Carolina Forest Community Church
Serving In Costa Rica
February 2, 2024
Community: Nicoya
Partner: Iglesia Mejores Dias
Staff: Connie Mairena, Zoe Pérez, Jeric Montealto, Gabriel David Bentancourt Cortes
Meet the Staff!
by Zoe Pérez | February 2, 2024 4:07 PM
Meet the staff: Connie, Jeric, Gabriel, and Zoe. We are excited to serve alongside you this week!!!
We Made it to Nambi!
by Zoe Pérez | February 2, 2024 7:42 PM
We made it safe and sound to Alto Impacto, Nambi! We are looking forward to seeing what God has in store for us!
Meeting our Friends Again
by Gabriel David Bentancourt Cortes | February 2, 2024 9:12 PM
Team Meeting
by Zoe Pérez | February 2, 2024 9:14 PM
After a really delicious dinner we had our first team meeting. Connie reminded us of some of the rules, and shared with us the schedule for tomorrow.
Meal Prep
by Zoe Pérez | February 3, 2024 9:28 AM
Some of the girls on the team are having a good time with one of the cooks peeling potatoes for our lunch!
House Project Day 1
by Zoe Pérez | February 3, 2024 9:37 AM
Feeding Program at Alto Impacto
by Zoe Pérez | February 3, 2024 11:33 AM
We had the first feeding program for today. Jeanne shared a story about the 99 sheep and how Jesus goes and looks for us when we are lost. Also, we played some games, got some bracelets and tattoos, and we played with water as well.
Feeding Program at San Martín
by Zoe Pérez | February 3, 2024 2:14 PM
There you go! We had so much fun our second time doing the feeding program at San Martín. We love this church and it’s community!
Grocery Shopping
by Zoe Pérez | February 3, 2024 4:44 PM
This afternoon we went to the grocery store to buy all the supplies for Food Distribution ministry. We’re excited to see what God will do through this ministry!
Construction
by Zoe Pérez | February 3, 2024 5:05 PM
Prayer Time for the Food
by Gabriel David Bentancourt Cortes | February 3, 2024 9:11 PM
Meeting Time
by Gabriel David Bentancourt Cortes | February 3, 2024 9:28 PM
Getting Ready for the Service
by Gabriel Cortes | February 4, 2024 10:01 AM
After we had breakfast, we started setting some benches, the sound and everything for the service. We’re excited to worship and praise the Lord with our brothers and sisters.
Iron Sharpens Iron
by Gabriel David Bentancourt Cortes | February 4, 2024 11:39 AM
Bingo Time!
by Jeric Montealto | February 4, 2024 3:56 PM
We’re glad to be able to share and have so much fun with our brothers and sisters from the community playing some bingo. We’re giving away many prizes, including a Bible in each one! God's still doing good things.
Sunday’s Meeting
by Gabriel Cortes | February 4, 2024 9:38 PM
Today we closed the day with a meeting where each one gave their testimony of how the Holy Spirit was shown through people. It was a special day where in the morning we had an incredible Sunday service and we ended up with bingo. God has been good these days and we hope that it will be like that the rest of the week.
Time with Pastor Dimas
by Gabriel Bentancourt Cortes | February 5, 2024 12:21 PM
This morning we shared some time with Pastor Dimas and Pastora. It was such a blessing to hear their testimonies that even if we have heard it before it always teaches us something different. At the end we took some time to pray for them and bless them with some food as well.
Food Distribution
by Gabriel Cortes | February 5, 2024 1:11 PM
The team had the opportunity to see Paula again. She told us the process she has been going through with her family and how her newborn baby died for a few seconds and then lived by the grace of God.
Food Distribution
by Gabriel Cortes | February 5, 2024 2:38 PM
During the food distribution, we visited Christofer. His mother told us how after his traffic accident the doctors said that there was no hope but she as a mother prayed for her son. Her faith in God makes him now a living testimony that God is powerful.
Construction
by Gabriel Cortes | February 5, 2024 2:46 PM
Food Distribution
by Gabriel David Bentancourt Cortes | February 5, 2024 8:59 PM
Prep for Animals’ Food
by Gabriel David Bentancourt Cortes | February 5, 2024 9:19 PM
We were also dividing all the waste that Pastor and Pastora picked up to feed all the animals on the farm. We had really good conversations and so much fun while doing it!
Time for Highlights
by Gabriel David Bentancourt Cortes | February 5, 2024 9:27 PM
One More Soul for the Lord
by Jeric Montealto | February 6, 2024 12:23 PM
Today, during food distribution, we had the opportunity to visit Don Efraín. He is going through cancer and he decided to accept Jesus in his heart today. We are sure that the Holy Spirit was there and we praise the Lord for what he is doing!
Miracle of Healing
by Jeric Montealto | February 6, 2024 12:30 PM
Construction
by Gabriel Cortes | February 6, 2024 1:19 PM
This morning part of the team continued to lay the floor of the house. At the same time another part of the team continued with the construction of the roof for the rainy season.
Lunch Time!
by Jeric Montealto | February 6, 2024 6:58 PM
Lunch time with pastora was amazing! Sharing stories, laughing together and testifying how good our God is was incredible. We are beyond happy with everything God has done! More is coming and you will see it!
See You Later Service
by Jeric Montealto | February 7, 2024 8:36 AM
Last night we had our see you later service, and as always it is hard to say good bye. We are really grateful not only for all the miracles and blessings that God let us see during this week but also for the love of this community. We said good bye hoping to see them all when we come back!
Team Meeting
by Jeric Montealto | February 7, 2024 8:53 AM
REC Day
by Gabriel Cortes | February 7, 2024 10:37 AM
Rec day is here!! After an amazing week of serving we are happy to have fun doing different activities.
Last Meeting in CR
by Jeric Montealto | February 7, 2024 9:44 PM
We just had our last meeting and we decided to wrap up by saying some words to encourage each other. What better way to finish this amazing week because this is not the end. We finished a week of hard work in CR but we'll keep working for the kingdom as God wants us to.
Continue Your Impact
by Praying Pelican Missions | February 8, 2024 11:57 PM
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Comments
Linda Weindel
February 9, 2024 8:44 AM
Wishing you all safe journeys back home! We loved seeing all the photos and can't wait for our turn in November!!!
Michelina Goetz
February 8, 2024 1:14 PM
You all are doing a terrific job! God bless you all!
Emily Ferreira
February 7, 2024 8:16 PM
looked like yall had an amazing time on your rec day! cannot wait to hear stories and see you mom and dad! fly home safe everyone!
Connie Sidor
February 7, 2024 2:58 PM
God Bless each and everyone of you. The work you are doing is so beautiful. Be safe. Enjoy Costa Rica. Return safetly.
Dave Baker
February 7, 2024 10:09 AM
May God continue his work through you and it will be for his glory. Amen ?
Rick J.
February 7, 2024 6:15 AM
It is marvelous to see the Lord confirming His Word with signs and wonders. You have journeyed well! May the remaining days be as rewarding.
Yvonne Burnette
February 6, 2024 9:34 PM
Good eve my Costa Rica mission trip brothers & sisters…..I wish so much that I was there with you. My time in CR was both heartwarming & heartbreaking. It was life changing as everyone said it would be. God touched me profoundly during my first trip and I CANNOT WAIT to go back again. My prayer is that God will watch over you and guide you through journey…..that you will teach many about our amazing, gracious & loving Jesus. Good bless each of you….??????
Cila Domingos
February 6, 2024 8:53 PM
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Oh how I wish I was there with you all. I hope and pray that this trip will be a life-changing experience for all of you. It certainly was for me! The greatest gift is to be able to give back to God. Know that you are His ambassadors here on earth. Through our Costa Rica family, you will feel the love & compassion of Christ. Enjoy every moment doing for others. It is the most rewarding gift. As you give of yourself to a people that have nothing, they give you back more than riches could never buy. Please give my love to my surrogate son Pastor Dimas and his beautiful family. Be safe, looking forward to hearing about how this mission trip changed your life!
Leslie Dietz
February 6, 2024 7:34 PM
Happy blessed birthday to you Caleb from Randy and me. We hope you have had an amazing day? Also hello to Dean...We missed you last night but Bob did a great job filling in. We prayed for the Costa Rica team and our friends on the prayer team. We look forward to hearing all of the amazing things God did on this trip. Praying for safe travels for the team??. May God continue to bless the work that He has already done. Amen
Emily Ferreira
February 6, 2024 6:39 PM
p.s. have fun on your rec day!!!
Emily Ferreira
February 6, 2024 6:38 PM
happy birthday Caleb from me and Zowie!!! have the greatest day ever! such an amazing way to celebrate your birthday!
Martha Hasty
February 6, 2024 2:51 PM
Wow! Salvations/Healings…these last couple of pictures today brought tears to my eyes! I can’t wait to hear from my girls the story behind these pictures!! “I’ve witnessed your faithfulness so I pour out my praise again Your worthy, Your worthy of all of it”…You guys are witnessing it!! Praise the Lord!!
Christy Adkins
February 6, 2024 2:34 PM
Praise God for another flower brought to the cross today! Thank you all who lead him to Christ.
Carolyn Cloutier
February 6, 2024 1:40 PM
Happy birthday, Caleb!
Kris Locke
February 6, 2024 12:07 PM
Happy Birthday, Caleb!!! Miss you bud. Thanks for your leadership and the way you are pouring into my boys!
Jack Henry Huggins
February 6, 2024 11:13 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALEB
Tillman Locke
February 6, 2024 11:12 AM
Felíz Cumpleaños Caleb!!!
Tammy Johnson
February 6, 2024 9:53 AM
Grace and peace to everyone as you go out and shine the love of Christ. Your work will have lasting impact for the people on the community, and also in your hearts and minds. What an awesome God we serve!!
Zane Ekster
February 6, 2024 9:35 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALEB
Linda
February 6, 2024 7:25 AM
Good morning g Jeanne and Dave and all Praying Pelicans. I’m just thinking of what the day will bring and also praying for guidance, grace and God’s glory in every step.
Anna Locke
February 6, 2024 5:17 AM
As I was praying for you all this morning, I was led to pray for streams of living water to flow through you as you minister and to refresh you as you work. This led me to pray Isaiah 58:11 over you: “May the Lord guide you always; may He satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail” as the thirsty come to drink from the overflow of your life! To our precious friends, we love what God is doing in you and are pouring out in prayer over you as you are there!
Betty DiCostanzo
February 5, 2024 9:59 PM
Wow! quite a trek to make your deliveries. God bless you & the recipients.
Betty DiCostanzo
February 5, 2024 9:01 PM
To the team, Kudos to the construction team. Send pics of their completed projects and them doing their happy dance! - Betty May you be blessed as you continue to do the Lord’s work. I look forward to see you all come safely - Joe
Kasey and Jared
February 5, 2024 6:36 PM
Thank you Lillian, Rosie, and Ricardo for keeping everyone well-fed! ❤️
Thomas Critelli (Chaquito Blanquito)
February 5, 2024 5:59 PM
Wow. It looks like an amazing time! Really missing you guys and everyone there! Continuing to pray over each of you. Praying for life change and that you’ll see God’s hand in each parts of ministry you’re doing. Especially in the “down time.” Hoping big Tom and Dean are learning more Spanish this trip! Love you guys! Excited to hear all about it!
Kasey and Jared
February 5, 2024 5:39 PM
Great work on the hike everyone, there is so much good being done and so much love being shared. Sending lots of love!
Margie P
February 5, 2024 5:20 PM
What an awesome opportunity to share your gifts and see how God uses us for good. Can’t wait to hear more when you return. Love you Jeanne and Dave!
Kris Locke
February 5, 2024 3:31 PM
Todays pictures of all that occurred is amazing (and I know these images probably only captured a small amount of all you are doing)! You all are awesome!
Dave Baker
February 5, 2024 3:01 PM
Gods will being accomplished. Praise his holy name.
Linda Weindel
February 5, 2024 2:49 PM
I love seeing the joy in all these photos. What a wonderful job you are all doing, so proud of you all!
Emily Ferreira
February 5, 2024 2:44 PM
yall are doing amazing! love hearing some of the stories already from the captions! caleb we missed you at unite yesterday, but we are seeing the amazing work that your doing and it’s so amazing, so proud of you!
Julia Ferreira
February 5, 2024 2:11 PM
So amazing to see these pictures and all you guys are doing for the glory of God! I can’t wait to hear all stories when you all come back I know God is working through every one of y’all. Miss you and love you mom and dad!
Lee Sonnhalter
February 5, 2024 1:43 PM
Amazing testimony from the mom whose child died and then lived by God's grace. I am praying for each one of you as you do God's will.
Leslie Dietz
February 5, 2024 12:37 PM
What a beautiful picture of God's children praying for Pastor Demas and his family. The Monday night prayer team will be praying for each of you also tonight. We know the team, with God's help, will finish His work well in Costa Rica this trip and will bring you all safely home. I'm sure you each will have your own personal testimony to share how the Lord used you and made your service to Him so special. You will forever be changed. To God be the Glory!
connie sotomayor
February 5, 2024 12:33 PM
Hi, Connie and Rick here, I thank my God, for you very brave and wonderful people of Christ. It does my heart so good to see you all following in The Masters Footsteps. Holy Spirit Be with you. Signs and wonders following. Amen
Tracy, Casey, and Lawton Fulford
February 5, 2024 10:46 AM
Wow!! What an encouragement to see the CFCC community back in Costa Rica!! God works in some amazing ways when we serve others. We know without a shadow of a doubt that He will work through each one of you if you let Him. Please love on each of the children and adults with all that you have- regardless of if you can speak Spanish!! As we learned last trip, they sometimes know more English than you realize haha Also, special shout out to Terri!
Carolyn Cloutier
February 5, 2024 9:04 AM
Hey team!!! Looking at the photos and seeing what you’re up to is my highlight of the day! God is using you with our tico brothers and sisters to glorify Jesus in mighty ways! Keep being open to the Holy Spirit’s leading and prompting. Keep trusting God even if it doesn’t make sense in the moment. Praying for you always! 🧡
Dave Baker
February 5, 2024 6:21 AM
Praying for the love of Christ to be seen in each one and may the Holy Spirit manifest through all. Amen 🙏
Sarah Collins
February 5, 2024 5:51 AM
I always enjoy reading the daily journal updates and seeing all the ways God is moving and working! Charles, I love that you preached about Iron Sharpening Iron, Friends Sharpening Friends because you and Brooke do that SO well. You two are truly something special and I can't wait to hear all about this week when you're home! Mr.Dean, we missed you in Kid's World yesterday but we know God is using you big time in CR!
Rick J.
February 5, 2024 5:50 AM
Praying for Jesus to reveal Himself to all in a new, refreshing way. May all become more like Him as you work with Him and for Him.
Madyson
February 4, 2024 9:15 PM
Looks like so much fun. It’s so amazing to see God moving through y’all! I miss yall mom and andy! Can’t wait for yall to get back and share your stories!!
Tillman Locke
February 4, 2024 9:06 PM
Church Fam! I am so hyped for you guys! It is such a blessing to see how God is working through all of you in Costa Rica to further His kingdom! I miss you all so much, and i'm constantly praying for you guys! Tell Caleb to stay out of trouble, and y'all have a blessed week!
Zane Ekster
February 4, 2024 9:04 PM
This all looks incredible. Send everyone my love I miss them all so much. God is MOVING! I love to see it! Praying for you guys a LOT! Cannot wait to see and hear all about the trip i wish i was with you all! Caleb i miss you a ton (but i moss Rick John and Charles more)
Emily Ferreira
February 4, 2024 8:29 PM
hi church family! today at church pastor tyler talked about the gifts that god sends to us, i just wanted to give you some encouragement that if ministry is a gift you feel like was sent to you from god then seek towards that gift, tyler had also said that if you don’t go and share your gift, your hurting the people that were meant to receive that gift from you. god sent you to costa rica for a reason, he knows that each and everyone one of you guys has a gift to share to people in costa rica, so go and share the beautiful gift god gave you! and it can be scary at first, but when you pray for god to lead you through it he will be there ever single time helping you! hope this encourages some of yall! missed you all at church today ! mom and dad it was amazing to see your faces light up with joy when we were on the phone today the smile we get in costa rica is un comparable to any smile that worldly things give us, i miss and love you mom and dad!❤️😊
Linda
February 4, 2024 2:20 PM
It’s 3:00 here in the states. I’m sitting and thinking of what the day has been like for the Praying Pelicans and the adults and children that you all encountered. The experienced and spiritual connections that are being made must be life changing for everyone. Praying is a universal language. The world becomes more beautiful when more and more people choose God first! Thank You ALL… God Bless you Jeanne and Dave and all your new found family members.
Cathy Weatherford
February 4, 2024 1:53 PM
Hello everyone! To all you first timers from a first timer. Bet you never in a million years knew that you could feel so much love from a community in such a short time. Soak up every minute cause it’s truly a blessing to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Tell everyone that Barney Fife and Thelma Lou said hey!!
Jodi Critelli
February 4, 2024 1:24 PM
May God Bless you all as you serve Him and minister to others. You are all God’s representatives , to Him be the Glory!! 1 Peter 4:10
Martha Hasty
February 4, 2024 9:59 AM
Hey friends! When I was thinking about how to encourage you guys the Holy Spirit brought to my mind Romans 8:9 and that as believers you are not in the realm of the flesh, but are in the realm of the Spirit…and earlier in ch 8 it says the mind governed by the Spirit is LIFE and PEACE. This is my prayer over you now.
Kasey and Jared
February 4, 2024 7:49 AM
It's so wonderful to see that everyone made it safe and sound and to see all of the good that everyone is doing in God's name. Continue to be safe. Love to Jeanne, Dave, and everyone!
Becky Schutt
February 4, 2024 6:28 AM
Get ready to see miracles happen but be sure to put on your armor because there will be spiritual warfare because the devil doesn't like what you are doing and accomplishing in the name of Jesus
Albert & Wendy Gilbert
February 4, 2024 5:40 AM
May God's presence continue to fill every moment and do what only HE can do. We love you all.
Leslie Dietz
February 3, 2024 9:32 PM
May each of you get great rest tonight. Looks like you had a great first day and this is only the beginning. May God continue to bless and direct each and every day/minute you are there. May He bless you and your hard work abundantly. We are praying for you ❣️
Becky Schutt
February 3, 2024 5:54 PM
Looks like things are moving along smoothly, love seeing the pictures and hearing all about the trip. God has wonderful plans for the people of Costa Rica and you all are carrying out His mission. Thank you all for saying "yes" to His call. I will continue to pray for you all (especially Jeanne and Dave)
Linda
February 3, 2024 5:21 PM
Hello Jeanne and Dave and all Praying Pelicans. It really is amazing to see the photos. The change that can happen in life in less than 24 hours is powerful when God is your leader. The photos certainly show how quickly bonds are being formed and how quickly love takes over. Thank you for sharing and caring. Continue to spread joy and truth.
Emily Ferreira
February 3, 2024 4:51 PM
hope everything is doing great! mom and dad i miss you dearly and i cannot wait for your guys stories! i get so excited when an email pops up and says that yall posted again, i love seeing the updates! praying for you guys!❤️🙏🏼
Glen Gunther & Ann Dass Gunther
February 3, 2024 4:50 PM
You are all THE BEST! Love everyone in the background getting in the picture with BIG SMILES! ?
Elvia Ware
February 3, 2024 3:04 PM
Hola Familia en Costa Rica, que Dios los bendiga y los proteja. Disfruten al máximo su estadía en ese bello país. Estoy ansiosa por escuchar todo lo que Dios ya esta haciendo en sus vidas y en las vidas de nuestros hermanos costarricenses por medio de ustedes. Los amo en Christo.
Chris & Bill Dare
February 3, 2024 1:55 PM
Thankful you all arrived safely. May your time there be a blessing as you minister to the people of Costa Rica. Prayers that God’s presence will be felt deeply. Much love!
Leslie Huggins
February 3, 2024 1:07 PM
Hey there, Costa Rica team! I am so glad you guys made it there safely! Please know I am praying for each of you throughout your time there. I cannot imagine the fun you are already having, connecting and ministering to the community-wish I was alongside you! Don't forget to stop and take in the power of HIS presence all around you and let HIS Holy Spirit work on and in you. Sending love and prayers...don't forget to have lots and lots of laughs too! ❤️
Zane Ekster
February 3, 2024 12:24 PM
Looks amazing!! Praying for you all! Sending everyone my love great things are happening can’t wait to hear all about the trip! CALEB I MISS YOU!
Lee Sonnhalter
February 3, 2024 10:41 AM
Thanking our faithful Father for your safe arrival and we're eager to see how He will work in y'all and through y'all this week.
Leslie Dietz
February 3, 2024 10:39 AM
Oops my prayer emojis turned into question marks...I have no question that the Lord will bless all of you for your faithfulness in serving Him.
Leslie Dietz
February 3, 2024 10:37 AM
So grateful for this journal that we can see the work being done in Costa Rica ...from the simple (peeling potatoes) to the complex (construction projects) the Lord is in it all. I know our prayer team is diligently praying for our teammates...John, Dave and Jeanne and Dean. May God bless all of you as you serve Him with excellence ???
Roger Shepherd
February 3, 2024 8:53 AM
So glad you’re there safe and sound! I have been and will continue to pray for you as you minister to the people there. A special hello to Pastor Demas! I am so sad that I am not there with you— I’m sure Charles and Brooke shared with you the reason I had to cancel.— please continue to pray for our dearest friend Linda, who is dying of liver cancer— I’ve been praying the Welcoming Prayer—(I changed the word. Welcome to Surrender(-:)— I surrender everything that comes to me today, because I know it’s for my healing. I surrender all thoughts, feelings, emotions, persons, situation‘s and conditions. I let go of my desire for power and control. I let go of my desire for affection, esteem, approval, and pleasure. I let go of my desire for survival and security. I let go of my desire to change any situation, condition, person, or myself. I open to the love and presence of God and God’s action within. Amen Love you all!!! Roger
Kris Locke
February 3, 2024 8:46 AM
I’m thankful that you all arrived safely and pray that you were able to get some rest. Praying Gal 5:13 over you all this week. “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” For Andy and Scott, I just keep picturing you both at our house at small group being very open about hearing God say “send me.” Thank you for your obedience to our Lord and Savior!
Linda Weindel
February 3, 2024 7:39 AM
So happy you have arrived safely! Looking forward to seeing how you spread joy and love to all you encounter!
Dave Baker
February 3, 2024 5:59 AM
Praise be to God for the safe trip. Have a blessed day.
Betty & Joe DiCostanzo
February 2, 2024 10:30 PM
Glad you made it safely. Praying God keeps you all well that you may accomplish all the work that needs done.
Gloria Gibbons
February 2, 2024 10:24 PM
Blessings to all. So proud of Andy & Jennifer.
Emily Ferreira
February 2, 2024 10:13 PM
Hey rick! I am back with more trip journal comments and since i have my parents on this trip get ready for a comment everyday 😆!! but don’t worry i will make sure i spell things correctly and there will be no mistakes! anyway, i miss you already mom and dad, and if this is some of y’all’s first trips to CR then your in for a very special treat! hope you guys have the best time ever, and cannot wait to see updates, praying for you guys! don’t forget to say hi to my kiddos for me! love you all, and stay safe!❤️
Be blessed in your time with our brothers and sisters in Costa Rica 🙏🙏🙏🙏
February 2, 2024 9:15 PM
Blessed in your service and fellowship with our Costa Rica brothers and sisters 🙏🙏🙏
Leslie Dietz
February 2, 2024 8:35 PM
We praise the Lord for your safe arrival. Praying that the Lord guides each of your steps while you are there to do the job He chooses for you. We thank each of you for your service to the Lord and ask that He bless you as you bless others. To God be the glory.
Yvonne
February 2, 2024 7:56 PM
So glad you made if safe & sound……have an amazing time with our dear friends and share God’s love with them. Thank you for all your hard work while your there with these amazing friends….. God bless each of you. Yvonne
Ron Forrer
February 2, 2024 7:56 PM
19 of God's chosen. (Well, except for maybe Dean and Tom.) 😇 Praying over all you have to do, for health, safety and an abundance of blessings for all.
Becky Schutt
February 2, 2024 7:22 PM
I will be praying for you as you are soon to begin life changing work as Gods hands and feet
Linda
February 2, 2024 6:44 PM
A restful sleep to all!