March 28, 2026

“Pura Vida” with Purpose: Costa Rica Convention Advances the Gospel Mission

On December 11, 2025, World Missions Representative Dustin Hays and interpreter David Membreño arrived in San José, Costa Rica, to attend the annual National Convention. The saints of God gathered from all parts of the country to worship, preach, pray, and conduct business as The Church of God, under the capable leadership of National Overseer Bishop Moisés Artola Méndez. The Convention theme was taken from John 10:16, “And There Shall Be One Fold, and One Shepherd.” 

There was a wonderful spirit of unity as the ministry gathered for their annual pre-convention meeting on Friday afternoon, where one of the senior ministers shared wonderful testimonies of a lifetime of ministry and God’s faithfulness. Additionally, there was a class for the ministry titled, “Being Faithful to the Assembly Rulings.” The leadership was reminded of the protection of the government of the Church with the General Assembly as the highest tribunal of authority on this earth. 

On Friday evening, the Convention began in earnest with a wonderful session full of God’s power. After the official opening by the National Overseer and the flag and Bible pledges, we were off and running. One of the pastors preached a convicting message titled, “The Harvest Is Plenteous, but the Labourers are Few.” Following the message was an altar service full of members and ministers seeking the Lord with much tears and rejoicing. Saturday brought good and informative reports by the various district overseers and the programs of the National Auxiliary Coordinators. Several special events and campaigns were conducted throughout the year in the various local churches and communities. The saints of God have a mind to work for the Lord and the Church, and to see the message spread to all corners of Costa Rica. 

“Pura Vida” is the unofficial national motto in Costa Rica and literally translates into English as “pure life.” It is used as a common greeting and represents a laid-back, stress-free lifestyle. The Church of God must carry the message of true “Pura Vida” into all of Costa Rica and to all the ends of the earth. Our auxiliaries and various other ministries serve a vital role in helping us spread this message. Messages preached on Saturday included “Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant,” preached by Bishop Luis Zeledon, National Overseer of Nicaragua, and “Sanctify Them Through Thy Truth: Thy Word is Truth,” by the General Headquarters Representative. 

The VLBs got the Convention started on Saturday night with a lively march and program, and following the message of the evening, a prayer line and powerful altar service took place, where many testified to blessings and experiences. Just when it seemed the prayer time was coming to an end, the Spirit would continue to move and more would be accomplished in the lives of the seekers. On Sunday, the ladies took their WMB march outside of the tabernacle in a beautiful display of the mission spirit, as they marched with joy and fervor under the direction of the National WMB Leader. The Convention closed with the Annual Address by Bishop Artola, with the topic taken from the Convention theme. 

Appointments were made, and the faithful ministers accepted them with sincerity and gravity, knowing the work ahead is great, but He who had sent them is greater and will enable them into the harvest. We said our goodbyes and all went into the fields ready to labor for the Lord.