(Mission Team from Missouri)
This past week, we had a team down from Missouri to do mission work here in Costa Rica. As you can see in the top left hand corner of the picture, the team had to be brave by crossing an “Indian Jones” like swinging bridge to enter into that particular village. The group knocked on doors as you can see in the upper right-hand corner where Holly was sharing the gospel with Angela and opening the door for me to do future bible studies in her home. In the bottom left corner, you can see that the team also went ziplining where they continued the “Indian Jones” idea where only a “leap of faith” could help one get to the other side.
(Luis & Neylin)
One thing the team from Missouri did was to give their personal testimonies in homes that I was already reaching out to. For quite some time now, I have been giving bible studies in this house with Luis, Neylin, Maria(Luis’ Mom), Mario, and Diego. Within the last month, both Luis & Neylin have shown a big interest in learning more about the scriptures and have asked some really good questions. Several times, I have asked them if they were ready to receive Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior and they responded each time that they were not ready yet. After hearing a personal testimony from one of the team members, Neylin decided it was time to accept Jesus into her life and into her heart. It was at this time that she put her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as her one-and-only Lord, Savior, and Intercessor between her and the Father. Please pray for Neylin as she has stepped onto the narrow path to follow Christ. Also, please pray for Luis that he will accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior as well.
During their week of mission work in Costa Rica, the team from Missouri visited a Baptist church that my family has been attending for a while now. The name of the church is ‘Iglesia Cristiana China’ and the team partnered with this mostly Chinese church to do an outreach in ‘ChinaTown’ within the heart of San Jose city. In the picture above, you can see one of the entrances into ChinaTown. ChinaTown is made up of several streets with stores and restaurants run by local Chinese people. In the picture above, you can see the invitation that the Church put on the screen while we were there to invite members to participate and help with the evangelical outreach to their people group. One of the members of ‘Iglesia Cristiana China’ named Sylvia, put together some booklets for the team to hand out. The booklets contained testimonies of different Chinese persons that had been changed by giving their lives to Jesus Christ along with directions to the Chinese Baptist church. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will lead many of the ones that received invitations to the Church and that they will come to know our Lord and Savior.
I was very encouraged the other day when I went back to visit Yolanda & Carlos who is a family that I had bible studies with for the past 2 years. When I arrived, Yolanda gave me some very exciting news. Yolanda said that she has been having several of her neighbors over to her house and they have been studying the bible together - Praise the Lord. Only God can do things like that and to Him we give all the glory. Please pray for Carlos & Yolanda that God will put a hedge of protection around them as they share the gospel abroad and from within their own home.
(Jacob, Jordan, and Anibal)
This past month, I started up a new bible study with Anibal and his son Jordan. I knew Anibal from a previous bible study that I had with him and his older sister several years ago. After having a conversation with Anibal I knew that we needed to get back together and study God’s word once again. I believe that he still holds onto some of the doctrines of the Catholic Church which, for the most part, teach the traditions of men. I believe that Mark said it so well in the bible when he stated: Mark 7:6-9 “And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; 7 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ 8 You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” 9 And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!” Please pray for Anibal & Jordan as we study the bible so they can be exposed to and discover the truth that can set them free.
If you look closely in this picture, you can tell that Isabel has been crying. To understand why she has tears in her eyes, I have to tell her story. About 6 or 7 months ago, I got a message from another family that Isabel wanted to talk with me. After I finished my bible study with that family, I went to Isabel’s house. She told me how her son Johnathan was on drugs and how he had epilepsy and had even fallen into the neighborhood river once because of his condition. During our conversation, I soon discovered that Isabel was Catholic and also had epilepsy. Isabel sincerely conveyed that she wanted me to reach out to her son before it was too late. I was soon introduced to Johnathan and began sharing the bible with him outside of their home. However, when I returned the following week to talk more with Isabel, she no longer desired to meet with me due to her Catholic beliefs.
Over the next couple of months, I continued sharing the gospel with her son Johnathan and he ended up receiving Jesus as his Lord and Savior. After Johnathan received Christ, he got a job and after that, I didn’t see much of him anymore. However, just a few days ago, I was at one of my regular bible studies when I got word that Isabel wanted to speak with me again. Mind you, It had been 6 or 7 months since we had last spoken. I gathered my backpack and went to Isabel’s house where she began to tell me how she had seen a big change in Johnathan’s life and how God had cured him of his epilepsy condition(Matt 17:14-21). As a result of seeing how God has made a difference in her son’s life, Isabel also desired to receive Jesus in her life. That same day, Isabel said a prayer and in the prayer she renounced her unbiblical Catholic beliefs. She renounced the Catholic saints, she renounced Mary as being a savior, she renounced Mary as being an intercessor, and then she accepted Jesus as her one and only Lord and Savior. This is why Isabel has tears in her eyes in the photo above. Afterwards, Isabel told me that she felt like she was floating on clouds way up in the sky. Please pray for Isabel that God will continue the work that he has started with her & her son- Johnathan.
Over the next couple of months, I continued sharing the gospel with her son Johnathan and he ended up receiving Jesus as his Lord and Savior. After Johnathan received Christ, he got a job and after that, I didn’t see much of him anymore. However, just a few days ago, I was at one of my regular bible studies when I got word that Isabel wanted to speak with me again. Mind you, It had been 6 or 7 months since we had last spoken. I gathered my backpack and went to Isabel’s house where she began to tell me how she had seen a big change in Johnathan’s life and how God had cured him of his epilepsy condition(Matt 17:14-21). As a result of seeing how God has made a difference in her son’s life, Isabel also desired to receive Jesus in her life. That same day, Isabel said a prayer and in the prayer she renounced her unbiblical Catholic beliefs. She renounced the Catholic saints, she renounced Mary as being a savior, she renounced Mary as being an intercessor, and then she accepted Jesus as her one and only Lord and Savior. This is why Isabel has tears in her eyes in the photo above. Afterwards, Isabel told me that she felt like she was floating on clouds way up in the sky. Please pray for Isabel that God will continue the work that he has started with her & her son- Johnathan.
Here you can see Oscar and me giving some food to Eduardo(in the middle). As you can see, Eduardo has a contagious smile that lights up any room. This is a new bible study which now includes his wife Estefany in a very poor village called Cristo Rey. This past week, Eduardo told me a story of how he had gone with a friend to visit a Catholic Church. After the service was over, the priest walked up to Eduardo and upon having seen his tattoos on his arms, told him that he can’t be saved because of his tattoos and therefore should not bother returning to the temple. So in essence what the priest told him is that since he had broken the law by getting tattoos, he can’t be saved and is now going to hell.
Obviously, what this priest told Eduardo has been tormenting him for years and God was able to use us to help explain to him that no one can keep the law perfectly and we are all guilty of breaking it. Only Jesus is good and was able to perfectly keep the law. Also, I showed Eduardo a passage in Romans 3:20-22 “because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for through the law cometh the knowledge of sin. 21 But now apart from the law a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe;...”
Yes, in the law of Moses we are told to not get tattoos however, everyone has broken the law in one way or another and are all guilty of punishment. But, Jesus died on the cross so that we can be saved by the blood of the spotless lamb-Jesus Christ. We are not saved by the letter or the law but by faith in Jesus and his blood shed on the cross. After Eduardo had heard this biblical response and understood what the bible says about it, we could see peace move over his countenance. Please pray for Eduardo that God will continue working in his life so that one day he can reach out to people in his own community.
Obviously, what this priest told Eduardo has been tormenting him for years and God was able to use us to help explain to him that no one can keep the law perfectly and we are all guilty of breaking it. Only Jesus is good and was able to perfectly keep the law. Also, I showed Eduardo a passage in Romans 3:20-22 “because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for through the law cometh the knowledge of sin. 21 But now apart from the law a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe;...”
Yes, in the law of Moses we are told to not get tattoos however, everyone has broken the law in one way or another and are all guilty of punishment. But, Jesus died on the cross so that we can be saved by the blood of the spotless lamb-Jesus Christ. We are not saved by the letter or the law but by faith in Jesus and his blood shed on the cross. After Eduardo had heard this biblical response and understood what the bible says about it, we could see peace move over his countenance. Please pray for Eduardo that God will continue working in his life so that one day he can reach out to people in his own community.
In this picture from left to right we have Jairo, Oscar, Jacob, Rosa, and Damarty. We are all at Rosa’s house and you can see that Oscar and I have given everyone some much needed food. This is a small group that has formed with Jairo, Rosa, and Damarty all being neighbors from different houses and all desiring to hear the word of God. Rosa used to be Catholic and prayed to Mary as her intercessor. Rosa now prays only to Jesus Christ and is spiritually hungry to learn more of God’s word. Jairo and Damarty are christians with a lot of knowledge of the bible and since Covid 19 hit, they haven’t been able to go to any Church meeting here in Costa Rica. Please pray that this group will continue to expand and get bigger and bigger.
In this picture Oscar and I are at Carina’s house with her children Valentina and Rachael along with some other kids from the neighborhood. Here you can see Oscar, who is a Costa Rican, giving a bible study to this family. This was the first week that Oscar was finally willing to put himself out there and teach at various houses. I have been actively trying to train Oscar on how to evangelize and do discipleship. I have also been trying to help him understand how to talk with and evangelize anyone from Atheists to Jehovah’s Witnesses to Catholics to Mormons or whoever we face on our eventures.
Here in the last few weeks at Carina’s house, we have seen this group expand with Carina’s sister from next door now joining the group. Also, there is another lady along with her daughter participating as well. Please pray that God will continue to grow and mature this group of people we are now discipling.
We just want to thank everyone who has helped make it possible for us to continue reaching out to people here in Costa Rica through your support and prayers. If you are not already supporting the Folk Family but would like to begin giving a donation or begin supporting us monthly please click on the logo below:
Here in the last few weeks at Carina’s house, we have seen this group expand with Carina’s sister from next door now joining the group. Also, there is another lady along with her daughter participating as well. Please pray that God will continue to grow and mature this group of people we are now discipling.
We just want to thank everyone who has helped make it possible for us to continue reaching out to people here in Costa Rica through your support and prayers. If you are not already supporting the Folk Family but would like to begin giving a donation or begin supporting us monthly please click on the logo below:
(José, Mercedes-wife of José, Rosa-mom of José)
José, Mercedes, and Rosa are from Nicaragua but now live in a very poor village called Cristo Rey in Costa Rica. All 3 of them can not read so I gave each one their own Messenger Device so they can receive the bible by way of a person reading it to them on the device. Of the three, Rosa is the one that is the most hungry for the word of God. Please pray for José that he and his wife Mercedes would receive a stronger desire to get closer to the Lord through the bible studies and personal studies.
In the picture above we find Anna and her son Alexander who both live in a small village called ‘Tirra 2’ in Costa Rica. Alexander has spent some time in jail in the past for his involvement with drugs. However, Anna has shown a hunger for the word of God but I soon discovered that she couldn’t read. I was able to give her the Messenger device so that she can hear the reading of God’s word and learn the truths of the scriptures. Please pray for Anna that she will continue to desire to know more and more about the bible. Pray for Alexander that he will come to know the Lord Jesus as his Savior.
Here you can see some of the idol images that Anna had in her house which include Mary, Jesus, and priest-Pio. Praise the Lord because on this day Anna decided to destroy and rid her house of these idols. (In Costa Rica one of the many saint intercessors that Catholics pray to is priest-Pio). Mary told me that she is now only praying to Jesus Christ.
Gilberto & Maritza
A few months back, Gilberto had made a profession of faith but his wife Maritza hadn’t seen any change in his life. About 3 weeks ago, Gilberto had reached a low state in his life and realised that only Jesus could save and change him. He chose to accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior and over the last couple of weeks I have been asking Maritza if she has seen any change in him and she said that she has seen a lot of changes in Gilberto. She said that he now desires to go to church and they both have been going to a local church that teaches God’s Grace. Gilberto can’t read so he now has been asking Maritza to read the bible to him. In the picture above you can see Gilberto holding up the Messenger device that we were able to give him that has a person just reading the bible from whatever part of the bible that he picks for the device to read to him. Please pray for Maritza as she continues to share the Bible with her husband and her son Andres who was also saved recently. Please pray for Gilberto that God will continue to change and make him more like the man that He wants him to be. You all helped make this possible because of your support.
Enock and Margarit(Wife)
Enock and Margarit have both been receiving bible studies from me for quite some time now. A couple of weeks ago, they both had led their oldest daughter to the Lord. This news was very exciting to hear because not only are they hearing the word and studying it for themselves but they are putting it into practice by sharing its truths with their family along with others in their village. Thank you for helping make this possible.
Hospital Clínica Bíblica
Friends, Courtenay here! :) I cannot explain adequately how much I love my new ministry at Clinica Biblica Hospital. As much as I have loved the ministries that I have done in the past, I feel like I was created to love on people in the hospital and pray for them, to over our True Hope to people that sometimes are in hopeless situations. All of my education and life situations that our Heavenly Father has given me has prepared me for this moment! I have so many stories I could share but I want to share my first day of visiting patients. She is 92 and from Tennessee. She is nonverbal and surrounded by people that speak Spanish in her care home. She has been brought to the hospital because they have found cancer. Her adult children and grandchildren are in the States. I walked into her room and decided she needed to hear my nice South Carolina accent to perhaps soothe her southern heart! So I poured on my accent while I shared the love of Christ with her and that even at 92, it is not too late to turn to our loving Lord and Savior. I prayed with her. Her eyes came to life and were just moving side to side. I don’t know what this sweet lady thought. But as I kept visiting her, when I would pray, she would close her eyes and have a calmness about her. God used my South Carolinian accent here in Costa Rica to bring His peace, love, grace, and His hope to this sweet lady from Tennessee. I have never felt more meant to be right where I am doing exactly what I am doing in a long time! Thank you all that have made this possible! I am super excited to see all that God is going to do with me in this new ministry at Clinica Biblica Hospital!
If you’re not already supporting this ministry then please consider becoming a monthly partner and let’s spread the Light of Jesus Christ to others in need. We have had some monthly support drop off and could really use your help now.
Give Now: https://globaloutreach.org/giving/missionary-details/jacob-and-courtenay-folk
The following is a letter written in our behalf from our friends Jon and Tammie Rissmiller:
Dear Friends and Investors of the Folk Family,
Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We thank God for you. Your investment in the Folk family has expanded His Kingdom. We deeply appreciate you being committed to the work that the Lord has called them to do.
We are writing this letter on behalf of Jacob and Courtenay Folk. We have grown to love and cherish our friendship with them and their children. We have been able to spend time with them in Costa Rica, as well as here in the United States. We have listened to their hearts for the Costa Rican people and the ministry they have been doing there for the last 11 years. Jacob has been traveling to remote parts of Costa Rica discipling men and their families in their walks with Jesus Christ. It has been great to watch as God has opened door after door for the Folks to be able to share the Gospel message with people who have no relationship with the Lord. As we write this letter, Courtenay has started a new ministry as a chaplain at Clinica Biblica Hospital in San José, Costa Rica. She will spiritually make a difference in the lives of physically hurting people.
Jacob and Courtenay are running about $1,300.00 a month behind in their support. At their current support level, they will only be able to stay on the field for four more months. We are writing to ask you to prayerfully consider how you might continue to partner with the Folks to ensure that they can remain on the field. Will you prayerfully consider adding to what you already do to support them? Will you help them continue to disciple believers in Costa Rica as well as evangelize the lost? Will you help them continue with the work God has called them to do? Do you know of other potential investors you could share with Jacob and Courtenay? If so, please let them know so they can add to their contact list.
Thank you for partnering with the Folks and we look forward to seeing what the Lord does to sustain them on the field.
Serving Jesus Christ,
Jon and Tammie Rissmiller
Missionary Care Specialists
If you’re not already supporting this ministry then please consider becoming a monthly partner and let’s spread the Light of Jesus Christ to others in need. We have had some monthly support drop off and could really use your help now.
Give Now: https://globaloutreach.org/giving/missionary-details/jacob-and-courtenay-folk
If you’re not already supporting this ministry then please consider becoming a monthly partner and let’s spread the Light of Jesus Christ to others in need. We have had some monthly support drop off and could really use your help now.
Give Now: https://globaloutreach.org/giving/missionary-details/jacob-and-courtenay-folk
The following is a letter written in our behalf from our friends Jon and Tammie Rissmiller:
Dear Friends and Investors of the Folk Family,
Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We thank God for you. Your investment in the Folk family has expanded His Kingdom. We deeply appreciate you being committed to the work that the Lord has called them to do.
We are writing this letter on behalf of Jacob and Courtenay Folk. We have grown to love and cherish our friendship with them and their children. We have been able to spend time with them in Costa Rica, as well as here in the United States. We have listened to their hearts for the Costa Rican people and the ministry they have been doing there for the last 11 years. Jacob has been traveling to remote parts of Costa Rica discipling men and their families in their walks with Jesus Christ. It has been great to watch as God has opened door after door for the Folks to be able to share the Gospel message with people who have no relationship with the Lord. As we write this letter, Courtenay has started a new ministry as a chaplain at Clinica Biblica Hospital in San José, Costa Rica. She will spiritually make a difference in the lives of physically hurting people.
Jacob and Courtenay are running about $1,300.00 a month behind in their support. At their current support level, they will only be able to stay on the field for four more months. We are writing to ask you to prayerfully consider how you might continue to partner with the Folks to ensure that they can remain on the field. Will you prayerfully consider adding to what you already do to support them? Will you help them continue to disciple believers in Costa Rica as well as evangelize the lost? Will you help them continue with the work God has called them to do? Do you know of other potential investors you could share with Jacob and Courtenay? If so, please let them know so they can add to their contact list.
Thank you for partnering with the Folks and we look forward to seeing what the Lord does to sustain them on the field.
Serving Jesus Christ,
Jon and Tammie Rissmiller
Missionary Care Specialists
If you’re not already supporting this ministry then please consider becoming a monthly partner and let’s spread the Light of Jesus Christ to others in need. We have had some monthly support drop off and could really use your help now.
Give Now: https://globaloutreach.org/giving/missionary-details/jacob-and-courtenay-folk
On Friday I went to a very poor village called ‘San Rafael Fierro’ and we went to see and have a bible study with Jeremy(on left in photo). Those who went with me were Oscar, Zedi, and David(see pic below). When we arrived at this house we saw Sergio sitting in his wheelchair on the porch and quickly asked if we could share the word of God with them. David had a bible study prepared and we all talked about the Passover and the symbolism of the sacrificed lamb with the blood on the doorposts and its connection to Christ. During our visit with Jeremy & Sergio we discovered that both of them cannot read so we gave them the ‘Messenger’ device from ‘In Touch’ ministries. This device allows them to listen to a person reading the bible in their own language - Spanish. It is your support and prayers that have made this happen! Please pray for both Jeremy and Sergio that they will have a hunger for the word and will allow us to return with more bible lessons.
The adults from left to right are Oscar, Fani, Zedi(Seminary student), Lorena, Jacob, and the picture taker was David Gettis(Seminary teacher). At Lorena & Fani’s house we were able to give them some needed bibles and then we took a look at Psalm 1. We discussed the need to read the bible and to know what you believe.
David Gettis is returning with his family to the US but it seems that Oscar and Zedi desire for us to continue reaching out together in this community and sharing the truth to those who desperately need it. Please pray for Lorena that she can find a job.
David Gettis is returning with his family to the US but it seems that Oscar and Zedi desire for us to continue reaching out together in this community and sharing the truth to those who desperately need it. Please pray for Lorena that she can find a job.
On August the second, I was on my way to some bible studies up on volcano Irazu and I was able to capture this photo of some walkers making their annual pilgrimage walk to the basilica in cartago. Here’s an image of the Basilica:
Every year, as many as 2 million Costa Ricans, will make this pilgrimage which is a promise to Mary that they will walk for miles and miles to this Catholic temple as a sacrifice if Mary will grant them whatever they have prayed for. Some pray for healing, others for cars or houses, etc.
1 Corinthians 10
“19) What say I then? that a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 But [I say], that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have communion with demons. 21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of demons: ye cannot partake of the table of the Lord, and of the table of demons. 22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?”
(So we know by various passages like the following verses that the enemy can deceive through false miracles. These pilgrims thinks the miracles are coming from God however they are coming from Satan.)
2 Thessalonians 2 (HCSB)
“9 The coming of the lawless one is based on Satan’s working, with all kinds of false miracles, signs, and wonders,10 and with every unrighteous deception among those who are perishing. They perish because they did not accept the love of the truth in order to be saved.”
1 Corinthians 10
“19) What say I then? that a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 But [I say], that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have communion with demons. 21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of demons: ye cannot partake of the table of the Lord, and of the table of demons. 22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?”
(So we know by various passages like the following verses that the enemy can deceive through false miracles. These pilgrims thinks the miracles are coming from God however they are coming from Satan.)
2 Thessalonians 2 (HCSB)
“9 The coming of the lawless one is based on Satan’s working, with all kinds of false miracles, signs, and wonders,10 and with every unrighteous deception among those who are perishing. They perish because they did not accept the love of the truth in order to be saved.”
Deuteronomy 12
“3) Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and burn their Asherah poles in the fire; cut down the idols of their gods and wipe out their names from those places.”
This past month, I have been having a bible study with a family in San Rafael Fierro. The dads name is Odiley(in picture above), the moms name is Carla, their sons name is Christian, and their daughters name is Ashley.
In the Picture above, Odiley has a plastic bottle of the “La Negrita” which someone had gifted to them in the past. The La Negrita bottle is a replica of a stone statue found in Cartago at the Basilica mentioned above. The story goes that originally the stone statue was found by a little girl on a rock in a small river. She takes the statue home several times and it always re-appeared on the rock in the river. So the community built the Basilica on this site and the people think that the water is holy so they buy bottles in the image of the statue and drink and bathe in the water. It is now the center of catholicism in Costa Rica and each August 2nd, around 2 million people pilgrimage to it.
It was awesome to see the family make the decision to destroy and cleanse their home of this idol. Please pray for this family as we continue teaching in their home.
“3) Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and burn their Asherah poles in the fire; cut down the idols of their gods and wipe out their names from those places.”
This past month, I have been having a bible study with a family in San Rafael Fierro. The dads name is Odiley(in picture above), the moms name is Carla, their sons name is Christian, and their daughters name is Ashley.
In the Picture above, Odiley has a plastic bottle of the “La Negrita” which someone had gifted to them in the past. The La Negrita bottle is a replica of a stone statue found in Cartago at the Basilica mentioned above. The story goes that originally the stone statue was found by a little girl on a rock in a small river. She takes the statue home several times and it always re-appeared on the rock in the river. So the community built the Basilica on this site and the people think that the water is holy so they buy bottles in the image of the statue and drink and bathe in the water. It is now the center of catholicism in Costa Rica and each August 2nd, around 2 million people pilgrimage to it.
It was awesome to see the family make the decision to destroy and cleanse their home of this idol. Please pray for this family as we continue teaching in their home.
The Foreign Missionary
Being a foreign missionary to another country can be very challenging. First of all, one has to leave their country which means your not able to drive down the road to visit you family whenever you feel lonely or just need an encouraging hug. One has to leave friends behind as well and try and make new ones which isn't always the easiest of things to achieve - when most of the people are very poor and only see you as a possible source of rice or clothes. Being a foreign missionary means that there's no 401-k package waiting for you back home nor any fringe benefits or Christmas bonus. Being a foreign missionary often means that one has to learn another language like Spanish which they speak here in Costa Rica.
Today I went to a town called Alto de Carmen and after finishing a bible study I set out by foot into the same community to do some evangelizing. With a stick in hand to fight off the many dogs, I started going door to door. I came to a house made of rusty tin and old wood. I was invited in and we sat down and began talking about many things. After discovering that they are Catholic, we began discussing how Jesus has always existed and wasn't created by Mary which helped greatly to began opening their eyes. We began looking at passages that show how Jesus created everything and everyone including Mary. The meeting went well and we have plans to get together next week to study more of God's word.
There might be a lot that one has to give up in order to serve the Lord in other countries however, our reward in heaven will be worth the temporary inconveniences. The Folks-Jacob, Courtenay, Benjamin, Lizzie, & Sophia all need your support so we can stay in the field here in Costa Rica. Our funds are very low and we are seeking & trusting the Lord over this matter. However, we need supporters back home in the states to help us carry our crosses and be a part of sharing the gospel to the world. Maybe you can't give a large amount every month but maybe you can give 10-15 dollars every month. Whatever donation one can give will be a big help so please consider joining forces with the Folks and lets stir up some dust for the Lord.
Today I went to a town called Alto de Carmen and after finishing a bible study I set out by foot into the same community to do some evangelizing. With a stick in hand to fight off the many dogs, I started going door to door. I came to a house made of rusty tin and old wood. I was invited in and we sat down and began talking about many things. After discovering that they are Catholic, we began discussing how Jesus has always existed and wasn't created by Mary which helped greatly to began opening their eyes. We began looking at passages that show how Jesus created everything and everyone including Mary. The meeting went well and we have plans to get together next week to study more of God's word.
There might be a lot that one has to give up in order to serve the Lord in other countries however, our reward in heaven will be worth the temporary inconveniences. The Folks-Jacob, Courtenay, Benjamin, Lizzie, & Sophia all need your support so we can stay in the field here in Costa Rica. Our funds are very low and we are seeking & trusting the Lord over this matter. However, we need supporters back home in the states to help us carry our crosses and be a part of sharing the gospel to the world. Maybe you can't give a large amount every month but maybe you can give 10-15 dollars every month. Whatever donation one can give will be a big help so please consider joining forces with the Folks and lets stir up some dust for the Lord.
By simply enjoying a cup of Coffee you will be helping the Folk family stay on the mission field in Costa Rica.
(Click on the coffee image above for more info)
Latest Story
Jacob's Journal
17/1/2017
I have been having an ongoing bible study in Cot, on the Irazu Volcano, with Freddy, Isabel, Paul, Enoch, and a newer member-Fernando. Fernando is from El Salvador and is the youngest in the group by far being only 15 years old. He has been coming to the studies for the past 2 months. Today, we were going through 1 John 3 when he began asking more questions about works and salvation. Isabel did a great job of stepping in and helping explain that salvation isn't based on works but faith alone. It was exciting to hear her do such a great job. later I asked Her if she wanted to lead him to Christ and she asked if I would do that. So this night, Fernando asked Jesus to be his One and only Lord and Savior and to come into his heart and live forever. God is Good!!
I have been having an ongoing bible study in Cot, on the Irazu Volcano, with Freddy, Isabel, Paul, Enoch, and a newer member-Fernando. Fernando is from El Salvador and is the youngest in the group by far being only 15 years old. He has been coming to the studies for the past 2 months. Today, we were going through 1 John 3 when he began asking more questions about works and salvation. Isabel did a great job of stepping in and helping explain that salvation isn't based on works but faith alone. It was exciting to hear her do such a great job. later I asked Her if she wanted to lead him to Christ and she asked if I would do that. So this night, Fernando asked Jesus to be his One and only Lord and Savior and to come into his heart and live forever. God is Good!!
14/2/2017
For the last 5 months I have been having a bible study in a house in Alto De Carmen which is in the area of Tres Rios. The bible study has been with an older lady by the name Rosa and various other family members. Here lately, Rosa has been having guest and other extended family members at the house during our time of study. Last week a lady got saved and this week another lady by the name Melody got saved as they heard the truth and believed in Jesus alone for their salvation. Only by the power of God along with the work of the Holy Spirit can one come out of the darkness into the light. Romans 10:17 - "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
For the last 5 months I have been having a bible study in a house in Alto De Carmen which is in the area of Tres Rios. The bible study has been with an older lady by the name Rosa and various other family members. Here lately, Rosa has been having guest and other extended family members at the house during our time of study. Last week a lady got saved and this week another lady by the name Melody got saved as they heard the truth and believed in Jesus alone for their salvation. Only by the power of God along with the work of the Holy Spirit can one come out of the darkness into the light. Romans 10:17 - "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Good morning everyone. After much prayer, Jacob and I wanted to let you guys know where we are and ask you guys to join us in praying for God to guide us and provide for us and our ministry.We have been on this journey since 2007 and from the beginning God has guided us clearly and provided for our needs.
God has used Costa Rica and our work here to transform our family and made us who we are today. Thank you to everyone that has supported us both financially and prayerfully over these years!
Over the years, we have hit financial lows as we have lost donors and as we gained donors we have risen. God has provided us with large one time donations over the years that have sustained those lows and here we are nearing our 8th year on the mission field and our 9th year on this journey! God has been so good.
So as we celebrate these past years and His provision, we are to a point where we need to share where we are and ask you guys to join us in prayer. With our last financial report from our mission, Global Outreach International, we are at a critical low financially. We routinely run at least $1,100 short a month and have to use our account with GO that has been funded by large one time donations to make up for that shortfall. We are now to a point financially that we are praying for God to either provide in a major way financially or for Him to guide us to our next steps as a family to either back to the USA or a new mission abroad. We have great peace and faith that He will do one or the other. We ask that you please join us in prayer over this.
Here is a link to our page on Global Outreach’s website. We are asking that you please pray and share this with your friends, loved ones and churches. We have full faith and trust in the Lord as Philippians 4:19 says.
So as we celebrate these past years and His provision, we are to a point where we need to share where we are and ask you guys to join us in prayer. With our last financial report from our mission, Global Outreach International, we are at a critical low financially. We routinely run at least $1,100 short a month and have to use our account with GO that has been funded by large one time donations to make up for that shortfall. We are now to a point financially that we are praying for God to either provide in a major way financially or for Him to guide us to our next steps as a family to either back to the USA or a new mission abroad. We have great peace and faith that He will do one or the other. We ask that you please join us in prayer over this.
Here is a link to our page on Global Outreach’s website. We are asking that you please pray and share this with your friends, loved ones and churches. We have full faith and trust in the Lord as Philippians 4:19 says.
4/7/2016 Today I went to a rough village called San Francisco in Cartago CR where I had a bible study with a guy there named Alvero. Alvero wasn't able to have the study today so I left and began to walk the dirt street there. Soon I noticed two young guys in their garage just hanging out. I began to talk with the oldest one and soon we were sitting in their garage having a full-on bible discussion. These two were very open to the bible and wanted to follow what it said over the traditions of the Catholic church. I sensed that they might want to repent and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior but they were already way ahead of me and said that as I was speaking, they had repented and put their faith in Him and they could tell that Jesus was now in their hearts.
God is always good, today I went to my monday morning biblestudy as always in San Francisco, Cartago. At the house was a young boy who appeared to be around 13 or 14 years old. As I was giving my bible study I could tell that he was very interested and I began to focus more on him. I began telling him about salvation and the reason we need it due to our condition of being sinners. He hadn't thought much about eternity and where he would go if he was to die without Jesus in his heart. At the end of the study, he felt Jesus knocking at his heart and wanted to receive Him into his heart as his Lord and Savior. He then repented of his sins and Put his faith in Jesus. Praise be to our Lord and Savior - Jesus Christ. 15-2-2016
Today on this 29th of Dec, I went to my bible study with a family in Los Diques. I have been faithfully doing this study in their house for some time now but haven't seen much fruit. Today, as we were chatting small talk, the mother Yorlene told me that she had been reading her bible mainly in Proverbs and felt convicted to go to some of her neighbors and make things right by asking for forgiveness of previous offenses. She said that she was a little nervous but followed through with it anyway and the neighbors received it well as they all forgave her. She told me that she now feels a wonderful peace that she didn't have before. It helps to motivate you to continue giving the word when you hear stories like this one.
Often I find in Costa Rica that people have been given a copy of the 'New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures' by the Jehova's Witnesses. I try to always have some NIV or Reina Valera translations of the Bible with me in order to trade with them so that we can get the NWT bible out of their house in order to properly dispose of it.
In John 1:1 the King James version of the Bible states:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
In John 1:1 The New World Translation states:
In the beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.
In the beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.
Can you see the difference between the two different translations? The King James states that "the Word was God" but the NWT states that "the Word was a god". You see, the Jehovah's witnesses don't believe that Jesus(Word) is God so they have changed the bible to fit with their own personal thoughts. Notice that they further disrespect Jesus by not capitalizing (god). Not only do they not believe that Jesus and God are one or that Jesus is God but they also don't believe that Jesus is equal to God.
JWs believe that since Jesus was always exalting God above himself that he was trying to tell us that he isn't on the same level of power and authority as God. The thing that Jehovah's Witnesses fail to see is that this is a game of respect that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all three play which shows us the love that each one has for the other in that they want to glorify the other as more important or greater than they are. In the following verses we can see this game played out:
JWs believe that since Jesus was always exalting God above himself that he was trying to tell us that he isn't on the same level of power and authority as God. The thing that Jehovah's Witnesses fail to see is that this is a game of respect that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all three play which shows us the love that each one has for the other in that they want to glorify the other as more important or greater than they are. In the following verses we can see this game played out:
John 17:3-5
3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
In the above verses-John 17:3-5 we find God being glorified by Jesus and Jesus being glorified by God. Both God and Jesus desire to exalt one another because it shows their love for one another and is an example for us to esteem others as better than ourselves.
Philippians 2:5-11
5 Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; 8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; 10 that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and 5 things under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
In the above verses-Philippians 2:5-11 we see that God exalts Jesus by giving him the name which is above every name and every knee will bow to Him.
Lucas 12:10
10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven
3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
In the above verses-John 17:3-5 we find God being glorified by Jesus and Jesus being glorified by God. Both God and Jesus desire to exalt one another because it shows their love for one another and is an example for us to esteem others as better than ourselves.
Philippians 2:5-11
5 Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; 8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; 10 that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and 5 things under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
In the above verses-Philippians 2:5-11 we see that God exalts Jesus by giving him the name which is above every name and every knee will bow to Him.
Lucas 12:10
10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven
In the above verse, Lucas 12:10 we can see that Jesus exalts the Holy Spirit above himself because if you blaspheme against Jesus it will be forgiven but not when you blaspheme against the Spirit.
Proverbs 30:5,6
5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
We shouldn't pretend to know better than God and began to rewrite his word to match our thoughts which is what the Jehovah's Witnesses have done.
5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
We shouldn't pretend to know better than God and began to rewrite his word to match our thoughts which is what the Jehovah's Witnesses have done.
Today, on this Wednesday, I was walking to a bible study that I have in San Francisco with Antonio and his family when a elderly woman came up and was hanging around as I talked to the family from the doorway. The family told me that Antonio was not there. We decided to do the bible study later and I began talking with the lady named Benita. She invited me to where she was staying with her friend. He was a man that I already knew because I had already talked with him on many occasions before. I began sharing scripture with them both and at the end of presenting the gospel, she wanted to accept Jesus as her one and only Lord and Savior. Please pray for Benita that she will began reading the bible and serving our lord and Savior-Jesus Christ.
Pray for Paul as he goes to visit his family in Nicaragua that he will be safe on the journey and that he will have opportunities to share his faith with others there.
Today I went to a fairly new bible study that God opened up in the very poor area of San Francisco, Costa Rica. I went to have a study on salvation with 3 teenagers who are Juan, Gabriel, and Mario. However another young lady was there who's name is Esther. I started off asking the question what do we have to do to be saved? Juan and Esther responded that we need to keep the Ten Commandments, love our neighbor, and in general, be good people. So we looked at some verses like Galatians 2:16 where we are told that by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. We also looked at Romans 9:30-33 where we are told, in a nut shell, that Israel was looking to be justified(made right/forgiven) by the works of the law(Commandments/being a good person) and they didn't find the Justification because no one will be made right by keeping the law. However, the Gentiles(us and everyone else in the world) who look for their righteousness by faith alone, find righteousness.
By the end of the study I sensed that Jesus was working on some in the room and I asked if anyone wanted to receive Jesus into their heart as their Lord and Savior. Esther responded that she wanted to receive Him and rejected the saints and Mary stating that they are not her intercessors nor savior. She claimed Jesus Christ as her only Savior and Mediator/Intercessor. Glory to God!!
By the end of the study I sensed that Jesus was working on some in the room and I asked if anyone wanted to receive Jesus into their heart as their Lord and Savior. Esther responded that she wanted to receive Him and rejected the saints and Mary stating that they are not her intercessors nor savior. She claimed Jesus Christ as her only Savior and Mediator/Intercessor. Glory to God!!
Entering into a new village that looks like this might frighten some, but to me, I see it as a fun and exciting adventure of new territory to evangelize. Upon entering into this village called Dique La Union, I met a family who told me the meaning behind the name of the village who some simply call the Diques. To the left of the blue tin house in the picture, what you are not seeing is a drop off that goes down to a river. The land that these houses all sit on was added by the government and is called a "Dique" which in English is Dyke or Dike. A Dyke is simply a long wall of embankment built to prevent flooding.
I soon met a family in this village with the dad being Pier and the mom being Yorleny and their teenage kids being Mileydy, and Susan. We began discussing thing in the bible and then Mileydy began telling me that there are often shootings in the village and people end up dead. She then asked me if I was scared that someone might try and kill me and that I wouldn't return to their house because of it. I quickly gave a response to her concerned question that I wasn't scared because Jesus was with me where ever I go. We all met last week and have had our second bible study together without incident, with all praise being lifted up to God.
I soon met a family in this village with the dad being Pier and the mom being Yorleny and their teenage kids being Mileydy, and Susan. We began discussing thing in the bible and then Mileydy began telling me that there are often shootings in the village and people end up dead. She then asked me if I was scared that someone might try and kill me and that I wouldn't return to their house because of it. I quickly gave a response to her concerned question that I wasn't scared because Jesus was with me where ever I go. We all met last week and have had our second bible study together without incident, with all praise being lifted up to God.
Mathew 10:28
28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Yesterday I went to Capira, Cipreses to do my weekly bible study with Carlos, Teresa, Flori, Iliana, & Geraldo. After some small talk they told me how they all told the gospel story and explained various other key points to a young girl named Jesica. Shortly after this, the group had the opportunity to lead her to Christ. Jesica is now trusting in Jesus alone for her salvation praise the Lord.
It's so interesting because I have been doing bible studies in this home for about a year and a half and on my way up the volcano I remember thinking to my self, "what am I still doing in this house doing studies there?" Needless to say, God encouraged me big time that day. Sometimes it takes time to see fruit from discipleship but hang in there and keep sharing the bible so that they can share it one day.
It's so interesting because I have been doing bible studies in this home for about a year and a half and on my way up the volcano I remember thinking to my self, "what am I still doing in this house doing studies there?" Needless to say, God encouraged me big time that day. Sometimes it takes time to see fruit from discipleship but hang in there and keep sharing the bible so that they can share it one day.
To God be the glory,
Jacob Folk
Jacob Folk
This morning I went to San Francisco here in Cartago, Costa Rica. This is a very poor village mostly made up of Nicaraguans. I was going to do a bible study with a guy named Carlos but a group of younger boys who I had previously talked with in the street, kept coming by. So Carlos and I both decided to have the bible study on the boys porch next door to Carlos' house.
Carlos had told me that he thought Hell was our time on earth or our lives on this earth. So we looked at a few places in Mathew and in Luke 16 to better understand how the Bible describes Hell. The Bible describes Hell as a place of torment with flames that never go out. It's a place where one will gnash their teeth together as they are in pain from the torture of the flame. So I asked them if they were currently being burned by flames and of course, they quickly all said no. We also noted how the temperature here in San Francisco was in the 70 s and that's usually considered paradise weather. It is easy to tell that this group of guys are hungry for the word of God as we ended the study with various passages like John 3:16.
When you talk with people, you will find that the demons are spreading their doctrines with mankind and that our fight is a spiritual battle. It's also known that neither the Jehovah's Witnesses nor the Catholic Church, believe in a literal Hell. Not too long ago, Pope Francis released a statement that the Catholic Church no longer believes in a real Hell. The Pope also released that they believe that the story of Adam and Eve was a fable and not a real story. If you can discredit the bible then you can teach whatever you like and the people will believe it.
Carlos had told me that he thought Hell was our time on earth or our lives on this earth. So we looked at a few places in Mathew and in Luke 16 to better understand how the Bible describes Hell. The Bible describes Hell as a place of torment with flames that never go out. It's a place where one will gnash their teeth together as they are in pain from the torture of the flame. So I asked them if they were currently being burned by flames and of course, they quickly all said no. We also noted how the temperature here in San Francisco was in the 70 s and that's usually considered paradise weather. It is easy to tell that this group of guys are hungry for the word of God as we ended the study with various passages like John 3:16.
When you talk with people, you will find that the demons are spreading their doctrines with mankind and that our fight is a spiritual battle. It's also known that neither the Jehovah's Witnesses nor the Catholic Church, believe in a literal Hell. Not too long ago, Pope Francis released a statement that the Catholic Church no longer believes in a real Hell. The Pope also released that they believe that the story of Adam and Eve was a fable and not a real story. If you can discredit the bible then you can teach whatever you like and the people will believe it.