THE STORY

Faithful Servant Missions seeks to serve those whom society has forgotten in Costa Rica. It all began in 2006 following a one-week mission trip to San Ramón, Costa Rica. We deeply felt God’s call to make a difference in the lives of the people of Bajo Tejares which is a community of primarily Nicaraguan immigrants who fled political persecution and economic instability, seeking a better life for themselves and their children.

Initially, the Costa Rican government provided for them. But they eventually became seen as outsiders. Abandoned and poor, these people lived in wooden shacks and slept on dirt floors. With an unemployment rate hovering around 80%, most were surviving on day labor when available, prostitution, or drug trafficking.

We identified three major areas of intervention to break the cycle of poverty: physical, educational, and spiritual. FSM then became a 501c3, created a Board of Directors, and purchased land to begin construction. In 2008, Centro Comunidad Cristiana opened its doors with a multipurpose church building, parsonage, recreational facility, and education center built for the community.

The physical needs of the community began to be met on a case-by-case basis, ranging from hosting medical clinics to repairing homes for residents of Bajo Tejares. Educational needs were met through academic support programs for over 150 children. The University of Costa Rica began to sponsor night classes for adults where parents could learn to read and even graduate from elementary school and high school. Spiritual needs were met through weekly ministry groups and Sunday church services.

Nearly two decades later, FSM continues to have a significant daily presence in Costa Rica where we aim to improve the physical, educational, and spiritual health of those we serve. Our overall vision is to help people develop a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

THE CHURCH

In 2019, FSM created a partnership with The Vineyard church organization. With help from a nearby Viña church in the city of Palmares, a new church was planted at the mission called La Viña San Ramón.

Each week La Viña offers Sunday church services with vibrant worship and heartfelt preaching, creating a community of believers in this literal “city on a hill” overlooking Bajo Tejares. Programs are available for children, teens, and specialized disciple groups including MomCo (formerly MOPS), discipleship groups, and more.

Learn more and join a Sunday service online with La Viña San Ramón on Facebook.