2026: May

As many of our readers are entering springtime and enjoying warmer weather, we have been experiencing a very different kind of season here in Costa Rica. Over the past several weeks, we’ve experienced multiple large earthquakes, severe rainstorms, and even a massive sinkhole on the major highway connecting the city to our small coastal town. Through it all, we have been continually reminded of Isaiah 41:10:

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

When the world beneath you is literally shaking, God’s Word becomes an even greater source of peace and stability. In moments like these, we are reminded that whether the ground is shaking physically or spiritually, God remains faithful and unchanging. These seasons continually point us back to the truth that His work can never be accomplished in our own strength, but only through His power and grace.

We have had a very full month beginning with a “border run” to visit missionary friends in Nicaragua. We haven’t needed to do border runs for quite some time, but due to increasing residency renewal costs and mandated resident healthcare expenses, we felt the Lord leading us to allow our residency to expire for now. Costa Rica allows long-term tourists to remain for six-month periods at a time, which will also help us better align our travel with the children’s school breaks moving forward.

River’s visa was due to expire in early May, so he and Jordanna traveled to Managua, Nicaragua, to visit the Quail family, whom they met in language school in San José back in 2021. Over the years, we have continued praying for and encouraging one another in ministry. Their son Josh and River are close in age, and we were grateful for the opportunity to reconnect and spend meaningful time together. Rob serves with EMI (Engineering Ministries International), and Helen works as a librarian at their local Christian school.

One especially meaningful part of the trip was experiencing Nicaraguan culture firsthand, as many of the families we serve in Jacó migrated from Nicaragua. I brought back familiar treats for some of our students and mothers, and they were deeply touched knowing I had walked where they once walked. It became a simple but powerful reminder that they are seen, remembered, and loved.

One of the greatest joys of ministry is partnering with God’s people here on the mission field. We are so thankful for ministry partners like Kara Conrey and her family, who faithfully served with NOW Costa Rica during their 18 months here. Kara especially made a tremendous impact last summer by helping lead classes with our local leaders during Jordanna’s absence.

Below is a photo from her farewell gathering, where we prayed over her and thanked the Lord for the incredible impact she and her family made during their time here. We continue rejoicing over the seeds they planted in Costa Rica.

One beautiful fruit of Kara’s investment has been the growth of a local missionary named Jennifer, who is now officially serving as a NOW Costa Rica intern! Jennifer has become an incredible leader in our ministry, helping teach reproductive health classes, English classes, and discipleship groups for girls. She also leads our Jacó Friday Night Light outreach, ministering directly to girls vulnerable to street life and exploitation.

In addition, Jennifer faithfully drives our teens to youth group each week and continues investing deeply in the next generation. We are incredibly thankful for her commitment, leadership, and servant heart.

Please pray for Jennifer as she continues growing in ministry leadership. If you or someone you know would like to support her monthly as a local missionary intern, she is now officially listed on our website for sponsorship support.

Jennifer also helped host a vision team in mid-May from Dunwoody Baptist Church outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Several women from our mothers’ classes opened their homes to the team and taught them how to prepare traditional Nicaraguan dishes. We also hosted a special afternoon on our property for mothers and daughters filled with crafts, pizza, fellowship, and encouragement. It was a beautiful time of connection and mutual blessing for everyone involved.

Another special blessing this month was walking a third couple through the process of biblical marriage. We are already helping a fourth couple prepare as well. Many families here have never seen healthy, God-centered marriages modeled before, so it is incredibly meaningful to watch couples invite the Lord into their homes and relationships through the covenant of marriage.

Our whole family celebrated alongside them, and Windsor was thrilled to serve as flower girl for a third time! We are deeply thankful for the opportunity to walk beside families as they pursue Christ-centered homes and stronger foundations for the next generation.

Ministry classes continue growing as well! Our girls’ programs are now divided into three age groups: ages 5–8, 9–11, and 12–17, each facing unique challenges connected to poverty, broken homes, addiction, violence, and instability. Yet even in the midst of these hardships, we are watching God raise up a generation of young people who know they are loved, valued, and created for His purposes.

Our mothers’ English classes and Bible studies are continuing weekly, and soon we will also launch a Praise Dance group! In the fall, we will welcome our first ministry intern who is lifeguard certified! With his help, we will begin offering swimming lessons and water safety education for children and families in our community.

As many of you know, dangerous rip currents, flash flooding, and water-related emergencies are very real risks here on the Pacific coast. Because of this, Seth Lockwood from Rochester, NY will be joining us for an upcoming Water Safety Training at JAARS (Jungle Aviation and Relay Service) Headquarters in Waxhaw, North Carolina, July 20–24. Several NOW Costa Rica leaders and supporters will participate in this training as well.

This specialized training will cost approximately $1,500 and will equip our team to better respond during natural disasters and water emergencies while also helping us provide life-saving education to families in our community.

Would you prayerfully consider helping meet this one-time need of $1,500?

Perhaps one family, church, business, or small group would feel led to fully sponsor this training opportunity and directly invest in the safety and protection of vulnerable families here in Costa Rica.

If you would like to give, donations can be made directly online at www.nowcr.org or mailed to:

NOW Costa Ricaa PO Box 2703 Tappahannock, VA 22560

We are continually reminded that ministry like this is only possible because of the Body of Christ working together. Your prayers, encouragement, and financial support allow us to continue serving families, discipling young people, raising up local leaders, and sharing the hope of Jesus throughout our community.

Thank you for standing with us during this season. We pray God’s blessing over you and your family and hope to see many of you during our summer stateside travels.

With love,

Jordanna, family & team