The Box of Love ministry of the Church of the Nazarene in Coronado, Costa Rica, has been able to serve many families thanks to God’s provision during times of crisis. “Just like the miracle of the loaves and the fishes, the boxes abounded and satisfied the hunger of many families . . . “
The year 2020 began like all others for the Church of the Nazarene in Coronado, Costa Rica, with grand expectations and projects. Yet the plans of God were even greater than what they had thought. He had something special for them, even in the midst of the pandemic.
The church’s “Box of Love” ministry encourages the congregation to give an offering equivalent to the value of different basic articles for a home. In that way the costs are covered for each item, and the church is able to assemble the boxes and deliver them to families with needs. Priscilla Guevara, a member of the local council, said the church has always been generous, and that normally they are able to deliver 1-2 boxes per month.
As a result of the pandemic, it has been difficult to gather offering and purchase the products for the baskets in the way they normally do. There was great need within the congregation and among their families and friends in the community. Many businesses had to close, and people lost their jobs or had their salaries reduced. Others became ill with the virus. In addition, the church building was closed for almost nine months. “But God works miracles and moves hearts,” Guevara said. Offerings of money and basic items began to come in from some people that made it possible to sustain the families in need – those who were part of the congregation and also those who were not.
“Just like the miracle of the loaves and the fishes, the boxes abounded and satisfied the hunger of many families, and they continue to do so,” Guevara said. Between April 2020 and May 2021, they have delivered more than double their usual number of boxes, an average of 53.
Every box, Guevara said, was a gift that God allowed them. They not only to blessed many families, but also gave church members a chance to share about the God who cares for them and the Church that loves them, goes with them, prays for them and is concerned about them.
“Today there are more of us, and we are stronger. God is with us and has touched lives through the miracle of his provision. For that reason, we are living witnesses to his precious promise, ‘And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.’ 2 Corinthians 9:8”
There were also people who gave their lives to Jesus thanks to the impact of the Box of Love ministry, as was the case of the father of the Fallas Alvarado family.
The Fallas Alvarado family receive something more than just a box. The mother shared her gratitude to the church for this initiative and said it was a difficult year, especially since her husband lost his job. “When we received the Box of Love at our door, my husband was so surprised to see how people he did not even know were helping us in such difficult times,” she said. “It was in this way, after being far from God for a long time, that he wanted to become part of this marvelous family. Thank you, because it has been a beautiful miracle to see my husband so constant and persistent in his desire to follow the ways of God.”
Source: Priscilla Guevara, member of the local council
