Support the Children of Costa Rica

Children of Cocal

Help bring hope to the children of Cocal, a poor coastal community in Quepos, Costa Rica.
Every week, up to 75 children gather at the Church of God – Gate of Heaven to worship, learn, and experience the love of Jesus. Some arrive with their parents, but many come alone, seeking safety, food, and faith.

Cocal is one of the most impoverished areas in the region, with high levels of gang and drug activity. There is no government support for children’s programs. Yet in the middle of hardship, a powerful light shines through the faithful ministry of Pastor Ruth, who has been serving these children for years with very limited resources.

A Mission of Love and Provision


Every Sunday, the children receive not only spiritual nourishment but also a hot meal — often one of the best they’ll have all week. The meals are lovingly prepared by Esteban, the chef from Casa de Amor, who volunteers his time and talents to serve these kids.

On the first Sunday of each month, Cross to the Mountain Ministries joins the service to provide a special meal, fun activities, and hands-on crafts for the children. These moments bring smiles, laughter, and a sense of belonging that many of these children rarely experience.

Expanding Hope Beyond Sundays

Our vision is to go beyond Sunday meals by creating lasting impact throughout the week. With your support, we are:
• Establishing a food bank to provide grocery bags for families attending church services.
• Supplying healthy meals for children to take home.
• Renovating and expanding the playground, giving children a safe place to play, grow, and just be kids.

These projects not only meet immediate needs but also build a foundation of hope, faith, and stability in a community facing daily challenges.

The Power of Partnership

The Children of Cocal ministry exists because of your prayers, generosity, and obedience to God’s calling. Together, we can make sure these children continue to have a place to eat, play, and experience God’s love in action.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
— Proverbs 22:6

How You Can Help

Please pray for Pastor Ruth and the families of Cocal.
Consider partnering with Cross to the Mountain Ministries to provide food, safe spaces, and lasting hope to these children.

Your giving directly supports meals, supplies, and the ongoing outreach of this vital program.


Will you help feed the children? Donate here!
Two young girls smiling and holding plates with hot dogs at an outdoor gathering, with other children and adults in the background.
Children and adults participating in a craft activity at a large table in a community center or event space.
A young girl with curly hair and blue eyes, wearing a blue dress with white polka dots, is sitting at a table with one hand resting on the surface. She is smiling and has a colorful bead bracelet on her right wrist. Behind her, there is a white plastic chair and a glass door with chairs and tables visible through it.
Three young girls sitting at a table playing a game, smiling, with chairs and a tiled floor in the background.
A man with gray hair, a mustache, and sunglasses on his head, wearing a graphic t-shirt, takes a selfie with a young girl wearing a purple dress. They are indoors, standing on a tiled floor near a rounded low wall with a potted plant on it. The girl is looking up with a serious expression.
A smiling man with grey hair, glasses on his head, and a moustache taking a selfie with a young girl with long black hair in braids, wearing a floral dress, inside a classroom with a whiteboard in the background.
Three smiling people standing inside a large open room with blue walls and windows, with a Costa Rica flag in the background.
Four young girls in colorful dresses sitting and standing by a blue wall with a window, with lush greenery visible outside.
Children playing with toys on blankets indoors.
Children sitting at a table engaging in bead stringing crafts with colorful beads, string, and scissors in a classroom setting.
A smiling man wearing black shirt and gloves giving a thumbs up in a kitchen, with a woman preparing hot dogs on a green tray.