Although Costa Rica is known most widely as a luxurious tourist attraction, the day to day lives of the people who live there paint a very different picture. Tucked away out of sight of the beaches and hotels are sprawling villages constructed of nothing but sheet metal, often literally inches deep in mud. High in the mountains, similar conditions exist as people live in windowless government housing, starkly isolated from the bustle of the city. In Costa Rica, you will experience the paradox of abundant wealth existing alongside deep poverty as you reach out through street evangelism, drama, and children’s ministry to those deep in the city and those so isolated they have never set foot in a city. You will have the opportunity to reach out to both rich and poor with the hope of the gospel, teaching them and coming to a deeper realization yourself that Jesus really is the Savior of people from every background imaginable.
Mission Trips & Dates
Trip R July 8 – July 15 | $899
Ministry Rating: 3 of 5
Physical Rating: 3 of 5
Must be 13 years old by trip start date
These are “meet you there” mission trips which begin and end in Costa Rica.
A Missionary’s Story
Rain and more rain. Amazing to see children who are not bothered by the rains at all. They love to play no matter what the weather. VBS was held inside the church and more importantly the teams made many new friends. Since the team has been working on painting the school for the children they have been able to see many of them continually. When they break for recess they love to run around the team, giggling and laughing the whole time. After all, the painting is being done while they are in session. The amazing thing is that even as the children are running and having a great time, our focus is still ministry. Painting is important but the friendships made will last a lifetime.
The team received a hand written letter as we left today from one of the students that read (translated):
“This is from me to you all! I wanted to give you a present but I have money enough just for this. Mommy and I don’t have money but this goes with all my heart. I wanted to tell you that I love you all and that I will miss you after you leave. I want to ask you that through this (the letter) you can remember me. I cannot give you better gift than this because you understand now that I don’t have money but I give you this with my heart in my hand, thanks for everything” signed, Meylin Y.
Quick Facts
Background: Although explored by the Spanish early in the 16th century, initial attempts at colonizing Costa Rica proved unsuccessful due to a combination of factors, including: disease from mosquito-infested swamps, brutal heat, resistance by natives, and pirate raids. It was not until 1563 that a permanent settlement of Cartago was established in the cooler, fertile central highlands. The area remained a colony for some two and a half centuries. In 1821, Costa Rica became one of several Central American provinces that jointly declared their independence from Spain. Two years later it joined the United Provinces of Central America, but this federation disintegrated in 1838, at which time Costa Rica proclaimed its sovereignty and independence. Since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred the country’s democratic development. In 1949, Costa Rica dissolved its armed forces. Although it still maintains a large agricultural sector, Costa Rica has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism industries. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread.
Area: total: 51,100 sq km
country comparison to the world: 130
land: 51,060 sq km
water: 40 sq km
note: includes Isla del Coco
Area – comparative: slightly smaller than West Virginia
Climate: tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands
Terrain: coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes
Nationality: noun: Costa Rican(s)
adjective: Costa Rican
Ethnic groups: white (including mestizo) 94%, black 3%, Amerindian 1%, Chinese 1%, other 1%
Languages: Spanish (official), English
Religions: Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, Jehovah’s Witnesses 1.3%, other Protestant 0.7%, other 4.8%, none 3.2%
Population: 4,576,562 (July 2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 123
Age structure: 0-14 years: 24.6% (male 574,876/female 549,664)
15-64 years: 69.1% (male 1,588,940/female 1,571,573)
65 years and over: 6.4% (male 135,017/female 156,492) (2011 est.)
Source: CIA World Factbook, 2011
Ministry Partner
Coming Soon!
Language Training
Basic Sayings (5):
Hello
¡Hola!
My name is ________.
Mi nombre es ________.
OR
Me llamo _________.
How are you?
¿Cómo estás?
What is your name?
¿Cuál es tu nombre?
Nice to meet you.
Mucho gusto.
Basic Questions (5):
How old are you?
¿Cuántos años tienes?
Do you go to school?
¿Tu va a la escuela?
Do you speak any English?
Tu hablas Ingles?
How many kids do you have?
¿Cuántos hijos tiene?
How do you say _______ ?
¿Cómo se dice_________?
Ministry Sayings (5):
God hears our prayers
Dios escucha nuestras oraciones
God can do miracles.
Dios puede hacer milagros.
We must put our trust in God.
Tenemos que poner nuestra confianza en Dios.
Jesus loves you.
Jesús te ama.
God bless you.
Dios de bendiga.
Ministry Questions (5):
What do you think about God?
¿Qué piensa usted acerca de Dios?
Can I pray with you?
¿Puedo orar con usted?
Do you know who Jesus Christ is?
¿Sabes quién es Jesucristo?
What do you think?
¿Qué piensa usted?
Would you like to trust Jesus and
have Him be your One, True, God?
¿Te gustaría confiar en Jesús y
Pedirle que sea su único y verdadero Dios?
Testimony Introduction:
I like your country and I am happy here. I have come here _______, because God changed my life and I wanted to share my story with you. Will you please listen to what I have to say?
Me gusta tu país y estoy feliz aquí. He venido a_______, porque Dios cambió mi vida y queríacompartir mi historia con usted. Haga el favor deescuchar lo que tengo que decir?
Gospel Introduction:
God created you and he loves you. He has made it possible for you to know him and to have eternal life. Can I tell you how?
Dios te creó y te ama. Él ha hecho lo posible para que usted lo conozca y que tenga vida eterna.¿Puedo saber cómo?
Mission Trips Details
Coming Soon!
Packing List
Required Items
• One carry on (generally a backpack)
• One sleeping bag, pillow, and sheet
• One large duffle bag (airline regulation says it must be less than 50 lbs.)
• Bible, notebook, and pen
• Nalgene or Wide mouth water bottle
• Mini flashlight and batteries
• Battery operated alarm clock
Clothing
• 5-6 shirts, with no political, secular music/movie messages.
• 5-6 pairs of pants (light weight hiking pants or khakis)
• 1 church outfit (Girls: dress, skirt, or dress pants. Boys: khakis and collared shirt)
• Pajamas, undergarments, and socks (enough for 8 days)
• Light jacket or nice sweatshirt, nothing with stains or holes
• Hat and sunglasses
• Rain boots and poncho(rainy season in Costa Rica)
Toiletries
• 1-2 towel(s), wet wipes, and washcloth
• Sunscreen (at least SPF 30)
• Anti-diarrhea medicine (preferably tablets), Kaopectate or pill equivalent
• Anti-bacterial hand wipes and antibacterial hand sanitizer
• Personal Items: shampoo, razor, toothbrush, chap stick, vitamins, toothbrush, etc.
• Band aids, cold medicine, Aspirin/Tylenol
• Anti-itch Cream
• Bug Spray
Food
• 1 plastic jar of Peanut Butter (28oz)
• 1 squeeze bottle of Jelly (22oz)
*Due to airline regulations, your PB&J must be packed in your checked baggage, but make sure it’s easily accessible because it will be collected upon registration.
*All Team Leaders, Country Assistances’ and Nannies are also required to bring 1 jar of peanut butter and one squeeze bottle of jelly.
Optional Miscellaneous Items
• $6 cash for Costa Rica Calling Card
• Spending money (suggested $50 US per week)
• Small bills are a must (nothing larger than $20 bills)
• Camera and film
• iPod or MP3 player (free of secular music)
• Books for travel time (free of secular authors)
• Universal Power Adapter suitable for Costa Rica
• Clown costumes, face paint, balloons, cansy and toys for kids.
• Raincoat or poncho
• Powdered drink mix (Gatorade), candy, gum, granola bars, etc.
**Theft is always a possibility when you travel. Please don’t bring anything that you can’t afford to lose. We recommend that you label items with your full name.
**Make sure that all your luggage meets standard flight check in codes (No more than 50 lbs., not a suitcase) and that it can be easily carried by you!
Mission Trip Leadership
Trip R: Chris and Mandy Lyda
Chris and Mandy Lyda are a powerful team who are ready to advance the gospel. By listening to them and hearing about their relationship with the Lord we have no doubt that the lives of students and nationals will be changed while they lead the trip this summer. Throughout the years they have enjoyed co-leading trips to South Africa, California, Russia, and Peru. They have been involved as youth pastors for many years and are continuing to serve in the church while raising their two children. The Lord has put an undying passion inside of them for the gospel and they love the Lord with everything they have. We have no doubt you will be blessed this summer as you serve alongside them.