Costa Rica Outreach

August 2024 Visit to Costa Rica

In late August 2024, BWM Director of Mission Outreach the Rev. Angelica Regalado-Cieza visited Costa Rica to strengthen ties with the Moravian Church there, meeting with church leaders and congregations in San José. Her trip offered an opportunity to assess the current state of the church, understand its challenges, and explore potential collaborations with the Board of World Mission.

Upon her arrival, Angelica was warmly welcomed by Leopoldo Pixley and Juanita Pixley, key figures in the Costa Rican Moravian Church. They discussed various topics, including communication issues, financial difficulties, and leadership challenges. The Costa Rican province, which includes four churches—two in San José and two in Limón—has been experiencing a decline in active leadership and membership. With only four active pastors and four acolytes and one under discipline, the province faces significant hurdles.

Angelica’s visit also included participation in a Zoom Bible study with members from all four churches. This meeting provided an opportunity to connect with church members and learn more about their spiritual life and challenges. The study focused on 2 Chronicles 26, with discussions led by sister Alma and musical worship in both English and Spanish.

On Friday, Angelica visited the Latin American Biblical Seminary, a key institution for theological education in the region. Although the seminary no longer offers in-person classes, it provides virtual bachelor’s and master’s degrees in theology. Rev. Regalado-Cieza met with Dr. Edwin Mora Guevara, the academic vice-rector, to discuss potential collaboration in developing a curriculum for lay pastors in Latin America. This initiative could help address the leadership gap in the Costa Rican Moravian Church by equipping local pastors with the necessary theological training.

Sunday brought a visit to El Refugio Moravian Church, a Miskito-speaking congregation in San José. The church had recently welcomed a new pastor and is working to improve its facilities with support from the BWM. Angelica presented greetings from the BWM, assisted with prayers, and contributed to the congregation’s food program, which supports the church through the sale of meals after services. The church members expressed gratitude for the visit and shared their ongoing need for financial assistance to complete repairs and support the pastoral family.

Angelica’s final stop was at Monte de Esperanza Moravian Church, where Pastor Juanita leads. With Pastor Juanita nearing retirement and no pastors in training to take over, the church is in dire need of support to sustain its ministry.

Throughout her trip, Angelica emphasized the importance of strengthening communication between the BWM and the Costa Rican province. Her visit fostered valuable connections and opened doors for future collaboration, particularly in the area of theological education and leadership development.