the Long family

PUENTES DE VIDA

2012-02-06T13:00:00.008-06:00

Puente's de Vida, “Bridges to Life” is a program that we believe the Lord brought me to the middle of the jungle to be a part of… and was birthed out of the heart of Jesus. The vision of the program is to reduce the Infant Mortality Rate among the Cabecar people. It is the highest in the country. The foundation of the program is based on the truth hat every life has value because we have all been created in the image of God. I will be co-leading the program with Judith, a medical doctor and Cynthia, also a MD. I am very blessed to be working and serving side by side with such extaordinarly gifted women. The program kick-off was a 3 day retreat for 11 Cabecar young women to whom 5 will have the opportunity to have a full-time job as “Promotoras de Salud Materno-Infantil” a Health care worker for pregnant women and infants. We began our teaching, at the retreat with basics such as Anatomy and Physiology, Nutrition as well as Growth and Development. They also had practical lessons on hand washing, using the pregnancy wheel, doppler, and taking a pulse. We will continue teaching every month for 12 –18 months. After the training, a pilot program will run for 1 year and then the full program for 2 years. Our goal is to reduce the Infant/Maternal Mortality rate by 50%!!!! Yes, the goal is high but God is able. When we meet the goal we will expand the program to other areas on the reservation. Please pray for these young girls as the course content is difficult, the requirements for graduation are high and we will all need to be available at a moments notice to travel into the reservation for home visits in the future.
Please pray for me as I seek God’s face daily to be an example to these young women of what He wants me to be. Also for my continued ability to teach in Spanish and the courage to begin learning their native language this summer.
We are also praying for each girl to have sponsors or a sponsor for her salary. Please pray with us for churches and individuals who would be willing to sponsor or help sponsor one of these precious young women, a great opportunity for a Sunday school or a business perhaps! If you are interested in sponsoring or would like more information about this ministry, please contact me at markandmarge@gmail.com

LOVE CAN BUILD A BRIDGE

2011-12-04T19:20:00.010-06:00

Mark and some of his new friends

Daddy and Edy building bridges together

The new Roca Quemada Bridge above and the old one below

I have been thinking a lot about the significance of being a part of “building bridges” here in the jungle of Costa Rica both literally, spiritually and relationally. Recently Mark and Eden were part of the Roca Quemada Bridge building project here in the Chirripo Mountains. The“Accion Social", the community service department of Clinica Biblica, the largest private hospital here in Costa Rica were instrumental in funding and engineering the project. We as local people all had the opportunity to be a part of this project weather physically or in prayer support. They came out, set up camp and started working. Eden said when she got out there she could not believe what it looked like. They had put up tents, an outside kitchen, bathroom/shower facility, and workers brought their tents to sleep in. The local indigenous that came to help walked in, some hours to be a part of this project, as the river has taken many of their people to their deaths. There will now be approximatley 3500 Cabecar indians that have safe access to healthcare, education, and commerce. The construction part of a bridge is fascinating and you can see the excellent job everyone did and the difference between what was provided and what they had access to by the photos. But something else is what has struck my heart more than even that, it is the actual meaning of the "bridge". Webster’s defines it as a structure carrying a pathway or roadway over a depression or obstacle. I began thinking about what the bridge signified. One, it signifies "safety"which is defined as: the condition of being safe from undergoing or causing hurt, injury, or loss. Two, it signifies a destination which is defined as a place to which a person is going or something is being sent. Three it signifies a connection which is defined as something that joins or connects two or more things.It’s held up by really strong wires and without them it would fall and it gives you something very sturdy and reliable to walk accross on. As I have been pondering this bridge that was just built I began praying that God would use this bridge and the hands that built it to expose the Truth’s of what it really signifies to the people who will be crossing it and that they would want and choose the “life” that’s on the other side. That they would understand that there is a “Bridge” that can be crossed from death to life as it says in John 5:24 “I tell you the truth; those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” That God would illuminate their eyes to see that though physically their walk may be treacherous, God offers safety as David says in Psalm 55:18 “He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, though many still oppose me.” That there is a destination they can be walking toward that ends in eternity and is not driven by fear Psalm 73:24 “You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.”And to me the most glorious of all that they can have, just as we all long for a “Connection” that our hearts were formed to have John 17:21 “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” I pray that you and I no matter where we are in this world would make connections with people no matter where they are or where they are from or what they believe. God had no favorites and my heart desires that I would not as well. Mark 12:14 “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. You teach the way of God truthfully” I also pondered what the team did when they got there. They got ready! They set up camp and were not going to stop till the job was done..hmmmm. John 14:3 “When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” they kept going!! Job 17:9 “The righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger.” I am also praying that they would know they do not need to walk in their own strength just as they depend on the strong wires and flat sturdy surface to carry them across the bridge that there IS a God, big “G” God that is bigger and stronger then ALL their little “g” gods and that He is the One true God and Savior of their souls. Zephaniah 3:17 “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”I praise God for the bridge He built for me in Jesus, Romans 5:10 “For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son” I was drowning just like many of the Cabecar Indians are in these troubled waters, but truly there is no difference, drowning in sin and death, or being pulled under a raging river. Romans 6:23says, “For the wages of sinis death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” I ask that you pray with me dear brothers and sisters that we ourselves would be bridges, that we would expose the Gospel. We don’t need to“bring” the Gospel anywhere; wherever “We ARE" the Gospel is there because we are there and He is in us. God is everywhere, weather we choose to acknowledge Him or not. Let us not tarry in being willing to allow people to walk over us and even stand upon us to test our strength in their weakness if need be for the sake of Jesus Christ and His kingdom.

THANK YOU RIVERSIDE AND VILLAGE PARKWAY CHURCHES

2011-09-20T10:08:00.007-06:00

We are so thankful for the sacrafice of 2 churches who were recently here helping us with the building of our home. It's amazing to watch the body of Christ working together for one common goal. We are not just building a house, yes we need a house to live in out here, but we are building a Kingdom together! the Kingdom of Christ!!! We are so grateful for the churches who have participated in this project with us. We have 3 more teams scheduled to come and help us. We are IN NEED of many more. If your interested in getting a 5-10 person group together to come and help us build, please email us with your interest. It's an amazing opportunity to expierence a different way of life and also to use the gifts the Lord has given to you. Here are some pictures of the teams that were here recently building the Kingdom of God with us. Thank you to Riverside Baptist in Helena, Al. and to Village PArkway Baptist in San Antonio Tx...

RUTH HAD HER BABY!!

2011-09-20T09:42:00.006-06:00

We are so grateful to God for the opportunity to be a small part of lowering the Infant Mortality Rate here. The Cabecar Indians have the highest Infant Mortality rate in the entire country. Ruth is the first girl enrolled in the Earn While You Learn program and Dianna, her baby makes one less possible infant fatality. We are excited about the doors the Lord is opening to reach out into the reservation even more. More news to come concerning that. The Doctors and nurses at the hospital in Turrialbla welcomed me and even allowed me to participate in the actual birth of Dianna, a true miracle and we believe a confirmation from the Lord that we are moving in the right direction concerning our efforts to reduce the Infant Mortality rate. Here a couple pictures of Me, and Ruth with her precious Dianna. Thanks to all who have prayed, supplied baby items, and supported this effort financially. If you would like to participate in that way, please see the Pay Pal feature on our blog or email us to see how you can be a part of this effort. We are always in need of assistance.

He makes all things New!!!

2011-08-12T17:32:00.010-06:00

We had an opportunity as a family to help make over one of the schools on the reservation. We, along with our "team" and the Gill family visiting from the US, helped paint and re-roof and tile the Sikua Ditsu school. The teacher was brought to tears saying " this will make the kids want to come to school". What a blessing it was to be a part of this renovation as well as minister to the local kids. Mark, and Eden had an opportunity to intorduce the kids here to Adventure!!! with a level 1 rappell. At first they were all very apprehensive but after the first kid tried it, we couldn't keep them away. Adventure is such an amazing way to introduce kids, of all ages to many differnt aspects of our walk with the Lord as well as God's character. We were also blessed to particiape in this project as a family

Shades Mountain Independent church!!Thank you !!

2011-06-29T17:51:00.007-06:00

11 men from Shades Mountain Independent Church(our home church) came to Costa Rica for 7 days to help with the foundation of our home here in Paso Marcos.It was an awesome week of blood,sweat,and tears.Thank you!All of you are a real blessing in our lives....

THANK YOU TO OUR VIDEO TEAM!!!!!

2010-12-05T12:39:00.002-06:00

We would like to publically thank Aaron, Jon, Nathan, and Heather for coming here to serve the Lord by shooting our ministry video. They loved on us, and served us in various ways, and it was such a joy having them here with us. Thanks guys for using all the gifts God has given you to strengthen and widen the kingdom of Christ here in Central America. We are very grateful for you all!!!

ART MENTORSHIP PROGRAM IN TSIPIRI

2010-12-05T12:01:00.002-06:00

Judith and Eden KayPraying with the cabecar teenage girls.

"He will listen to the prayers of the destitute, He will not reject their pleas"

Psalm 102:17

Judith (Director Centro Emmanuel) leading a devotion with the girls in the Art mentorship program with Eden Kay helping out this day. There are 6 girls that attend the class that Judith leads. The focus is to combine art and mentorship in a small group setting on a weekly basis for Cabecar teenage girls. The class combines a devotional, a bit of art theory, and a glass art project. Two of the girls come from an area called Sarkli (we hiked there in August 2010) and leave their house at 4 am to be on time for the class that begins at 9 am. They walk 4-5 hours, rain or shine to attend this class.

"and he has put within his heart the ability to teach"

Exodus 35:34a

CHURCH IN YET ANOTHER NEW LANGUAGE!

2010-12-05T09:50:00.011-06:00

Our first Cabecar church service. There are very few Cabecar Christians but the few there, are being fed by the Word of God in their native language every week. Praise be to God.
Philip Jones, missionary to the Cabecar Indians preaching in their native tounge that he has been learning for over 1/2 his life. He and his brother Timothy have taken over their father's ministry to the Cabecar Indians (River of God) that began over 60 years ago translating the Bible into their language. They are nearly finished with the entire Bible in the Cabecar language. We have faith that we too, will learn the language.

"with man, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible"
Matthew 19:26b

All the singles on the team being prayed for.

"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "set apart for me barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them". Then after fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them and sent them off"
Acts 13:2-3

Mark and Marge sharing the testimony of God's power to transform

Marge overwhelmed by God's goodness and continual direction for their lives.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future"

Jer 29:11

"But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm"

Proverbs 1:33

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; submit to Him in all your ways and he will direct your path"

Proverbs 3:5

"The LORD will guide you continually"

Isaiah 58:11a

The Gringo's (North American's) leading worship

"Make a joyful noice to the LORD, all you lands"

Psalm 100:1

preparing to receive communion

"Come let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For He is our God and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand"

Psalm 95:6-7a

Alekcey (Director of Centro Emmanuel) giving a message and Phillip tanslating

"After this I looked and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the lamb!"

Revelation 7:9-10

Preparing lunch for after church. The church service on Sunday is all the Christian fellowship the few believers get. With that being said, they stretch it out to last all day. Some walk for hours just to make it there to hear the word of God.

"So shall my Word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish what I please and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it"

Isaiah 55:11

VISIT TO CABECAR HOME ON RESERVATION

2010-12-05T08:56:00.008-06:00

We hiked into the reservation about 45 minutes to visit Alejandro and his family. He is one of very few Cabecar Indians who have accepted Christ as Savior. We enjoyed being welcomed into their home and had a nice time of coffee and fellowship.
Alekcey and Phillip having a conversation in the Cabecar language.

Mark and Marge along with Jakey (Phillip Jones son) enjoying our afternoon cafecito!

I.Y.G. LET'S GIVE THANKS TOGETHER PARTY

2010-12-05T08:41:00.005-06:00

We dressed up like Indians and pilgrims and gave God the thanks and praise due Him!!

Our two little Indian girls........................................

Us, in character for the party

NO FALL?? MAKE YOUR OWN!!

2010-12-05T08:19:00.006-06:00

Serena decorated for "fall" to lift up Eden's spirits. She was missing the fall season.

They made cookies and decorated them, invited friends over and we celebrated fall all day......

Summer Missions trip to the Cabecar Indians

2010-08-12T05:00:00.018-06:00

Tommy&Kim Clark, Marge,Mark (potential ministry partners) ready for the hike,or so we thought.

Kim,Marge started together and soon realized this was going to be an individual journey through the jungle.

Praise God for Giovanni,and his horse to carry our food other gear.

Mark,Marge,Fernando Sanchez an engineer(one of our pastors brothers),and Dr.Adrianna Aguilar water specialist,enjoying incredible views.

Marge with 2 hours left of the hike in.

Marge with the girls in their home.Notice the girl who does not want to pose...

Rugged trail!! I think Kim is airborne.

Giovanni and his sister...

Tommy Clark and Phillip Jones at the evening service by candle light....1

Mark walking back up to the village after the service.Notice you can't see my feet..

This is the shower area,which consisted of pouring a bowl of cold river water over your body....

Our team praying, asking God for provision for the hike out....

This is the God spoken landscape that is everywhere!!

DEED and TRUTH

2010-03-10T12:57:00.002-06:00

Click above on DEED and TRUTH to see an awesome video of some of the work we are doing here in Costa Rica. This video is of us with our home church, Shades Mountain Independent Church who came to Costa Rica for a short term mission trip.

Clarks and Longs in Costa Rica

2010-02-28T15:18:00.004-06:00

Yes, you counted right!! that's 11 people in our 7 seater, wait, where is Meg and Abby ....you would be laughing too!!! Marge and Kim and an awesome rainbow in the backdrop on our descent into La Cumbre.

On a hike with the Clarks down to a water fall.

Sudden rainshowers are a blessing in Costa Rica!!

The Clarks short term mission trip to Costa Rica

2010-02-27T14:31:00.001-06:00

Tommy Clark building cabnit for the clinic in La Carpio.
Eden,Abby and IYG'ers painting New Horizons outreach center in La Carpio.

Marge and Donna painting cabnit doors and other....

Cabnits almost ready for painting and instillation.

Clark and Long family with International Youth Group giving the finishing touches on the cabnits for the Clinic in La Carpio.

clase de Adventura Pico Blanco

2010-02-20T13:35:00.003-06:00

Group photo of Adventure class at Pico Blanco montana.

Below photo is the class learning to make a survival food called Bannok. This is a bread made from scratch that is a good source of protein.It is very common as a survival source of protein .Google it, it's been around a long time.

Below students studing the 1st John as part of the class.

I.Y.G. NEW YEAR'S FORMAL

2010-02-05T15:27:00.002-06:00

The International Youth Group had it's first annual New Year's Formal. It gave the missionary kids an opportunity to get dressed up and have a fancy dinner at a nice resturant. They had the after party at our house and there was much fun had by all. It's memories in the making!!!!! Happy New Year!!!

2010-02-05T14:50:00.000-06:00

OUR FIRST CHRISTMAS IN COSTA RICA

2010-02-05T14:35:00.009-06:00

we celebrated our fisrt Christmas in a new culture. It was very different but wonderful in it's own ways. Our Christmas tree was set in a bucket of water and covered up with red towels but it worked!!! We made a traditional ham (kind of) dinner and enjoyed the tranquility of Central America. The entire country stops for the week of Christmas. No cars on the streets, no people walking everywhere. We really enjoyed the slow pace the holiday brought here. We got a new security system for our family present!! Her name is Gracie. She is wonderful, needed security and we just love her. We,along with the International Youth Group had the opportunity to provide Christmas for our maids children. She told me after Christmas, "The kids father lost his job the week before Christmas, and if they wouln't have gotten the gifts we bought, they would have had nothing to open for Christmas", God is so amazing!!!!!! Our children were also provided Christmas by the awesome women & girls small group at Asbury UMC in Birmingahm, as well as dear friends that sent stocking stuffers, THANKS GUYS!!!! We also had time with our national friends, Javier and Ruth for Christmas and celebrated, Costa Rica style ,at thier home. We took the kids up to camp La cumbre for 2 days in the middle of God's hand print for some end of the year reflection and gratitude and up coming year prayer.

PRAISE BE TO GOD!!!!!

2009-10-14T11:00:00.003-06:00

Us with our new 1997 4x4 Isuzu Trooper at Camp La Cumbre Costa Rica!!! Thank you to all who prayed and contibuted financially to this much needed purchase.

PRAYER NEEDED

2009-09-30T11:16:00.012-06:00

THE LONG FAMILY

Please pray for our financial situation. This is probably one of the least favorite things that missionaries all around the world have to deal with, asking for money!! We are assured that this is the Biblical mandate not only for the missioanries on the field but for every believer. We are all called to go out and make discilpes. Some are called to go to a foreign field and some are called to support those who leave, but as one body we are all called to reach a lost and dying world.

Mark will be heading back to the states for the month of November. First please pray for our protection while he is gone. Second, please pray that there will be much fruit that comes out of this trip. It is very difficult to do what God has called us to do here effectivly when having to keep up financially by flying back to the states. We are confident that the Lord will provide. He always has, but we need to do are part and that is to ask. There has never been a time in our lives that He has not given us all we have need of. In light of this we are asking you to partner with us in prayer for the petitions Mark will be making. He is planning and sending letters now and will be asking many people for appointments for the month of Novemeber. If you know of anyone who may be interested in sewing into the lives of the people of Costa Rica please give Mark their names. If anyone has any connections with mission committes of other churches please send that our way as well. We are asking that every saint we know on earth and every saint in heaven would pray with us for this effort.

As we build the kingdom of Christ together, we offer you are thanks for your continued prayer and financial support.

With grateful and hopeful hearts,

Mark & Marge, Serena & Eden Kay Long

I.Y.G.'S FIRST OFFICIAL LOCK-IN!!!!

2009-09-30T09:39:00.007-06:00

Mark and Marge Long, Directors of the I.Y.G.
Half the group watching a performance

Yellow team rocks the house??

Blue team rocks the house??

This was our first official quarterly youth group lock-in. 50 kids showed up to spend the ENTIRE night with us:) It was a blast. Crissy Ann, one of our adult helpers did an amazing job organizing the event. The youth had games, songs, skits, scavanger hunts, movies, lots of pizza and food and fun was had by all, yes even us old folk!! We are blessed to be leading such an amazing, on fire for the Lord group of youth.

LA PROGRAMA DE AVENTURA

2009-09-30T08:58:00.010-06:00

MARK CAPTURED IN A TEACHING MOMENT ON TOP OF PICO BLANCO

MARK ,HIS PARTNER ORLANDO & THE 11 BOYS ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM

La Programa de Adventura (The Adventure Program) that Mark is helping to develop and implement is being realized in the community of La Carpio. It is a 2 1/2 year program designed to revive a God given strength that men are born with. It's main objective is to develop an example - based discipleship and experiencial practice of Chritianity in a context of contact with nature and study of the Holy Scriptures. The secondary objectives of the program are to help these young men prioritize the main values of life. To rescue the social responsibility of loving your neighbor by living an other centered life. To be an example to others in the community by living a fruitful life. To bring out the manual skills and physical abilities that lay hidden in a sedintary lifestyle. There are Three levels of the program. Each level involves different life skills and build on the other. The program leads up to level Three where these young men will have the opportunity to live out all they have learned by an extreme camping experience. Please pray with us as Mark and his partner Orlando seek to love these young men in word and deed. If you are interested in being involved with this effort in any way please email us at, markandmarge@gmail.com.

HOPE TO THE FORGOTTEN OF LA CARPIO

2009-09-24T14:24:00.021-06:00

HEADING DOWN TO THE RIVER
OUR HUMBLE CLINIC IN AN OLD CHURCH BY THE RIVER

THE HIKE BACK UP

The community we work in, La Carpio literaly goes down hill. The less you have, the further down by the river you live. There are appoximatley 40,000 living in this community. My Boss and I, Marge, have just started a nino sano (well-baby) clinic down by the river. It is an attempt to reach out to those who feel forgotten down by the river. They have no other medical help offered to them. It aslo gives us more opportunity to be seen, known and trusted in the community. We offer well baby appointments free of charge for the families close to the river. Parents can bring their infant to 4 year olds and we measure their weight & height vs. age, we test and chart their developmental stages, and we offer education on nutrition including the importance and bennefits of breast feeding, dental health, and child development stimulation. We are cable of following them from infantcy to 4 years old therfore allwoing us a unique opportunity to develop a lasting realtionship with these families. We aslo have a unique opportunity to speak with them about Jesus and pray with them. Currently I am developing a parenting class that we will offer in conjunction with this effort to encourage young parents to take the resposibility of parenting seriously. One main goal in offering these classes is to teach Christian priciples & Christian character that God lays out in His word to raise our children to be spiritually, emotionally, and educationally equipped for a bright future. These priciples are life changing and will enable these parents to have the self worth and dignity needed to change thier childrens lives and eventually their community. This program is visioned to begin January 1, 2010. Please partner with us in prayer as we step out. If you are interested in being involved in some way please email me, markandmarge@gmail.com, there will be many ways that you can contribute from where you are.

Summer fun & fellowship for our kids 2009

2009-08-24T16:37:00.007-06:00

Going back to Costa Rica party with friends!!!

Serena & Eden with best friends in front of the missions house Birmingham, Al.

Serena & Eden had the opportunity to spend a month and a half in the states with the most incredible group of friends I think any kids have ever had. They were gifted with a trip to the beach with the college group at our home church... Shades Mountain Ind. Church in Birmingham Al. They were also taken on the Jr./Sr. High beach retreat with thier youth group. Serena had the opportunity to perform for another local missionary. Eden was able to work at Camp Staright Street with the famous Jawoo!!! as a camp counslor and received her first pay check. They were showered by the love of Christ through their B'ham family. They were also fed spiritually by the ministry of SMIC!!! Thanks to all who made this trip so special.

Women of the Harvest Furlough Retreat 2009

2009-08-24T16:04:00.007-06:00

My small group: Women from Africa, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Russia!!
Sweet times of prayer

"That is why the scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news"

Romans 10:15

Marge had the opportunity to attend the 2009 Women of the Harvest Retreat at Glen Aire in Colorado Springs, Co. this summer. She was one out of 100 missionary women from 42 different countries!!!! The guest speaker was Linda Dillow and she spoke on "Worship" There are Two forms of worship, one where we bend our knees and say Holy, Holy, Holy and the other worship which is bending our wills and living Holy, Holy, Holy. This was an incredible opportunity to share heart to heart intimacy with other missionary women and to be renewed and refreshed for the challanges that arise on a foriegn field of service. Thank you to all who made this trip possible. I am trusting God that there will be eternal fruit. Here are some pictures of the expeierence.

La Carpio students @ rappelling Los Picos Blancos

2009-08-17T19:49:00.009-06:00

Orlando rappelling,we are up around
6,000 ft but this is a 50ft wall.

Jeffery getting instuction.

Asbury Youth w/kids from La Cuenca @La Cumbre

2009-06-02T16:29:00.004-06:00

Green shirts Asbury Team,blue jackets students from La Cuenca....

International Youth Group outreach to Girls La Carpio

2009-05-05T16:10:00.000-06:00

Marge and a group of girls from the I.Y.G. go to La Carpio to give a make over to the girl in the Carpio community.

Here relationship's are being birthed with a makeover day.

Marge giving personal attention to a young lady.

Coming in April!!! IYG Youth Camp at La Cumbre

2009-03-29T16:35:00.004-06:00

La Cumbre is the camp that is associated with our new position as Directors of the International Youth Group. We have our first "camp out" scheduled with the IYG for April 30, 2009. Serena & Eden Kay's Youth Pastor from Shades Mountain Ind. Church in Alabama will be our guest speaker for this retreat and we are all very excited about that. Keep checking back for pictures of the retreat and please be in prayer for all the youth and leaders that will be on the retreat. There are many unsaved youth coming and we are praying for the Kingdom of God to be widened that weekend. We also have another camp scheduled with Asbury UMC from Birmingham, Al. in May. They are sponsoring 30 kids from an underpriviledged neighborhood to camp at La Cumbre for a weekend. The majority of the kids coming have never left their barrio. Thanks for your prayers and we will update you all as soon as possible.

Dios los Bendiga a todo!!

(God bless you all)

Psalm 8:9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

2009-03-29T15:56:00.008-06:00

We had a day off school so we hiked up to the top of Picos Blancos, a mountain on above the city. It was a much needed day of enjoying God's creation as well as each other. We hiked up nearly 3000 Ft. in elevation. It took us about 2 1/2 hours to reach the top (with many pit stops) and then we rappelled down the face of the mountain. Mountain climbing and rappelling are incredible activities that we are able to use to teach people of all ages about trusting God as well as appreciate His creation. Today however, was a day just for us!! I needed a refreshing day to get me ready for my last two weeks of language school!!!! We look forward to more trips up the mountains here with a bunch of young people as we share the love of Christ with them along with the splendor of His majesty.

Traditional Costa Rica Dancing

2009-03-24T13:09:00.003-06:00

There have been many opportunities to expierence the culture here and I enjoyed learning Five traditional Costa Rican dances.

This is a picture from our performance. I am now a part of the team at the Language Institute and will have an opportunity to perform with them about 2 or 3 times a year.

Beinvenida a barrio La Cuenca

2009-02-17T14:57:00.005-06:00

Bienvenida a barrio La Cuenca in San Jose,Costa Rica.This is the neighborhood in north San Jose that God has called our hearts to. We are praising God for opening an opportunity here for us to build a bridge into this neighborhood by allowing the kids from the International Youth Group to serve along side us to the extremely needy community of La Cuenca. In the picture above a young girl is being served possibly her only meal today. Pray with us as God allows us to bring the hope of the Gospel to them all.

Today we served around 200 meals to the hungry

The face of this girl in need of food today brought Mark to tears.

please pray for her and her family.

Some children are lucky enough to eat this meal today, others are forced to bring their food to their parents who are either too ashamed to come out for food or unable to due to drugs or alcohol.

It's a joy to see the smiles on their faces when we come to serve them. This little girl is showing us how she can dance.

These kids are starving for affection. Pray with us for many opportunities to teach them about the love Christ has to offer. This picture was taken during a lesson about Noah and the ark.

As of today, this building is the only area we have to minister to the kids in. Today, there were not even enough seats for them all, but God knows that we need more resources for these hundreds of children in need.

International Youth Group

2008-11-15T08:13:00.017-06:00

Introducing the new directors of the International Youth Group located in San Fransico de Dos Rios, Costa Rica. Marge and I have accepted the positon of directors for the I.Y.G. and feel God's leading in this effort to support, teach, and lead youth of all cultures into a grounded relationship with Christ. International means, Tico's (Costa Ricans), and missionary kids that are going all over the world.We are greatful that our mission board, Christ for the City International is allowing us this incredible opportunity to build bridges between the International Youth Group and the C.F.C.I. ministries we will be serving with.

Adam is showing his juggling skills at a V.B.S. effort up in San Carlos where we did a short term missions trip to the El Mirador community.

Half of our team worked doing V.B.S. while the other half worked at the camp we stayed at. In this photo, Esteban and Kristian work moving huge bamboo doing major yardwark.

This is the whole San Carlos team!!

Serena working V.B.S. with two short term abroad students from Mt Vernon college in Ohio.

Eden, Olivia, and Mandi painting one of the buildings at the Camp, as well as themsleves:)

Que hay en mi barrio

2008-08-26T14:31:00.013-06:00

"What is there in my neighborhood" When we run out of milk or bread we walk over to the supermarcado on the corner.On the way, there is a cell tower that is well protected with a brick fence and razor wire. The problem is the wall is blank and just asks for graffiti.In this case it wasn't even gang graffiti which sometimes can be really creative, but this was just random political propaganda not attrative at all. Someone with some artistic effort started this wall mural made out of broken tile which is common in most homes here in Central America. So here are the before pictures and when it's completed, I'll post the finished product. These pictures were taken in the morning and it's always sunny in the morning. We are in the peak of rainy season here in Costa Rica. I love the rain,everything is so green..it rains at least 6 to 7 hours most days.We are almost at the end of our 3 week break, next week we return back to classes.Thanks so much for your prayers and support.We love you all!!M&M

Cultura Dia Costarricense 2008

2008-07-30T18:43:00.009-06:00

Costarricense have a traditional holiday set aside to celebrate with a fiesta.One of traditions is creative masks that are made to ward off spirits that are not welcome.Some of the masks express happiness or joy, or just being"loco". It was a fun day!! We played games and ate C.R. food. The whole day was put on by our teachers and staff of I.L.E.The picture below shows the teachers dancing with one of the only students who would dance.

These masks were a big hit with the smaller kids. The band played for at least an hour +.....they were awesome
This is my teacher Marianela.She is a God send!!

This is my grammer teacher Oscar ,he is also a God send.And Loco!!

Notice the proper form!!

This is Marge and her teacher Ana Silvia, who she is close with because

she is Italian as well.
This is Marge with her grammer teacher Sandra.

We are both so blessed with our teachers, they are really passionate in their roles to teach spanish for Kindom purposes for God's Glory!!

Costa Rica Culture Day I.L.E.

2008-07-30T18:29:00.001-06:00

trip to Panama

2008-07-06T14:12:00.001-06:00

We took a trip to Panama to get our passorts stamped and thought we would share some of the photos with you all. We stayed on and island called Bastimentos, off of Bocas del Toro. The island is where they filmed Survivor Panama. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Bocus del Toro,Panama

2008-06-29T22:55:00.000-06:00

The Island we stayed on,Bastementos is where Survivor Panama was filmed.

Our family standing in two countries at the same time!!

Indian hijos that live on the island.

This is the boarder crossing sign,notice the date. Walking into Panama exciting expirence for our family.

Marge and I walked in the community of the 300 hundred nataive Indians, most of which have never been off the Island.

Paige's Graduation 2008

2008-05-26T18:56:00.001-06:00

Paige moments before she recieved her diploma.

I'm so proud of her....

Asbury Thrive Youth Movement

2008-05-25T18:29:00.000-06:00

The last week in May one of our supporting chuches, Asbury UMC sent their Asbury Thrive youth group to Costa Rica to do missions work in La Carpio and in southern region of C.R. Marge assited the group at Carpio, an impoverished community outside of San Jose.Sunday we met for breakfast, then went to the Iglesia Biblica Nazareth church next door to Christ for the City.After church, Thrive boarded a bus and spent the rest of the week close to the southern boder to work at a camp.
It was a total blessing spending the weekend with Thrive and to hook up with a group from Bham.

2.5 million people in the central valley of San Jose,Costa Rica

2008-05-02T20:57:00.013-06:00

These photos were taken at 5500 ft.

After being in the country 6 weeks, we as a family feel like we are starting to settle into place. It is well with our souls! The transition has been huge.Ticos and Ticas live a life that is much slower than North Americans,so it's important that we learn to slow down and enjoy the culture. Going to the neighborhood market is always a fasinating expirence for us,you can always get fresh breads, fruits and veggies and more importantly Coffee.Marge and I always get fresh squeezed O.J. when we finish shopping. On an academic note we started orientation at the Spanish language institute, I(mark) learned I know absolutly nothing about spanish....please pray for us..God is going to do a big work.

Church in Cartago east of San Jose,Costa Rica

2008-05-02T17:06:00.006-06:00

Looking for some mountains to climb before starting school. I went to Cartago east of the San Jose and in the middle of town is this old 16th century church that has no roof on it. After talking to a local he said that the church was destroyed
because of earthquakes.Then I found this webpage so i copyed this....

The fate of the church in the Cartago parish has not been much better. Construction began in 1574, but between then and 1910 the building had to be rebuilt five times because of earthquake damage. Following the massive destruction caused by the Cartago quake of 1910, the church was abandoned and the ruins now form the centerpiece of a park in the middle of town.

History: The city of Cartago was first established in 1563 by the Spanish conquistador Juan Vásquez de Coronado. The original village was situated between the Coris and Purires Rivers, several kilometers to the southwest of the present day city. This location proved to be poorly chosen, however, since the settlement was flooded so often that it came to be known as the "City of Mud," and in 1572 was transferred to another site closer to what is now San José.

Anthony & Tyson celebrating their Marrige commitment

2008-03-22T18:00:00.000-06:00

Anthony & Tyson with Pasor Harry Walls

Anthony&Tyson cutting the cake!!!!!

It's What's for Dinner..(just kidding Payson)

2008-02-15T16:54:00.007-06:00

2008-02-15T16:54:00.000-06:00

2008-02-15T16:53:00.000-06:00

2008-02-15T16:52:00.000-06:00

Eden 50ft Climb

2008-02-15T16:51:00.003-06:00

Daddys Girls

2008-02-15T16:51:00.002-06:00

Serena 50ft Climb

2008-02-15T16:50:00.002-06:00

2008-02-15T16:50:00.001-06:00

Climb Daddyo Climb

2008-02-15T16:48:00.003-06:00

Paige Rappelling

2008-02-15T16:46:00.001-06:00

Family rappelling Little river Canyon

2008-02-09T16:44:00.000-06:00

Paige,Serena, Eden after their 85 ft rappell.

Neighborhood fellowship

2008-01-27T09:20:00.000-06:00

Last night we went to our old neighborhood

for fellowship and Chili. The Heltons,The Appletons

and the Longs

Gilbertown Getaway

2008-01-22T07:32:00.000-06:00

Marge reels in her 1lb Bass.

Fishing at Gilbertown Lake house.

But, once we got out in the back woods, it was very scenic.

Road conditions were poor.

While all our kids, (5 of them) went on the student retreat
We went to Gilbertown, AL with our good friends the
Clarks,Tommy and Kim. Here we are at a rest stop
when we were getting 3 to 6 inches of SNOW. Which is
almost unheard of in this part of the deep South.

Student Ministries Retreat Gatlinburg

2008-01-22T07:21:00.000-06:00

Eden and Serena at 6am leaving on a bus with
40 other students for 3 days youth activities
in Gatlinburg,TN

Our 15th wedding anniversary rappelling @ Little River Canyon,N.E.Alabama.

2008-01-11T10:46:00.000-06:00

The view from a peak at Little river.
God Awesome!!!

Marge and I at the peak where we did

several rappels at 85ft.

Here I (Mark) and Israel the instructor are

rappelling tandem as he helps me with skills.

Marge rappelling with Passion!!

2008-01-09T12:35:00.000-06:00

December 2007 first day Omaha training, 9 degrees F, snow

Day 2 Omaha training.
Mark and Marge get fitted for proper
head gear.

2008-01-09T12:22:00.000-06:00

DECEMBER 2007

Marge and I at downtown historical restaurant Spaghetti Works

in Omaha,Ne for our missions training with C.F.C.I. Excellent food!!

Camping and Rappelling at Bruhsy Lake in the Bankhead National Forest

2007-10-24T10:12:00.000-06:00

Daddy not wanting to smile for the
camera, but can only clutch on to the rope.

Serena on her 1st 40ft rappel.

Eden on her 1st 40ft rappel.

Serena, Daddy, Eden looking fresh before
leaving for camping at Brushy Lake in
Bankhead National Forest,with The Invasion
student ministries.

Longs at SMIC Missions Home

2007-09-24T07:53:00.000-06:00

Just a quick update on our transition to the missions home at SMIC.We are staying at the Gladis Alyward home on the Church campus. It is very convenient for us to be close to were I'm working temporarily and were we worship throughout the week.This pause from our August launch has been a great Big God blessing.God continues to build us up,and strengthen us for this mission.

Long's Launch for Language Learning

2007-07-21T15:06:00.001-06:00

Time is getting closer for our family to leave on a God ordained journey to San Jose,Costa Rica where we will begin a year of Spanish language studies. The Lord has done so much in the last 2 years to prepair us for ministry in Costa Rica.