costa rica / north america

Spiritual Climate

In 1970, 2.5% of the population claimed to be evangelical. That number has increased to 15%. However, because many pastors lack resources and team help, evangelical churches lose as many members as they gain because of inadequate discipleship and pastoral care. This results in hurting and searching people leaving the evangelical church and joining other false-teaching religions and sects or giving up altogether. About two-thirds of Costa Ricans are under 30 years old, many of which choose lifestyles of violence and immorality and suffer from addictions to drugs and alcohol. With so many young people within Costa Rica's borders, youth ministry and discipleship of new believers are critically needed.

Ground-Level Perspectives

Costa Rica is constitutionally a Roman Catholic country, although the number of practicing Catholics has dropped over the last decade to about 75% of the population. About 15% are evangelical Christians. Costa Rica is also one of the major senders of its own missionaries, often to Muslim nations. The church is vital and enthusiastic, but suffers from a lack of depth in its doctrine and training. Few pastors have theological training.
— Gary & Karen Shogren

More about Costa Rica

A Couple Raw Facts


Diagram

Evangelical churches lose almost as many as they gather. Many unattached evangelicals and many more “ex-evangelicals” have returned to the Catholic Church, turned to sects or given up on religion altogether.

Illistration

Ministry to young people is essential, given that two-thirds of Costa Ricans are under age 30. As with many other nations, alcoholism, drug addiction, violence and immorality plague this generation.

 

History & Future

Entered
2008

WorldVenture History in Costa Rica

WorldVenture first entered Costa Rica in the mid 2000s. Since then, it has served as a language training location for missionaries serving in the Spanish speaking world. WorldVenture has also been highly involved Evangelical Seminary for Pastoral Studies (ESEPA) in the areas of leadership development and education.

Today &
Tomorrow

Costa Rica Team Goals

The WorldVenture team in Costa Rica envisions growth by adding ministries such as business as mission projects and educational ministries that facilitate spiritual growth and discipleship.

5 Global
Objectives

WorldVenture Global Objectives

  1. Evangelizing the Peoples of the World
    • Relationships being cultivated with non-believers
    • Decisions to follow Christ
    • Believers baptized
    • People engaged in intentional discipleship
    • Bible verses translated and Christian resources created or translated
  2. Extending Grace
    • People helped through development assistance
    • People provided with medical and health assistance
    • People helped toward justice who are in illegal, immoral, dangerous, exploited circumstances
    • People helped directly through disaster relief
  3. Establishing Churches
    • New churches established
    • Daughter churches established
  4. Equipping Leaders
    • Leaders being trained for ministry through formal contexts
    • Leaders being trained for ministry through non-formal contexts
    • TCKs (third culture kids) being equipped
    • 360º leaders being equipped
  5. Encouraging Mission Movements
    • National Christians preparing to become cross-cultural missionaries
    • National churches engaged in cross-cultural missions
    • National church groups engaged in cross-cultural missions

Living Here

 

FOOD & HOUSING

Rent is higher in Costa Rica than it is in much of the USA, as are utilities; gasoline is much more expensive. More and more we can get American food, and we even have a new Walmart next door to the seminary. Nevertheless, prices are high compared to the USA. We get our fruits and vegetables from the local fería (outdoor farmers’ market), where you get can pick up wonderful pineapples, tomatoes, avocados, mangos, anything you like, year-round and cheaply. The national dish is “gallo pinto,” which is black beans and rice, served with meat or fried eggs.
— Gary & Karen Shogren

COMMUNITY

Costa Ricans are outgoing and will meet and sit down for coffee whenever they get the chance. There is a large emphasis on family, and even distant relatives keep in touch with each other and attend family parties together.
— Gary & Karen Shogren

 

WEATHER & ENVIRONMENT

Costa Rica has two seasons every year, the rainy season (May-December) and the dry (December-May). During rainy season we have torrential rain and thunder nearly every afternoon. For half the year, make sure you take an umbrella! Costa Rica is not a large country, but its climate varies dramatically. In the central plateau, where San José is, it is about 74-80 degrees year-round. Near the coast or in the rain forests it gets closer to 100 degrees.
— Gary & Karen Shogren

 

LANGUAGE & CULTURE

Spanish is the official language, with five indigenous dialects in tribal areas. The Costa Ricans, or as they call themselves, “Ticos,” pride themselves on their 'pure' form of Spanish. They are also very proud of their culture, with its emphasis on family, democratic government, education and local culture. On national holidays everyone participates in evening marches with torches or in folk dancing and music.
— Gary & Karen Shogren


Local News

The following is a live news feed mirrored from an independent news service, and offers a current stream of headlines coming out of the country. WorldVenture does not control headlines, but only "mirrors" them from other websites.

costa rica source:bbc - Google News
Latam 'gang of four' agree to scrap trade tariffs - BBC News

Latam 'gang of four' agree to scrap trade tariffs
BBC News
By Gideon Long BBC News, Cali, Colombia. Chile president Chile's president: "Probably the most successful" integration in Latin ... Costa Rica has formally asked to join the bloc. Countries as diverse as Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Australia and ...


Thursday, May 23, 2013 5:02:27 PM

'Gang of four' aims to shake up Latam trade - BBC News

'Gang of four' aims to shake up Latam trade
BBC News
By Gideon Long BBC News, Cali, Colombia. Juan Eduardo Errazuriz Businessman Juan Eduardo Errazuriz is in favour of the new ... Costa Rica and Panama want to join it. Countries as diverse as Canada, Japan, New Zealand and Uruguay have asked for ...


Wednesday, May 22, 2013 6:04:50 PM

Costa Rica's president in scandal over 'drugs' jet - BBC News

BBC News

Costa Rica's president in scandal over 'drugs' jet
BBC News
Revelations that Costa Rica's president used the jet of a Colombian with alleged links to drugs trafficking have led to three high-profile resignations. The head of intelligence and security, Mauricio Boraschi, and presidential aide Irene Pacheco ...


Friday, May 17, 2013 6:53:34 AM

Nicaragua cloud forest 'under siege' - BBC News

BBC News

Nicaragua cloud forest 'under siege'
BBC News
Matt McGrath By Matt McGrath Environment correspondent, BBC News. Bosawas forest ... The Mayangna are calling on President Obama, who is meeting with regional leaders in Costa Rica, to support their battle against invaders. They say the forest is ...


Friday, May 03, 2013 3:59:22 AM

World's media lament decline in freedom - BBC News

BBC News

World's media lament decline in freedom
BBC News
Seven international broadcasters, including the BBC, meanwhile condemn challenges to what they describe as their "legitimate role" in offering free access to global media and coverage of events. Protester stands holds a banner calling for press freedom ...


Friday, May 03, 2013 10:06:53 AM

This feed has 5 articles on 1 page

Opportunities

Opportunity TitleMinimum StayMaximum StayWorld AreaCountryOppSummaryOppResponsibilitiesOppRequirementsOppID
College / Seminary Professors1 YearLifetimeSouth AmericaCosta RicaESEPA BIBLE COLLEGE AND SEMINARY is seeking missionary professors to teach full-time in San José, Costa Rica. ESEPA is an evangelical, non-denominational organization with programs on the bachelor, master and diploma level. It has been prominent in preparing leaders throughout Spanish-speaking America (see esepa.org).Due to retirement on the one hand and growing programs on the other, we find ourselves in need of professors, both generalists and those with training in the following areas: Old Testament Education or Christian Education Missions or Missiology Appropriate training and credentials. Spanish speaking. All teaching, administration and student interaction is done in Spanish. Excellent language training is available at the Instituto de Lengua Española, a short distance from ESEPA’s campus. Preference is given to those with experience in Latin culture.1789

We're Open to New Ideas

We have many opportunities requested by our teams, but we're open to new ideas. God has moved us into over 60 countries by bringing us people with vision, passion and calling. If you don't find an opportunity that fits, or doesn't fully fit ... let's talk. Our first priority is relationship (i.e. "Are we a good fit for each other? You and WorldVenture"). Once that is clear, we will walk with you into almost anything.

Are you interested?

Get Started

If you'd like to learn more, we'd like to make that happen. We have a simple online tool to get better acquainted. Use the button to the right. It's not an application and involves no obligation.

Projects

Missionary Team


Jordan & Marie Foote

Serving through Business Development in the Spanish-Speaking World


Gary & Karen Shogren

Serving in theological education in Costa Rica


C.J. & Mary Mihalko

Partnering with Costa Ricans to make disciples

Evangelizing the Peoples of the World

With respect for people and their cultures, we communicate, by word and deed, the full scope of biblical truth and, especially, the gospel. We make disciples of Jesus Christ among all peoples through different kinds of evangelism..

Relationships Being Cultivated with Non-Believers

We seek to build and nurture authentic relationships with people who have no knowledge of Jesus Christ with whom we can share our faith. Paul asks, 'How are they to believe in the one they have not heard of?' Romans 10:14. The answer is that they can't. It is our desire for those who have never heard the gospel or never understood it to have the chance know God. Many times a true opportunity to hear the gospel requires an environment of trust and friendship first.

Scriptures: Matt 28:18-20, Rom 10:14, 1 John 4:19.

 

Decisions to Follow Christ

We recognize both the internal conversion of the heart and external profession of faith as milestones in the journey of obedience to Jesus Christ. We encourage new believers to identify themselves as Christ-followers in ways that are recognized as authentic in the local context.

Scriptures: Romans 10:10, Matthew 5:14-16, Eph. 4:20-24, Mark 16:15 .

 

Believers Baptized

Baptism is another external milestone in the journey of obedience for a new believer. We encourage new Christ-followers to further identified themselves with Jesus Christ and the local community of faith through baptism by immersion.

Scriptures: Romans 6:3-6, Galatians 3:27, Matthew 28:19-20.

 

People Engaged in Intentional Discipleship

We nurture reasonable steps taken to pursue spiritual growth and evangelism from Christians and non-Christians. This often looks like greater depth in comprehending biblical truths and expressing their growing faith in ways meaningfully in their own culture.

Scriptures: Hebrews 10: 24-25, Eph. 4:11-17, Matthew 28: 18-20.

 

Bible Verses Translated and Christian Resources Created or Translated

We actively invest time and talent into Bible translation and creation of Christian media knowing that these investments will expand and deepen the influence of the gospel in a culture.

Scriptures: Acts 2:8-11, Philippians 2:9-11, Acts 13:47-49, Acts 8:26-39.

Extending Grace

Following the example of Jesus, we address human suffering and practical needs everywhere we share the gospel, whether it be through individual acts of mercy or community-wide programs.

Helping People through Development Assistance

Lasting community development is only achieved by insiders. Meaning, we assisted people in their own development efforts in the areas of acquiring sustainable food, water, shelter, literacy, vocational training, education, and employment. Our explicit goal is empowerment, dignity, and community ownership.

Scriptures: Deuteronomy 10:18, 1 Samuel 2:8, Psalm 145:15-16, Luke 12:33.

 

People Provided with Medical & Health Assistance

The grace and blessing of medical care where there is no other access to medical help is one of the longest standing outreaches of WorldVenture. Our hospitals and rural clinics dot some of the most difficult locations in the world.

Scriptures: Jeremiah 33:6, Isaiah 40:29, Matt 19:2.

 

Justice for those in Illegal, Immoral, & Dangerous Circumstances

We seek out those who have become vulnerable and fallen to the advantage of other people. We advocate for them within available legal systems, or we build exits and avenues for them to leave their circumstances.

Scriptures: Isaiah 43:2, Psalm 72:4, Isaiah 51:4-5, Ezekiel 34:15-16, Psalm 82:3-4.

 

Helping People Directly through Disaster Relief

In large scale disasters which are within locations we have workers and churches, we bring help directly to the people effected by the disaster. Our networks are often the most established in the communities to the point that larger relief organizations will defer to us on the ground. Yet our strategies always extend past the immediate response to include some form of rebuilding and restoration.

Scriptures: 1 Cor 16:1-4, Psalm 145:15-16, Philippians 4:19.

 

Establishing Churches

Building his church is central to Jesus’ purposes. We strive to establish healthy local churches that will establish other churches, resulting in church planting movements.

New Churches Established

Recognizing that church planting is typically more of a process rather than a one-time event, we speak of a church as being "established" when the local church and its local sister churches recognize it as such. We value real growth of the church, and use milestones like this to give us benchmarks to celebrate.

Scriptures: Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 15:20-21, Matthew 18:20, 1 Timothy 4:13, Acts 16:4-5.

 

Daughter Churches Established

 Another milestone we encourage as a mark of a maturing church is the multiplication of daughter churches. More than anything this is a sign of the outward growth and maturity of the faith community.

Scriptures: Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 16:4-5, Romans 15:20-21, Ephesians 2:19-22.

 

Equipping Leaders

We develop leaders who are able to lead others in contextualizing and maximizing their Kingdom impact – locally, regionally, and around the world.

Leaders Being Trained for Ministry through Formal Contexts

Leadership Development

Our workers staff numberous formal seminaries and bible schools as teachers or administrators. We know that people being equipped in and for ministry through formal degree/diploma granting institutions is an investment in the future health and vitality of the church.

Scriptures: Proverbs 2:10-11, Luke 2:45-47, Proverbs 1:1-7.

 

Leaders being Trained for Ministry through Non-Formal Contexts

Leadership Development

In addition to formal academic training, we encourage leadership development through non-formal ministry training seminars, courses, and programs. These programs are equally as powerful for deepening and establishing churches through informed and mature lay leaders.

Scriptures: Psalm 32:8, Psalm 119:105, John 10:3-4.

 

TCKs (Third Culture Kids) being Equipped

Experience has taught us that some of the most natural and effective future missionaries come from the children of our current missionaries. Not only does the investment in these children make it possible for their parents to work in remote locations, most of the international schools in which we partner encourage the personal ministry and impact these children can have while on the field.

Scriptures: Deuteronomy 4:9, Matthew 18:2-5, 1 Timothy 4:12.

 

"360º Leaders" being Equipped

Our 360° vision for impacting societies recognizes that there are a handful of key roads to impacting in any given city or provence or people group. For example, business and media are key influencers in a society, but often fall outside designated leadership tracks like pastors and teachers. We encourage the development of Christian leaders who will influence society through business, politics, medicine, media, social justice, and family and community development.

Scriptures: John 17:15-19, Colossians 3:23-24, 1 Corinthians 14:12, Romans 12:6-8, Matthew 25:23.

 

Encouraging Mission Movements

We will encourage individuals, churches, and church movements everywhere to connect with each other and other organizations, creating international relationships for networking, collaborating, and partnering to do missions “from everywhere to everywhere.”

National Christians Preparing to Become Missionaries

We encourage the natural progression of a maturing national church by advocating for the training and development of national Christians to become missionaries. Crossing-cultures is always difficult, even for those who are born and raised in multi-lingual, multi-cultural environments, and preparation can be a key element in the succeess of a national missionary.

Scriptures: Psalm 144:1, Galations 3:28, Psalm 32:8, Isaiah 61:1.

 

National Churches Engaged in Cross-Cultural Missions

In addition to individuals going out as missionaries, we encourage national churches to engage in missions.

Scriptures: Romans 10:15, John 15:1-27, Matthew 9:35-38.

 

National Church Groups Engaged in Cross-Cultural Missions

From the individual to the church and then finally to the multi-church association, we encourage many national church groups and church associations to engaged in missions. We seek a culture of outward movement and self-sacrifice as a healthy part of a national church.

Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, 2 Corinthians 9:10-12, Romans 10:15.

 

GLOBAL OBJECTIVES

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