Ocean’s Edge Staff | Information

Thank you for your heart to serve God and be a light in Costa Rica! We are excited to have you partner with us as we make the name of our God known in the world! Below is more information about your missions trip, including general expectations and things you should know about Jaco. Please let me know if you have any other questions- embracelife.jn1010@gmail.com.

Ocean's Edge Staff Goals & Vision

The vision for the Ocean's Edge Staff is to provide opportunities for individuals to grow in their God-given potential and to foster a ministry lifestyle, in order to build up the body of Christ and to shine forth the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.

Housing

Staff can be hosted at The Edge Ministry Base. Private studio apartments are available as well as shared rooms. There is a community kitchen and shared bathrooms available. Individuals will need to bring their own towels. Sheets are provided. We are always in need of linen, so if you are able to bring sheets or towels to donate when you leave, we would greatly appreciate that! Cost: $25 per person/per night, which includes the use of air conditioning. Long term stays and monthly rates are available. Payable in cash upon arrival.

Food

The food budget will vary depending on how often you go out and your general food taste. Each individual is responsible for their own food budget. Depending on your food choices, your cost could be lower (rice and beans) or higher (imported foods). There are many great local restaurants with Costa Rican food which run around $5 a meal, or "American" style restaurants which are closer to $20 a meal.

Transportation

Individuals are responsible for all air transportation to and from the country, including any ground transportation to and from Jaco. Individuals are also responsible for transportation in country as well. Car rentals are an option but please note drivers need to be over *25 years old and should know how to drive a manual car. Taxis and Ubers are always available as well as renting bikes.

Staff Expectations

Staff will be expected to sign and abide by the Statement of Faith and the Code of Conduct Standard, as well as the property rules and expectations. All information can all be found in the Staff Application Packet. It is expected that those involved in the program will live in a way that reflects Jesus to the world!

Pre-Field First Steps

1. Read entirely through the OE Staff Application Packet (forms, information, etc)
2. Submit Step One of the Application Packet
   • Staff Application
   • Destiny Assessment
   • Statement of Faith
   • Conduct Of Conduct
   • Property Rules
   • Budget Worksheet
   • Three reference forms sent to references
     • Your prayer team facilitator
     • Someone from your covering church leadership
     • A ministry leader that you served under or someone that you have known for at least five years
3. Wait to receive official acceptance from OE (the application will be processed when all of Step One is complete)
4. Once accepted Submit Step Two of the Application Packet
   • Medical Form
   • Ministry Waiver

Click here to go straight to the staff application packet

Notes About Jaco

In the high season (Mid-December through April), Jaco Beach daytime temperatures are generally in the upper 80’s and nighttime lows are in the 70’s. In the green season (May through Mid- December), daytime highs are in the low 80’s and nighttime lows are in the lower 70’s. Expect rain in the green season, though it is likely to be preceded by sunshine and followed by sunshine. Rain is less likely in the high season but is not uncommon. Since San Jose is at a higher altitude, it can get chilly in the evening – particularly in the green season.

Jaco is extremely casual – shorts, swimwear and sandals are okay everywhere. Long pants are unnecessary for Jaco but may be desired for San Jose or any special events you may have planned. The sun can be intense here, so remember your sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and lightweight long-sleeve shirt. Flip-flops or beach shoes are a good idea to bring with you.

Safety and personal security are essentially the same in Costa Rica as in any tourist destination. Use common sense and reasonable caution. If someone offers to help or chat politely decline and keep a close eye on your personal items.

All restaurants and businesses in Jaco accept payment in U.S. dollars and most will take credit cards. You can exchange dollars for colones by paying in dollars and receiving change in colones and they should give you a fair exchange rate which is currently around 565 colones = $1 USD. Restaurants may not accept bills larger than $20 so bring a lot of smaller, fresh/crisp bills. ATMs are available throughout Jaco.

DO NOT bring travelers checks and definitely don’t change your money at the airport because the exchange rates there are terrible. All business will take US dollars.