Mission Statement
Our purpose is to glorify God in obedience to Christ’s command to "disciple the nations" (Matthew 28:19). Specifically we have answered God’s call by serving the edification of His Church in Latin America. We do this out of a commitment to the historic Christian faith as summarized by the early creeds of Christendom, and further clarified by the Reformed confessions of the 16th century. Our objectives are to see God’s Church in Latin America built and strengthened upon Christ the Rock, and His infallible Word.
History
Church Planting
A Reformed church planting effort was established in the northwest part of San José in 1984. By God's grace a congregation has been organized in the "Tepeyac" community, and a Christian school founded. Roberto Venegas, a convert of this effort, is now the full time pastor of the church, and is supported by an organized church council. The Tepeyac Christian School is incorporated in Costa Rica, and is governed by a school board. Local ministries of the Tepeyac church include evangelism, theological education, diaconal service to the needy and support to the broader school community in various ways.
The Tepeyac Reformed church sustains a daughter church in the community of Los Cuadros, formerly a squatters' settlement, and an area of great social and spiritual need. Marvin Briseño, an elder of the Tepeyac church, lives in Los Cuadros with his family and gives leadership to the growing congregation there. Their greatest needs include family stability and responsibility, the fight against drugs, orientation for the youth, and income for abandoned mothers. In 2004, the Greens began another daughter church, which presently meets just across from the prestigious University of Costa Rica. God has brought new members and the congregation is growing. A Christian book store is also operating in the same store front during the week. The Greens were instrumental in helping start the Tepeyac Christian Grade School and High School, which began in 1993, and today has approximately 250 students. Aletha Green has shared the work of principal along with others from our Reformed community. God has blessed this ministry with a dynamic vision for transforming lives from a Christ-centered perspective, and with a solid team of teachers committed to their work of Christian education.
CLIR
The Confraternidad Latinoamericana de Iglesias Reformadas (CLIR) was founded in 1994 to provide a forum for fellowship and joint ministry among Reformed and Presbyterian churches. Rev. Bill Green has worked as Executive Secretary for the CLIR since 1997. Since its inception, the CLIR has grown to include some 15 denominations in many countries of Latin America, as well as theological institutions, and book distributors. As a fellowship, the CLIR seeks to provide ways in which church leaders may become familiar with other Reformed believers and situations, in order to mutually address the challenge of evangelizing this region of the world. During these past years it has been proven that by working together we can accomplish more.
One important aspect of the work of CLIR is publications. For over eight years, a theological journal has been published and distributed in the entire continent, providing a Reformed analysis of contemporary issues. From the first 300 journals, this endeavor has grown to 5,000. At the same time, CLIR has begun publishing theological and biblical material that accompanies our vision for a Reformed world and life view. The number of books published has ascended to 30 (2006), and CLIR is beginning to make an impact in many areas of Latin America.
Address In Costa Rica:
Apdo 2070-2100
Guadalupe, Costa Rica
Tel/Fax in Costa Rica: (506) 245-1227
(506) 285-3307
Financial donations may be sent to:
Bethany United Reformed Church
5401 Byron Center Ave.
Wyoming, MI 49519
Prayer Requests
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Church Plants
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TV Program
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Tepeyac Christian School
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Funding for Operation budget
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Publications
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Conferences
Link:
http://www.reformedmissions.org/
