Costa Rica Methodist Children's Home

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In Summer 2006, HPUMC initiated a partnership with Ray & Lidia Zirkel, Methodist missionaries serving in Costa Rica, who had been researching and receiving approval for the establishment of the first Methodist orphanage in Costa Rica. They witnessed first-hand the over-crowding of state facilities and realized the potential of an alternative model for orphan care. Instead of expansive, institutional structures with still too few beds, Ray & Lidia want to nurture the children in a Christian family environment.

HPUMC has commited to help Ray & Lidia raise the money to help create, build and support the first Methodist orphanage in Costa Rica. The Costa Rica Methodist Orphanage will receive children who have been legally declared abandoned and raise them in a model Christian environment until such time as they are either adopted or reach adulthood. Ray and Lidia will oversee the project. And since Ray is a former member of HPUMC, they are uniquely capable of integrating our members into every phase of development, construction and ongoing support.  To learn more about the Zirkels, visit their website.

 Mission Trip } October 16-24

What: The team will help to continue work on the Methodist Children's Home property and provide Vacation Bible School activities for children at local churches.

Cost: $650 + purchase your own airfare (please contact the team leader for flight schedule).  We encourage team members to include family and friends in the fundraising process (see below for sample fundraising letter).  The cost of the trip does not include airfare, passports, vaccinations, or shopping.  Most of the meals are included in the trip cost.

Vaccinations: You may visit the Center for Disease Control & Prevention's website to gather information.  Your team leader will give you an overview of the terrain at the team meetings, to help you discern how to prepare yourself.  We also suggest that you discuss vaccinations with your personal physician.

Team Meetings: TBD

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We Need Your Financial Support

Generous HPUMC members have already given over $400,000 to purchase seven acres of land and complete a master site plan (above). Phase One of our Master Plan now includes the construction of two orphanage homes, a recreational area (outdoor basketball court & playground), a multi-purpose activity center, renovation & expansion of the existing home (for administration & maintenance) and necessary site improvements (entry gate, road, parking area, perimeter fence, site grading).  Consider your contribution today.

Objectives
• Establish a permanent residential facility with a Christian family environment to meet the children’s basic needs.
• Establish a model of care and attention which is founded on a Christian family spirit of peace, integrity, dignity, tolerance, freedom, equality and solidarity.
• Create an alternate form of protection for the children in the form of a true home.
• Offer the children a place where they can know and grow in their love for Jesus Christ.
• Provide the children the opportunity to become active members in the life of a local congregation and attend a Christian school (The Methodist School).
• Prepare the children physically, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually, educationally and recreationally to be fully integrated members of Costa Rican (or some other) society.