lord would provide these kids with a loving, supportive family.
The kids enjoyed a two week mid-year break at the beginning of July. They participated in several fun activities. They went to the theater to see Ice Age: Continental Drift. Some of the kids had never set foot in a theater before then. It’s fun to see their eyes get wide when the big screen lights up! Thanks for making these things possible!
Interns at the Abraham Project
This time of year (summer in the USA, technically ‘winter’ here in Costa Rica) is not only a time for many teams to come serve at the Abraham Project, but also for young adults from across the country to come and work as interns for a month or more. This summer Jonathan and Amy Griffith, the missionaries who run the intern program, will ‘host’ a total of 19 interns! Ten young adults, ranging in age from 14-21 already came in June and dedicated a month of their summer to serve here at the Abraham Project. Another nine are here this month. They come from all over the U.S., ready and willing to work, serve, help, engage in the culture, and most importantly grow in their relationship with Jesus. They live with local Tico families, and are mentored by Jonathan and Amy throughout their time here.
Here are a few pictures that give you a glimpse into the life of an intern:
They lead and participate in the weekly prayer meetings we have on Friday mornings.
They paint. (Getting instructions about the job from Steve Thomas)
They cook dinner for the children's homes.
They dig holes in the new property adjacent to the Project (an archeological study had to be done as part of the permitting process to build the next children's homes - this included digging 42, 1x1x1 meter holes!).
They explore Costa Rica and do zip lines!
They go hiking with the local church's youth group.
They babysit the Griffith kids to give the hard-working parents a little mini-vacation!
They hang out with the kids from the children's homes.
And they do much, much more. Thank you interns for coming and graciously giving your time and energy and love to the Abraham Project this summer! More pictures to come of the group that is here serving this month...
New Highland Elementary School
Today we received a team of teachers from Elizabethtown, KY. Steve’s brother Mark, his mother, and a couple other folks comprised the team. They fed hungry families in Rio Azul, a very marginal community close to the vicinity of the project. The group hosted a special activity for the children in that neighborhood. The teachers also did a service project, painting the exterior walls of a local public school in our community. Thanks New Highland!
Two by Two ....
This past week we received a call from the Office of Adoptions about a sibling set that is up for adoption. They asked if we would receive the children and help facilitate the bonding process with their new adoptive parents from the states. We are so happy to have the brother and sister duo here with us. We are grateful to be a tiny part of the work God is doing on behalf of Ruth and Emmanuel!
Ministry News
“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
II Corinthians 9:6
For quite some time now, God has been speaking to me about the importance of giving to others who are in need. To be honest, it was really a wake-up call for me to check my attitude and perspective on our mission work. God’s Word has brought conviction where conviction has been needed. I am reminded of the following passage in 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 (for lack of space I am only including verse 6): “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” It goes on to speak of how God loves a cheerful giver.
We have been in a position here at the Abraham Project to witness God’s miraculous provision. In actuality, it has been a time in which we have received much, but there is still so much more that is needed to complete the project. In the midst of this, it is not that difficult to forget the importance of giving. God is continually changing my perspective to see the situation as He sees it. It has been a refreshing time in my life, one in which I have been rejuvenated and encouraged. I believe the old adage goes something like this, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Well it is amazing how quickly the doors of opportunity open up, especially when one is alert and actively seeking those open doors. We have discovered there is no shortage of pressing needs all around us. God has given us specific direction as to what He would have us accomplish and we have responded by changing our compass and following His leading. As part of this new mandate, we have been able to do the following things:
1) Purchased a radio transmitter tube for a Christian radio station in Nicaragua.
2) Trip to Panama to assist a sister church. We have plans to return in August with a mission team.
3) Raised over $4,000 to help remodel & expand a church in a rural community.
4) Planning a trip in July to complete expansion of another rural church.
To complete these tasks, we are trusting that God will give us the strength to carry out His will and to provide the necessary funding to do so. If you are interested in knowing more, please do not hesitate to contact us for additional information on how you can help.
Thanks to everyone who has kept our family in their prayers! It is greatly needed and appreciated.
Stephen, Georgiana, Luke, & Bethany Grace