Julie Dalton

Hello again from Purral, Costa Rica.  We left La Campina, the place we are staying, at 6am to get an early start.  When we arrived at La Vina Purral, some of the men were already working on building the rafters.  Our team members began sweeping water out of the building as it rained quite a bit last night.  Others began putting up the canopy and getting ready for the day.

Men from Purral, Palmares, and Mishawaka all worked together to build and put up the rafters.  By the end of work time, all five rafters had been put up.  Thank you, God, for helping us!  This is a big accomplishment because the rest of the work on the roof will go more quickly. 

The men were also mixing concrete to pour on the floor to make it level.  The Costa Ricans have an interesting way of mixing the concrete.  They put a mound of it in the middle of the street.  Then they formed a hole in the middle and added water with a hose.  Several men began using shovels to turn the concrete over and mix it very, very quickly.  They carried it into the building in large buckets on their shoulders.  When the rain began, they worked even more quickly so the concrete would not be washed down the road.

At 9am, many team members helped with a carnival for the neighborhood children.  We had three bouncy houses and several games.  Children received prizes after each game they played.  They were so excited and had a great time. Even some of the women were excited to receive prizes. It was a pleasure to give to them.  Then the rain came, the prizes were gone, and the carnival was over.

After lunch, several of us went on a prayer walk around the city.  We saw the plot of land the government wants to give to the church.  It is in an area with a high crime rate.  The government believes the presence of a church will benefit the area.  The pastor truly has a heart for these people.

It began to rain as we continued on our walk, and we came across a very old homeless man.  We asked his name and if we could pray for him. He said his name was Oso and he was cold.  He was soaking wet since he had no shelter. Someone said, “None of us has a sweatshirt.” Then I felt God move in my heart and I said, “I do.”  (It was under my poncho.)  I took it off and put it around him.  How could I not when I have four more at home?  Then I heard God again.  I gave him my poncho.  I would be wet and cold for a few hours. How long has this man been wet and cold?  Harold, one of the locals on the walk with us, shared the gospel with Oso and he accepted Christ.  It didn’t solve his medical or living condition, but it changed his spiritual condition. As this isn’t over for Oso, I will pray for him. Also, some locals will follow up with him.

At the end of the day, Rayner shared how earlier, he saw the men of the Purral church working together to assemble the new church sign.  It was wonderful to see them working as a team to help in the progress of their church and the possibilities for future ministry.

One more day left with hopes to accomplish a lot. Thank you for your prayers.

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