November 2023 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

In Ephesians, it says we are adopted by the Lord as His own children through Jesus Christ (see Ephesians 1:5). But it also says because it PLEASED Him to do it and because He is KIND! My dear friend Donna Hyatt said, "He wanted to do it!! It gave Him pleasure!" And that got me to thinking. I always knew this verse, but to think that God was really happy about it...happy to receive us in His family...is just wonderful!

He didn't have to adopt us and receive us as His own, but the fact that He was happy about it...happy to receive us? Well, that's just too wonderful for words! We have such a kind a wonderful God. I am so grateful to be in His family.

The day our family adoptions were final -- we adopted five siblings -- was one of the happiest days of our lives! Although we had no idea all that was ahead, and I am glad we didn't, God never left us. He is faithful. And even those children who have left us way too soon and have taken a piece of our hearts...they, too, are in His hands. We don't have to know the end because He does, and that is enough.

This last month has been full of ups and downs and learning and growing. I think working with children and walking with people closely...well that's just how it is...ups and downs, valleys and peaks. But God sustains us through it all, and He is teaching us along the way. Over the last few months, we have made many trips to see our caring and loving doctor. I thank the Lord for him. We've made trips to the emergency room with sick babies, sick adults, trauma-related panic attacks, and other medical needs.

My husband, Enrique, is the one to take babies and others, sometimes late into the night. We tell him he should study medicine....it seems he is always talking with doctors. We have learned SO much about mental health and how important that is also, especially in the times we are living in, and with so many dealing with broken hearts. We also continue walking with a young man who has autism. God has written him on our hearts, and he has become part of the family. Keep him in your prayers as he deals with anxiety too. We are seeing great things happen in him as he gets the love and care he needs.

We would ask for your prayers for our son Nelson and his wife, Nancy. Many of you have met Nelson. He has had many medical needs and needs prayer. He has a very big heart and loves people and gives so much to others. We are trusting the Lord for healing and strength.

We have started preparing for Christmas. We hope to give out at least 20 special Christmas boxes to families in need. These families are close to our hearts. Most families have three children or more, so getting boxes ready will take some time. If you would like to give towards the Christmas boxes please let us know. It is such a blessing and brings so much joy to each family! Christmas is always such a big time for us, and the children are already counting the days!

We have many other financial challenges with day-to-day needs in the ministry, and among the people we serve here in Costa Rica. Please pray for peace and strength as we walk with those in need. I am amazed how close God is...how He sends a word, a Bible verse, a story to encourage and lift us up. In spite of ALL the messiness, ugliness, and brokenness we see around the world, He is near and He is working. He is a kind and faithful Father.

Thank you for standing with us. For walking with us. For your faithfulness to our big family here. We are SO thankful for you!

Much love,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia

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August 2023 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

The Bible says in John 6 that many of the disciples left Jesus because they didn't understand the things he had been saying. So, Jesus asked Simon Peter if he was going to leave him also, but Peter's answer was this: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." These verses in John have touched our hearts. After all, Jesus brought us out of darkness. He sustains us. He loves us. Who on earth could possibly compare? Who else could we go to?

I am going to be a little vulnerable here, but I hope you will be encouraged. When you have foster children or you go through an adoption, there are many times you must meet with social services, be in court, or even go before a judge. For many years, that was how it was for us. And when we wanted to adopt five siblings that were in our care, the meetings and visits never seemed to stop; it felt like we were on trial, and the meetings could get very intense. I felt like one wrong answer, and we would be taken away. After years of being in the foster care system with very little support from an agency or social workers, I became afraid. I panicked if we were called...if we had to take a child for a court date or if we had to deal with the government office. The meetings became too hard to handle.

A few years ago, we received one of our very hardest calls. We had to meet with social services again and go with one of our children who we loved so much. I panicked, remembering other meetings, not knowing if I could go through this again. I thought my heart would come out of my chest...it was beating so fast as we made our way to the social service office. Our child sat in the back seat quietly not knowing we were just as nervous as she was.

As we sat in traffic not saying a word, my husband turned up a song on the radio. The words of the song went something like this: "There isn't a place that is higher or greater than to be at His feet.... the feet of Jesus." The most beautiful place we can be is completely and totally dependent on Him and at His feet! (Especially when we can't understand!)

As the song played, a great peace came over us. The Lord's presence filled the car. My heartbeat slowed; my stomach stopped turning. My thoughts turned to Jesus. I knew He was with us. We met with two wonderful ladies for several hours at the social service office. They almost seemed like two angels. They encouraged us, despite the very difficult situations we were facing with our child...they gave us hope. Never had I been in a meeting quite like that one. We left amazed and a little dazed at what the Lord had done.

If you follow Jesus long enough, He will take you to places where you have no choice but to give everything to Him...what you know or think you know won't matter, but His presence and love will. HE will be everything and ALL you will need. God has called us to abide in Him, to continually stay at His feet. I have to say it is the very best place to be...the highest...the greatest! And after all... after everything you have done, "Lord, to whom shall we go?"

I am so grateful for God's love and faithfulness. We now work with a wonderful ministry called "casa viva" and they handle the court dates and work with the government office for each child we have received. They love and encourage us and meet with us regularly. I am very grateful for the wonderful people we have met through them. Our youngest foster daughter, who will be three in October, will probably be facing court dates soon. Please keep her in your prayers. We love her so much!

A young man that lived with us for several years recently graduated from college. We are so proud of him! Many people came on mission trips and encouraged him. We met Byron when he was only eleven years old. He played on the soccer team my husband, Enrique, started in a very difficult area in San Jose. He quickly became part of our family and moved into our home while he was going through a very hard time in his life. Because of your support, he was able to graduate from mechanical school while he was living with us. He worked so hard and was able to go to college and get his license as an accountant. He will be going back for his master's degree. He is truly an overcomer!

We have also been walking with a very special young man who is autistic. He has delt with extreme anxiety because of traumas in his past. We took him to see our wonderful family doctor whose parents were missionaries and started a children's home also. We have been covering the medical bills and medicines the doctor recommended for him. After just several weeks of following the doctor's instructions, this young man has seen great improvements and is feeling so much better! We are so happy and grateful. Please remember him in your prayers. He, too, is an overcomer and we trust in God's faithfulness.

I would ask for your prayers for my health as I have been having many tests. I probably will be facing surgery at some point, but we will know just how soon when all the test results are in. Some things insurance will cover, but not all, so I would ask that you continue to pray for our finances and God’s provision. These last few months we had had to spend more than usual. Pray for my dear husband also; he loves and encourages me and lifts me up every day!

We really can't express just how grateful we are for your love and support and for standing with us. When we see young people changing and overcoming, it brings us such joy! You are such a big part of that. There isn't a better place to be than at the feet of the Lord. We pray the Lord will bless you and your family!

Much love,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia

July 2023 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

It is hard to believe that almost twenty-five years ago, a dear friend and I sat over a mound of papers in my small apartment in San Jose. Every question had to be filled out in detail to hopefully one day be approved by the government to have orphan and foster children in my home. They wanted us to have a name, so we thought and prayed many days for just the right name.

I had heard our dear friend Jim Newsom talk about "hidden treasures" at a camp I attended in high school, and his message always remained in my heart. We decided on the name Hidden Treasures for our ministry. God has taught us so much about the meaning of a treasure, and a hidden treasure is usually very hard to find.

Each child that has come into our home is a treasure, but because of trauma, neglect, and abuse the treasure can sometimes seem lost. Anger, grief, and fear make it hard to see the beauty in someone, but God calls us to remain faithful and steadfast, lifting them up in prayer and helping them to find their way.

Our good friend Mike Coleman talks about finding treasures in the darkness and this is something that we have found to be very true! In the midst of difficulty and pain, there are treasures to be found. God has taught us this as we have walked through some very difficult times with each child. God is not only teaching and changing them, but us too!

We can say after twenty-five years, we have learned to love more like Jesus and we are learning that we must solely trust and rely on Him. We know now that without Him, there is no way to walk with hurting people. The world we live in is full of hurting people. We must not make assumptions because of attitudes we cannot understand. God calls us to a higher love and patience that only He can give.

God puts people in our path that might not be easy to love. They might seem unlovable, but oh, what the Love of Jesus can do! He changes everything!

We have been walking with some families in tough situations recently. We don't have the answers, but we know He does. We continue giving out food boxes and are praying to have the resources to give out more. Would you consider supporting us as we do?

One of our adopted sons, Eduardo, lives in the Costa Rica Caribbean coastal city of Limon for part of the year. It is approximately three hours' drive from San Jose. He has a heart to help the very needy families there. This brings so much joy to our hearts!

His biological father was from Limon, a predominantly Afro-Caribbean area, and faced many hardships. Eduardo was the first child to come to our home. He was six years old. He has such a big heart and loves to serve and help others. He wants to expand the food box ministry there. He has been talking with us to see how we could help. There are many families who would be blessed and it is another way to open doors to share the love of Jesus. Please be praying we could reach out to families and children there too. It is an extremely poor area and there are many needs.

We also have found the perfect place for our sweet little foster daughter to learn and grow in a loving environment. She needs some extra help since she was born prematurely, and we would love to be able to put her with just the right teachers. We recently had an appointment to talk to the director of the school. It was so encouraging! The school is aware of her special needs and eager to help get her started. We would love to be able to start her in classes immediately, if funds permit. We will have an extra expense of about $250 dollars each month.

We will also be needing a "big girl bed" as one of the girls gets out of the crib and into a bed! We still work with Maria and the children she has in the home. Please pray needs can be met there. There are many!

When we began, it took about a year-and-a-half with many ups and downs, interviews, and meetings before we were approved to take in children. Little did we know what it would take. We had no idea what was ahead. Soon my small apartment was filled with fourteen children! But God helped us, and many of those first children are still in our lives today. They still sometimes struggle; they each have a story, and they all are beautiful treasures!

What would we have done without your love and faithfulness to pray, encourage, and support us financially? Many of you have stood with us for many years....some since the very beginning. We are SO grateful!! Your support means very much to many people. We would ask for your continued support and prayer. Enrique carries a lot and he needs wisdom and peace. We know God is able and we trust in Him. We pray the Lord will bless you and your families. You are in our daily prayers.

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

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

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May 2023 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

When life gets hard it is easy to focus on our circumstances and limitations. When God told Sarah in the Bible that she was going to have a baby in her old age, she laughed! She was focused on her own limitations. I am not as young as I used to be, and staying up with babies and chasing after two or three-year-olds isn't quite as easy as it was in my twenties. But can you imagine having a baby at 90 years old? The Bible says when Sarah laughed, the Lord asked Abraham a question, "Is there anything too hard for the Lord?"

As Enrique and I sat over a cup of coffee talking about difficult and seemingly impossible situations, such as walking with the broken-hearted, this was what the Lord had waiting for us to read that day. I can't tell you the peace and joy it brought us! God knows what we need to hear, and He is so kind to encourage us. John 3:30 says, "He must become greater, and I must become less."

Are our fears and doubts greater than what God can do? And how wonderful is the Lord that even though Sarah doubted and laughed, He did what He said he would do...He gave her a son! And she was able...despite her age and limitations...because there isn't anything too hard for Him!

These last few months have been challenging as we walk closely with loved ones and families facing hard times. But we are grateful for God's loving kindness and encouragement when things seem hard.

We are also still close to our friend Maria who has helped many orphans and children with disabilities. Enrique continues to give guidance and counsel and help with the work she does. Please keep her in your prayers as she has faced many challenges with the government here. She has loved at all costs and given her life to sick and orphaned children. We are grateful that we can work and walk with her.

Our two-year-old foster daughter continues to grow and is making good progress. She keeps everyone on their toes with all her non-stop energy! She still needs special classes to help in her development. We pray God will continue to work in her little heart.

It seems like every day, there is a phone call and message from someone in need.... someone who needs encouragement, guidance, food, and love. Pray the Lord will give Enrique and me strength and refreshment as we walk with others. And we ask that the Lord lift our big family as we encourage our children in the Lord.

We need funds to purchase a bed for a family that is dear to us. We could use two more highchairs, a rocking chair, and a crib for the children we are helping. There is always a need for diapers and baby things.

These are things we love to be able to put in the food boxes we give out each month too. Parents greatly appreciate this! This is part of the ministry that has brought us so much joy and has opened many doors to share Jesus with others.

This is the question that we have continued to ask ourselves over the last few weeks: "Is there anything too hard for the Lord?" And even in our many limitations and doubts, just like He was with Sarah, He is faithful to what He has promised.

We are so grateful for your love and support. It is hard to explain just how much it means to us and so many. But we appreciate you standing with us! We pray you and your families will be encouraged and blessed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Much love,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia

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

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

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 2023 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

We hope you had a very Merry Christmas and that this New Year will be filled with joy and blessings! I want to share with you a story that has touched our hearts. It has made us think that in 2023, maybe what people really need to know is that they are loved and they are CHOSEN!

I find it so wonderful and comforting to think that God chose me. I think people in the world today need to know that he has chosen them too!

First Corinthians 1:30 says that it is because of God (and only God) that we are in Jesus Christ. It wasn't anything I did. God did it all, in spite of my problems and failures. He still chose me! In John 15:16, Jesus says to is disciplines, "You did not choose me, but I chose you."

Recently, Enrique was able to minister to a young man that has become very dear to our family. They have been walking closely together for a while now. He was put in several foster homes growing up and moved all around as a child, going back and forth from his mother's home to his grandmother's home, and never felt wanted. All his life, he has lived with feelings of rejection. But to our hearts' delight, he told Enrique he wanted to follow Jesus. Enrique told him that he was chosen and loved. There was such a sweet atmosphere as God's love filled the room.

Enrique asked him, "Do you remember in school when they would pick team leaders and they had to choose who they wanted to be in their group?" "Yes," he said. Enrique went on: "Remember how some kids got chosen first, and others got left out or were chosen last...maybe because they were not thought to be good enough. But that isn't how it is with God. He picks us! We were not left for last or chosen by what we can or can't do. The world may choose us for what we can do for them, but God chooses us because of what HE can do for us!" This seemed to really resonate with our friend, and he thought for a moment and said, "I was that kid. I always got chosen last. Nobody wanted me." But oh, how wonderful that God reaches in and says, "I choose you! I love you!" He doesn't see our flaws and family problems or our sins and faults. He chooses us anyway and despite it all!

I remember when one of our daughters came home crying because kids at school found out she was adopted and laughed at her in class. It was such a hard day. But Enrique told her that we have all been adopted. He showed her in Ephesians where it says God adopted us all...even in advance...into His very own family! So, we are ALL adopted. This brought her so much comfort to know she was chosen. She was picked to be in God's family. How many people need to hear this wonderful news?.

I pray 2023 will bring us all many opportunities to reach out to the rejected and lonely. The ones who feel hopeless, maybe like they are just not good enough to be on anyone's team. Thinking God would never pick them. It is sad but there are many people who feel this way. But God can use us to bring this wonderful news and if we pray, He will open their hearts to Him.

Thank you SO much for standing with us. For making it possible to give special Christmas food boxes to needy families. For bringing joy and smiles to little children's faces. There have been so many needs and God has been faithful. We are so grateful for what He is doing in hearts and lives. Even where we thought maybe it was too hard or difficult, He is making a way and we believe He will continue.

We want to let you know we will be making a transition to be part of International Outreach Ministries (IOM). We have been part of them in years past and have remained close. But we would ask that all donations for Hidden Treasures go directly to IOM. We are excited about what the future holds and walking closely with our dear friends there. If you send a check: Mail your contributions to IOM, PO BOX 2140, McComb, MS 39649. Make checks payable to IOM and indicate that it is for Hidden Treasures on your check. IOM works with more than 100 missionaries, and they will need to know where you want your donation to go. You can also donate through PushPay or PayPal online if that is easier. You can go to iom-online.com

Please keep us in your prayers as we continue walking with children and families that have faced many difficulties. We need God's direction and guidance. Also, our youngest foster child's case will be going before a judge in February. Please pray for the right decisions to be made. If it were up to us she would never leave. We love her dearly. Your love and support mean so much to us and so many! Thank you!

"God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him pleasure. So, we praise God for the glorious grace He has poured out on us who belong to His dear son" (Ephesians 1:5-6).

Much love,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia