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First Congregational Church Goes to Costa Rica

by Matt Varrell
6/9/2012

 
Later this month, twenty-four members of the First Congregational Church of Holliston (FCC) will be travelling to Costa Rica to work with a local mission organization. The FCC is partnering with the Strong Missions organization (www.strongmissions.com) whose mission is to “make a real and lasting impression in the lives of the economically oppressed” in Costa Rica.

The group will be in Costa Rica for nine days and will work on a variety of projects, including construction of an addition to a local church to allow establishment of a feeding program for underprivileged children, community interaction through Vacation Bible School, and visits to inner city areas to feed and interact with local kids. Additionally, the group will travel to a home for teenage mothers (La Posada de Belen) to learn about their plight and how they are working to making life better for themselves and their children through education and skills training. The group will also be immersed in Costa Rican culture while staying at the mission, enjoying the local cuisine and traditions.


This trip is part of the church’s Intergeneration Mission Program, which was established in 2011 to promote mission trips nationally and internationally for all ages and abilities within the church. This year’s trip includes ten adults and fourteen youth, made up of a mix of families, solo adults, and solo youth participants.  In order to help defray the cost of the trip, the church held their annual fundraising auction in May which raised over $7,000. Additionally, the church held a carwash this past Sunday which brought in another $600.

While in Costa Rica, the group will also have opportunities to sightsee and learn more about Costa Rican culture. Their “fun day” will include visiting an active volcano, ziplining through the rainforest, and touring a waterfall park to observe a few of the natural wonders of Costa Rica. A trip to local souvenir stores will also be on the “to do” list to help support the local economy.

If you would like to participate in the trip in a meaningful way, the FCC is collecting new or very gently used black dress shoes. The shoes will be distributed to local boys and girls (ages 5-13) as part of their requisite school uniforms. May of the local school kids lack proper footwear and this “mini-mission” was suggested by Strong Missions as a way to involve the Holliston community. If you would like to help, you can purchase shoes (no sneakers please) and drop them off at the church office located at 725 Washington Street (look for the box in the corridor near the office). Donations for the cause are also welcomed. Checks can be made to First Congregational Church of Holliston. Please make a “Costa Rica Shoes” notation on your check.

Participants in the trip include: Reverend Bonnie Steinroeder, Matt & Rusty Varrell, Jill & Jack Sykes, Todd & Tanner Datz, Alice, Luke & Riley McCallum, Rob, Dawn, Troy & Cam Waddell, Steph Berard, Kaylee & Konnor Kozubal, Jennie Zonghi, Eliza Chemini, Kevin Wehmhofer, Donna Chapin, and Wendy, Tori & Sean Cabot. Please wish our local missionaries well as they prepare to depart.