NEWSLETTER FOR JUNE 2008

As we continue our journey, it has truly been amazing to see

God working.  He keeps revealing His will for our lives like we

never expected.

If we walk in faith, trust in His power, and be obedient to

       His will we cannot fail.

Nothing is impossible with God!!

The swinging bridge is the entrance to the property.  This makes a unique entrance to the retreat.

The farmhouse on the property is old and very simple in construction.  But we can use that as a residence until God provides something else.  Mary said she can get use to cooking on a wood stove.

Hello Again,

   This past month for us has really been an amazing time.  We have had so much going on in our lives, and God has really been wonderful.  We were able to go to Florida for a Mission Conference at our home church, Gadara Baptist Church at Keystone Heights, Florida.  We had a wonderful time visiting with our church family, hearing all the wonderful messages, and being able to share what God is doing in our lives.  We made some new friends and God opened some new doors for us in order that we may do His will more completely.  Will Anthony, our associate pastor arranged an opportunity to have lunch with 2 wonderful men of God, Dr. Brian Shephard and Andres Lavanderos.  Dr. Shephard provided us the opportunity to allow us to share online courses with Pastors and lay people here in Costa Rica.  These courses will be a wonderful addition to our Bible Institute that we are working on starting here.  This will help us to disciple the people here and in other countries in God's Word.  God has truly blessed us. 

   We have been in prayer about the future, and God has been showing us the direction we need to take.  We believe God wants us to open a place here in Costa Rica that can serve Him in numerous ways.  We are considering a piece of property in southern Costa Rica near a town called Rio Claro.  This area is in the mountains and would reach people that have very limited opportunities to hear God's Word.  The property is 52 acres of land that is currently 1/3 pastureland and 2/3 rain forest.  There is a stream with a water fall on the property, and it is a short hiking distance to 2 large water falls.  Costa Rica is famous for it's water falls.  It has a small farmhouse on it, but has the potential of providing so much more.  We would be able to build a retreat area that would be wonderful for teaching and training people.  We could build a building that could  serve not only for the Bible Institute, but could be used also as a church for the area.  This would take care of a great need.  In addition, we would be able to build a retreat area where people could come and get away from the cities to worship God without the outside distractions of city life.  We could even make this retreat available to churches from the United States to bring groups too, enjoy the beautiful Costa Rican scenery, relax, and worship God in a setting that would definitely enhance the experience.  This would enable us to offset some of the costs of operation, and allow us to provide more opportunities for  the local people.   There is no limit to the possibilities this area could provide in the future for serving God.  We are trusting God that he will provide the funds needed for this venture.  We can obtain this property for $137,000 (which is an excellent price in Costa Rica).  This would be in addition to the funding we need for our expenses.  We know that this is a huge undertaking, but we know God is in control and will make this happen if it is His will.  We are calling on churches, companies, and individuals to share in this work for God.  Please partner with us in serving God in a way that can have an impact we never imagined.  When we came to Costa Rica, I never imagined God using us in this way.  But what we think and what God thinks is definitely two different things.  We sometimes think small, when God wants us to let Him work and think big.  We would also welcome the help of churches or individuals in constructing the additional buildings in the future.  We ask for your prayers and support like never before.  Please be in prayer for us, and pray that God will guide you in how you can help us in this project.  Step out on faith with us and let God take control of all of our lives to make this happen. 

      If you feel led by God to partner with us in this undertaking with either financial support or prayers, please let us know.

 Email us at: rickandmary@becauseitiswritten.com   or call us at 352-389-4464(this is a Florida vonage phone number that rings in our apartment in Costa Rica).  If you want to help support this project financially we will give you instructions on how to make a donation.  Thank you for your support with prayers and financial assistance.              

By God's Grace, 

Rick and Mary

Nothing is impossible with God

GOAL FOR PROPERTY:  $137,000