About 4 years ago, Pastor Edgar Ponce opened his home to a few of the children from his congregation for a meal or two. Norma (his wife) just made extra for their family and shared. When the number of "guests" outnumbered their family on a regular basis, Edgar decided to began a ministry of feeding the children two nutritious meals each day. They are now feeding 85 chidren 10 meals each week. Women in the church (mothers of some of the children) prepare breakfast and lunch. The program has grown so much that these women now receive a small salary for their efforts. In a community with nearly 50% unemployment, even a small income is better than none. The program is called Panes y Peces. Students of Spanish will know this means Loaves and Fishes. While our team is in Costa Rica, we will worship with this congregation. The worship service is quiet different than the one we experience in our Methodist Churches. For sure, no one will fall asleep for it is full of music, dancing and story telling.
Panes y Peces brings families to the church. They now have a weekly youth worship service in addition to the regular Sunday worship. In addition to attending worship there on Sunday (August 2) will may have a work project at the church even if for only one day. Projects such as renovating the current restrooms in the church, adding a woodshop, adding a room for the sewing machines, and making room for a small library are projects that are on the list for summer 2009.
With the arrival of summer break, I hope that team members are finding time to do some extra reading about Costa Rica. What makes this country so very different than most countries in the world? One day, we'll get the answers to all these questions. Blessings.
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