November 2022 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

There is nothing I can do apart from the Lord! Oh, how we need Him in every situation! He is faithful and good, and my hope is in Him.

Last night on an important Zoom call, we met with the organization we work with and many families in Central America who foster and have adopted children. We are always grateful to learn how to better love and care for children who have been through trauma and faced unimaginable challenges.

In our devotional time, the verses that were shared were from John 15 and we focused on the verse that says, "Abide in Me, and I in you." We talked about and shared with each other how it is impossible to care for children and not abide in Him. Several months ago, the Lord put this verse on my heart as we were facing some very difficult situations. He wanted me to abide in Him...focus on Him, trust in Him. Jesus said, "apart from Me you can do nothing."

One thing I have learned is that the ONLY way to love people...big and small...is to abide in Him. It is impossible to love people who have faced traumas and unimaginable difficulties without staying in the Lord's presence, seeking His help and guidance. We have all been broken and we live in a world full of broken people.... people who have lost hope and know nothing about Jesus, nothing about God's love. God doesn't call us to just love when it is easy...He calls us to love at all costs. I am so grateful that if we abide in Him, He will answer and He will change impossible situations!

Some of you may have heard the miraculous news -- sweet little Daniela who has been so sick in the hospital for many months sat up in her bed and was able to get off the ventilator. It was truly a miracle, because doctors had given her no hope. She continues to get stronger every day and we just couldn't be more grateful to Lord for answering our prayers and hearing our cry. We cannot thank you enough for standing with us in prayer.

We are also so grateful to Lord for raising up young people in our daughter's school. At the beginning of the year, we prayed and sought the Lord for one of our daughters. We asked Him to give her good friends who loved the Lord. A student in his senior year met the Lord and began a Bible study. The Bible study continues to grow. Kids from all over his neighborhood and school are coming. Our daughter has been part of this wonderful thing the Lord is doing! The Holy Spirit is pouring out His love on so many young people that were lost and broken. They meet often to talk about the Lord and read their Bibles. They are SO excited to know about Jesus! They are reading the Bible with a passion and excitement that is truly wonderful! These are kids who come from all walks of life, and many have faced great challenges. Many of their parents don't know the Lord and come from broken homes. We would ask for your prayers for this group. They are taking a stand and face challenges. We are standing with them and encouraging them in their walk with the Lord. We are opening our home to the kids whenever they need a place to come and be encouraged.

Please be in prayer for the San Jose children's home and the organization that we work with. I can't talk about all the details but because of corruption in the government office, many children's homes that rely on the help from the government are in danger of closing. This breaks our hearts since we know so many of the children and caregivers. The government is unable to give to the homes, unable to pay salaries, and it has had a tremendously negative effect on everyone. We need people to be praying, especially for our friend Maria with whom we have worked closely to help start the San Jose home. She has been sick with worry for the children. We continue to walk with and encourage her daily.

Christmas is just around the corner, and we hope to be able to make special Christmas food boxes. The food boxes we give out each month are such a blessing to families. We want to give them a little extra during Christmas and make sure the children are given and extra treat! We will need financial help to get this done and if you would like to be a part of bringing joy to these precious families, please let us know!

We would like to give a small gift to all the children we love and support during this month. Please pray we have the resources to do so! The children always look forward to Christmas and are very excited to think of a special gift just for them.

It is hard to express just how much your prayers and financial support have meant to us, but we are so very grateful! These have not been easy times, and 2022 has been full of challenges. We see the Lord answering prayers and we continue to abide in Him as we wait for guidance and answers in other situations we are facing. Thank you for ALL you have done and for standing with us! We pray the Lord will bless you and your families.

Much love,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia

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September 2022 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Love has the most impact when it is not deserved or earned. It is most powerful when given to someone who is at their worst or weakest. Not only does it change them, but it changes us and impacts the hearts of those who are watching.

Several years ago, after some neighbors had poisoned our dogs, my Dad said to me, "Why don't you invite your neighbors over for dinner?" That definitely wasn't what I thought or even wanted to hear, but I never have forgotten it. In fact, I still think how it changed my heart towards my neighbors and it changed how I thought about love.

How we react when we are surprised by someone's actions says a lot about us. Will we choose to love? The Lord has challenged us with this over and over. And He has made it very clear that our job is to love, even when it gets tough.

Hosting foster children, adopting children, and having biological children has taught me so much about love. Their pain and traumas can only be healed by love, grace and SO much patience. It is a process, it takes time. Pushing to make it happen isn't the answer.... but giving them to Lord is! I am amazed at the Lord's kindness, grace, and timing. He knows just what we need.

After pushing and trying to get one of our girls to go to youth group, Bible camp, or anywhere I thought the Lord could heal her heart, nothing seemed to work. Her answer was always no, and she was always afraid. We finally had to just give her over completely to the Lord. (I guess I thought He needed my help.)

Recently, an older boy and girl at her school started a Bible study. They took a big interest in our daughter. They have met the Lord and are reaching out to young people at school and in their neighborhood. They invited our daughter, and to our surprise, she went! And she has gone every Friday for several months now. She can't wait to go! She talks about it all week long. Who would have thought? Who would have known? Well God did! He is patient and waits. He sees and knows.

Please pray for this young guy and girl who have started the Bible study. Kids are coming from all over the neighborhood and several schools. His house was full last Friday. Pray the Lord will guide them, and many hearts will be healed. I am overwhelmed at God's love and so grateful for His faithfulness!

We would also appreciate your prayers for all the government-run children's homes in Costa Rica. The government has not been able to give funds to many orphanages and homes because they are saying there isn't enough money. It has to do with laws that were passed several years ago. This has significantly affected the San Jose children's home with which we work. We are grateful we have been able to help, but more help will be needed in the months to come. Pray the government can work through this problem.

The agency we work with, "Casa Viva," cannot pay their workers and it has affected many families and dear ones there. Enrique has worked closely with the San Jose home. The children are very dear to our hearts and there are always needs.

Sweet little Daniela is still in the hospital. It has been a long road, so your prayers are appreciated for her too.

Thank God, Danielita who lives with us is doing well! She is such a joy and has overcome so much! A judge will be looking at her case soon. Please keep our sweet girl in your prayers! We sure do love her. Keep in your prayers the families we are walking with too. There are many needs, and we are so grateful for funds for food boxes and school supplies.

I am so thankful that the Lord is patient with me and keeps teaching me how to love more like Him. I am blessed by the good examples of people who have loved greatly and the example we have in Jesus!

Thank you so much for your love and faithfulness! Please continue to remember us in your prayers and in your giving this month. It is hard to express just how grateful we are, but we and so many others have been truly blessed by you! You are always in our thoughts and prayers also!

Much love,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia

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July 2022 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Andy Andrews, one of my favorite authors, says: "There are generations yet unborn, whose very lives will be shifted and shaped by the moves you make and the actions you take."

When we first started taking in foster children, I felt in my heart that what we were doing was not just for that generation. Isn't it wonderful to think that what we give to others today will change generations to come?

It has been such a joy for us to get to see new children being born to our children that came into our home more than twenty-two years ago! One of our foster daughters, Flor, regularly sends me pictures of her four children. She still calls me "Ma" and her life changed drastically after coming into our home. Her story was a hard one and we walked with her through some very difficult times...she was twelve when she arrived and has overcome so much! She is now a wonderful mother to her beautiful children and her life has changed.

Now, two of our adopted daughters have children. Our grandchildren have brought us SO much joy! My Dad has been able to perform both our daughters' wedding ceremonies. Recently, Dad got to meet both his great-grandchildren too! All the children were very blessed by his visit here. He spent time in our home loving and encouraging each one of us. Dad is a great example of how to walk with others.

Our youngest foster baby will be two years old in October. She loves playing with our grandbabies, and to see them all together is just wonderful! We have walked through traumas and pain with each of our children. But that is what God calls each one of us to do...to walk with people...stay with them...trusting that He can bring them through it all...and He will! I can't tell you how much it has meant to us that you have stood with us. So many of you have prayed for us and given finances to support this ministry for years. Your love and faithfulness have changed lives and generations.

Because of your help, we have continued to give out food boxes, and this is also helping to change lives! There are so many needs, and the prices of groceries have gone up tremendously. Families are so grateful for the love and support they receive.

We have several children in the community we serve that need book bags. Many walk to school, and a book bag would sure lighten the load. We hope to purchase at least six book bags soon. We also need a couple of beds for loved ones we serve, and our youngest foster baby will be graduating into a "big girl bed" soon! So, we hope at least two or three beds can be purchased before long.

We also would ask for continued prayers for little Daniela, who remains in the hospital. She has good days and bad days, and it has been a long road. We pray for healing and strength in her body and strength for all those who have loved and cared for her. We love her and she holds a big place in our hearts. Your kind messages - and knowing you are praying - have been such an encouragement to us all.

Having a big family means there is always someone in need of extra love and support. Our family is made up of all kinds...each one has a different story...but God sees and knows each need. We put our trust in Him! He IS faithful to ALL generations!!

Thank you for your prayers, and love, and support. We could not do what is needed here without you. Please remember us this month, and we are praying for you as well. We are so grateful!!

Much love,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia

P.S. Would you please keep us in your prayers and in your giving this month? All U.S. gifts are tax-deductible. In addition to our Facebook Page, you can also visit our website: HiddenTreasuresOutreach.com

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June 2022 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

This week as Enrique and I studied Philippians chapter 1, we were so impressed that while Paul was imprisoned and chained, he said, "I make my request for all of you with JOY."

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace" (Philippians 1:3-7).

In fact, the whole chapter is written with joy and gratefulness all while he suffered. His focus was on Christ. Paul said, "Everything that has happened to me here has helped me spread the good news."

What if, in every difficult, painful situation, we saw it as an opportunity to spread the good news? What if we saw it as an opportunity for God to show up and do a miracle? Maybe – just maybe – He has us here for a reason and He is going to use it all for His glory! Enrique and I have hung onto these verses as we have faced some hard situations. In fact, these verses have hung onto us as well.

This week, a precious little girl at the San Jose children's home got very sick. We appreciate all of you who have been praying. She has had a permanent feeding tube and a tracheotomy to help her breathe. A bacteria got in the feeding tube and has gone into her lungs. She has been in the hospital, and it has been a very hard time.

This sweet girl is very dear to us and to so many who care for her. Enrique is staying close and getting updates from those in charge. We appreciate your continued prayers for her during this time. We know the Lord is near and he hears our prayers.

There are other challenges facing us; we are trusting God and asking for prayer. We have had many more families in need of food boxes. Because prices are rising all around us, more families are in great need; some are going hungry. We would like to reach out to some specific families. Please be praying we have the resources to do so.

Many of these families have very small children and are in desperate need to put food on the table. This is an open door to be able to share Jesus and bring hope to others!

The San Jose children's home always has a need for baby items such as formula, diapers, and so much more. There have been many needs over the last month, and Enrique has gotten many calls. We can help get these much-needed supplies to the children if we have financial resources.

When we see difficult situations all around us, or people we love who are walking through significant life challenges, it is easy to feel burdened and overwhelmed. But the Lord has been reminding us that we don't have to despair, because our hope is in Christ...it's not over...it's not the end. We don't have to panic, because He is our hope, and He does not fail. We can even respond with love and joy like Paul did, believing that in hard situations, His glory can be revealed!

We were very encouraged this week when our dear friend Ronald Gray came to Costa Rica. He has walked with us for years and helps many missionaries all over the world. Enrique was able to go out to dinner with him and open his heart. It was like a weight was lifted off his shoulders to be able share and receive encouragement.

We are grateful the Lord sends people to love, encourage, and strengthen us to continue in our mission. Ron does great work all over the world, and we are blessed by his friendship. Enrique carries a huge burden for our big family and so much more. Please keep him in your prayers.

We could not do this work alone. We love and appreciate each one of you! Thank you for standing with us with your prayers and giving. Would you please prayerfully consider making a special gift to support us this month? It means so much to so many people who receive life-sustaining care from Hidden Treasures.

As a family and ministry team, we pray the Lord will bless you and your families!

Much love,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia

P.S. Would you please keep us in your prayers and in your giving this month? All U.S. gifts are tax-deductible. In addition to our Facebook Page, you can also visit our website: HiddenTreasuresOutreach.com

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May 2022 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

A friend of ours wrote after his wife passed away: "The goodness of God is far more evident in the valley than it ever was on the mountain. When God is all you have, it becomes easier to understand that he's all you ever really needed."

The older I get the more I realize just how much I need Jesus! I love the old hymn that says:
"I need Thee, Oh, I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee."

- Robert Lowry/Annie S. Hawks (1872)

It seems more evident than ever that He is what we need. He has the answer. He is the answer.

I am so grateful for the Lord's goodness and faithfulness. This Easter, our two-year-old grandson and our one-and-a-half-year-old foster daughter ran around together carrying their Easter baskets looking for eggs. They held hands and laughed and played and had so much fun. All our kids, young and old, joined in the hunt and it was such a joyful day.

As I watched, I thought about all the challenges and hard situations our children have gone through, and how the Lord put us all together. We have been through the valley many times, but we have seen God's goodness! I am so grateful that He see us through! And I believe with all my heart that He will continue.

It has been a busy month, and some of the families we serve have faced some difficult challenges. Our dear friend Teresa was hit by a car. The car hit her as she was walking down the side of the road. Thankfully, she is going to be alright, but she was very shaken up and has been in bed recovering. She has needed extra love and encouragement. We have been able to help her family financially and bring food.

Please pray that we can continue giving out food boxes to families in the community. There are many needs. Bringing a box of food opens up doors for love and encouragement. And the best part is that they can know the love of Jesus! Please pray that financially we will have what we need so we can keep giving. It has been such a blessing to many!

Our dear friend and caregiver that has been with us for twenty-two years lost her mother to cancer last week. We have loved on her and supported her, but we ask for your prayers for her family as they go through this hard time.

We also continue to walk with and support the lady who oversees the San Jose children's home. Enrique has been a great support! Many days, he spends a lot of time on the phone helping with problems and working through hard situations. There are always many needs there and many children need extra medical care. Please continue to pray for them. There is always a need for formula and diapers and so much more. Your prayers are very appreciated!

Esther continues working hard with her baking business and we are raising funds so she can go to a chef and baking school nearby. The cost will be around $150 a month for eighteen months. She is excited to learn more!

Thank you so much for you love and support! It is hard to express just how much you mean to us! Please lift our family up in prayer, especially our children. We know the Lord heals hearts and traumas and He is working. Pray, too, that the Lord would give Enrique and I wisdom to know how to love more like Jesus and bring hope to the broken-hearted.

Would you prayerfully consider a special financial gift this month to partner with us in these ministries? On behalf of all of those who receive from the ministry of Hidden Treasures, we want to thank you for continuing to stand with us!

Much love,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia

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April 2022 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

I think we can relate more to the outcast or broken person when we realize that we too have been broken...and in many ways outcast. Gregory Boyle who wrote the book "Tattoos on the Hear" said, "Jesus didn't come to learn how to be compassionate and sympathetic towards the outcasts, he aligned himself with them." I have thought about this a great deal. Jesus was joined and united with them in their hurt and pain. He aligned himself with them. How beautiful is that?

And I believe that is what He has called us to do too! Knowing WE are broken and remembering daily what God has done for us...by His mercy and grace....allows us to walk with others even when things get messy. It gives us a more powerful compassion. It reminds us that we are all the same. We need Jesus!

I would like to share with you some needs we have had over the last month. And it would mean so much to us if you would stand with us and others in prayer. Please pray for the children at the San Jose home. Over the past several months, twenty-four of the twenty-five small children at the home in San Jose got Covid. Many of the workers did too. Because many of the children deal with health issues, their immune systems are weak. So many had to go to the hospital. They are recovering, but we sure could use your prayers for them and the caregivers. It has been a very hard time. We are so grateful for God’s love and care. Even though it has been hard, He is always near.

We are grateful for provision for the families we are walking with. Although there are still many needs, and though we cannot provide all that is needed, we have seen God move through prayer. The mother of our adopted children, who has become a dear friend, called and said their power had been turned off for several days because they couldn't pay their bills. "I am praying for a miracle," she said. "Will you pray with me?"

We prayed together on the phone, believing God would make away. She needed $43. After a couple of hours, she called me back and shouted, "God answered our prayer!" A lady down the road gave her son a job cleaning her farm. The lady told her son, "I have exactly $43 to pay you. Will that be alright?" She even gave them the money that very day! They were able to get their power turned back on. God has been reminding me that in all things, He is the answer. He hears our prayers. He cares!

Also, could you pray for the children that need the Lord to move in their hearts. Some are angry from hurt and trauma. I can't always give details here, but God knows who they are, and they need Him. When you love and care for hurting people, you wish you could fix everything and heal hearts, but we know HE can! Please stand with us in prayer. We need Him to touch hearts and lives and make away.

We’re asking for prayers for a dear lady that has worked with us for years. She has helped care for almost every child that has been in our home. She has helped us cook and clean at times, and she has been my right hand. I love her dearly, and there is no way we could have cared for so many without her. She found out today that her mother has terminal cancer. She is a rock for her family, and many lean on her. She needs our prayers. They are family. They will need our support and care during this time.

Esther continues with her baking business, and she is working hard, getting out and selling every day. We would love for her to be able to go to Chef school. She could graduate in eighteen months and study baking, and also graduate as a professional chef. The cost would be $150 per month. She could travel by bus to the school in the morning and continue working in the afternoon. The school would help her get a job when she graduates, and she could get the experience she needs to one day to start her own small bakery, which is her dream. Please pray that the Lord will make a way. She is very motivated and excited!

A dear sister recently said this to me: "Brokenness is so much the key in ministry and life. It is one broken person to another, not the 'all together' person to another. Transparent hearts before God!"

Thank you for your love and prayers! Please continue to stand with us in your prayers and in your giving this month. You are making a difference! Knowing that you are praying with us brings joy and comfort to our hearts, and to the hearts of all of the people we serve here.

Much love,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia

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March 2022 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28-29).

In Costa Rica, we often see oxen carrying loads of hay or produce for the farmers (especially up in the mountains and farming areas near our home) and sometimes we even see them plowing in the fields. I never get tired of seeing them. It is such a beautiful sight! The oxen have a frame or bar that is placed on them for pulling or carrying a heavy load. It is called a yoke. A farmer once told me that the yoke balances the burden and makes it easier to manage. I love that because it reminds me that God wants our burdens to be easy to manage and our load to be light.

What a joy it was for me to receive pictures of children in our neighborhood all dressed up in their school uniforms and new shoes on their first day of school! It was because of you and your support that we were able to help make this possible for them. They were so happy and grateful to be able to go to school. I got calls from happy mothers expressing their gratitude, seeing their sweet little ones all dressed up and ready to go. Just a few weeks earlier, many had wondered how they would be able to get books, notebooks, clothes, and things they needed. Many felt worried and burdened. I heard it in their voices on the phone.

It is easy to feel burdened when there are so many needs. We wonder how things will work out, or what the future will hold. I recently got a call from a young mother with six children all under the age of fourteen. She said, "We will have nothing left to eat in a few days. I don't know what to do." She felt weary from worry. My heart broke thinking about how she must feel.

Your support for Hidden Treasures makes it possible for us to serve that family and so many others like them here in central Costa Rica. But this kind of stress is a constant daily reality here.

There are times in life when we don't know what to do that is for sure! And we can begin to feel overwhelmed with worry. The other day, when worry got the best of me, my husband, reminded me of a story that my dad has told many times. The story is about a tired little girl walking down the road carrying her brother. A car stops to help them and give them a ride. But even though she gets in the car...she never puts her little brother down. She holds on tight and doesn't let him go. Sometimes we forget who we are riding with, and that we can rest and let Him carry the load. Letting go can be hard, but He is more than able to care for us.

I am so grateful for a wonderful husband that reminds me that I can rest in Jesus. God is calling us to pray, to seek His face, to give our cares and worries to Him. We have had many situations where there seems to be no answer and nothing more WE can do. But we know there is SO much more God can do! He has all the answers, even before we ask.

This is where we are living now, as a family, and as a ministry. We're asking for your prayers...for our family, for the other children we reach, and for our sweet little foster baby! Some in our family, younger and older, have dealt with health and financial issues. Children we support also have had so many needs.

The caregivers at the San Jose children's home have faced many challenges and need prayer. Please pray we will have all we need financially to continue with the food boxes. There are many needy families, and the food boxes --- and other supplies -- have been a tremendous blessing. We know the Lord is calling us to rest in Him for His supply.

At times we have struggled with resting and have worried about circumstances, but God has a way of allowing us to be in situations where He is the ONLY way and our hope must be in Him! I am grateful for His love and kindness and the way He reminds us that He will make a way. As we ask for your prayers, we also ask you to prayerfully consider standing with us financially this month in whatever way the Lord leads.

I wish I could provide more details or strategic plans right now. The fact is, due to the pandemic, family challenges, and so much economic turmoil in Costa Rica at this time, many of our plans have had to be very flexible. Please pray for God's wisdom for us as we trust Him in every step.

We want to thank you for your love and for standing with us in your giving and your prayers! It means so much to us and we are so grateful for you. We pray the Lord will bless you and your families.

" And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart" (Galatians 6:9). His grace and strength will carry us through this and every season.

Much love,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia

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February 2022 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

A sweet, dear friend got up at church on Sunday and said, "It is good to remember that NO ONE is more loving, more compassionate, more merciful than Jesus!" That is so true! And no matter how much I can love someone...care for someone...give to someone...my love will never compare to His. I can never outdo or out love God. After all He IS love! So how could we know Him and not know love? And if we abide in Him, we should abide in love.

My Dad often says, "Love is the bridge across which truth travels." It is acts of kindness and loving the unlovable (even those that don't love us) that change everything. Here in Costa Rica, we have been challenged to love more and reach out more, but most importantly trust that God can and will do more than we can do because His love is greater! It is His love that truly changes every heart and life!

February is a big month, because the school break is over in Costa Rica and classes start up again. Many children will need uniforms, books and school supplies. Black school shoes and tennis shoes for PE are required. Many families can't afford new shoes and books. It can be a very stressful time for moms, dads, and kids. We have gotten many calls for help.

A dear girl that just turned 10 years old sent me a message asking if I had an old pair of black shoes she could use. She is so excited to go back to school after being out for so long because of the school shutdowns during Covid.

Please pray with us that these families' needs will be met. With your help, we are doing all we can to serve them. Also pray for the children at the San Jose children's home. There will be more extra expenses as they start the new school year.

We also would ask for your prayers for our oldest son, Nelson. He has been feeling very faint often, and Enrique spent the day in the emergency room with him recently. After many tests they are recommending he see a cardiologist. Nelson has been working very hard. He works long hours. Nelson's wife, Nancy, has also struggled with her health. It has put a financial burden on them.

Many of you know and love Nelson. He has the biggest heart and has helped us with delivering food boxes and meeting with families. Please keep him and his wife Nancy in your prayers. We want to do more to support them, especially during this difficult time. They have been so faithful to serve the Lord, the Hidden Treasures ministry, and families all across the Valle Central.

There are situations and hard circumstances all around us. But, when I think about just how great the Lord's loves is for us, I know He is able to do what I cannot. He loves the widows. He is a father to the fatherless. His heart is for the poor and He heals the sick. Just one encounter with His love changes everything, and that is my prayer! Just one touch of His love and are lives are changed forever.

Thank you so much for standing with us in your prayers and in your giving! Please remember us this month. We can't tell you just how much it means to us and to so many people here in Costa Rica.

You and your loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. We would love to hear from you! Let us know how you're doing and how we can pray for you. Feel free to visit our website at hiddentreasuresoutreach.com or you can "like" our Hidden Treasures Costa Rica Facebook Page. Let's stay in touch!

Much love,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia

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January 2022 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

One of the Bible verses the Lord has given us for this year is Philippians 4:6-7: "Don't worry about ANYTHING; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for ALL he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

It is a very well known Bible verse, but the Lord has put it in our hearts in a fresh new way! And He has allowed us to share it with others...which seems to be very fitting in the times we are living in. So many people are worried, anxious, and need peace!

A few weeks ago, we went to visit a family that is very dear to us. We have walked with the mother of the family for over twenty-one years. You see, she is the biological mother of our five adopted children. And she has had three more children through the years, and they have been very much a part of our lives. They were very excited for us to come visit!

We brought gifts and a big box of groceries to help with their needs. They were all waiting outside their very tiny home when we arrived, smiling and waving. They all ran to give us big hugs as we pulled up in our car. They were so grateful for the gifts, and we all sat huddled together in their small living room, talking and sharing. We soon realized, after the excitement died down, that things had been very hard.

Isabel, the mother, begin to share. You could see the worry and doubt on her face. She shared about the problems they had been facing, including difficulties they were having with friends and neighbors. We listened closely as she shared. It might have all seemed a bit too overwhelming if we hadn't of had this verse from Philippians held so closely in our hearts. The verse says trade worry for prayer, tell the Lord what you need, and REMEMBER what He has done! And if I told you ALL he has done to bring our two families together...adopt five children...restore this mother's life...it would be hard for you to believe!

Being thankful and remembering what God has done is one of the steps we need to take in order to have peace from God. Enrique reminded them of the miracles the Lord had done. He shared stories the children had never heard. Isabel shared stories of her childhood, and how the faithfulness of the Lord had brought her through. We laughed and cried as we remembered. The children listened closely and were surprised to learn about many things.

Isabel's countenance changed completely the more she remembered. It was almost as if we felt the Lord came and sat right with us. A weight was lifted, and I saw a joy in Enrique's heart also, as he shared and remembered. We traded our worry for prayer and remembered what the Lord had done. And I can honestly say we all felt peace and joy; we left better than we came! Isabel said that was the best gift of all. We drove them to a friend's house up in the mountains and the joy and laughter continued until we said goodbye.

How wonderful it is: in our failures, struggles, and needs is where we meet Jesus! And when we draw close to Jesus, He changes what is broken. He makes us new...so much better than we were before! A need is an open door for God to move. In your prayers and in your giving, many of you have made it possible for us to give out food boxes to families in need. And because of their needs, it has opened the door for God to move in so many ways. We are so grateful to be able to be a part of their lives and bring hope, especially in this very difficult season. God is still doing miracles, and no matter what is going on around us, He can give us peace despite our circumstances. He is making things new again!

We are so grateful for your love and support! And we are grateful for all the Lord is doing. Thank you for those who have helped Esther in her baking business. She is so grateful, and it has been life-changing for her and her family. She continues working very hard.

We now have a small farm up at the big house in the mountains where other children from other children's homes can come and visit. There is an area where children can be with the animals and an area where they can learn to garden. What a wonderful therapy for them, since so many will be coming from very hard situations. This has always been a dream of mine, to be able to reach out to other children through animals and gardening! It is a great opportunity to meet new children and encourage caregivers too!

We continue to pray and seek the Lord for His timing for us to take a sabbatical. We don't have the answer now, and as we all know, Covid has changed many things in the world around us. But we are excited for renewed strength and encouragement and doors the Lord has opened. We would appreciate your prayers as we go forward. And especially, prayers for each one of our children, as some have faced some very challenging circumstances.

Thank you for standing with us! Please continue to remember us in your prayers and in your giving. Your love and support mean so much! We pray this will be a wonderful New Year full of peace and new beginnings as we draw closer to Him.

Much love,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia

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