Pastor Rowe's Call from God is not a matter of chance. Eight years ago, on a visit to Senegal, he 'caught the Vision' of sharing the Gospel in Africa. That same Vision has now taken root in the hearts of the 100 members of his church-even though they live in Desamparados, one of San Jose's poorest neighborhoods.

Even when they'd like to have a nicer building, their priority is providing for their workers in Africa.

For the past eight years, this fellowship has faced their challenges, one day at a time. They don't keep savings from tithes and offerings. Instead, they invest up to 80 percent of their income in preparing future missionaries and supporting those already on the field.

Another pastor said, "We've had to make bread, to set up a bakery; sell pastries on the street, in the center of San Jose. God has taken us to the limit. Where, at the last minute, He shows up and supplies the things we need."

He added, "So that's what's allowed us to say-month after month-if God was faithful last month, He'll be faithful this month."

In order to keep up with the cost of their missions program they have diversified. Now they repair cars to support those in charge of winning souls.

A year and a half ago, they opened the Antioch Garage, named after the first church that sent missionaries to preach around the world.

The new business generates roughly $500 a month. The project has confirmed their vision, and has become the engine that moves financial support to the field.

Roberto Arredondo is a missionary trainee. He said, "We're being a channel of blessing not only for the local church, but also for the whole world. We feel that through our work-humble and small though it may be-we're helping to change the world. So they'll know that Christ came to bring salvation. We feel important in the Kingdom of God because of what we're doing here."

With the Bible in one hand, and tools in the other, future missionaries work hard to maintain their companions in Africa. At the same time, they are preparing themselves to take the Gospel to other nations, once funding is available.

Roberto said, "I think of myself and my family as being Indians from India. Someone who's in that country, committed, completely identified with its cultures, placed in its context, but taking the message of the Gospel to people who still haven't heard it."

To get to their new homes on the mission field, each family needs an average of $4000. That's one of the hardest stages of this venture.

Missionaries-in-training live very modestly, away from relatives and friends. Their circumstances reflect what they will soon find in Africa or India.

There are new languages to learn, and new customs to embrace. But their investment in God's Kingdom is bringing results. Over the past eight years, 21 missionaries from this church have gone to Africa. Through them the Gospel has reached Mali, Senegal, and Mauritania.

Sergio Mendez is a missionary who lived in Senegal for four years with his wife and son. Recently he returned to Costa Rica for the birth of another child. Now he is supporting the work of others, while he waits for the right time to return to the field.

Sergio said, "I know that, as I was in Africa three months ago, there were others here so that I could receive daily support over there, and could go on with the help of the Lord. And, it's really a joy to know that also, what I give, tomorrow I'll be receiving from other people."

Costa Rica's churches are catching the 'missionary vision', thanks in part to the work of FEDEMEC, an interdenominational missions agency.

Cristian Castro is President of FEDEMEC. He said, "We've already seen churches planted by our workers in the Middle East, in Africa and Spain. But I believe we still owe more. Really, for the quantity of evangelicals in our country, Costa Rica should contribute more."

About 120 Costa Rican missionaries are now serving overseas. Many-like Carlos-live in Muslim countries.

Carlos said "I think adapting to the culture hasn't been too hard, because in some ways we Latins are similar to the culture where we're going. They say we're 'warm-blooded people', and they feel they're that way too."

The 'missions movement' in Latin America is still in its infancy. But in the small country of Costa Rica, churches have risen to the challenge. Costa Rica is now the third largest missionary-sending country in Latin America.

Back in the Lilly of the Valley Church, the congregation is energized by testimonies from their missionaries-even phone reports. The pastor said into the phone, "How are you out there on the border of Mauritania?"

Once every month, the church contacts them by phone. Both missionaries and congregation draw new strength for the task of spreading the Word of God..

The pastor said, "We heard a male voice on the phone say, 'Up to this day, for the Glory of God, well, four people have said yes to Jesus'."

As Lilly of the Valley Church sends more of their members overseas, they keep proving Jesus' promise that He will care for them just as He cares for the Lilies of the Field.

Pastor Rowe wants to see his church grow to 1000 members. Then, he says, he'll tithe 100 of his members as missionaries-and he and his wife will join them overseas.