“El Nido” in Spanish means,
“The Nest.” When looking for a name for this new ministry I did some research
on birds’ nests. Here is what I found...
Birds look for places to build their nests that provide shelter and freedom
from predators. Birds construct a wide range of nests, from simple scraps on
the ground to elaborately woven nests of sticks and grasses. Some are
camouflaged and some are out in the open. Some are big and some are small. It
all depends on the bird, and where and how it lives!
El Nido is a new door God has opened up for VidaNet to step through. El
Nido will be a pregnancy resource center opening in January of 2014. And just
like a bird’s nest, El Nido will be a place where women can feel safe; a place
where they can experience peace, away from the storms they are facing. We want
it to be a place where they can come and talk over coffee; a place where they
feel free to share what’s REALLY happening in their lives. Trained counselors will be available to listen
and give Godly counsel.
El Nido will also be a place where a mother can receive education. El
Nido will be offering a Earn While You Learn Program. This program gives a
mother the opportunity to earn clothing and furnishings for her new baby while
developing parenting and life skills. EWYL has proven to be a very effective
program. The lessons are presented using DVDs, worksheets, reading and verbal
information. Our clients will see, hear and read the information, then take
home homework lessons that reinforce what they learned. When this information
is presented by a parenting instructor who they come to know and respect, the
results are dramatic and life changing. Long term relationships are able to be established that allow them to
make a difference in their client’s lives with God’s love and wisdom!
El Nido will be
located in Heredia near the national university. Just as a bird chooses where
to build its nest, we are hoping to find a site that will be perfect and
adequate; a place that has enough rooms for counseling, storage, a small living
room, and who knows what other surprises God has for El Nido.
The goal of El Nido is
to share God’s love with every client. History has shown that women who find
themselves with an unexpected pregnancy are more receptive to hearing how God
can help them make changes in their lives that will benefit themselves and
their unborn child. This is the time when El Nido can come along side of them
and support, love, and disciple these women.
How can you help?
Pray. Pray that God would provide a
center. Pray for volunteers.
Financial
Donation.You can help financially by giving a one-time gift or providing
monthly. Financial donations can be sent to VidaNet Akron, OH Please earmark
it: El Nido
$7,000 have been raised for this new ministry so far. The total amount needed is $30,000 I am anxious to see how God brings it all in!
Volunteer. If you live in Costa Rica and would like more information on how you can volunteer as a counselor, or in many other ways, you can call Gloria at: 8347-5036
Donate. We will be
receiving new or gently used baby clothes or items at two locations: 318
Willowbend Circle, Plain City, OH or 38 Skyview Lane, Lititz, PA For any questions please contact Gloria
Hoover at: 1-800-413-9818 or at gloria@vidanetonline.org
Thank you SO Much to all of those who have donated clothing and have given financial gifts. It has been such an encouragement to me.
Note: The previous blog talked about the new ministry, Casa DaLuz. Casa DaLuz, has been put on hold due to a number of complications.
