A Community in Need
In the northern Caribbean region of Costa Rica, the community of Orquetas de Sarapiquí is marked by poverty, broken families, and limited opportunities. Many men migrate from Nicaragua, leaving fractured homes behind, while others battle addiction and unemployment. Education rates are among the lowest in the country, and many churches in the area lean heavily toward prosperity teaching and spiritual manipulation. Into this difficult context, Warner Alvarez planted Iglesia Comunidad Agua Viva (Living Waters Community Church).
Planting Hope
“We knew this community desperately needed a healthy church where the gospel could bring real hope and healing,” Warner says. “People here have been burned out by religion, but God is restoring lives through his Word.”
Stories of Transformation
In a little over a year, Iglesia Comunidad Agua Viva has become the refuge Warner prayed for. Attendance averages 45–55 people, and every week brings stories of transformation. Families once living on the streets are walking faithfully with Christ. Single mothers in deep poverty are experiencing community, discipleship, and healing from past trauma. “God is touching hearts, transforming people, and bringing them into his kingdom,” Warner shares.
“We’re not a museum of saints. We’re a hospital for the broken and sick. We are all sick, and we need the Savior.” Warner Alvarez, Acts 29 church planter in Costa Rica
One couple, previously trapped in addiction and living together outside of marriage, recently came to faith, received counseling, and were married. A young boy battling depression has found stability as his mother follows Jesus. Baptisms are happening as people embrace Christ for the first time.
A Vision for the Broken
Warner describes their vision clearly: “We don’t want to be a transactional church where people just come for songs and a message. We want to be a hospital for the broken, rooted in Christ, where lives are truly changed.”
Though resources are limited, the Alvarez family believes God is building something lasting. “We may not have much financially,” Warner says, “but we have the gospel—and that’s what brings hope to this community.” Their story is just one picture of churches bringing gospel hope into hard places, where Jesus is unnamed and unknown. From Costa Rica to countless communities worldwide, Acts 29 churches long to see the gospel transform lives and shine Christ’s light in the darkest contexts.
