Lessons from the Tribe
from a Gringo Girl in Costa Rica


Recently, I went with a team about eight hours south of here to the Penisula de Osa for a medical caravan with the Gyuami Indians. Incredible! We slept on cement floors of a small building with mosquito nets to keep the mosquitoes out at night. Then, we traveled over many bumpy, dirt roads and rivers further into the mountains where we set up our little medical clinic. It was amazing!

I praise the Lord because we had different ministries to offer them: a women’s group that made tortillas, a children’s group that sang songs and played games, and our Pastor and a student (studying to be a pastor) mingled with the other adults and children sharing the word of God and testimonies.

Meanwhile, we cared for 60 patients throughout the day and served the Gyuami people rice with chicken for lunch. One boy about five years of age had accidentally cut his toes with a shovel. We had to do some minor surgery and place a few stitches to assist in the healing process.

After leaving the clinic for the day, some of us walked part way back to where we were to sleep and took every opportunity we could to cool off in the rivers. It was quite refreshing to jump in the rivers.  Another enjoyable treat was what they call PIPA, a premature coconut with no hair that is filled with a refreshing juice and thin layer of coconut. The liquid contains a good source of electrolytes which works great when patients have diarrhea. The liquid is still cool after being in the hot sun all day.

The Gyuami speak a different dialect of Spanish. Many of the older adults do not know how to read or write their language, but there is a Bible translated into their language. At one time a missionary had made Bible studies for the Gyuami, but it was unsuccessful because they have no concept of reading and answering questions.

I pray that as our medical caravans continue to minister to the Gyuami here that they will be able to grasp God's unfailing love and the message of truth. We had only spent one whole day with these people which may seem insignificant to the number of hours spent traveling but for the Gyuami, they will carry this experience with them for a long time. May the Lord give them strength to continue their labor working in the fields to support their families and bless their health.

Feliz Día de la amor y la amisted, which translates Happy Day of Love and Friendship.

From El Salvador...

We have started a new year filled with many challenges and a lot passion for sharing the love of Christ through our work. Working through our ministries and programs, the faithfulness of our God has been evident and has enabled us to benefit our communities during these two months of 2013. Our staff, mission teams, and volunteers have been working on the island of LA Calzada for three years. This year our efforts are focused on:

• teaching people how they can work with children through Bibles Studies, hygienic habits and other special activities;
• unification of the local churches with the goal to serve this community together; and
• design and construction of a place to work with children and youth.

This year, CFCI-El Salvador and it's partners have provided 30 families with food, clothing, and shoes. Over 500 people have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Praise God for this great work. If you want to join us, visit www.cfci.org.