Abraham Project Blog
“Fútbol,” “Soccer,” whatever you like to call it … the kids here just love to play it! Recently, a couple from our church started a program on Saturday mornings. Kids (ages 10-16) from all over our neighborhood come to play and hear the Word. The vision of this new ministry is to reach the kids spritually, physically, and socially; encouraging leadership skills on and off the court. Sports evangelism is a great tool for reaching young people of all ages.
On February 23rd, Stephen, Jr. took a team from Pepperdine University, to a small church in Rio Azul. The students ministered to the kids in this extremely poor barrio with music, activities, and the word of God. Afterwards the team participated in the church’s feeding program. All the children left with a full belly and a happy heart.
We started January out with a Joshua Expeditions team. They bring their group members out for a day or two to do social work in the host country. This time they brought a group of 45 youth to the A.P. The kids worked hard moving lumber to our new “bodega” (warehouse) on our new lot. So thankful for young people who are willing to serve wherever and whenever needed! Southside Christian Church brought an all men’s team down in order to construct a Sunday School area for a local church in Rio Azul (near the Abraham Project). The team had to dig out a basement and put up walls and flooring. Pastor Gilbert was delighted to have the guys there in order to get a much needed job completed! Now the kids will have a place of their own where they can learn about Jesus!
As far as news from the children’s homes, at the end of last year we had two sets of siblings returned to their families. Kevin and Maria Celeste had been with us for five months. Their biological parents did everything that the PANI asked them to do in order to regain their children. During this process, we had a meeting with the local office and expressed our concerns of reuniting the family. Kevin struggles with low self esteem issues brought on by an alcoholic step father and an absent mother. This is the part of the job that is so hard to deal with. Sometimes it seems like PANI looks out for the interest of the parents rather than those of the children they are supposed to protect.
Jimena and Scarleth were also given back to their mother. The sisters were only with us for four months. Their mother was a victim of domestic violence, as were the girls. Their mother has “supposedly” left that partner and is now raising the girls on her own. Scarleth, the youngest, cried a lot before she left. She told our house parents that she did not want to go back. It’s interesting that even though she was here a short time, she knew exactly where she came from and didn’t want to go back. Thankfully, their time here was a lesson in unconditional love and the knowledge that to Father God they are priceless!
We are pleased to announce the Kindergarten Graduation of Jefreson and Aislinn on December 11th. The kids enjoyed their graduation and afterwards an outing with the tios to Pizza Hut. We are so proud of them. Please pray for a smooth transition to first grade, as that can be a big adjustment for any child.
Good News! Good News! All the kids in the homes passed the school year! We have made an exception and decided to hold Sol back in first grade, due to a maturity issue. We feel like this is in her best interest and will help her in the future.
Since Isaac is one of the older kids in the homes, we have decided that instead of going to daycare he will be working with Bruce, our resident missionary. This has turned out to be a very good thing for him, as he has had to clean a dirty refrigerator in the multi use building, paint, put up a new clothes line for the children’s homes, and more. This will go a long way in teaching him skills for his future, plus personal responsibility.
We do not take lightly your faithful support over the years. We trust that as you continue to give, the Lord will pour out His blessings on all that you set your hands to do!
The kids in the children’s home enjoyed a very merry Christmas this year. A number of organizations blessed them with gifts of toys and clothing. We were also able to purchase a portable basketball goal for the children. We decided to put it in the multi-use area so that the kids can enjoy endless hours of basketball fun! Woo-Hoo!
Today we received a sweet lil' angel. Ángel has been in a public institution since he was three days old. He is now six months and the PANI is planning to declare him abandoned. House parents, Gabby & Esteban, have taken him into their home. He is a sweet baby boy and we are thrilled to have him here at the A.P.!
The passage in Philippians reminds us that Christ willingly left glory and came to earth in order to relate to mankind. He humbled Himself and became like a servant. As we focus on Jesus as our example, we see His willingness to lay aside His divinity to adopt the lowly form of man. His attitude reflects one of unselfish behavior, humility, and servant hood. He was born in a unpretentious manger. As a man, He didn’t choose wealth or position, but instead He came to serve. Sometimes our Christian walk may require laying aside “our right” in order to esteem and value others more than ourselves . There is great blessing in service to others.
On a recent trip to the states, we had the incredible occasion to visit a set of three siblings that had been recently adopted. We had the opportunity to witness the arrival of the adoptive family in Costa Rica and God gave us the privilege of seeing the “other side” of adoption as well. The kids are picking up the language, adapting to their new home, making friends, and connecting with their new family! Our hats are off to all of our adoptive families. They are the true “servants” that God uses to fulfill the dreams of these children! The families are willing to stand in the gap to battle insecurities, educational and language issues, and emotional up’s and down’s, all the while loving the kids! These families are literally laying aside their desires in order to serve the children. Their act of love will not go unnoticed by the King of the universe!
Another year has come and almost gone! Serving the Lord has been so hard in so many ways, but it has also been the most rewarding thing we have ever done. It is through giving and serving that we find ourselves. God desires to use you to serve others and deliver the good news of His promises. This Christmas season look for ways you can imitate Christ by serving others. The opportunities are always before you, it’s just a matter of recognizing them and then acting upon them!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Today was bittersweet. Our church said “Adios” to good friends and co-workers in the ministry. Jonathan, Amy, and their kids have been an important part of the work we are doing here at the Abraham Project. Jonathan feels called to return to the U.S. to pursue an education in law. They have served as short term team coordinators and as our intern coordinators. They have successfully integrated into the Latin culture and are definitely leaving their mark on the people of Costa Rica. We wish them well as they follow God’s leading in their lives.
So, what is the Abraham Project? The Abraham Project is a place that reaches out beyond its four walls to a needy community. We have a heart to see our local community transformed by offering services where people can encounter the love of Jesus Christ.
The daycare center is now the second largest in the nation, serving 225 children currently.
We offer classes to our local neighbors where they can gain skills for everyday living (some classes available are: English, computer, manicure/pedicure,and cooking). We also use the classes as a platform to share Christ with the students.
The homes are set up to care for children at risk. These kids arrive with shattered lives. Here we are able to feed, clothe, educate, and share Jesus with them. It is truly a place where lives are transformed!
Every day from 8:00 to noon, lawyers from the University of Costa Rica and their law students attend to the legal needs of the people in our province. They handle any kind of dispute and give free legal advice to those seeking it. They attend to over 400 people per month!
We are still trusting that God would miraculously provide a roof for our multi-use building.
The Abraham Project is a project of faith!
"For with God nothing will be impossible."
Luke 1:37
As we mentioned last month, we are finally on an upswing with new kids in the homes. We have since received one more girl into the children’s homes. Rachel came to us in September. She has meshed with the other “big” girls in her house (Angela and Sharon). We are currently at 16 kids in the homes with 8 in each house. Needless to say, our house parents are very, very busy, but they are rock stars and we love them! With that said, our beloved Candace is expecting a baby girl very soon. She and Aaron were blessed with a couple of baby showers and they seem to be set (as ready as one can be) to receive their daughter. Candace’s parents and sister arrived in the country and will be here to welcome their new grandchild/niece into the world. All the kids in the home are anticipating the arrival of baby Chanel. What a neat experience for the kids to be a part of!
This past February, one of the maids in the homes, fell and injured her spinal column. She was given a medical leave of absence and was away for five months before returning again. During that time, she received therapy, shots, medical follow-ups and such. She returned to work at the end of July. Everyone (especially our house parents) were ecstatic to have her back. We had been limping along with a couple of ladies from the church that were gracious enough to help fill in. Unfortunately, we received another call from the maid last week. As she was leaving work (it was raining), she slipped and fell again, re-injuring her back! We took her to the hospital and after a full check up, the doctor has put her on another medical leave. We don’t expect her to be back before the end of the year. Please keep our maid in your prayers. She is believing God for a full and speedy recovery. We know that there is nothing impossible for God!
We bid, “Adios” to our very last intern for the 2013 year. Hannah was very instrumental the last few weeks in the homes. With the maid’s absence, she filled in and did everything from changing poopy diapers, to bathing babies, serving food, putting kids in bed at night, and kitchen duty. She, like all the young people who have come down, have had a heart to serve the neediest ones. God commands us to look after the orphans and the widows. Thank you interns for your drive, your passion, and your dedication to advancing God’s Kingdom work!
John 16:33 admonishes us, “...Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” One house parent recently told us that the children in our homes are his heroes. He explained that he learns something new from every child that comes through his door. No matter what trial or difficulty they have had to endure, children have a resilience that helps them move ahead. They have an ability, with God’s help, to rise up out of the ashes. God is doing great things in the lives of these kids!
Thank you for your constant, unwavering support!
In honor of Costa Rica’s 192 years of Independence from Spain!
~ VIVA COSTA RICA! ~
Today, Rachel arrived at the children’s homes here at the A. P. Her case was an “emergency” due to the fact that PANI was in the process of shutting down the children’s home where she was living. There is currently an investigation in process. Rachel is sweet 9 yr. old who makes good grades in school. She has meshed with the other “big” girls in her house (Angela and Sharon). Rachel has been declared abandoned, so it’s possible that she could get an adoptive family soon.
This summer has been extremely busy for us, however, in all the chaos the Lord never stops challenging us. Recently, someone shared a word of encouragement. They told us that the Abraham Project is a lighthouse in our marginal community. It has been placed as a beacon light to warn others of impending danger, and secondly, the A.P. is a beachhead in enemy territory. A beachhead is a defended position on a beach, taken from the enemy, from which an attack can be launched! We have a strategic mission to accomplish! As part of God’s army, we are tirelessly working the frontlines on behalf of all the little people who cannot defend themselves. During the past couple of months, we have hosted groups from Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, and Washington. They have helped in every way imaginable: cleaning gutters, painting buildings and fences at the A.P., concrete work, working in the daycare, activities with the children in the homes, working at a local feeding program, sharing at a cell group for unwed mothers, and much more. For the third year in a row, Team Kentucky was able to go to Rincon de Osa (in the southernmost part of Costa Rica) to aide a church in a rural community. They sanded and painted the inside walls, mixed concrete by hand in order to build a sidewalk and columns in front of the church. We are thrilled to be able to help the body of Christ in tangible ways!
It seemed that since the beginning of the year we had been a bit stagnant. Turn over in the homes had come to a stand still. After our trip to the U.S earlier this year, we began calling our local PANI offices soliciting more cases. For some strange reason, nothing was happening. We had a couple of calls here and there but not much to speak of. However, over the past couple of months, we have received call after call soliciting space for sibling groups and individual kids. Thankfully, we have been able to fill the vacancies and currently have 15 children here.
Last month, we hosted a church from Virginia for the very first time They brought with them professional classical musicians and an opera singer. One afternoon they gave a private concert for the children in the homes! What a special treat! The concert was very much an interactive experience as they musicians involved the kids as much as possible. Afterwards, the kids were able to ask questions about their particular instruments (cello, violin, and flute) and received some hands-on training. These kinds of experiences are invaluable! They help broaden the children’s horizons and allows them to dream of perhaps doing something similar themselves one day!
We are fighting for the wellbeing of every child in our homes. By giving to Operation Abraham you are contributing to the neediest ones. Proverbs 28:20 says, “A faithful man will abound with blessings…” The Lord will not forget your commitment to the children of Costa Rica!
We are extremely grateful that a local swimming facility called Aquanautas has provided free swimming lessons for one of the boys in our homes. Jefreson's instructor has told us that he has natural ability in the water. Jefreson loves going to the pool and showing off for us! Thank you Aquanautas for giving Jefreson a helping hand!
Today we received two sisters, Jimena and Scarlett. Their case was an emergency due to the fact that they were in a high risk domestic violence situation. Since the girl’s arrival, they have been in lots of trouble at home and in the daycare. House parents, Esteban & Gabby have their hands full! The girl's mother is having to go through treatment for domestic abuse victims before she has any hope of recovering her daughters.
On July 22nd, Magiel left the children’s home with his adoptive parents, Carlos and Roxanna! Magiel arrived here when he was only 5 months old. We thought he would be with us a short time, however, his case got stuck in the court system and we have worked hard to get it resolved. Magiel would pray for parents and grandparents. In God’s infinite mercy, He not only gave him what he asked for, but also gave him a great grandma! Thankfully, 4 years later, he has been placed with a family who will love him and give him the opportunities in life he deserves!
Yamil arrived here from the province of Puntarenas on the Pacific coast. He was already placed in a Catholic institution, but they asked to have him moved because he didn’t fit their profile. Supposedly, Yamil’s teacher told them that he had a slight mental retardation (she diagnosed him without a proper evaluation or exams). Armed with that information, the other home asked to have him removed. Yamil’s biological mother is unstable and has presented a number of problems that have jeopardized the boy. In November 2012, PANI began the judicial process to declare Yamil abandoned. Unfortunately, his mother has appealed the process along the way, prolonging the final outcome.
Summer internships are HUGE around here. We were privileged to host 11 young people over the course of the summer that came to serve. We have come to admire these kids because they are willing to raise funds, leave home for a number of months, and give selflessly of themselves. We are very aware that they could be doing a number of other things (like: working a summer job, spending time with friends & family, etc...). We are so grateful for the quality interns God has sent our way!
This morning we received a brother and sister in our homes. Kevin (9 yrs.) and Maria (6 yrs.) have been living with their father who is constantly drunk and inattentive to their needs. Their mother has abandoned the children and is living elsewhere. Kevin has taken on a “parental” role with his little sister in that he keeps their meager home clean, he cooks for her, and makes sure they go to school. Upon arriving at the A.P., he seemed subdued and frightened. Maria is much more extroverted and seems pretty happy to be here. Please pray that Kevin and Maria will feel the love of Jesus in this place and come to know Him in a personal way.
We count it a privilege to receive each child here at the Abraham Project homes. The work our house parents do is invaluable. They receive each child with open arms, helping them know that they are unique and loved. They provide a home, education, food, and lodging, but above all, they share the good news of Jesus Christ with them. Our tíos will never know the extent of their mission and ministry on this earth, but we are confident that they will hear those words, “Well done good and faithful servant.” With that said, we are happy to have our most recent newcomer. God brought us a special delivery. Jennifer came to us straight from the hospital. She was only 19 days old! She is the youngest of six siblings who have been neglected and physically abused by their mother. The father has some of the older siblings and a couple have been adopted. When she arrived, Jennifer had visitations with her mother. However, they have since been suspended due to the fact that her mother stopped coming to see her. We are hoping she can be declared abandoned soon and adopted by a good family!
The kids in the homes are in full swing at school. Isaac and Roberto have made excellent grades this year with the goal of getting exempt from their final exams at the end of the year. Great incentive! The brothers ran for student body President and Vice President at school this year. They promised to help fix the leaky faucets in the school bathrooms. Steve told them that if they won we would see about getting a team over there to fulfill their promise. After the voting process was over, the boys did not win. However, the experience was invaluable and a great learning opportunity for both of them.
Anthony and Sol have been our challenges this year. Both have brought home multiple notes from their teachers complaining of incessant talking in class, standing up without permission, disrespecting the teacher, and so on. Anthony is super smart. He just doesn’t apply himself at school. Sol is making a huge transition from kindergarten to first grade, that alone can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, both have spent a good deal of time in consequences with Tío Steve. Please pray that they would see the importance of a good education and straighten up and fly right!
Sharon and Angela have been tutoring diligently in Math. They girls made excellent grades on their last round of exams. We’re so proud of them for their effort and hard work.
Last weekend, the children in Gaby & Esteban’s house went on a field trip to the beach. Our psychologist and social worker accompanied them. Our social worker is a member at Hotel Condovac and was able to get the kids and the tíos in to use the facilities for the day. The trip was a memorable experience for the kids. Everyone come home nice and tan with lots of neat stories.
Once again, thanks to all our supporters for conscientiously giving to the kids. We know that your gift is a sacrifice and do not take it lightly. God sees your diligence and we trust that He will reward you exceedingly for all you do!
Over the years, we have had the privilege of hosting teams from a ministry based in McKinney, Texas called Joshua Expeditions. Joshua Expeditions brings high school students down in order to enjoy the host country and serve at a local ministry. This past week, we hosted a Joshua team from Pennsylvania that got down and got dirty. Among their “chores” was cleaning out a gutter outside the project. The owner of the lot never cuts the grass and it has overgrown into the gutter. With rainy season here, the gutter has gotten clogged up with debris. These kids worked hard to unclog that mess and did a lot of other things around the A.P. They were a tremendous blessing!
