During the year 2015, some Cubans began to leave their country by flying to Ecuador with the hope of arriving to the United States by way of traveling through the Central American countries. However, in November, Nicaragua closed its border, forcing many Cubans to remain in Costa Rica.
The Cuban refugees began looking for alternative solutions to their dilemma. The government of Costa Rica is trying to care for the Cubans and has established at least 37 locations where lodging and food is provided. There are approximately 8,000 Cuban refuges in Costa Rica how would like to travel to the United States.
On November 16, a compassionate ministries team left the city of San Jose to visit and help the Cubans in the town of La Cruz, which is close to the border with Nicaragua. Dhariana Balbuena, the Coordinator of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries for Costa Rica, led the team. The team worked with children and adults, leaving them much needed supplies such as 2,800 articles of personal hygiene and clothing for both children and adults.
One of the Nazarene Churches in the North district is located just 400 meters from one of the refugee centers. On December 12th, David Webb visited the church, Upala Centro, and the refugee center, which is located in a multiuse building. The church has a presence in the refugee community and is helping them as they can. Pastor Jose Perfect, Ms. Rosa, and her daughter Estafania visit them regularly to encourage them. On December 13, three Cubans came to the local church service, and one of them, Rodolfo, accepted the Lord this day.
The week following, the North and Central districts sent supplies to the refugees in Upala. The following report was written by Rolando Morera, a member of the Poas Church of the Nazarene.
We took some personal items that people had donated. We also shared with them the Evangecube. Later, we showed the movie, “The Power of the Cross,” and at the end of the movie there were 12 people who accepted the Lord as their personal Savior. It was a special time of sharing between the local church and the refugees. Four people shared how very happy they felt now that Christ lives in their hearts, and they thanked the church for the time they had spent with them. Now Pastor Perfecto has begun to disciple these new believers.
A group of the men from Cuba, Joaquin, Leonardo, David y Rodolfo are attending the local church in Upala, along with a the group of women who received the Lord.
In the month of January 2016, the plan is for the Cuban refugees to continue their journey toward the United States. They will leave y plane, arriving to El Salvador and from there take buses to arrive to Mexico, and after arrive to the United States.
We give thanks for God for those in Costa Rica who have given of their time, resources and love for the Cuban refugees. The Church of the Nazarene has shown compassion to them in these months.
Information provided by: David Webb, Coordinator of Ministries for the country of Costa Rica, as well as Evangelism Coordinator for Costa Rica and Panama West.
