Strengthening Partnerships in Costa Rica

An update from Joselo Mercado, Lead Pastor of Iglesia Gracia Soberana de Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA, and Key SGC Leader for our work in Latin America…

The recent trip to Costa Rica was a deeply meaningful experience, both for our family and for the ministry. Although it was a single trip, the intentionality of the itinerary, the diversity of contexts served, and the deliberate dedication to multiple churches made it feel as though it were several trips in one. Throughout the week, full blocks of time were intentionally allocated to each church we visited, allowing for close, relational, and strategically focused pastoral care.

From the outset, the trip was undertaken as a family, with the conscious purpose of serving together and modeling that pastoral ministry is not a burden that fragments family life, but a calling that can be lived out in community. Each family member participated actively, whether in formal teaching contexts or in more informal relational settings, thereby strengthening connections with the local churches. This approach was received with gratitude by pastors and members alike, many of whom expressed appreciation for seeing a model of pastoral service integrated with family life.

Saturday: Initial Pastoral Fellowship

On Saturday evening, we shared dinner with the pastors and pastor’s wives of Playa Azul Bible Church in San José. This time was intentionally set apart for fraternal fellowship, pastoral dialogue, and mutual encouragement. We discussed the challenges of local ministry, the care of pastoral families, and the importance of persevering faithfully in contexts that are often emotionally and spiritually demanding. This gathering helped establish the relational tone for the entire trip, reaffirming the conviction that healthy ministry is sustained by healthy relationships and mutual trust.

Sunday: Preaching, Fellowship, and Ordination

Sunday was one of the most significant days of the trip. In the morning, I preached at La Gracia Church in San José, expounding Numbers 2 with a clear emphasis on Jesus as the center of God’s people. The message highlighted that the arrangement of Israel’s camp was not merely organizational, but deeply theological, pointing to the centrality of God’s presence among His people. The congregation responded with attentiveness and gratitude, demonstrating a clear desire to live a Christ-centered faith.

After the service, we shared lunch with the church’s deacons, which provided an opportunity for closer conversation regarding the life of the congregation, current challenges, and opportunities for growth. This time was valuable for listening, affirming, and encouraging those who faithfully serve in practical and spiritual leadership roles.

In the afternoon, we participated in the ordination service in Jacó for Chespi Sandoval, a joyful moment for the local church and for the broader network of related churches. La Gracia Church led worship, and pastors from four churches participated—both churches currently in the adoption process and those already adopted. The visible unity among the churches stood as a clear testimony to a shared commitment to the gospel and mission.

Monday and Tuesday: Pastoral, Family, and Marriage Care

Monday and Tuesday were dedicated to spending time with Álvaro and his wife, pastor of Playa Azul Bible Church, as well as with Chespi and his family, pastor of the church in Jacó. These moments were not merely social, but deeply pastoral, allowing for natural interaction that strengthened trust, friendship, and mutual care among pastoral families.

During these days, we engaged in meaningful conversations about family life in ministry, the particular challenges facing each church, and the need to persevere with joy and faithfulness. This time allowed us to hear firsthand about the realities of each local context and to offer pastoral encouragement from a posture of closeness and respect.

In the evenings, Kathy and I led a marriage seminar, attended by couples from three churches in the Jacó area. The seminar focused on the gospel as the foundation of marriage, grace in the midst of conflict, and the importance of cultivating relationships that reflect Christ. Participation was strong, and the atmosphere was marked by openness, honesty, and a sincere desire for spiritual growth.

As part of the relational and family time, Damián, a church deacon, offered surf lessons to Joey and Janelle. This simple but meaningful gesture reflected the hospitality and care of the local church and allowed our children to actively participate in fellowship with the congregation.

Wednesday: Hospitality and Ministerial Discernment

On Wednesday, before traveling back to San José, we visited the home of Damián, the deacon. In a warm and informal setting, I had the opportunity to prepare espresso coffee for his wife, Chespi’s wife, and Kathy, using a portable espresso machine that I often bring on my trips, which also helped us avoid unnecessary expenses on coffee. Though simple, this moment became a meaningful time of hospitality, conversation, and fellowship.

Later that day, we traveled to San José, where I spent time teaching and dialoguing with twelve men from La Gracia Church who are discerning a possible call to ministry. This was an encouraging and hopeful time, focused on character, doctrine, gifting, and the real cost of pastoral ministry.

Before this gathering, we shared dinner with Daniel and Andrés, local pastors, along with a man currently in the ordination process. The conversation centered on long-term faithfulness, pastoral care, and the importance of healthy structures that can sustain a ministry calling over time.

Thursday: Intentional Leadership Training

Thursday was almost entirely dedicated to an intensive training time with the leaders of Casa 2:42, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Throughout the day, we addressed key topics such as church planting, the upcoming preaching of the book of Genesis, church discipline and biblical reconciliation processes. It was a demanding but highly productive day, marked by strong participation, thoughtful questions, and substantive dialogue.

That evening, we shared dinner with the family of the lead pastor, Rodrigo Fournier, further strengthening personal and ministerial relationships.

Return and Conclusion of the Trip

Due to a snowstorm in the United States, Kathy and the children returned on Friday. Before their departure, Kathy and I shared breakfast with Sergio Estévez and his wife, bringing that portion of the trip to a close with gratitude and fellowship. That same evening, I led a marriage seminar for members of Casa 2:42. I was able to return on Saturday, ahead of the full arrival of the storm.

Conclusion

Although this was a single trip, the dedication of two full days to each church made it feel like several trips combined into one. Throughout the week, there were meaningful conversations addressing matters of particular importance to each church, including the care of leaders, the health of marriages, the discernment of ministry callings, and the need for clear, biblical processes for reconciliation and church discipline.

The visible fruit of the trip—unity among churches, strengthened leaders and marriages, and the active involvement of our family—confirms that this time was a necessary and strategically intentional pastoral investment. We give thanks to God for His faithfulness and for the privilege of serving His church in Costa Rica in a holistic way, centered on Christ and aimed at long-term edification.