Sharing in Costa Rica
By Lillian Solt*
The year 2023, allowed us to reach out to over 4,605 people as we shared the love of Jesus through various programs. Our medical clinic was constantly busy.
Many people needed relief from physical pain as well as spiritual discomfort. We have had the opportunity to share the gospel and see lives transformed because of your partnership.
We had to subsidize many patients. 57 were seen in dentistry for $6,926. About 110 were seen in the clinic, costing $4,038, and four were attended by an orthodontist for $1,509. Specialties such as ultrasounds, physiotherapy, and laboratory work came to $2,837 for the 88 patients we helped in these ways. Altogether, subsidies of $15,310 enabled hundreds of impoverished people to receive medical treatment.
In our Kids and Elderly Clubs, we served 4,780 hot meals for 105 children and 40 elderly men and women. Our staff programmed 300 hours of events for Kids and the Elderly. Children need to wear uniforms when they go to school, but 68 could not afford this expense, so we provided their uniforms. We also had sufficient resources for 125 backpacks. This year, we managed four scholarships for the neediest families, allowing those children to continue their education.
Many families in our community cannot provide sufficient food for their children. One account is set money aside for emergencies and we delivered 185 food bags. Each bag allows a family of five to enjoy balanced meals for 15 days. This year, one of the more creative areas of service was a new partnership with churches and individuals. They provided a long-term, sustainable nutritional solution. 400 baby chicks were brought to these families, and the results have been satisfactory.
Of course, food supplies, medical help, and educational assistance are only a part of the face of poverty in our community. Many families complain about a leaky roof, and struggle for the most basic standard of life. Of course, this means putting off any remodeling or home repairs. Our team of volunteers evaluated the needs around our clinic, and we helped eight families that were living in shacks. Repairs to electrical wiring meant light at night and power for kitchen gadgets, but also helped guarantee against an unwelcome fire breaking out, destroying everything. Clogged toilets and minor repairs like these help the men of the families learn how to better care for their wives and children. Many other problems required our time this year, often on an emergency basis.
We were blessed by three mission teams that came to Costa Rica this year. Through all of this, we praise the Lord for the impact we had on many families. Many of them had no hope when they met us, but through various kinds of service, the generosity of many made it possible for us to reach out in love and compassion.
*Lillian Solt is a missionary with United World Mission, UWM. LAM partners with UWM in several projects and programs.
