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08/04/2010 03:09 AM

Forgiveness

It all started last summer when a mission team came to Alajuelita to serve. Toward the end of the trip one of the young ladies on the mission team had her camera stolen. She had laid it down for a few minutes in the church they where they were working and it was gone! She was frustrated and I was incredibly disappointed and embarrassed. I did some investigating and figured it was one of two people. I spoke with each of these people and asked them to come clean, return the camera, and ask the young lady for forgiveness. My petitions fell on deaf ears and nothing was resolved. A year later this same young woman returned to serve. Toward the end of the trip she was approached by a young man, one of the two I had suspected. He was upset and asked if he could speak with her. He went on to confess that he was the one who had stolen her camera. He explained that a year ago he didn't know Jesus. He didn't feel bad and didn't think he needed to ask for forgiveness. However, in the past year he had grown to love Jesus and now he understands why he needs to ask for forgiveness. The young lady forgave the young man and it was a healing experience for both. Then the young man asked if he could some how pay restitution for the lost camera. The young woman simply replied "You are forgiven." While she had lost a camera, she had gained a brother. The whole experience was a beautiful picture, and excellent reminder of the love and forgiveness found in the body of Christ.

08/04/2010 02:14 AM

Provision

It all started several weeks ago when I received an email from a couple young guys traveling though Central America looking for mission opportunities. They asked if they could come and visit 6:8 Ministries and hang around for a little while. My first reaction was to tell them no, that is not in keeping with the vision and focus of 6:8 Ministries. However, I did not have peace, so I prayed and decided to tell them yes. Last week I had to make the hard decision to terminate the current director of the men's rehabilitation center. The decision was made due to some spiritual and moral failures on the part of the director. This came unexpected and we were scrambling to try to figure out what to do with the men's center. We have made progress with some of the men in the center and didn't want to have to send them back to the streets. We asked the young men if they would consider sleeping in the center while we searched for a new director. They agreed! The crazy part is that they both speak Spanish and one of them actually has experience serving in homeless shelters. Over the past week God has used these young men in a powerful way. First, they have built deep relationships with the men in a very short time. They have been praying and studying God's word together, and since their arrival three men have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior! We have also been struggling to keep the men's center financially viable. We have had little success with our fundraising efforts. Within a few days of these young men taking over we received an unsolicited gift to support the men's center. This has caused me to wonder if God has been holding back blessing with the men's center because we had the wrong person leading it. It's been amazing to watch how God continue to work all things together for good. I'm not really good with math, but I can't imagine the odds on all of this being coincidental. Two strangers looking for opportunities to serve God rolling into town at the perfect time, with the perfect gift set! I'm not sure how long they will be here, but some how I think it's going to be perfect timing. Through all of this I've been reminded that AMAZING things happen we pray and open ourselves to God's leading. I'm super excited and almost feel invincible! If God is for us than what can stand against us?

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Contact Info

Costa Rica Mailing Address:
Spencer Boulter
APTDO 1400-116
Alajuelita, San Jose
Costa Rica

Email: Spencer@68ministries.com
U.S. Phone: (904) 342-6286
Costa Rica Office Phone: 001-506-2252-1218
Costa Rica Cell Phone: 001-506-8337-9639

Donations can be mailed to:
6:8 Ministries
c/o Linda Swain
9 Genesee St.
Scottsville, NY 14546

Missionary Staff

	The Boulter Family Spencer Boulter is the executive director of 6:8 Ministries. He lives in Alajuelita, Costa Rica with his wife Molly and four children; Alexis, Christopher, Nathan and Seth. They have been serving in Costa Rica since the summer of 2006. They have a passion to reach the people of Costa Rica through living out the gospel of Jesus Christ. Prior to his calling in Costa Rica, Spencer served as the youth/children’s pastor at Cross Creek Church. Support the Boulters
	The DeVaney Family Dave and Leisa DeVaney are from Whitmore Lake, Michigan. They have 3 sons; Josh, Jason, and Jordan. Dave serves as the Director of Feeding Ministries, where he oversees the 6:8 feeding center operations. Leisa serves as the 6:8 Ministries bookkeeper in Costa Rica. God has given them a strong desire to love and serve the people of Costa Rica. Support the DeVaneys
	The Bravo Family Omar and Bonnie are from St. Petersburg, FL where Omar runs a Digital Marketing firm and Bonnie is a Ceramic Artist. After spending the summer of 2009 in Costa Rica, the Bravo's committed to serve with 6:8 in whatever fashion God would have them. At present, Omar is the Director of Information Technology. Support the Bravos
	The Knutson Family Cody and Stephanie Knutson are excited to get to Alajuelita and live out their calling. They have known that God has had a plan for their lives to be intertwined with missions in the Latin American culture for many years. After denying this plan, they realized happiness and fulfillment would only come through submitting their whole lives to missions. Cody and Stephanie have been raising their daughter, Kyah, in Maize, Kansas, a suburb of Wichita. Cody will be serving as the Director of Construction Ministries, while Stephanie plans to use her background in education to minister in the local schools Support the Knutsons
	The Gammage Family Dan is a native of Jacksonville, FL. He and Kelly were married in 2003. They have two you boys, Luke and Ben. He has worked in finance and as a youth pastor in Jacksonville. He was initially introduced to 6:8 Ministries when he led several short term trips to Costa Rica. Family: Dan and Kelly were married in 2003. They have two young boys, Luke and Ben. Support the Gammages
	The Blalock Family Brian and Amanda Blalock were married in December 2008 three days before God brought them to Costa Rica. They have a passion for the hurting, lost, and poor. Once being introduced to the work of 6:8 Ministries they immediately felt their hearts burn for the people of Alajuelita. The Blalocks serve as the directors of the men's homeless center ("The Refuge") and work alongside the short-term teams as team leaders. Brian is passionate about teaching and encouraging people with the things of God. Amanda has a servant's heart and also uses her graphic design talents to serve 6:8 Ministries. Support the Blalocks
	The Gill Family Steve and Keisa are from Grand Blanc, Michigan and are excited to join the team in Costa Rica. They have been married for almost 20 years and have four kids; Aaron, Elianna, Christian and Karinna. Steve has most recently served as the lead pastor of a great church in Davison, Michigan called Journey. Keisa grew up in Ecuador as a missionary kid and all 4 of their kids are Guatemalan heritage. They have been passionate about missions and Latin America especially when it comes to serving kids. They look forward to what God has for their lives as they step out in obedience to His call. Support the Gills
	The Hicks Family Jeremy and Heather Hicks are from Jacksonville, FL. They have one daughter, Olivia, and are expecting their second child in August 2010. Jeremy and Heather have both felt God calling them to missions for several years, and after being introduced to 6:8 Ministries, they knew they had found the ministry where God wanted them to serve. They are currently raising support with the hope that their family will be in Alajuelita towards the latter part of 2010. They are looking forward to raising their family alongside the people God has called them to love and serve. Support the Hicks
	Becca Surratt Becca Surratt recently graduated high school from the Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida. After her third short term mission trip with 6:8 in December, she decided to take a year off to pursue her passion for missions before attending Davidson College in the fall of 2011. She is so excited for this amazing opportunity and feels unbelievably blessed to be a part of the 6:8 team, confident that God will do amazing things this year. Family: Becca also has two incredibly supportive parents and an amazing sister back home in Jacksonville. Support Becca
	Anton Van Veen Anton Van Veen is from Encinitas, California. He serves at the men's center ("El Refugio") as well as working with groups during the day. He is super pumped to be apart of the increadible work that God is doing in Costa Rica. Support Anton

Costa Rica Overview Our Costa Rica operations are located in Alajuelita, Costa Rica. Alajuelita is the poorest county, per capita, in all of Costa Rica. According to the latest census, the population of Alajuelita is roughly 200,000 residents.

Alajuelita is an urban environment and a suburb of San Jose, which is the capital and largest city in Costa Rica. Due to this, Alajuelita has many of the same challenges as low income, urban environments in the United States.

According to the last census, the unemployment in Alajuelita is a staggering 65%. Drugs and alcohol are widely used and cause many of the social problems. Prostitution is legal in Costa Rica and many of the women in Alajuelita work as prostitutes, which is often the family's only source of income.

However, in spite of all of the social and spiritual challenges in Alajuelita, we love the people. We are shining the light of Jesus Christ into the darkness of Alajuelita.

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We strive to provide the most affordable, life-changing, mission experiences possible. We only charge $225 a person for one week, or $300 a person for ten days.

What's the catch?
This is often the first response we get when people hear that we only charge $225 a week, per person. The simple answer is: there isn't one. God has blessed us with a low overhead and operating expenses. He has also provided people who want to support our vision of providing affordable mission experiences. Therefore, we subsidize part of the cost.

What's included?
The price includes everything you need while in Costa Rica. Your team will stay in our safe and comfortable team house, and enjoy three hot delicious meals a day. It also includes our caring and experienced staff. We will be here to care for your team each step of the way and serve you anyway we can.

What's not included?

• It does not include your airfare.
• It does not cover your exit tax - $26 a person.
• It does not include your transportation to and from the airport. This normally averages about $5 a person. We will arrange your transportation, but because prices can vary depending on season and group size, we have decided not to include it in the normal rate.
• It does not include personal expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, or free-day excursions. We will gladly help you plan your free-day excursion, but because every group is different it is not included in the normal rate.

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Short Term Missions
We are passionate about hosting quality, short-term mission experiences that are as inexpensive as possible. We understand that money is the number one deterrent, therefore we strive to do everything at as low a cost as possible.

Our experience has been that God uses short-term mission experiences to change lives in powerful ways. We challenge each team member to live out the gospel in tangible ways. Our prayer is that team members return home renewed and invigorated in their faith and have a stronger desire to serve others.

Extended Stay Missions
Sometimes individuals would like to stay for more than a week or ten days. In both Costa Rica and Guatemala the maximum stay without a special visa is 90 days. If an individual is interested in staying for more than two weeks, we ask that the following requirements are met:

1. They must have participated in a short-term mission experience.
2. They must complete the Extended Stay Application.
3. They must complete a telephone interview with the Executive Director.
4. They must have at least three letters of recommendation.
5. They must pay for their experience in advance.
6. They must agree to and sign the Extended Stay Participant Contract.

The price for extended stay participants is $150 a week. This includes your food, lodging and local transportation.

Family Mission Trips
We offer family mission experiences to Costa Rica and Guatemala. We call these experiences 'mission-cations'. For what the average family would spend on a weekend at Disney, your family could spend an unbelievable time serving God together while taking in the the beauty of His creation in diverse cultures.

We will work with your family to organize your mission project to suit your family's ages and abilities. Families may stay at the team house, or for a little extra cost, may stay in a more comfortable facility. Some families enjoy taking free day excursions. You may take a look at your options: Costa Rica / Guatemala.

We will work with you to make your trip as affordable and meaningful as possible.

Costa Rica Ministries There are unlimited ministry possibilities in Alajuelita. Rather than a canned ministry approach, we encourage each group to use your unique gifts, skills, and passions. We will help you outline and execute your team's ministry plan. Below are a list of team favorites to give you some ideas. Keep in mind that these are only suggestions. We will help you tailor your mission experience to meet your team's unique skills, gifts, and passions.

Prayer Walks
One of the first things your team will be encouraged to do is participate in a prayer walk through part of Alajuelita. This will provide your team with a feel for the culture, as well as how to get around the city. Our staff will lead the walk, stopping at points of interest around the city to allow the group to pray.

Ministry to the poor
Alajuelita is the poorest county in Costa Rica. Right outside the team house are some of the poorest of the poor. We coordinate opportunities to distribute food, medicines, or personal hygiene packets to poor families. We also distribute the Word of God, which is the Bread of Life. We try to coordinate this ministry with one of the local churches in the distribution area. This church may also provide individuals to act as guides and translators. This also helps connect these poor individuals with a local church for ongoing assistance and discipleship.

Children´s Ministries
We will coordinate children's ministry projects in local community centers, churches, or the city library for your group. We coordinate children's ministry projects in many different neighborhoods. Most of the children here are very affectionate and are hungry for your personal love and attention. They love games, crafts, singing, sports, and dancing.

Serve at Feeding Centers
We have working relationships with a few different feeding centers in Alajuelita. These feeding centers are designed to provide children with a small meal that they would not get otherwise. Teams can assist by playing with the children, serving the food, and cleaning-up after the meal.

Elementary School Ministry
We have working relationships with several elementary schools in Alajuelita. We will coordinate with the schools for teams to come teach English and Bible lessons. Speaking Spanish is not required for this ministry.

High School Ministry
We will coordinate a day for your group to hang out at one of the local high schools. This is great for teams with high school students. Ministry teams may help in English classes, and play sports such as Softball, Volleyball, Basketball, and Soccer. (Warning! They are amazing at soccer!). Your team will also interact with students as you eat lunch together in the cafeteria.

Retirement / Senior Center Ministry
We can coordinate team visits to a local retirement center to dance, sing, and play bingo with the elderly. These are lonely people. Their faces light up when people come to visit.

Construction Projects
Every place you turn there is another opportunity for a construction project. We will coordinate with local churches and other ministries to determine the greatest need. Projects include everything from painting and minor home repairs, to building a home from the ground up. Depending on the size of the project, additional ministry cost may be required.

Medical Teams
Many of the people living in Alajuelita do not have access to medical care. In these areas there is a need for nurses, doctors, dentists, and medicines. We will help your team with all the logistics in setting up a medical or dental clinic in one of the local churches for the week. Our last medical team was able to treat 700 patients in one week. This is also a great outreach for the local churches.

Costa Rica Medical Info We require that Medical History and Release Forms be completed by each participant. For minors, the form must be signed by a parent or guardian. A doctor's signature is not needed.

Water:
In most parts of Costa Rica the water is safe to drink. We inform participants if they enter into an area where the drinking water may be contaminated. Bottled water may be purchased locally.

Insurance:
We require every participant to have health insurance to cover medical needs while in Costa Rica. We ask that you check with your insurance provider to ensure your policy covers international travel. Most major insurance providers will cover international travel up to 60 days. If you don´t currently have health insurance or your policy doesn´t cover international travel, you must purchase a temporary traveler insurance policy that covers you for the duration of your stay.

Shots:
There are no required shots to enter Costa Rica. However, we recommend that each participant have a current tetanus shot. We recommend that you visit the Center for Disease Control´s web-site at http://www.cdc.gov for the most current and accurate information.

Clinics:
We have a working relationship with several clinics and doctors. These clinics can treat basic illnesses and write basic prescriptions. These clinics are very convenient and affordable.

Pharmacies:
There are several pharmacies in the Alajuelita area. These pharmacies sell over-the-counter medicines and prescription medicines. Many times you don´t need a prescription, but please bring a copy of the original medicine container for all prescription medicines.

Forms

Each team member is required to fill out the following forms and submit to 6:8 Ministries upon arrival.

Waiver of Liability
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Medical History
11.5 KB

Costa Rica Packing List Individual participants should plan on bringing the following items:

Required items:

• Comfortable clothes for entire stay
• Comfortable close-toed shoes
• Sandals, flip-flops, or shower shoes
• Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc...)
• Bible

Optional comfort items:

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray
• Backpack (small school size backpack)
• Poncho or Umbrella
• Hand Sanitizer
• Water Bottle
• Hat
• Small Flashlight
• Watch
• Snacks (Individually wrapped work best)
• Digital Camera
• Spending Money
• Ear plugs (you will be sharing a room with others)
• Alarm Clock
• Journal

Team Leader is required to bring the following:

• Basic First-aid kit
• Digital Camera (at least one for team photos)
• Medical History Forms
• Release of Liability Forms

Costa Rica Free Day Many teams that come to serve in Costa Rica decide to take a free-day excursion. This allows members of the group to take in the beauty of God´s creation. If your team decides to take an excursion, we will help you coordinate activities and transportation.

The costs for excursions are not included in the price for the week. We ask that you come prepared to pay for your excursion in cash. There are ATM machines available if you don´t like carrying cash. If you want us to assist in coordinating your excursion, you must confirm the exact details of your free day excursion with us at least two weeks prior to your arrival.

We have listed a few of the team favorites to give you some ideas:

Hike to the cross of Alajuelita (free)
Standing over 7,550 feet above sea level is the Cross of Alajuelita. This 90´ cross overlooks the San Jose valley. A group favorite is to spend a morning hiking up the mountain to the cross. There are two other crosses on the way to the top. The climb to the first cross is fairly easy, the second is longer and more difficult, but the final trek can be somewhat treacherous, especially after a rain. The entire experience is quite spectacular and unforgettable.

San Jose Day trip ($2 per person / not including meals)
Some groups enjoy a day trip to the nation´s capital city. There are several sites to see, such as the Central Market, National Theatre, museums, art galleries, zoo, parks, gift shops, and restaurants. Most of the sites in San Jose are relatively inexpensive. It is a short 10-15 minute bus ride from Alajuelita. Buses leave from Alajuelita to San Jose every 5 minutes and cost less than fifty cents.

Jacó Beach Trip ($35 per person)
Some groups decide to take an excursion to Jacó Beach on the Pacific Coast. Jacó Beach is roughly two and a half hours from Alajuelita. The $35 a person includes a 29 passenger bus and a professional driver. Most teams rent two rooms to give people a place to shower and change. There are many restaurants and gift shops on the beach strip. Team members can rent surfboards and get lessons if needed. There is a jungle canopy tour at Jacó Beach that costs about $55 a person. It is very safe and professionally run. This tour includes 12 zip lines through the jungles of Costa Rica. Some of the zip lines are over 400´ above the ground and reach speeds of 55 mph. Along with the spectacualr views, you may see amazing wildlife such as poison dart frogs, bullet ants and monkeys.

Volcano Day Trip ($25 per person)
Two nearby and geologically interesting natural wonders are the Poás and Irazú Volcanoes. On the way back from Irazú you can stop at Cartago and visit the basilica to which thousands of Costa Ricans make a pilgrimage each year. Poás is an active volcano that has been erupting since 1828. Admission to the park is around $7 per person. You can read more about it here.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens ($60 per person)
The Waterfall Gardens offer a wide variety of Costa Rica's most beautiful sights. There is a walking tour that will take you through the rainforest where you will see three waterfalls. There are also the Butterfly Observatory, Hummingbird Garden, serpentarium, Frog Exhibit and more. For more information, take a look at www.waterfallgardens.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it cost?
We strive to provide the most affordable mission experiences possible. We charge $225 a person for one week, or $300 a person for ten days. Please click here if you are interested in an extended stay.

What's the catch?
This is often the first response we get when people hear that we only charge $225 a week, per person. The simple answer is there isn't one. God has blessed us with a low overhead and operating expenses. God has also provided individuals who want to support our vision of providing affordable mission experiences. Therefore, we are able to subsidize part of the cost.

What's included?
The price includes everything you need during your mission experience. Your team will stay in our safe and comfortable team house, and enjoy three delicious hot meals a day.

It also includes our caring and experienced staff. We will be there to lead and care for your team each step of the way.

What's not included?
* It does not include your airfare.
* It does not cover your exit tax. (Costa Rica $26, Guatemala $3)
* It does not include your transportation to and from the airport. This normally averages about $5 a person. We will arrange your transportation, but because prices can vary depending on season and group size, we have decided not to include it in the normal rate.
* It does not include personal expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, or free-day excursions. Again, we will gladly help you plan and coordinate your free-day, but because every group is different it is not included in the normal rate.

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Newsletters

August 2009

Ramblings - Praise Him!

We've made it through another busy summer, and as I reflect upon it one word comes to mind...praise! I find myself unable to fully declare the praise God deserves. He has done so many great things in and through 6:8 Ministries, that it would be impossible to list them all. However, that being said here, is my feeble attempt to boast upon my God and the great things He has done so far this year! Please celebrate and praise Him with me....

Mission Teams - Since May, God has allowed us to host 224 team members from 22 mission teams, representing 18 different churches, from 9 different states. That is 224 believers challenged and inspired to live for Christ with reckless abandon.

This summer alone God used the mission teams to...
medically treat and prescribe free medicines to over 3,500 people;
construct 6 new homes, and 4 new chicken coops;
paint or remodel 8 houses, 2 schools, 1 park, 2 community centers, and 1 church;
teach English to hundreds of children in 3 different elementary schools;
conduct 4 Vacation Bible Schools and 2 soccer camps;
deliver clothing, food, wheelchairs, and diapers to dozens of needy families;
plant a garden for an orphanage, feed five orphans, serve hundreds of meals to the homeless; and pray with countless local people in Costa Rica and Guatemala.

New Staff - God has brought new staff members to 6:8 Ministries. Omar and Bonnie Bravo have committed to serve with 6:8 Ministries. They will be serving alongside Dave and Leisa DeVaney in Costa Rica. Omar will oversee operations while Dave oversees teams. Amy Mikul has committed to serve with 6:8 Ministries in Guatemala. God has also brought four other families that are prayerfully considering about serving with 6:8 Ministries.

New Ministry Opportunities - Thanks be to God that the Guatemala expansion is up and running. This expansion has already provided many new ministry opportunities. God has allowed us to build working relationships with a thriving local ministry, a local orphanage, a children's art school, a Downs Syndrome school, a clean water project, a house building ministry, and much more.

New Team House - God has provided a new team house in Guatemala. It's going to be a great tool for His use and glory for years to come.

Purchase of the staff house - God has provided the funding for us to purchase the Staff house in Costa Rica! We are currently renting the staff house. However this purchase will not only save the ministry money, but will also secure the use of the facility.

New Church Plant - God has used this ministry to help start a new church plant in Costa Rica. Celebration Church of Costa Rica is reaching a segment of people that no other church is reaching. Each week drunks, drug addicts, prostitutes, and homeless, stumble in to hear a message of love and grace. God is radically changing lives through His new church plant.

New Feeding Center - God has provided the funding to start a new soup kitchen / feeding center this fall!

As I said before, I could go on and on about the great things God has done...and is doing. We are humbled and honored that He allows us to be part of it. We completely recognize that He is working and He alone deserves all the glory and credit. I echo the psalmist as he writes...

Praise the Lord
Give thanks to the Lord,
for His love endures forever.
Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord or
fully declare His praise?
Psalm 106:1-2

Amazed and full of praise,
Spencer

Partner Links

Spencer's 6:8 Blog
Boulter Family Mission
Real Men Defined
Celebration Church
Celebration Church Missions Blog
Cross Creek Church
deepStream Guatemala
12x12 Love Project
First Baptist Church St. Pete
Journey Church
Mason Community Church
River City Church
Traveling Tradesmen
UF - Christian Campus House

General Info

6:8 Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational missions organization that exists to strengthen and expand the kingdom of God in Costa Rica. We accomplish this through offering affordable, life-changing, mission experiences to Costa Rica.

We strive to lead by example as we challenge others to care for the poor, love the unlovely, and bring hope to the hopeless. We work to reach the lost and dying world with the message of grace found only in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We believe that entering into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will bring true transformation. Through this relationship alone, we can start to have a deeper understanding of true love, hope, joy and peace.

Statement of Faith

General Statement of Faith:
6:8 Ministries believes in the life-changing power found in living out the gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe that God’s perfect and infallible Word commissions all followers of Christ to actively pursue advancing the kingdom of God through the discipleship of others. We also believe that all followers of Christ are empowered by the Holy Spirit to die to self and truly love others as themselves in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Specific Statement of Faith:
In keeping with our foundational beliefs, we believe that God has called us to actively pursue changing lives though the gospel of Jesus Christ here in Alajuelita, Costa Rica. We do this through living out the gospel and ministering to the physical and spiritual needs of the people of Alajuelita.

We also have a vision to strengthen and expand the kingdom of God by offering affordable, life-changing mission experiences in Costa Rica. We strive to provide individuals opportunity to grow in their faith through serving in mission experiences in Costa Rica.

Vision & Mission

Vision
Our vision is to provide affordable, high qualitiy, life-changing mission experiences. We believe that by doing so it will strengthen and expand the kingdom of God here on earth.

Mission Statement
Our mission is to help others experience missions in such a way that they will be invigorated and strengthened in their faith. We do this through providing practical ways for participants to live out the gospel of Jesus Chirst. We try to remove distractions and provide situations that will bring clarity and focus on the teaching and person of Jesus Christ.

Board of Directors

Duke Hammond is one of the founders and the current president of 6:8 Ministries. He and his wife Candy are both retired and live on a small farm in southwest Georgia. They spend about six months a year in Costa Rica and have been leading mission teams in Alajuelita, Costa Rica since 2005. Duke is a Vietnam Veteran and a retired wildlife biologist. He is a strong and caring leader. Candy is a retired elementary school teacher and is extremely gifted at teaching young children. Together they have raised four wonderful daughters.

Rita Doidge is one of the founders and the current administrative officer. She lives in North Florida with her youngest daughter, Angela. Rita's other daughter, Emily, is a student at the University of Florida. Rita spent a year living and serving in Costa Rica before moving to Jacksonville to work as a middle school teacher. Rita is a sweet and sensitive woman who has a heart for the children of Alajuelita.

Derek Harmon is on staff as the youth and college minister at River City Church in Jacksonville, Florida. He and his wife Beth have three wonderful children. He has visited Costa Rica on numerous occasions.

Dan MacFerran is an elder in training at Cross Creek Church in Jacksonville, Florida. He and his wife Ann have three wonderful children.

Dan Swain and his wife Linda live in western New York. Dan is an engineer and Linda is a teacher turned bookkeeper. They owned their own business for twenty-eight years and have recently retired. They have made several trips to Alajuelita, and because of their love for 6:8 Ministries are working in positions of treasurer and bookkeeper.They have three children and six grandchildren, all of whom love the Lord. Their oldest son Brennan is a patent attorney in California and also won The Amazing Race (first season). Their son Ryan is a dentist practicing in western NY, and their daughter Shannon and her husband took over Dan and Linda's business.

Shane Fowler and his wife Sara live in Jacksonville, Florida with their three beautiful children. Shane is the youth pastor at Cross Creek Church. Shane and Sara are also involved with the child sponsorship program in Costa Rica.

The Rhino

The following was taken from the book "The Barbarian Way" by Erwin McManus:

"A few years ago I took my kids to a wildlife animal park near San Diego. As we rode on a tram through the open terrain, a guide pointed out the unique features of the different species that we encountered. I suppose I always knew it in part, but I had not come to realize how most groups of animals have unique names or designations when they dwell together.

With insects most of us know that bees are called swarms, and ants are called colonies. Among ocean life, I was aware that whales are pods, and fish are schools. Cattle are herds, birds are flocks, and if you watch Lion King, you know a tribe of lions is a pride. If you grew up in the country, you might know that crows are murders. Maybe the most unnerving one is an ambush of tigers.

I was surprised to learn that a group of buzzards waiting around together to feast on leftover carnage is called a committee. Just this one insight is worth the price of the whole book. This explains so much of what’s going on in churches—a lot of committees waiting around to live off human carnage.

Flamingos are called flamboyants, which for some reason reminds me of TV evangelists. And the less glamorous owls are known as parliaments. They do seem sort of British.

But my favorite of all is the group designation for rhinos. You see, rhinos can run thirty miles an hour, which is pretty fast when you consider how much weight they’re pulling. They’re actually faster than squirrels, which can run up to twenty-six miles an hour. And even then who’s going to live in dread of a charging squirrel! (Sorry—that was a bit off the point.) Running at thirty miles an hour is faster than a used Pinto will go. Just one problem with this phenomenon. Rhinos can see only thirty feet in front of them. Can you imagine something that large moving in concert as a group, plowing ahead at thirty miles an hour with no idea what’s at thirty-one feet? You would think that they would be far too timid to pick up full steam, that their inability to see far enough ahead would paralyze them to immobility. But with that horn pointing the way, rhinos run forward full steam ahead without apprehension, which leads us to their name.

Rhinos moving together at full speed are known as a crash. Even when they’re just hanging around enjoying the watershed, they’re called a crash because of their potential. You’ve got to love that. I think that’s what we’re supposed to be. That’s what happens when we become barbarians and shake free of domestication and civility. The church becomes a crash. We become an unstoppable force. We don’t have to pretend we know the future. Who cares that we can see only thirty feet ahead? Whatever’s at thirty-one feet needs to care that we’re coming and better get out of the way.

We need to move together as God’s people, a barbarian tribe, and become the human version of the rhino crash. The future is uncertain, but we need to move toward it with confidence. There’s a future to be created, a humanity to be liberated. We need to stop wasting our time and stop being afraid of what we cannot see and do not know. We need to move forward full force because of what we do know.

Yesterday Mariah was in a store with her mom. She saw a man working with fabrics, and for some reason he caught Mariah’s attention. Mariah looked at Kim and pointed to the man, and she said, “Mom, look at the man. He’s the loneliest person I’ve ever seen.” Mariah began to weep uncontrollably.

We may not be able to see what’s at thirty-one feet, but we don’t have to be blind to what’s right in front of us. There’s a world that desperately needs God, a world filled with loneliness, hopelessness, and fear. We have somehow become deaf to a cry that reaches heaven coming from the souls of men. But God hears. "

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