On March 10th – 12th, 2017 the Costa Rica Central district held an evangelistic event in the community of Tayni, located in the Caribbean Indigenous Zone of Costa Rica, to show the JESUS Film in the language of Cabecar. The film was shown in two schools where the children are taught in two languages: Cabecar and Spanish. For many people at the showing, this was the first time to view a movie in their language.

The following people were on the team: Darrell Leber, the leader from JESUS Film Harvest Partners; David Webb, Country Coordinator of Ministries in Costa Rica; Shelley Webb; Rev. Sirlene Bustos, District Superintendent, Costa Rica Central; Distrist Evangelism leaders including Rev. Leyla Ramirez, District Evangelism Coordinator; two representatives from the Mesoamerica Region Communications team; and twelve ministry partners from different churches in the United States, the majority from the Church of the Nazarene.

Rev. Bustos shared the following: “The time that we shared alongside the children, youth and adults was marvelous. It was wonderful to watch their surprised faces when they heard their own dialect. It was impactful for all that were in attendance…a number of people, after seeing the film, accepted the Lord Jesus as their Savior…There was a young girl who captured my heart. She was surprised and said to me, ‘Jesus speaks Cabecar! I feel something in my heart!’ My response was this: ‘Yes, Jesus speaks, understands and listens in Cabecar!’”

Also, the team had the privilege to meet with missionary David Jones, who translated the New Testament and the JESUS Film into Cabecar. He shared his testimony and spoke of his passion for the Cabecar and Bribri people.

Rev. Bustos reiterated that the experience was marvelous and she asks for prayers that the Lord would give wisdom and determination to disciple those who were won for Christ.

Article submitted by Rev. Sirlene Bustos Salazar, Superintendent of the Costa Rica Central District