Operation Irazu
God has called SOF to plant churches in this area of Costa Rica and partner with other organizations doing the same.
We believe the time is ripe on Irazu for a bountiful harvest that only the Lord can provide.
On the gentlly rolling slopes of Volcano Irazu are nestled 12 small towns and communities. Irazu is located in the northern part of the Cartago province of Costa Rica, and its one of the most unreached areas of the country for the gospel.
God has called SOF to plant churches in this region and to partner with other organizations that are doing the same. Our long-term vision is for these churches to grow into healthy, thriving, independent, Bible-believing churches which will eventually send out missionaries from their bodies to the Muslim world and the rest of the 10/40 window.
Historically, this has been a very difficult area in which to work. The first short term team SOF took to Irazu was threatened in the city of Tierra Blanca with stoning simply because we had planned a children's carinval.
The people of this area are taught growing up that Jesus is mad at them for having killed Him with their sins. They believe they must go through Mary and other saints to appease Jesus' anger toward them. Their faith is completely in their own works for salvation, and they are strongly discouraged from reading the Bible. They believe Bible study will make you crazy.
Over the past 10 years, God has slowly softened these communities to the gospel, and they are now much more open to hearing the Good News. Adulterous affairs and out-of-wedlock births are rampant, and the people are now looking for answers to their pain.
We believe the time is ripe on Irazu for a bountiful harvest that only the Lord can provide.
Two churches have been successfully planted so far, one in Tierra Blanca (which is the primary city of the region), and another in Boqueron (a small community which serves both towns of Paso Ancho and Capellades).
Remaining to be reached are the towns of: Llano Grande, Potrero Cerrado, San Juan de Chicua, Cot, Santa Maria, San Gerardo, San Pablo, Pacayas, & Cervantes.
Won't you please help us reach this entire region for Christ?
Our needs on Irazu are:
1. PRAYER. This is our most pressing need. If you are able to commit to regular prayer, please email us so we can keep you updated.
2. Donations to build classrooms for the children in both Tierra Blanca and Boqueron (Approx. cost $7,000 ea.) These classroom are vitally important in that it is currently impossible to keep the noise from the children's lesson from interrupting or disturbing the Adult Worship.
3. Financial support for Pastor Oscar Brenes.
4. Financial supprot for Missionary Herman Achoy.