Why Costa Rica?

​

Jennifer and I are going to Costa Rica for two weeks in August. You might be asking, why Costa Rica? I will answer that question at the end of this column. However, I have never been to Costa Rica, so I am curious to learn about it. I am particularly interested in what churches in Costa Rica are doing. Here is a brief snapshot of the country.

​

Costa Rica is a country of 4 million people bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Caribbean Sea to the east, Nicaragua to the north, and Panama to the south. It has one of the highest life expectancy rates in Central America. Tourism and commerce are Costa Rica's primary industries, accounting for 68 percent of its Gross Domestic Product. It has a growing technology/computer chip industry, and its main agricultural products include bananas, coffee, sugar, and beef.

​

Despite its strong economy and long commitment to social welfare and education, Costa Rica is increasingly dealing with critical issues, including poverty, debates over widespread immigration from Nicaragua due to extreme poverty in that country, drug trafficking, and domestic violence.  Although Costa Rica has some of Central America's most favorable economic indices, the poverty percentage has increased significantly in recent years.  About three-quarters of Costa Ricans are Roman Catholic, and approximately  15 percent are Protestant.

The Costa Rican Evangelical Presbyterian Church has official partnerships with presbyteries of our denomination, the Presbyterian Church (USA). It is also a member of the World Communion of Reformed Churches. The denomination has 1000 members, 24 congregations, and three house fellowships.

​

 The Presbyterian Church (USA) has a long history supporting theological education in Costa Ri- ca. Our denomination also partners with groups and mission personnel in holistic new church de- velopment, evangelism, and health ministries. Karla Koll is our mission co-worker serving in Cos- ta Rica.

Karla teaches at the Latin American Biblical University. She writes, "After a brief civil war, Costa Rica abolished its army in 1949. Without a military to claim a large portion of the national budget, Costa Rica had money to spend on education and healthcare for its citizens. As a result, both lit- eracy levels and life expectancy in Costa Rica are among the highest in Latin America."

Karla also writes that "Costa Rica has chosen a development model based on protection of the environment. Deforestation has been reversed in the country. Nearly 25 percent of land is set aside in parks or protected areas. With only 0.1 percent of the world's landmass, Costa Rica is home to 5 percent of the world's biodiversity, including over 840 species of birds."

Bird watching is one reason Jennifer and I chose to vacation in Costa Rica this year. We also chose Costa Rica because Southwest Airlines flies to the country, and we have miles to redeem with that airline. We will have stories to tell when we return. See you in September.

​

Vaya con Dios, Pastor Jim