Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a Central American success story.  Since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred its democratic development.  Although still a largely agricultural country, it has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism sectors.  The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread.

Geography

19,730 sq miles (51,100 sq km) located in Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama.

Tropical and subtropical climate with the dry season, December to April, and rainy season, May to November.

Population

3,834,934 (July 2002 est.)

White (including mestizo) 94%, black 3%, Amerindian 1%, Chinese 1%, other 1%

Languages

Spanish (official), English spoken around Puerto Limon

Capital

San Jose

Political Status

Democratic republic

Religion

Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, other Protestant 0.7%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.3%, other 4.8%, none 3.2%

Ministry History

In 1997 a missionary from Costa Rica joined Global Teams, followed by another in 1999. Both have been working in a Muslim country since that time. In 2001 Global Teams was invited by several Costa Rican churches to hold a mission conference aimed at recruiting missionaries and mobilizing churches. Four new missionaries joined Global Teams as a result and went to the Muslim world to explore long term service in 2002.  Global Teams works closely with La Casa Del Padre (House of the Father), partnering to build a bridge for Costa Ricans to the unreached, especially in the Muslim world.

Field Goals

Develop a process to recruit and equip Costa Ricans for highly incarnational ministry among the unreached.

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