Apopka Church Members Serve God In Costa Rica
posted on August 02, 2011, under Church by communication
by Kathy Fairchild
A sewing class for the women of Villa Real, Costa Rica, was taught to provide income and clothing for their families. (Photo: Kathy Fairchild)
Sounds of singing and laughter periodically interrupted the low hum of sewing machines as women of Villa Real, Costa Rica, learned to sew. Their goal was to gain a skill that would enhance their families’ lives by providing clothing for them, as well as create items they could sell to supplement their meager incomes.
An unexpected benefit was the apparent boost of self-confidence seen in the women. Excitement levels rose as the women modeled their creations while their smiles reflected a sense of accomplishment. After seeing her “modeling” picture, one woman whispered to the interpreter, “I am pretty! I thought I was ugly.”
Four new sewing machines were left in the care and keeping of one woman who is conducting a sewing co-op. Women are already excitedly making items to sell, often working late into the evening. The sewing co-op is a life-changing opportunity which these women won’t let slip away!
A group of practicing dentists from across the United States who are not Adventist Church members gladly accepted the invitation to serve in mission dentistry while taking a course in advanced extraction techniques. Pictured: Gayle Fletcher, D.D.S., from Houston, Texas, demonstrates a procedure while Apopka Church member Daniel Quevedo, D.D.S., far right, and other volunteer dentists observe. "It was a win-win opportunity for all of us to sharpen our skills under supervision while advancing the medical dentistry mission," says Quevedo. (Photo: Melissa Quevedo)
Several members of Apopka Church have traveled to help the people of Costa Rica since 1999 when an evangelistic meeting was conducted in the small town of Villa Real on the Pacific Coast near Tomarindo. From those humble beginnings, two families were baptized, and, today, several more families now worship with the church.
Over the years, projects of the Apopka Church have included holding a Vacation Bible School (VBS) in two locations, constructing a church building, making home improvements, and providing clothing as well as free medical/dental services. This year, several dentists from around the United States joined Apopka Church member Daniel Quevedo, D.D.S., to serve the needs of 180 residents who could not afford dental care. In addition, health screening clinics were conducted, and a one-week evangelistic meeting was well-attended.
Children of Villa Real, Costa Rica, enjoyed the Vacation Bible School conducted for them by Apopka Church members. One team member remarked, "I can't get over how caring the children are for each other." (Photo: Kathy Fairchild)
The people of Costa Rica are warm, friendly, and caring. One new team member remarked, “I can’t get over how caring the children are for each other. Every child is always looking out for their siblings and playmates.”
Another team member commented, “I learned a lot from the struggles they are going through. We go through struggles here, but we have greater resources available.”
The Apopka team is eagerly anticipating next July when they can again live out the Apopka Church motto in Costa Rica, “Living For Others That Others May Live.”
More information about the Apopka Church’s mission trips is online at www.apopkamissions.com