The JE House Build Program (which we call “Fortaleza” which means “Strong” in English) provides groups with the opportunity to build a home in the marginal community of Pavas. Students have the unique experience on day one of the builds to stand on a cement slab (foundation) and day three with tears in their eyes place the keys to the front door of a new home in the family’s hands. The expression on the family’s face as they receive what for them is a tremendous gift is something that just can’t be captured in words, and really can’t even be captured in pictures. It is something that has to be experienced.

The first house was built by one of our groups in the summer of 2013. Since that time the program has grown and in 2018 we hired a full-time JE House Build Coordinator to oversee the project in Costa Rica. In 2019 we built 16 houses. In 2020 we had 34 house builds on the schedule, but unfortunately due to COVID, we were only able to build 10 of the 34 houses.

What makes JE different is we are all about giving back. Even though our groups could not travel they didn’t stop giving. We had two groups that were not able to travel donate their house build money so that two additional families received a new home. The community also joined with us and built one of the houses that were donated. We also had a traveler that was scheduled to get a refund donated his entire refund so that food could be purchased for those in Pava that had lost their jobs due to COVID.

The community has not lost hope. The church (that was built by one of our JE groups) has been a light and a source of refuge. Mario (our House Build Coordinator) and Pastor Gonzalo started sharing Sunday sermons on YouTube. They also made sure food was being distributed to the families in need. They also continue with their Saturday Bible Studies and Men’s Discipleship.

As the program grows the community is strengthened as people are empowered to use their gifts and abilities to serve others. The physical state of the community is improved, families advance financially, the Gospel is shared, people come to know Christ, and the local believers grow deeper in their relationship with the Lord.

You don’t have to be a contractor to build a house. No matter your age working together as a group you too can build a house! One of the things I hear the family say at almost every build is: “They don’t even know us why would they come here to Pava to build us a house?” The answer is simple – they are being obedient to God’s calling! It’s not about the house, it’s about the relationship, and through building a house the family and the community see the love of Jesus! Your heart will grow just a little bit bigger for the world through this experience!

We love to see the final touches each group adds to the house to make it a home. The relationship that is quickly built between the family and the group is something super special. So many of the groups return year and year and they are excited to meet their new family and to reunite with their previous family! It’s a very special bond!

Sign up now for our House Build trip to Costa Rica! Maybe you can’t travel but DID YOU KNOW you can donate Joshua Expeditions to help towards the cost of a house build. The cost to build a house is $4000. Maybe you have a connection to help provide the needed tools which can also be donated.

 

In Christ,

Amir Mahadi
Co-Founder & CEO
Joshua Expeditions

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2