Costa Rica Earthquake Update

Costa Rica is still recovering from the quake that hit here on Jan. 8th. Yesterday authorities called off the recovery efforts. The area is still being shaken by tremors and the area is just too unstable to continue, putting the lives of recovery personnel in danger. There are still at least 7 people unaccounted for, but the search for them is over for the present. OVSICORI geologists have continued to keep a close watch on Poas Volcano even though they feel fairly certain that the quake did not disturb the magma pool under the volcano and there has not been any increase in volcanic activity. Geologists have also been keeping a close watch on other faults in the quake area, but are reporting that none appear to have been activated by the quake. We are still having hundreds of tremors (aftershocks) daily, but they are becoming less frequent and of less magnitude.

We and Costa Rica appreciate your continued prayers.

Earthquake Update

We want to thank you for your prayers during this time of grief and hardship for the people of Costa Rica. As of this morning there are 25 known fatalities and 64 people are still missing, several of them are tourists who were in the area of the epicenter. Both of those numbers is expected to increase. We have had over 2200 aftershocks and these will continue for possibly days or weeks until the fault stabilizes. Recovery operations are hampered because of the danger of more landslides. Help is coming in from outside the country. The US military (from a base in Honduras) sent in 4 helicopters and 35 personnel to help with the rescue and recovery operations. Columbia sent one of it military helicopters and crew also. Most of the rescue and recovery operations have been by air because the ground is very unstable.

A close watch is being kept on Poas Volcano. Immediately after the quake, there was an increase in fumarole activity which has since subsided. There was some structural damage to the walls of the principle crater as well. However, at this time the national geological institute OVSICORI is reporting that the volcano shows no signs of increased activity. They will, of course, continue to be very watchful.

The quake occurred on a local fault called the Rio Sarapiqui Fault. This fault is part of the surface evidence of the location where the Caribbean and the Cocos Tectonic Plates converge many miles underground.

Several folks have contacted us thinking that our ministry location was affected by the quake because they have heard the name Cartago mentioned in news reports. We minister in the city of Cartago. One of the mountain villages severely damaged is called Los Cartagos.I am including photos with this post. I did not take them myself but rather got them from the Costa Rican news agencies websites.

Your continued prayers are much appreciated.

Urgent Need of Prayer

We urgently need your prayers here in Costa Rica. Yesterday at 1:21 p.m. we were hit by the most damaging earthquake Costa Rica has had in 118 years. It registered at 6.2 and the epicenter was some 10 kilometers from Poas Volcano. The damage is extensive due to the mountainous nature of the area. There are 14 known dead so far as of 7 a.m. today with dozens missing and feared buried under landslides. It is raining in the mountains this morning which is seriously hampering rescue operations, and increasing the possibility of more landslides. Entire communities are cut off as many miles of roads totally disappeared and bridges are gone as well. The Red Cross is trying to get into those areas by helicopter and the latest report is that the U.S. military in Honduras is sending down two large helicopters to help airlift people out. So far we have had over 1500 aftershocks and OVSICORI (the earthquake/volcano people) are advising that this may go on for an indefinite period of time. The epicenter was 35 kilometers NNW of San Jose where we live. We were shaken up quite a bit, but suffered no major damage. The quake was caused by movement of a local fault system (not tectonic or subductive). Geologists are keeping a close watch on Poas Volcano because the epicenter was quite close to the principle crater. Will try to keep everyone updated as much as possible.

Shall We Gather at the River

Yesterday, December 14, 2008, we had the honor and privilege to baptize five new believers. This is a very important, and for many, a very difficult step of obedience in a new believer´s life of faith.

The journey to the river is always a joyous ocassion. We left the church in Ochomogo at 7 a.m. and made the hour and a half-long trip by bus to the river above the town of Cachi. It is a beautiful place in the clouds above the Orosi Valley. A few hundred feet from the pool we use is a rustic cabin that we rent for the services. It is tranquil and pleasant there. We want to share some photos of the day with you.

On reaching the cabin, Samuel opened the service with a greeting to all that had come to join the celebration of this special time.

The Scripture reading followed and was taken from Matthew 3:1-17. This passage speaks of the baptism of Jesus Christ. Bro. William, the head deacon of the church, brought a wonderful message about baptism and what it symbolizes in the life of a Christian.

After the message, those who were to be baptized came forward and Samuel spoke to them briefly about what following Christ in baptism meant to each of them personally. Afterwards, we all gathered around them to pray for them and their obedient walk with Christ.

Together we walked upstream to the pool where we baptize. The pool was clear and the water was brisk.

Doña Oliva wept with joy as she was baptized. She is a cancer survivor and has no doubt of the miracle God performed in her life.

Xiomara was the youngest of those baptized. She is 13. Her mother and older sister were also baptized.

Doña Maria Elena is a very special friend to us. Almost from the beginning of our ministry here in Costa Rica, she opened her home to us for Bible study, for the ladies outreach, for the July puppet-VBS ministry. She has listened to the gospel of Jesus Christ for over 6 years, and a few months ago she came forward for salvation. This was a joyous day for us and for her as well. Both of her daughters , Xiomara and Catalina, were baptized as well.

Catalina, Xiomara´s older sister and Doña Maria Elena´s daughter, was also baptized. Samuel had the privilege of conducting her wedding just a few weeks ago. We are praying that her husband will soon be making a decision for Christ.

Don Maximillan (Max) was baptized as well. He is Doña Oliva´s fiance and they hope to be married soon. They wanted Jesus in their lives before saying their wedding vows to one another.

We ask that you would keep these five in your prayers as they begin their new lives in obedience to Christ.

We want to share a few more photos with you.

Clouds rolling over the mountaintops and into the valley.

The waterfall at the head of the valley as seen from the cabin.

This couple are very special people, Don Fernando Chinchilla and his wife, Doña Mayela. They own the cabin where we have the services before walking up to the pool, and where we have lunch and fellowship after the baptism. Doña Mayela had a huge pot of hot coffee waiting for us when we returned from the pool. They both accepted Christ 4 years ago and are faithful witnesses of how He can change lives. Pray for them. Doña Mayela has been battling cancer and Don Fernando has lost a leg. Despite the hardships they are and have suffered, they joyously proclaim that it is all to God´s glory.

Blessings to you all.

Share the Blessings 2008

This year of 2008 is passing quickly and once again that special season when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ draws near. What a beautiful and blessed time it is as we remember God's gift to mankind! For many of us it is not only a time to remember what has been done for us, but it is also a time to remember what we can do for others.

Last year, because of donations, we were able to provide a Christmas gift for over 70 children. How folks responded was such a blessing and now the time has come again.

This year we need help to provide a gift for 28 children. We know each of these children personally and we know the situations of poverty in which they are living. We are praying that we will be able to raise $20 per child. The funds will be used to purchase such gifts as clothing, shoes, and school supplies as well as personal items like toothbrushes and shampoo. If you feel lead to sponsor one of these children (or more than one) it would be a tremendous blessing in the young life of one who has known so little love and kindness. If you wish to help you can contact us either at our email address valledelcid2@gmail.com or by leaving a comment on this post or you can send donations to us through our home church: Maranatha Baptist Church; 1111 Outer W. Broadway; Madisonville, KY 42431. Be sure to designate that the donation is for Share the Blessings 2008. We would be most grateful for your help and your prayers.

Here are pictures of the children we will be giving a gift to this year.

Blessings to you and yours!