Costa Rica Mission Trip

Past Projects

February 2004 - Siquerres: We were one of 3 teams to build the pastor’s house. We were the last team on the job so we did a lot of plastering and painting. We also met a young blind boy who needed a walker in order to attend school by himself. The team sent a walker back several months later!
February 2005 - Rio Claro: We were one of 2 teams to build a Sunday school building. We were the last team on the job. We painted, ran the electricity, added a bathroom and built furniture.
February 2006 - Cocori (San Isidro): We were one of two teams to build Pastor William’s home and again the last team on the job. We poured the concrete floor, wired the home, assisted with the plumbing by digging ditches, added the ceiling tiles and secured the home with bars.

Digging Septic Tank Trench 2006 Lowering Septic Tank Pipe 2006 Parsonage 2006

Not Just Construction
Far more important than the construction are the relationships we build through our sharing about Christ. The local children attend a Vacation Bible School that we arrange. This is always the highlight of the trip. Everyone gets to participate and the kids enjoy the activities. We also take a morning or afternoon to visit a local school. We conduct a mini Bible School for them or just to go visit and distribute school supplies.

Vacation Bible School 2006 Vacation Bible School 2007

Costs

We attempt to raise all funds necessary for the trip through donations and fundraisers. In the past, we have been successful thanks to our generous church members. Typically the cost is $1,000 per team member with a minimum of 12 team members per team and a maximum of 20 members. This includes airfare, building supplies, lodging, in country transportation, and meals on site. Fluctuations in airfare are what determine final cost.

Missionary

All of our projects have been organized by a special man by the name of Chuck Wheat. He first went to Costa Rica after the 1991 earthquake hit Limon on the Atlantic side of the country. Chuck went to help rebuild homes and hasn’t stopped since. He has built 51 buildings including Sunday school rooms, churches, pastor’s homes, a Methodist camp, and even more rooms for a hospice. Over the past few years, Chuck’s health has been declining and this could possibly be his last project. His desire is to build a temple at Cocori.

Chuck Wheat (on left)

2007 Mission Project

Completed Cocori Sanctuary Cocori Pastor & His Family 2007 Completed Cocori Sanctuary

2008 MISSION PROJECT

February 18 - 27, 2008

We will be adding a roof to a gymnasium and building additional bathrooms at a United Methodist Youth Camp in El Peje. The location is about one hour south of Cocori where we built the sanctuary in 2007. As well as hosting Vacation Bible School for the children, we will also provide food baskets and school uniforms to families that need them. The food baskets are a part of a new ministry called 'Rice and Beans'. For more information on 'Rice and Beans' visit their website at www.riceandbeansministries.com.

HOW CAN YOU HELP IN 2008? Either by becoming a member of the team, praying for the team, donating items for our fundraisers or trip, or making a monetary donation to the team.

If you would like to make a donation, please make your check payable to Cokesbury Methodist Church and add Costa Rica Mission to the memo line. Mail to: Cokesbury UMC, 4990 Dorchester Road, N. Charleston, SC 29418

Costa Rica Mission Team 2006 Costa Rica Mission Team # 2 2007

If you would like more information or are interested in joining a team or leading one, please fill out the following short form.