Mylinda and Gary are pastors and professors but mainly friends and connectors who walk alongside their sisters and brothers in Christ. They enjoy connecting students with leadership training, connecting scriptures to everyday life, and connecting people’s gifts with life changing ministries.

The Baitses work with the Costa Rican Baptist Federation in pastoral and lay leadership development and theological education. There is an urgent need for committed, trained servant leaders for the churches. Recruiting, training, and encouraging leaders are high on their list of ministry priorities.

They write: Summer is the season for groups, and this summer is no exception.

*A group from Hacienda Heights, CA (including IM volunteer Hope Lambert) renewed its relationship with ministries in La Carpio and Cahuita, braving the Caribbean heat to help with Vacation Bible School and a Soccer Camp.  Micah enjoyed accompanying the group and helping with translation.

*A group from Puerto Rico helped with Vacation Bible Schools in Leon Trece, Santo Tomas, and Alajuelita and helped build a sound booth for the new sanctuary in Santo Tomas.

*Groups from Florida and Tennessee were in La Guacima to help with Vacation Bible School and finish work on Sunday School rooms, making them cooler in more ways than one.

* We look forward to a small group from the Emmaus Community in Olympia, WA who will be with the Asserri Church and visit their long-term volunteer friend Sarah Nash in August. Our daughter Jamie and her college roommate Jessica will join them as well.

Some Praises and Prayer Requests:

• Volunteer Sarah is rocking her new Spanish skills in Aserri and beyond.
• Volunteer Hope shines in leadership as she continues to serve in creative ways with children, youth, and women in La Carpio.
• We give thanks for all these work groups and their servant attitudes.
• Please pray for Gary's father Dwight and Mylinda's mother Ginger and their health struggles.
• Pray for Gary and Mylinda as they service Christ in Costa Rica.