March 2019 Newsletter from Pastor Sally

            Greetings to everyone from Costa Rica! We are sorry that we did not send a newsletter out earlier this year; but God is moving in our church and ministry in so many ways. We are Amazed and Blessed by the growth and all that He is doing through the Hearts and Hands of so many people.
          When I was teaching in Costa Rica the school emblem where I worked said, “To Grow in Wisdom and Knowledge.” God's desire for us is to diligently seek wisdom. He calls it a treasure. Godly wisdom is to be able to see things from the Lord's point of view and respond according to scriptural principals. This is our desire through our education outreach program in both Harvest Tabernacle and the community. We want to empower people in every area of their lives that they may be productive and know their worth. We want individuals to determine in their hearts the desire to pursue this great treasure, to study the Word, seek the Lord's will, and observe His principals in action leading to a full and abundant life.
          Education is a process and takes time. It begins by God placing compassion in your heart; a desire to help underprivileged and marginalized  people.  Your offerings, donations and prayers support children, youth, young adults, and single mothers in attending school. Many would be unable to attend without this help. Your gifts allow us to purchase backpack supplies, books, uniforms, shoes, required insurance policies, and other required items to begin school. Our education program continues to help students with project materials, exam fees, bus passes, photo copies, and various other needs throughout the school year.  The students study hard and show accountability throughout the year. This year we were able to help 122 students to begin the 2019 school year. Praise God, this was an increase from 2018! We continue to need help with the yearly expenses, especially buying subject books.
          Last year was a difficult school year for students as there was a national strike from September through November. The students only completed two semesters of studies. Students that passed those semesters were moved on to the next grade. We did have a total of 10 graduates from kindergarten through high school.  Several of these promotions were firsts in their families.
          We had two short term missionaries staying with us the last few months. Sue Crone and Marsha Reiber taught the word in Sunday School and Youth group. They also came to share of their gifts and talents by teaching basic sewing skills and crafts. The participants learned to make pillow cases, tote bags, flower arrangements, sashes for praise team skirts, and banners.         
          In March we were able to testify of God's goodness and provision. For over three years we have been praying, fasting, and raising funds for a newer van for us and our ministry. I wrote down on a paper exactly what we needed and wanted in the van. God provided us with a 2012 automatic diesel Hyundai H1, a 12 passenger van. The church celebrated with us and we prayed Blessing over it giving God all the praise and glory. THANK YOU to everyone who heard our cry and contributed to the purchase of this vital tool for our mission.
          Our God is Awesome and we are so excited about what He is doing in our lives and ministry! As each of us continue to study God's word and seek His will He will pour out wisdom and knowledge into our mind and spirit. “I love those who love me, and those who diligently seek me will find me.”Proverbs 8:17

Love and Blessings,
Crosby and Pastor Sally Johnson
 
We continue to seek prayer for:
1.   God's guidance, healing, and wisdom
2.   Health and safety for Crosby and I
3. Creativity and patience working with our students and families
4. Monthly financial support for us and to meet 2019 educational and food needs in the community and church
5. Needed repairs and maintenance at church and mission house
6.   For health and safety and increased understanding of what it means to follow Jesus for all we serve through our mission.  

Please continue to follow us on Facebook 'Hearts and Hands for Jesus' or at www.hh4j.org