To: Friends of Harvest Tabernacle and Crosby and Sally Jane Johnson
From: Pastor Austin and Diane Chinault RE: The Ministry and Mission in Limon July 15, 2018 Dear Partners in Christ: As many of you know from first hand experience of the sacred and holy work of Crosby and Sally Jane in Limon, we write to encourage your ongoing support at this crucial time. Through the living Christ they have touched the lives of hundreds of God’s children over the decades. You know the beauty of the land and challenge of the poverty in which many live. Yet there is goodness, joy, hope and love everywhere in this faith community. Remember the food, the housing, the clothing, the education, the worship and the living word of God we have prospered together for so many years! To God be the Glory! As I write we learn of torrential rains in Limon. And we know how these beautiful people find shelter deep in their faith and rebound from each adversity. We know the rich nature of the “pure life” of Costa Rica in which they live. Yet rugged conditions produce unique challenges with mudslides and highways--roads of transportation. You know of the urgent need to upgrade the ministry van. You have heard of the continual education needs for the little children (whom Jesus loves so much!) And you are mindful of how important it is for Crosby and Sally Jane to come “home” on furlough to tell their story firsthand and be renewed in spirit. Please take these things to God in prayer and respond as you are led. Grace, Peace, and Love, Austin and Diane
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My name is Sue Crone and I currently serve as Vice President of Hearts and Hands for Jesus, International. I am also Pastor Sally's sister. I wanted to share some thoughts and experiences related to our mission.
I recently read that compassion was when the need of another intersected with your ability to respond. We are constantly bombarded by many terrible stories of need and injustice and we can easily become emotionally overwhelmed. This can result in a sort of ‘hopeless inaction’ because we know that alone we cannot save the world. Showing compassion does not mean trying to meet every need we encounter. It means we should act when we FEEL a need to act, when a need speaks to our hearts and we are able in some way, big or small, to help. Personally, I want you to know that your gifts to this mission make a difference. It may not end world hunger, but Merily's family in Costa Rica may have a balanced healthy meal today because of your gift. It may not end illiteracy; but Barry, at 31 years of age, received school supplies, felt love and encouragement, went back to school and will graduate this year. It may not spread God's love to everyone in this world but for two days this month youth and young adults from Limon shared their faith and love with indigenous youth on a retreat. These same youth and young adults used the kitchen mission teams helped to build at Harvest Tabernacle to make soup and baked goods they sold to raise funds to help cover their costs. You DO make a difference through this mission! You DO bring hope. You DO change lives through your generosity in time, talents, and financial resources. You DO show God's love and empower others by joining the work of this mission. Those of you that have been able to go on a mission trip have changed lives forever. You have helped build rooms on homes, dig wells so families can have clean drinking water, paint the church where refugee families have been able to worship and become followers of our loving Savior. Your participation on mission trips speak to the hearts of many in Limon, telling them they are children of God that matter and are loved. I also think those who participate on mission trips are changed. I know I am. I look at the need of my neighbors with new eyes. I know that as a follower of Jesus there is much work I can do in my home community and the world to build up the Kingdom of God. As Paul tells us in Galatians 6:9-10, “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those of the household of faith. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” I have seen the beginning of the harvest and it is good and pleasing to God. I offer you the continued “opportunity” to do good and thank all who support this mission. I encourage you to contact Gregg, Mike, Sally or myself if you have questions at any time. Blessings on your journey - Sue |