On December 2-10, Cindy Baker (Marion, Oregon), Jennifer Stucker (Marion, Oregon), and Sarah Castro (Arizona) traveled to San Jose, Costa Rica, to partner with Transforma, a ministry dedicated to empowering women through education, discipleship, healing, and economic opportunity. Transforma accompanies individuals and families experiencing extreme poverty, domestic violence, migration vulnerabilities, social exclusion, and limited access to education or dignified work.
We visited Barrio Sinai to deliver groceries to single mothers and their children. This community is known for significant hardships, including drug activity, human trafficking and criminal influence, and occult practices. Many residents experience severe social and spiritual challenges, and missionaries often avoid this area because of these extreme conditions. Our team of fourteen women courageously walked door-to-door, greeting women, entering their homes, and praying over them and their children.
We also visited a newly built classroom that will be used for young students. Standing together in this space, our team prayed aloud, simultaneously lifting “thunder prayers” over the students, the ministry, and the community.
Before ministering at our women’s retreats, our team walked through the Beauty for Ashes retreat study for ourselves. We then hosted four sessions at two different churches, pouring into the local women through teachings on the woman at the well, Christ’s constant presence, Jesus as the Son of the Living God, and the adulterous woman.
Through Scripture, testimony, small group ministry, and creative reflection, women encountered the love of God, released past burdens, and discovered hope, dignity, and restoration in Christ.
One-on-one ministry times were deeply personal and powerful. Our team prayed for women facing trauma, emotional pain, relational struggles, domestic violence, sexual exploitation, spiritual warfare, financial hardship, anxiety, insecurity, and loss. Through these moments of listening and intercession, women received comfort, encouragement, and renewed hope.
We also had the privilege of praying for and encouraging the Transforma ministry leaders, who carry significant emotional and spiritual burdens as they minister to women in crisis and poverty. Our time reminded us of their resilience and the beauty of the global church supporting one another in Christ.
We joined the ministry leaders in serving students and families during a special graduation night. Students received certificates of completion, awards, and family gifts. Children were blessed with clothing, special treats, and school supplies.
Our time in Costa Rica revealed the transforming power of God’s love, the strength and resilience of the women at Transforma, and the beauty of partnership in the body of Christ. We are grateful for every story restored, every heart encouraged, and every seed planted.
To God be the glory!
— Jennifer Stucker
