Costa Rica

In 1975, missionary work was begun by Hideto Maki, Gloria Frothingham and Gisela Hoppe.
These three are not there today but their foundation remains as a calm companion of the Costa Rican people, who have been touched in their hearts by the Unification movement.

Thus, the early missionaries remain there as the present pioneers' invisible companions and their spiritual children's eternal ancestors. After two missionaries relocated, Hideto Maki, out of his desire to keep True Parents' legacy there forever, purchased a house near the historic city of Orosi. He wanted to plant the seeds of the church there, and to expand the movement to all other cities. Today, the house is being used as a training center.

In 1982, Mr. and Mrs. Moises Montenegro, who had been working in Italy, came as missionaries. In 1986, Hideto Maki was sent to Africa and the Montenegros became national leaders. In 1987, German missionary Barbara Joosten, who had been working in Surinam, came to Costa Rica with her American husband, Paul Stupple, and worked under the direction of Mr. Montenegro.