SOUTH OF THE BORDER (SOTB)

Thanks Rimrockers for being a part of what God has been doing since 1997 through South of the Border Ministry. You have blessed many Latin Americans through your prayers and financial support. A special thanks to the nearly 120 folks who have walked on Latin American soil for Christ. In those nearly 15 years . . . . many Latin Americans have placed their faith in Jesus Christ and leaders have been encouraged & resourced to share Christ’s love within their communities through the 20 different Rimrock teams following Christ into Venezuela, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Mexico. On this side of the border many Rimrockers have been transformed by their experience as well. And since SOTB’s goal is partnering with Latin ministries/leaders, we are praying that planted & watered seeds will continue to grow.

Costa Rica

Since 2006, Rimrock SOTB team has partnered with Costa Rican UNILIC/INCRESE Ministry who train pastors and plant churches. Watching God’s plan for Costa Rica has been incredible. From their inception in 2001, 100’s of CR pastors (all denominations) have been trained though INCRESE & over 30 churches are now a part of UNILIC. And what is fantastic, God has opened doors to train pastors in most Central America countries, Mexico, Brazil, and even Cuba (800 pastors). The potential impact on Latin American pastors is mindboggling as they follow the Spirit’s lead.

Through our partnership we have sent many teams (medical, leadership training, construction, soccer, pastor/wife retreats, Biblical counseling, etc.) to assist churches ministering within their communities and helping train pastors/church leaders. Since we see God using INCRESE/UNILIC we want to continue investing in His ministry thru them.

So in ongoing conversations and prayer with Pastors Jose & Eduardo, each year we learn how Rimrock can come alongside them to encourage, resource, and partner with them in ministry. It is a wonderful relationship which we hope continues far into the future.

2011 Mission Team - July 9th – 20th

• Teen Ministry; under the direction of Nate Sales a team of teenagers and sponsors are partnering with Pastor Josue and his church to reach children and young adults within his community.

2012 Mission Teams being prayerfully considered

• Leadership Training and Construction Team

• Costa Rica Pastor/Wife Retreat

Please continue to pray for the INCRESE/UNILIC leadership in Costa Rica.

God is using them mightily to impact on Costa Rica and much of Latin America. And we are thrilled that God has led us into this partnership.

Nicaragua

In 2009 a ministry partnership began Pastor Ricardo Reyes, Asiento Viejo, Nicaragua. The relationship began when 2 Rimrock missionaries, Seth and Sarah Hays, met Ricardo during their 3 years (2007-10) in Nicaragua. Ricardo, a native Nicaraguan, is a life-long learner who enjoys using his knowledge to teach others, especially when his influence helps others grow in their daily relationship with God. He uses the everyday practical as a means of sharing Christ. It has been amazing to watch God open many doors for Ricardo to display His wisdom, power and provision within his community, country and now Latin America.

Through the Hays’ interaction with Ricardo, they saw time and time again where Nicaraguans were unable to generate income locally and were forced to migrate to Costa Rica for work. But often times while in CR, moms/dads would fall into satan’s trap which would result in broken families. So recognizing the concern, in 2009 Rimrock partnered with Ricardo to send a team of 9 to Asiento Viejo to help start a bakery & sewing business, and offer a veterinarian clinic. It was an incredible success. Today both businesses are viable and veterinarian techs have been trained to help with livestock management. And again the team returned with an appreciation for Ricardo’s wisdom in meeting physical and emotional needs which lead to being able to displaying Christ’s love, grace and truth within his community.

Keeping Families Together - Asiento Viejo Project Fund

Our partnership continues today in the development of the Asiento Viejo Project Fund. The basic premise of the fund is to provide no interest loans to families who want to start a cottage industry within their community. The fund and family selection is managed by Pastor Ricardo while concerned USA Christians/churches provide the resources (training, finances, etc.) Our goal is to build a fund ($10,000) available for Ricardo to resource local businesses who will repay the loans for future investing. All with the goal of sharing Christ through keeping families together. We look forward to watching God helping many families into the future.

As a part of this discussion, in 2011 Ricardo has requested Rimrock’s help with a “Commercialization of Grain” Project. Its basic premise is to loan money (no interest) to local families so they can purchase grain seed to store within their homes, and then sell the seed within their community. This project not only provides local families much needed income but offers better priced seed to their neighbors as well. In Nicaragua there are 3 growing seasons which will multiply the benefit of the project. The loan pay back expectancy 3-5 years. As the loans are paid off, monies will be reinvested into the community to help other families. Details are on Ricardo’s website.

For more information on Pastor Ricardo and Rimrock’s partnership, check out this website: http://pastorricardoreyes.wordpress.com/

If you have questions about Rimrock's South of the Border Ministry, contact Chuck Blackler, hvnlyhills@juno.com or Pastor Mike Hays, mikeh@rimrockchurch.com / 342-5373.