Welcome · Bienvenido
We are a family of faith in Hatillo de Savegre. Costa Ricans and people from abroad gather here, in English and in Spanish, to know Jesus, share meals, and serve our community.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.
River of Grace Church was born in Hatillo, a small town between the mountains and the Savegre River on Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast. Some of us have lived here all our lives; others came from abroad, and more than half of our church family speaks English. That's why we do everything in both languages, and neither one is an afterthought.
For us, the church isn't the building, although we have one and take good care of it. The church is the people. We don't believe there is only one format: like the first church, we gather in homes, around a table, or walking together. Preaching and songs matter, but faith is lived on Monday too.
It all began in November 2019 as the Hatillo Mission Project, in an old house we were renting. The pandemic arrived soon after and, through many difficulties, we kept meeting and proclaiming that we are saved by God's grace. It wasn't always a welcome message, and there were lonely seasons; but little by little people joined who believed it and lived it, and we began to see the fruit in their lives and in their families.
From the very beginning, First Baptist Church of Edom, Texas, has walked alongside us. They took an interest in Hatillo and the surrounding communities and built the building where we meet today. Today we are a family with people from Costa Rica, Nicaragua, South Africa, Canada and the United States, and we hold on to the same conviction: the gospel is not only a message, it is also action. We believe that, through his church, Christ can give a real embrace to those who need it.
We'd rather not be defined by labels, but by Jesus. In a few words, this is what we believe and how we try to live it.
We are saved by God's grace alone, through faith in Christ, not by our own works. And precisely because that grace has reached us, we walk in the good works God prepared in advance and let his Spirit grow his fruit in us. With the Church through the ages we affirm that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to Scripture alone, for the glory of God alone.
We believe in one God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe Jesus died for us and rose again, and that he will return. That hope carries us through good days and hard ones.
We believe in the work of the Holy Spirit and in his gifts. We practice them simply, soberly and in good order, to build others up rather than to put on a show.
There are core truths we share with Christians from many traditions. Where Scripture doesn't give a clear answer, we choose humility: no one has the final word on everything, and we can love each other even when we see things differently.
Christ calls us to a free life: not to stay bound by sin, nor to carry rigid rules he never gave. Free to love God and to serve others.
Our leaders are, first of all, brothers, sisters and neighbors. They serve alongside their families and would be glad to sit down and talk with you.
Pastor
Pastor
Pastor
Worship leader
Children's ministry
Laura has been part of River of Grace for five years. She felt a desire to serve and found her place in children's ministry: she has a special connection with kids and longs for the little ones to know the gospel too.
We believe God's love shows up in practical ways. That's why serving Hatillo and the surrounding towns is at the heart of our church.
All year round we walk alongside local families with food, health care, clothing and, above all, friendship. We do it quietly, because every person deserves to be treated with dignity.
Since 2021, every December we fill Hatillo's town square with music, gifts and joy for around 200 children from Hatillo and Dos Bocas. It's one of the most beautiful days of the year for our community.
We gladly welcome sister churches and mission teams, like First Baptist Church of Edom (Texas) and Cornerstone Church, who come to serve shoulder to shoulder with us. Every visit leaves friendships that last for years.
Together with Global Action we offer Glomos, a theological training program. It's open to leaders and members of other churches in the area, because what we learn is meant to be shared.
We open the Bible together in a simple way. You don't need to know much: just bring your questions and a desire to learn.
Hatillo, Savegre, Quepos, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. 100 m northeast of Santa Marta School (Escuela Santa Marta).
Plus Code: 74W2+F52
There are many ways to be part of what God is doing in Hatillo.
Send us a message and we'll share what we're praying for: families, projects and our community.
If your church or team would like to visit and serve, we'd love to plan it together.
We are finishing the paperwork to open the association's bank accounts. In the meantime, if you'd like to support one of our projects, send us a message and we'll gladly tell you how.
Have a question, need prayer, or want to visit? We'd love to hear from you.
