At this time of the year, we are always reminded of the vast need for Christ in this “Christian” country. August 2nd is a national holiday here in Costa Rica. It is the day that they have set aside to honor a small black statue in the center of the country. There is a big cathedral in the city of Cartago (the old capital) called the church of the Angels, and this is where the statue is kept on display. Although you can see people praying to her any day of the year, this week is particularly eventful. People from all over the country come to see the statue, asking for forgiveness, health, wealth, and other petitions. The days leading up to this holiday are always so emotional, because these are the days that the streets are flooded with people on their pilgrimage to this church. Today, as we were driving down the street, we could barely move because there were already so many people on the old highway that goes right by our home that leads to Cartago. By walking for miles and then crawling once they enter the courtyard, they think they may be able to better get the statue’s attention & gain more favor with their requests.
Our hearts are broken again, by this picture of a people searching for answers, having great zeal and intentions, but an even greater misunderstanding of God’s love. They don’t understand the free path that He has provided us to heaven, which doesn’t include any good works. It is our desire to see and help them know and understand the true meaning of Christ’s love and sacrifice that was made for them.
Ray Rhoton, Costa Rica