Finally-- A Long-Awaited Update from US!

Dear friends,

Please accept a hug full of gratitude from us! We’re hoping that as you receive it, you’ll find yourself joyfully receiving the peace, love, and care of our heavenly Father. Once again, we want to demonstrate to you our gratitude for your valuable help and for being part of what we have done here in Monterrey, Mexico to share the message of salvation.

Where are we and how has God used us?
Well, right now, we’re amidst the difficult time of getting ready to leave this country and return to our homeland. We are so grateful to the Lord for allowing us to be workers in His vineyard. We have seen spiritual and emotional transformation in many people. We have been able to share the love of God with children in the community of Nueva Almaguer in different ways. One of the greatest joys as a team working in Monterrey has been to see pastor Hector, the pastor of Iglesia Cristo Manantial de Amor (Christ, Wellspring of Love Church), transformed. He now has the mental strength, self-esteem, and desire to survive and fight in this tough community, that people would be transformed by the love of Jesus! When we first met him, he was full of complexes as well as wounds from his past. But God has been working in him, and we now see a very different man from who he was before. For this, we are deeply grateful to the Lord, and we give Him all the glory!

Another amazing thing is how God has worked in the lives of numerous women in the community. Some of these women came to sewing classes, and others initially came by way of the childrens’ feeding program on Wednesdays. We were able to take advantage of these two bridges to the Gospel and begin sharing the message of salvation with these precious women. What developed out of those two settings of connecting with the ladies is a Tuesday afternoon women’s ministry. The ladies who are coming on Tuesdays are now leading this ministry on their own, sharing in the responsibilities each week. Just a few weeks ago, my teammate Heather and I prayed over our sisters in Christ- Hilda and Barbara. They will now be the leaders of the womens group and are also going to continue with the sewing ministry. What a beautiful day that was as we were able to pass on the torch to these women. I ask that you pray for Hilda and Barbara, as well as for pastor Hector and for the others who are involved in the children’s ministry in the community of Nueva Almaguer. We desire to see God continue to move among the people of this community, that His plans would take shape in a place so needy of His transforming love. Because of this, we urge you to pray that the grace of God would be over Hector and the leaders in the church as they continue the ministry.

So what’s up when we return to Costa Rica?
I have been praying and asking for direction from the Lord to see where He wants to take me. I’ve talked with the director of Food for the Hungry Costa Rica, and for several reasons, including counsel from people God has placed at my side, I have arrived at the conclusion that I’d like to work with this organization. I also have a ministry that I’d like to begin in a community in Costa Rica. It would be focused on ministering to families-- especially to children, teenagers, and mothers who have to work because they have little resources. Also, with the help of my children, Andres, Debora, Luis Diego and his wife Cindy, and a few other friends, we want to gather up youth from surrounding churches and teach them about missions so that they are able to communicate what they learn to their pastors and church leaders.

For now, I’ll be working with Food for the Hungry on a volunteer basis. However, I am praying about going on staff with them. If that happens, I’ll let you know, as I would appreciate your continued financial support if the Lord leads you to continue to partner with us. For the next couple of months of transition, per The Mission Society policy, I will be receiving support through them. With that in mind, thank you for continuing with me through September. 

A few words from Debora…
Hi, dear brothers in Christ! Just like my mom, I am also very grateful to the Lord for your lives, and for the blessing that you have been for us and for the ministry. Thank you for your prayers and for being like angels that the Bible talks about, that God has put in place for us. This is one of the more difficult times of my life here in Mexico. Now that we’re about to leave, it’s making me think about many things. As I look back, I give many thanks to God for having brought me here. I have learned so many things. My mind has been expanded to places and experiences that I perhaps never would have known if the grace of God wouldn’t have brought me here. To have given a little of myself for this mission has been a huge blessing in my life. I know that although sometimes I couldn’t be out in the community working because I was in school, God gave me the opportunity during less busy times at school to go and to hug these beautiful little children and to clearly share with them the Word of God.

I have learned to lay to the side my own desires and to see the needs of others around me, to see that God has filled me with a special love- and this, to give to those who need it and not to protect it only for myself. I have learned to value my family deeply, and to depend on God 100%, because He has been my best friend during our time here and will continue to be for all my life.

I also want to tell you that by the mercy and grace of God, I have arrived at another triumph! On July 3rd, I graduated from the Preparatory School (High School). I dedicate this achievement to my heavenly Father who filled me with wisdom and strength to arrive at this goal. I am super excited about graduating. I’m also super happy to have come to Mexico. Perhaps before, I didn’t see it that way because it was really difficult to move to another country at first, but I want to serve God in whatever place He calls me. God is working in my life. Piece by piece, He is transforming my heart. Each day, He makes me stronger to serve Him with passion. I ask that you pray for my family, for my country, for my future life in Costa Rica, and for my studies.

I bless you, and I desire that God multiply His blessings over you! I hope that He always makes the sun shine over your lives and that He continues to give you the opportunity to support the work of God.

We love you,

Isabel & Debora Soto