Costa Rica Mission
CFCC Global Outreach focuses on unifying our church family behind a single, focused partnership with a church in Costa Rica.
Journey with Our Costa Rica Team.
Check out the trip journal.
Our Local Church Partner
In 2019, we were introduced to Iglesia Mejores Días and its pastor, Pastor Dimas, along with his wife Adriela. From the very beginning, there was a deep connection—not only personally, but with the heart and mission of the church.
Pastor Dimas has served in ministry since 2003, faithfully shepherding the community of Nambi and surrounding areas. God placed a clear vision on his heart: a church without walls—a place where people are equipped, filled, and then sent to serve the community beyond a building.
That vision is lived out through:
A weekly feeding program for children
Vocational training and investment in the next generation
Meal delivery and care for the elderly
Support and restoration for those in addiction recovery
Care and outreach to the homeless
Today, Iglesia Mejores Días is a trusted and safe place for the community, and our partnership continues to grow as God works through the local church.
Connie Mairena
As a church, we financially support Connie Mairena, who has been instrumental in facilitating and strengthening our church’s relationships with our extended church family in Costa Rica.
Iglesia Mejores Días
We met Pastor Dimas Alfaro and connected with his church Iglesia Mejores Días in Nambi, Costa Rica. God has given Pastor Dimas a beautiful vision for His church in Nambi. It’s our desire to come along side Pastor Dimas and his church leadership to show their community just how much God loves them. Our goal is to support them through prayer, partnership, and by sending several teams to Nambi each year to connect, serve, and build a bond that will grow both communities.
FAQs
Participants may choose to sleep at the church or at a local hotel. At the church, men and women sleep in separate buildings using air mattresses. Hotel guests will have private rooms and bathrooms.
Bathrooms and 5–6 shower stalls are available on church grounds. Hotel accommodations include private facilities.
Costa Rica is warm year-round. December–April is dry season. May–October is rainy season with higher humidity.
All meals are prepared on-site at the church and included in the trip cost. Participants may bring packaged snacks if desired.
To be safe, participants should only drink bottled water provided during the trip. Bring a refillable water bottle and we will provide safe drinking water to refill it.
Spanish is not required. Translators and trip leaders will be available at all times.
The initial $500 deposit is non-refundable. Refund deadlines will be communicated prior to final payments once airfare and in-country expenses are secured.
A U.S. passport valid for at least six months beyond the return date is required.
No vaccinations are required to enter Costa Rica from North America.
Trip costs cover airfare, transportation, lodging, and meals. Optional spending money may be used for snacks, personal items, or souvenirs.
Participants are encouraged to limit phone use to stay present. A trip phone will be available for emergencies.
The Culture of Costa Rica
Costa Ricans—often called Ticos and Ticas—are known for being joyful, welcoming, and hospitable. While Costa Rica has a high life expectancy, many families live with limited financial resources.
“Pura Vida” (“pure life”) reflects the Costa Rican way of living—simple, joyful, and relational. Over 25% of the country is protected land, and renewable energy plays a major role in daily life.
Soccer is central to national identity. Hospitality is deeply valued, and public breastfeeding is culturally normal.
Tourism is the leading industry. Costa Rica has no standing army, provides universal healthcare, and identifies predominantly as Catholic.
Fundraising & Support
Inviting Others to Partner With You
Before you begin writing your mission trip support letter, make sure you know why you’re writing this letter! You’re doing way more than just asking for money and prayer – you’re inviting someone to participate in your trip. While they won’t be sitting next to you on the airplane, they will be filling the vital role of providing support in your mission trip experience. Keep this in mind as you write and send your mission trip support letters. You will probably be amazed at who God uses to support you through this powerful experience.
Helpful Tips
Keep it to one page
Make it personal and authentic
Share trip details and how to give
Ask for prayer first, finances second
Always express gratitude
Supporters become partners in what God is doing before, during, and after the trip.
See the sample support letters on the next two pages. These letters are simply a template. Feel free to use parts of these, but be sure to make it your own. Use your own words from your own heart!
Sharing Your Story
Your story matters, and God may use it powerfully during the trip.
When preparing your testimony, consider:
Your life before Christ
How you came to follow Jesus
How God has worked in your life since
Where your hope comes from now
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
— 1 Peter 3:15
Keep it honest, simple, and practiced. Your story doesn’t need to be long—just real.
Packing for the Trip
What to Bring
Each participant may bring:
1 checked bag (under 50 lbs)
1 carry-on
1 personal item (backpack)
We recommend packing essentials in your carry-on in case checked luggage is delayed. Ministry supplies are shared among checked bags to reduce costs—every dollar saved goes directly toward ministry.