What type of mission work? Help the Abraham Project, which is an all-encompassing ministry reaching out to Costa Ricans by attending to their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The project is a Christian faith-based, multi-national effort uniting individuals, families, churches, and communities and helping children and youth trapped in a life of poverty and abuse. The mission work is to assist the Abraham Project construct their physical plant of three children's homes, a daycare center, cafeteria, and a multi-purpose building.

Where would we go? The Abraham Project is located in Villas de Ayarco, which is only twenty-five minutes from San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica.

When is the trip? August 6-13, 2006

Why Costa Rica? This trip will help meet the church goal for an intergenerational mission trip expressed at the Strategy and Planning Session last January. Why go to Costa Rica, is like asking why study abroad. All mission trips enhance spiritual growth by removing us from our everyday surroundings. A mission trip to a foreign country enhances this experience and helps us to better recognize and appreciate the many gifts that God has bestowed on us.

Who can go? High school youth, college students, and adults. Maximum number of participants is 35. Based on the experiences of other groups, even those with very limited construction skills, will be spiritually enriched through the experience, as we will be able to help with their children ministry program.

Is it safe? Don Mullins has talked with the leaders of the Abraham Project and with youth leaders in Pennsylvania and Colorado who took groups to work on the project in the past. Abraham Project staff are very well organized and have been hosting groups for over three years; the staff speak both Spanish and English. The youth leaders had extremely positive experiences and have gone back more than once.

Where will we stay/eat? Accommodations for the group will be at a nearby bed and breakfast. Lunches will be on site at the project. Dinners will be either at the bed and breakfast or nearby restaurants.

What will it cost? Estimated cost per person will range from approximately $375 to $575 depending on the success of fundraising efforts and the amount of contribution from the church’s missions and outreach budget.

What if I want to know more? Talk to Don Mullins. Further information on the Abraham Project can be found at http://abrahamproject.org.

Page updated: February 4, 2006