On December 7, 2014 the yearly all district service was held to celebrate the alive, united, holy and growing congregations of the Costa Rica North district. The event was held at the Poas Church of the Nazarene in the newly constructed sanctuary/gymnasium. Rev. Johnny Calvo, the District Superintendent presided at the event where approximately 1,000 people attended.
There are seventeen churches on the district and all but one were in attendance. The San Jorge de Upala church attempted to come but were unable because of transportation difficulties. The majority of the ten mission churches were also in attendance including La Ceiba, Miramar, Sabana Redonda, Paso Tempisque, Popoyoapa, Guatuso, Philadelphia, Los Cartagos and Belen. Many of the churches are located in the far north of the country and the congregations boarded buses at three and four in the morning to arrive in time for the service.
Plaques were presented to the two newly organized churches on the district located in Quebrada Grande and Tres y Tres. Both churches have more than fifty members.
A special testimony was given by Pastor Jose Narvais who shared how God has grown the church in Ciudad Quesada from 11 to 113 in just 18 months. Pastor Jose evangelizes each week in the city park, always taking with him at least one board member.
Rev. Jorge Garcia was recognized for his many years of service as a pastor and leader on the district. He is currently the Pastor at Muelle, but will retire this month. He served as the first District Superintendent of the same district when it began in 1985.
Rev. Johnny Calvo was presented with a special plaque in recognition of his leadership as the District Superintendent for seven years. The district has grown every year under his leadership.
The worship was led by an excellent district team of musicians from four churches. Special music and dance presentations were included as part of the program.
Rev. Felipe Flores preached the message from 1 Samuel chapter seven about the ark and God’s presence, encouraging the congregation to be courageous in the face of difficulties because our God is faithful. The repeated message was “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
God received the glory at this special event as nearly 1,000 people gathered to give thanks and worship His name!
Information provided by: Shelley Web, missionary at the Mesoamerica Region.
