Shepherd's Gate (April 23)

The highlight of our time in the San Jose area, was our visit to the Shepherd's Gate Women's Shelter (for battered women and children). While we were planning our trip, we found out that a Shepherd's Gate was recently opened (4 months ago) near San Jose. Shea Homes helped with a building project years ago with the Shepherd's Gate in Livermore and we appreciate their ministry & have liked to support them. So, when we found out they were in Costa Rica, we set up a visit. Leni Barber is the director here. She is an amazing woman. She is 65 and going strong. She's been in ministry for over 30 years in Latin America. It was wonderful to meet her and spend a few hours with her learning about some of her experiences and Shepherd's Gate.

we got a tour of the grounds and the kids played with some of the kids that were not in school at the time. There were four families (the max the house can hold at this time) - 11 children and 4 women.

with Leni

the kitchen where everyone shares in preparing meals

the main living area

one of the 4 bedrooms. Each mother and her children share one room.

unfortunately the pictures were too dark, but this is the some of the women and children with me, Sutton & Hudson in the dining area. I really enjoyed talking with them and we wished our spanish was even better.

The kids had fun playing with the kids and are looking forward to giving some of their toys to Shepherd's Gate in Livermore. For us, it was an eye opening experience. Leni shared with us the extremely high rate of domestic violence and how vulnerable these women are. If they leave the abusive situation, it's very hard for women to support themselves and their children here. The situation seems insurmountable, but like Shepherd's Gate is doing, lives can only be helped one family at a time. In contrast to the government shelters, Shepherd's Gate is a Christian shelter. All four of the women there have become Christians in the four months they had been there and were growing strongly in their faith. Not only do these women learn about God and the Bible, but they are taught job skills, parenting skills and much more to help prepare them to be on their own.

This is so needed there and it currently costs $10,000 a month to operate the facility today. They are hoping to grow and be able to help as many families as they can. If anyone would like more info on Shepherd's Gate, their website is: http://www.shepherdsgate.org/

God has definitely put these women and children on our hearts and we hope to help as much as we can in Costa Rica and Livermore. I'm having a hard time deciphering all that I'm feeling - part of me is feeling pulled to ministry. We'll see what God has in store and at what capacity and where. I was really touched and really appreciate all Leni does and has done in dedicating her life to this work.