Too much time gone by....

Wow! Finally a new update! I know it's been far too long. Please forgive me!  Although I've not been very faithful in writing you, the Lord has remained faithful (Oh course!) with the work of His hands in Costa Rica! With two months gone by I will try my best to briefly fill you in.

The Woman's Retreat

Early in May we were blessed with the opportunity to have out first Woman's Retreat. Seven ladies attended. We rented a cabin in the mountains for two nights. There we spent much of our time going through a few chapters from the book, "Pleasing God" by Kay Smith. Everyone was very interactive as we read chapters, discussed each chapter, and encouraged one another. The tica's (Costa Rican's) really opened up their hearts, sharing their concerns and desires. Through the entire weekend we enjoyed great studies, fellowship, food and laughter. The Lord truly did a work there, speaking to each heart. As a result the Woman's Bible Study through Galatians has been growing!

Sunday Night Bible Study

The Lord is continuing to bless the Sunday night Bible study abundantly. This study is held in the living room of our house. Around 30 people, plus children, attend. Each Sunday before we open up with worship, we give the opportunity for anyone to share a prayer request or praise report. This has shown to be a huge blessing in our fellowship with one another as windows are opened up into each life. For months an older man, Mr. Ramiro, has requested that we pray for his wife, Marta, who has cancer. For months we prayed together for her physical condition. In the middle of June she had to travel to the capital for another doctor’s appointment. Ryan went to pray with her before the appointment. They returned from San Jose with wonderful news! The doctor, who had once seen the cancer in her body, could no longer find the tumor. In fact, he could not find one single trace of cancer! This is truly a miracle! She attended the first Bible study with us a few weeks ago (she was previously too ill to come) and gave her testimony of what the Lord had done! It is absolutely incredible not only that a miracle was before us, but also that each person at the study took part in that miracle in prayer. They not only heard the testimony, but were part of it.

In early June, the Spring 2012 semester came to an end. Now our days are filled with preparations for the coming semester in August. This will be our largest semester yet, with around 10 students joining us from the States and our local Costa Rican students. Our prayer in the past for more help on staff has been answered! The Lord has brought a Colombian lady, Paula, from NJ to join our staff. She just arrived last week. She will be our dean of women. Paula will be coming along side me in discipling the local women in our area. She will also be running the children's ministry during our Sunday studies. Not only are we blessed with Paula's arrival, but we will also have our first 3 inters to help us out on staff.

On the Spanish side of things we are currently working on developing a two year program. In this program they will be learning how to study the Bible, apologetics, theology,etc. Most Costa Ricans work 6 days out of the week and can only attend one class each week. This means that it would take 6 years for them to graduate through Calvary Chapel Bible College! This is the reason for our desire to set up a program for them. Along with this, we will offer a weekly class going through a book of the Bible in depth. Please keep us in prayer as we work to organize and develop this program.

I was blessed with the opportunity to visit the states for three weeks! I was very blessed to have met up with some of you and tell you about the work that the Lord is doing out here. It has been encouraging to hear that you are praying and excited about it! My visit to the States was so refreshing! The majority of my stay was in California with my family, but I flew to Philadelphia for a few days to visit some friends. I had a wonderful time with both my family and friends. However, I'm honestly so content to be back home in Costa Rica. I'm excited to jump back into the ministry and everyday life. Thanks for bearing with my absence from this blog! I need to write you far more often. Thank you once again for all your support! I pray the Lord blesses your lives as richly as He has blessed mine!

In Christ Jesus, 

Vanessa Sanchez

‎"Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded." ....."For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you."
-John 13:3-5, 15

The Servant of all.