A Word From Joel - January 14, 2025

Dear Covenant,

I am writing this in the airport, hoping to get something off to you in time for the newsletter. Our team of six left last week to Costa Rica to meet PC(USA) mission co-workers Mark Hare and Karla Koll. Though we had high hopes for our trip here, our expectations were exceeded in every way. Our time here has been nothing short of transformative. We been staying at the Biblical University of Latin America (UBL), which for over 100 years has been proudly educating women. UBL is the only progressive theological institution in all of Central America. We have been taught by UBL's faculty, students, and alumni whose work in Costa Rica is beyond inspiring. Here’s just a taste: a pastor working to reduce gender-based violence in indigenous communities, those working to restore water rights to communities whose water has been contaminated by agricultural companies, and women working to restore those caught up in the sex trade. In addition, we have had the joy of working in the community garden most days, getting our hands dirty with local people. The relationships we have formed are ones we hope will be sustained for years to come. We will have much more to share with you in the weeks to come, but thank you for your prayers and to PFM and the Deacons whose financial support made this trip possible.

-Pastor Joel Esala