Foregin Missions

Los Chiles, Costa Rica

In the North-Central region of Costa Rica near the border with Nicaragua lies one of the impoverished towns in Costa Rica. Over the last 4 years the Methodist Church has worked with the local families to build a thriving church. Visitors to the church will meet an amazing congregation filled with an overflowing abundance of joy and peace. Dozens of children of all ages excited to participate. Men and women of each generation worshiping and singing and serving our Lord. And a new pastor who is very attentive to the needs of his congregation.


Videos about Los Chiles, Costa Rica (Videos are played on YouTube)

  1. "Costa Rica VIM Trip" - Experience the 2008 Costa Rica VIM trip
  2. "Los Chiles Sewing Class" - See a wonderful class held at the church
  3. "Joy is Relational" - Learn about the needs in Los Chiles





The contrast that a visitor to the church is likely to miss, is that between the abundant joy in each face and the extremely impoverished conditions in which most families live. Their houses are generally a fair walk down dirt roads, past where the town electric and water reach. Roofs are cobbled together tin and plastic that has been salvaged. Certainly not adequate for keeping the hard tropical rains from coming in while they sleep. Many have dirt floors which become muddy and spread disease. Some families have had adequate wells contributed by the Methodist Church. Others have not yet.

They don’t complain, nor do they ask for assistance. They just have a faith that God provides.



In February we asked the Pastor how we could help. He showed us 7 houses that lacked adequate roofs, floors and/or wells. Living in these houses were the same kids that we had seen playing at bible school at the church. The parents were our friends that had been cooking for us and opening their lives to be friends. Below are more detailed photos of the 7 houses, along with the cost of the materials needed.

I hope that you will support these families. Their faith is overwhelming. And their children do not deserve to live in impoverished conditions such as these.

1. Casa Dominga
2. Casa Julio
3. Casa Cristina
4. Casa Chyla
5. Casa Ronaldo
6. Casa Lorena
7. Casa Melba

If you are interested in learning more about Foreign Missions in Costa Rica, please send an email to costaricamissions@kiumc.org.