The Knapps
OCTOBER 2009

“ Sing to the Lord a new song for  He has done marvelous things” Ps. 98:1.  We are
rejoicing in the Lord for the dynamic team he has brought together and for the creative ways He
has given us to minister here in Jaco.  We are excited to introduce three new Radical Life
Ministries team members and two new ministries…


PUENTES DE ESPERANZA

       Two years ago we received a visit from our good friends Pastor Diego Jaramillo  and his
wife Patricia.  They have been an excellent example to us and a great encouragement in our life
and ministry.  During their visit to the ministry at the riverbed, Pastor Diego said, “I come from a
place like this in Colombia; you have to ask God to show you how to make a way out for the
youth so they may pursue God’s calling in their lives.” His comment struck me in my heart and I
began to pray about it.  
      Several weeks later God clearly answered me in prayer, “rocking chairs and wood
working.” Now, as you know I don’t know anything about wood working, but God told me that
He would do it and I would observe and give Him thanks.  Wow, He did it! He touched the
hearts of two local developers; one provided a work-shop, the other gave a substantial amount
of teak wood and several individuals volunteered to purchase machinery.  Then, can you believe
it? – a man from South Carolina came to church one night and told me God had sent him to serve
in any way he could for three months.  He also said he was born and raised in Costa Rica, spoke
Spanish and build patio furniture as a hobbie!
      He spent three months teaching another young man sent by God named Fernando everything
he knew about wood working and rocking chairs.  Fernando now volunteers as the Director of
what has developed into the, “Puentes de Esperanza” program.  He is originally from Argentina,
but has lived in Jaco for the past four years.  
      Puentes de Esperanza is an intensive discipleship program that motivates individuals to reach
their God given potential through Biblical instruction and teaching life skills to those who qualify.  
In order to be apart of the program the young men must attend school, maintain good grades and
be active in the youth group at the church.  There are currently eight young men enrolled in the
program.  
      Before this opportunity was available, several young men picked through trash looking for
aluminum cans and didn’t attend school.  Today, they begin each day with a devotion, prayer,
then in a clean, safe environment under the direction of Fernando spend the rest of their time
learning about wood working, about life, and how to be followers of Christ. The products they
make include, rocking chairs, crosses, small souvenir size surfboards, picture frames, etc.  There
is also a young ladies department in which they can learn how to make cushins for the chairs and
jewelry from beach glass.  We have seen huge improvements in the lives of these young people
as they learn responsibility and develop healthy work ethics in a positive Christ-centered
envorinment.  If you would like to know more about this program or the products please contact
Puentes de Esperanza.  Donations to this business program are not tax deductible.     

JESSICA, NEW R.L.M. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

       In January Fernando’s wife, Jessica began serving as an Administrative Assistant for Radical
Life Ministries.  She has been a super addition to the ministry team.  Jessica is from the state of
Washington and has adjusted very well to life in Costa Rica.  She has a contagious love for Christ
and joyfully serves Him through exercising her gifts of administration and helps. Together
Fernando and Jessica also minister at the church with the youth group.  They love the youth of
Jaco and are presently discipling and mentoring many of them.  They will travel to Argentina
(Sept. 5th -  Oct. 7th) to visit Fernando’s family and receive further training in Youth Ministries.   

RANCHO BIBLICO AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

       We prayed for the right person to minister full time to the children at the river bed
community. However, we could have never imagined what a beautiful plan God had in His heart
for these children! Again with the sponsorship of a local developer and the help of a short-term
mission team from Heritage Methodist Church of Tampa, the kids now have a Christ centered
after school program.  With donated materials the team together with local help made necessary
improvements to the rancho.  
      The director of the program is Rebeca Oleson from California.  Rebeca or “Bleu” as she is
called has lived in Jaco for four years.  She is a gifted teacher, enthusiastic in her faith and a real
soldier for Christ.  Each week day the children from this community meet at the newly remodeled
Rancho to participate in the program.  They begin with prayer, receive a healthy snack, complete
their homework and also learn about hygiene, nutrition, arts & crafts and English.  

Rebecca “Bleu” Oleson


IGLESIA RADICAL

In June we celebrated God’s faithfulness and the church’s 2nd Anniversary with a Gospel
presentation, fish fry, soccer, surfing and 13 baptisms at the beach!
      God is doing exciting life-changing work through your prayers and giving.  Thank you for
being a part of this change! May God keep you and encourage you.  

“walk as children of light… finding out what is acceptable to the Lord… redeeming the
time, because the days are evil…” Eph. 5:8,10,16.