Ministry and Medical Needs Update

From the desk of
Samuel Nolasco
APDO 129-2350
San Jose, Costa Rica, Central America
nolascoincostarica@hotmail.com
June 2, 2008
Dear Friends in Christ,
Greetings from Costa Rica in the name of our wonderful Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I want to take this opportunity to give you an update on the ministry here as well as on my surgeries and on the funds needed to complete the procedures.
Each year on August the 2nd , Costa Rican Catholics (over 90% of the population) pay homage to a 3 centimeter tall, black stone idol which they call the Mother of the Angels or the Negrita. People journey from all over Costa Rica, doing the last fourteen or so miles on foot. The “devout” actually walk on their knees for the last 500 feet in worship of their idol which is housed in the Basilica in Cartago. They come to pray to the Negrita, bringing gifts of gold and silver, and even food. In this country of over four million, half of the population will make the journey to worship this idol, believing she will bless them for the next year. Each year we hand out gospel tracts to those in the crowds who will accept them. We want to thank those of you who have provided us with gospel tracts and Bibles in the past, and share our need for more of both as we prepare for August 2nd and the multitudes of the lost. Pray with us that their eyes will be opened to the Truth.
As of today, I have received $7,082. toward the initial needed amount of $20,400 for my surgeries. Early last week, it was determined that I would need a bone graft on the left side of my upper jaw. This would be an additional $3,200. Since future procedures could not be done until the bone graft was completed and healed, I prayerfully made the decision to go forward with the graft. It was done on Thursday, May 29th. It will take at least a couple of weeks to heal before another procedure can be done. I am very thankful that God allowed me to find a dental surgeon who was willing to work with me as funds come available, and although I am still far from having the amount needed to complete the work, I am trusting that God through His people will provide what is needed.
I ask that you would continue to pray concerning my need and the procedures; that all would go well, that I would heal quickly, and that I will be able to manage the pain. Pray also that hearts will be touched to help with the funds needed to complete all the procedures. I am most grateful to those of you who have already helped with funding, and humbly pray that if it be God´s will others would also be willing to help me in this time of need.
May God´s richest blessings be yours.


In Christ,

Samuel Nolasco