As we start our first week of furlough, we are excited and blessed to be in the U.S. sharing God's goodness with family and church family--At the same time, our hearts are strongly connected to people that we have loved and served in the Dominican Republic. As I read this prayer request in 2 Thessalonians 3 sent out by the missionary the Paul the Apostle, I thought, wow, what a perfect prayer for us right now.

2 Thes. 3:1-5
...pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. ² And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. ³ But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. ⁴ We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. ⁵ May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

We need and appreciate your prayers so much, just like the verses above describe so well...

-please pray for evangelistic outreaches and Bible studies to the campus this summer, that new students would come to know Christ
-please pray for protection and strength for our family while on furlough in the U.S., and special covering for Edith Mojica in Santo Domingo, as she oversees the ministries of the Puente community center this summer in our absence.
- For the young leaders that we have influenced in the DR, to walk in intimacy with God, strengthened by His love and living out the call on their lives


we love you and look forward to seeing you


blessings, 


Rich and Kirsten

Why We're Here

Entrance to the Bridge ministry center, on the street just over a block from the campus

The prayer room: on the wall, prayer requests and words of blessing.  Thre is a super-natural peace that is felt in this place

On-campus: the harvest is plentiful and the workers are few...pray

Edith sharing with other students about a center activity

Students at the center

Sowing projects for young women

Special time of prayer together at the center

El Puente “The Bridge”…Why we’re here…

We’re so thankful for the opportunity to be a bridge into the lives of some of the thousands of  college students who attend the university of Santo Domingo, as well as the surrounding community, in the ministry center that God has opened for us here in the heart of this city of more than 3 million Dominicans.

We thank God for what He has done this semester, one life at a time.  Each one matters to Jesus. 

July of 2010, after directing my mind and heart to the thousands of potential young leaders that gather at the university, God gave me a vision: I saw many young people, their lifeless bodies lying along the main street that runs in front of the university.  Then I saw Jesus cross the street and pick up one of the youth in his arms.  The way He so carefully and lovingly took them up to Himself left me with the strong impression of how much He cares for each and every one.  Jesus crossed the street, entered a building where I was, and handed me the young person.  Jesus went 3 times, and brought to Kirsten and I these lifeless young people, where we ministered and cared for them.  The vision ended as the 3 stood up, now covered with shining silver and gold armor. 

A year and a half later, here we are finishing our second semester, and we thank God with all of our hearts for the opportunity to open our doors to college students and the surrounding community each day.  Walk into the Puente any day of the week, and you are likely to find young people spending time in God’s presence in the prayer room, or even ministering to others there, accessing the internet to do homework or studying for a test, sharing with friends, working on a sowing project, participating in a Bible study, or reading from our library of christian books.

Above all, it’s a place where people can feel God’s peace and experience His love, giving them the opportunity to come into a relationship with Him.  That’s why we’re here.  

I think of the young lady we met in January, a college students who lives in an apartment near us.  After finding out about the center, she came here asking for help because she wanted to read and understand the Bible.  That led to a wonderful weekly Bible study led by a student from our Foursquare family, Edith, involving the student, her room-mates and other curious friends.  She has come to really know and understanding the message of God’s Word and even recognize a call on her life.

I think of Saul, who last month received Christ in the prayer room here, led to the Lord by another student who has known the Lord for a matter of months.  Saul is going through a very painful family situation, but instead of tears, now has a smile that can only come from God’s peace, and he is fueling His faith by reading God’s Word.

I think of Natalie, who visited the center for the first time this week.  In this midst of a discussion about the Bible and the amazing love of God, she found the courage to open her heart and tearfully began to pour out the pain she carries because of so much brokenness in her family.  We had the privilege to minister to her for a couple of hours today, and I thank God, realizing that for many, this may be the only place where they can unzip and encounter the love, acceptance and real hope that they so badly need. 

I thank God for Vlaz, the elderly man who sells books near the center who received the Lord with us, and who hosts a Bible study on the street in front of his little business (see more about his testimony in the previous post)

Since before the Puente opened in September, God has spoken time and time again that this is a place where broken-hearted  people will find healing.  We’re here to bring people to God, to make disciples, and equip young leaders, and we’re here for the broken-hearted, for those who likely do not have a safe place to unzip and share the pain they carry in their hearts.  But here they can, and they are. 

I thank God for the literally hundreds of hours of prayer and intercession that have been lifted up in the prayer room at the center, mostly by young people.  On one wall of the prayer room you will find heart-felt prayers and petitions, Spanish words scrawled on pieces of paper stuck to the wall, expressions of humility, need, concern for friends or family situations, and trust in God.  I thank God for so many conversations about the amazing love of God shown to us in the gospel.  There is nothing that compares to the moment when the light comes on in someone’s heart and mind, and they realize that this grace is for them!

One young man I share a weekly Bible study with has a lot of experience going to church, but like many church-goers in this country, has had little understanding of grace.  The religious spirit is hurting this country deeply… This week in our time studying God’s Word, as we read Romans together, he really understood for the first time what it meant that Jesus took his place on the cross.  The excitement that has been building in his heart this semester is beginning to spill over—he is changing, there a new joy and boldness in him that wasn’t there before.    

We’re there because Jesus loves these students: is it strategic?  absolutely--these students make up the heart of the future of this nation.  But although there many thousands at the campus, Jesus cares for each and every one personally.  Our job is to help them see that as we love them, and help connect them to Him, then walk with them so they become the disciples and purpose-filled people that God planned for them to be.

Please continue to join us in praying for the students that received  Christ or re-dedicated their lives this semester to grow as disciples, and that God will give us more meaningful in-roads into the lives of more students.   And we always pray “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”  We ask God for more laborers—student leaders, and others, who will make reaching and discipling these students a priority.

Unexpected Evangelist

We recently shared about how God is drawing people into the center here near the university of Santo Domingo, and briefly about Vlaz.  He is a man in his 60's who makes a living selling books on the street right in front of the community center, a small man with a huge smile and heart, and full of energy.    He told us a couple of weeks ago, "I want to come to your Bible study, my life is a disaster, I want to stop drinking, I need God in my life."  He also told me he wanted to change because of his love for his granddaughter, Paula, who is now a student at the university.  He meant it.  Vlaz is now  a new believer.  He has been coming to the Bible study, receiving prayer and visits us often, and so has Paula.  But not only her...Vlaz is being a blessing and is being used by God in a way I never expected...every single day now. 
Since he sells magazines and books on the street right here where students always walk back and forth near the college, he knows many students, and he cares about them.  He selects certain ones each days, personally brings them into the center off the street and connects them with us.  They are staying, and getting ministered to as they feel they peace and see they God's love here.  He tells us, "I don't send just anyone."  He sends those who are hurting, spiritually hungry, those whom he feels.  He is currently our best evangelist as he's used by God to channel in these students who God puts on his heart each day!
Grandpa Vlaz has a burden on his heart...today his granddaugher Paula is undergoing a surgery to remove a cyst.  We prayed for her last week here, and yesterday he came and received prayer again, fighting back the tears.  He confided that though they had almost all the money needed for the surgery, they were just short of what they needed to pay the doctors today for the operation, and business hadn't been good that week.  He asked for a small loan, for him 2-3 days wages.  I encourage him and instead of loaning him the money, prayed that God would provide what they needed, and felt led to pray and ask for provision for what they still needed for the operation, plus a little more for food the next day, so they would really know God was answering.  I told him that among the college students that hang out here, we would be praying for Paula and would take up an offering.  That afternoon students gave what they had, and before Vlaz packed up his books and headed home we gave him the pesos we had collected, though it wasn't the full amount he needed.  I big smile crossed his face--the amount he had earned selling books that day, plus the offering was the final amount needed for the operation, plus a little more, the equivalent of a good meal!

I thank God for grandpa Vlaz, and the unexpected way he is being used to bring people into God's presence with the influence he has.  His evident heart for the students and especially his granddaughter is beautiful.  The ways he's simply pointing people to God's presence each day...wow, what an example for all of us.
You can pray with us for this family, for Paula's operation today for, Vlaz to grow spiritually and be free from any past addiction.  Finally, pray for the students who he is sending our way to come to Christ and willingly plug into one of our Bible studies.  And for us, for continued loving wisdom to help these precious people know and trust thier heavenly Father. 

UASD Students at the Puente community center

el Puente "the Bridge" Christian Community Center

Here in the heart of Santo Domingo, one by one, God is drawing people into the community center at the university.  Currently, we are hosting a month focused on prayer durng March, and we have been spreading the word, slotting names of young people on a calendar who are willing to come to the prayer room and spend an hour or more to be with God above all, and to pray for the needs of their campus, community, and country are facing.  While some are coming to pray, many others are coming to spend time at the center at the invitation of a friend, and they're returning because they feel a peace and acceptance they've been searching for, those friends are inviting friends, and some are coming because they've seen our sign and they desperately need hope.
This week I had the privelege to pray with Franklin and Vlaz, two men who sell used books on the street by our center.  Vlaz candidly told me on the street "I want to come to your Bible study...my life is a disaster, and I need to stop drinking.  I need God in my life. When can I come?"  Later he sent his friend Franklin in to talk to me.  He was very broken and sincere as we talked and prayed.  He shared how his life had brought him to a place of loneliness, depression and empty solutions, and how he used to go to church.  What most impacted me is when he shared with all sincerity "My greatest problem is that I don't have God in my life."    We read the story of the lost son, and we prayed.  He asked God to forgive him and recieve him back, and we thanked God for His perfect love.  His eyes were moist and he now had a little smile for the first time since I'd seen him.  I asked him, "How do you feel?" to get an idea of what was happening inside him.  His heart-felt answer... "Forgiven."  Please pray for these guys, and others who will be attending the Bible study that I co-lead this Friday morning with Gilbert.  He is a christian student I've been teaching to study the Word and to share it with others.  I've seen him grow a lot this semester.  Today we prayed for the friday Bible study he'll be teaching, and he is really excited for the opportunity to share with these guys and others who may not yet know and understand Jesus' love and forgiveness.
The Puente community center is a refuge for christians and pre-christian alike.  It's a place they don't find religion, but the genuine love and presence of Jesus.
This week I had the privelege to pray with a young lady who just received the Lord with another student, and now wants to do whatever she can to grow in her new life with God.  Her desire was so evident.  I was able to give her a Bible and connect her to the weekly Bible studies that have been started this semester, led by other university students, and to a special time of united worship and prayer this week also hosted at the community center.
Some students come seeking counsel and a listening ear when they feel they've found a safe place.  This week a student and I sat and shared for two hours, at times through tears, about thier struggles, their experience losing a friend who was murdered, and their compassion for many people they know who are facing poverty and painful family situations.  They came to the center at the invitation of a classmate, and have been visiting for the past 3 weeks. Their transparency was remarkable as they shared their heart and experiences, especially knowing how extremely hard it is for young people here to trust anyone with the deep and personal things of their life.  As I told them, God has a special purpose for their life and He has given them a deep compassion for others that is evident.

Prayer points:
-For this month of prayer, that many students will participe, that those who pray will encounter God's heart, and that God will move miraculously on and around this campus.  Also for more colaboration from the extended Body of Christ as they hear of the prayer room and catch the vision
-We currently have 3 weekly Bible studies.  Pray for more willing student leaders to get equipped and start new groups that reach more students
-For the new believers to get grounded and grow into disciples
-Overall for wisdom, guidance and God's hand to be on the Puente ministry

Gracias!
Rich

Convention 2012

This weekend we celebrated the 8th annual Foursquare convention in the Dominican Republic, where pastors and leaders, including many emerging leaders, from 6 different churches, gathered to worship, be built up and equipped to minister.  It was an amazing weekend.  I had the privilege of leading worship, and was reminded how powerful it is when we unite our hearts, people from diverse backgrounds, languages and skin colors, yet with the same passion.   I can see in my mind’s eye the fervency in each face, Dominicans, Haitians, Americans, Columbians, all dedicated to exalt Jesus in the DR, united to glorify their Lord Jesus as they lifted their hearts and hands in worship.  “There is One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all…” (Eph. 4:5-6) Our Caribbean supervisor David Stone, along with the DR supervisor Charlie, led the weekend through the powerful and practical teachings “Doing What Jesus Did.”  Through the course of two days, people were equipped to lead people to Christ, pray for others to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, pray for healing, hear from God, and even minister to those needing deliverance.   I love the fact that the ministry application didn’t wait until sometime after the convention: each day in small groups people were ministering to each other, immediately putting into practice what they were receiving.  Many people were baptized in the Holy Spirit and released in spiritual gifts for the first time, several others were healed, and almost all received words of encouragement, and discernment that spoke deeply to the lives of others in their groups.   All could feel His presence strongly during the weekend. 

Kirsten and I will be heading to Washington the upcoming weekend, (Feb. 24-26) to share at the Northwest district missions conference, based out of Federal Way.  We are honored to be a part of that and know that it will be a demanding but rewarding time of connecting with many like-hearted people. 

Please keep my mother, Connie, in your prayers right now, as she mourns the loss of her husband, David, who died of leukemia last week.  We will be seeing her later this week in Washington.   

We also ask for your special prayers for:

·         -Those who were equipped during the convention, to take and multiply what they received over the weekend.

·         -For our children as we travel: health, protection, and peace

·         -That God would speak through Kirsten and I at the conference, that we can be used to build up and stir up those who come

·         -For God’s covering over the ministry of the university community center: we are gearing up for a special emphasis of prayer based out of the center during the month of March, and working hard to get the word out.  We hope to help unite many who have a heart to see the university impacted for Jesus come together for much prayer and intercession using our prayer room near the campus as a rallying point.

God bless you, and we can’t thank you enough for standing with us as we pursue His heart and call!

Street Ministry with the Prostitutes

 So, Wednesday night, I made dinner for about 30 prostitutes, some drug dealers, police men that hang around there, taxi drivers and some random men, that I am assuming are pimps. It was actually really cool! My two Dominican friends, Rich, myself and the three gals living at our community center all made soup and brought it down to the ocean blvd called the Malecón. We left our house at about 11:30pm and didn't get home to 3am. I can honestly say I don't know if I have ever been out driving around that late! It was so weird to see our always busy, packed streets completely empty, except for others similar to those we served soup to. 
What was most impressing to both Rich and myself was the surprising normalcy of the women. What I mean by that is, I have always had an image, as I am assuming most do, of what a prostitute looked like/acted like. 
Of course I have seen them at a distance, but never this close and personal. These ladies were a variety of ages with different stories. Most of them, you would not know were prostitutes if standing next to them at the grocery store. Talking with one named Isabel, I found out she had three kids just like me, and the same ages as well. I asked if someone made her work the streets, and she said no. She does it to support her Grandma with cancer and her kids. There were hugs, kisses, we laughed, sang and prayed. It is amazing how utterly simple it can be to practically show the love of Jesus to a rejected people.

Erin, Amber and Josiah at our apt. cutting veggies for the soup.

Since we obtained our community center in May my eyes have been opened in a new way to prostitution happening in our city. I knew as in every big city that this was going on, but I actually never saw prostitutes. I guess I assumed it was something that was more hidden. I have had my eyes opened because on any given night driving home from the community center, we drive past scores of them standing on the ocean blvd. called the Malecón. 
So, I have had a heavy heart not knowing what I could do or how to reach out to them. It is something that I had a feeling God would lead me to get involved with at some point, but I knew as we were opening the center, it was not the right time. Well God never ceases to amaze me at His ability to network. It was not too long after that a friend of my approached me with the same desire. Hmm. I said, let's keep praying. Well, to spare you all the little details, and fast forword a bit,I have been meeting more and more people involved in different aspects of this type of ministry.
What it boils down to, is it seems that God has given two friends of mine, Veronica, Soraya and I very similar hearts and visions. Our dream at this point is to be able to offer them a place to go/training in a trade if they want to leave the life of the streets. This is just the very beginning and it will be exciting to see how God continues to lead us.

 Mark 1:41  "Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched the man."

What happens to your heart after being on the mission field for more than five years?  Many, many things can happen.  Does it become calloused to the poverty and brokenness all around?  Does it become tired, fighting battles trying to rescue so many people from what's been trying to destroy them for generations?  Does it become more and more faith-filled, seeing God come through in so many situations that are beyond us?  Does the passion grow or diminish with time?  It could be any of these, but I ask the question because some recent experiences caused me to reflect on how much our hearts are broken as we simply step out to love God and love people, and really let Him channel his compassion for people through us, day after day...

Last week we received a team of young adults who spent a week with us, building relationships with our Dominican university students and sharing God's Word together, serving in places of need, praying for God's move in this country, and working hard to help get the community center ready for the new semester which has now started.  

One evening we had the opportunity to take the team to love people in a children's hospital near us.  Dominican and American young people side by side nervously stepped into hospital rooms, with backpacks full of toys, there to find a dozen beds in a room, little boys and girls quietly resting, attached to IVs, some with a tired mother or aunt by their side.  Some had been there for several days or more.  Though they didn't know us, they were evidently grateful to see us, as we gingerly approached the beds, offering a toy, and a word of comfort and prayer.  It's amazing how open people can be to the presence of Jesus in moments like this.  The first room I walked in to was a waiting-room for just parents--parents with kids in intensive care.  About a dozen people sat pensively in a small room.  They didn't all know each other, but all seemed interconnected by their common pain.  As I came through the door with some bibles in hand, all eyes were on me, and I realized that I had nothing prepared to say to these precious people.  Yet as I opened my mouth, unplanned words of comfort, encouragement, and hope began to pour out.  My heart just went out to them.  I told them how I identity with their situation, having spent days in the hospital with our son Josiah at different times.  I asked the names and ages of their children.  We went around the room, and they way they said their names, you realized that they were sharing the name of their most valued treasure--I repeated their names, trying to pronounce them with the same care and tendereness as these heavy-hearted parents.  My heart was knit to theirs, and it broke with them, but I swallowed hard and continued to share the huge love that Jesus has for us and the hope that we have in Him.  His presence was felt in that room in a way I can't describe.  I think that's why the Holy Spirit is called the Comforter.  God continued to pour through me words of love and hope.  As I offered to pray for the group, the response was incredible.  We stood, took hands and formed a circle in that hospital waiting-room, again connected by our common need for God's compassionate love and comfort...and as I began to pray, people also began to pour out thier hearts to God.  Everyone just sensed that He was there, there for them in their moment of need.  As we finished praying, bright eyes, moist with tears, stared at me, with soft smiles showing evidence of a supernatural peace.  I didn't quite know what to say next, so I said, "If anyone needs a hug, I have a hug for you."  Everyone stood motionless for a moment...until the first person stepped forward...a grandma who appeared to be in her 70's at least, and took the hug.  Then the people lined up, and we shared hugs all around, with people I'd just met a few minutes before, as if we were close family.  I walked over to the one male in the room, a man who appeared to be around 50, and extended my hand.  He didn't shake it.  By-passing my hand extended, he grabbed me and took a hug as well.  

After leading them in a prayer of salvation, with several responding, I carefully asked who needed a Bible, apologizing that I only had four with me, not enough for everyone.  I was relieved when exactly four ladies raised their hands.  What I heard next, I hope that I never forget: holding her new Bible up, one lady looked at me and said gently but with conviction, "This is the greatest gift that I have received."     

My heart had been broken, but now was full of joy at God's goodness in this special moment.  My heart was to break yet again that evening.  

In another room in the children's hospital lay about a dozen little boys, around the ages of 8-12, the same age as as my son.  Enter 4 young guys from the mission team, a Dominican college student, and I.  We're frozen for a second, noticing these boys, the one young nurse, a couple of moms sitting by their boys, and even one young mother curled up asleep at the foot of her sons bed, trying to get some much needed rest.   We passed out the toys and prayed for each mom and child...I was there as a bridge in a sense, along with Gilbert, our Dominican student, helping to communicate God's love from the hearts of these short-term missions guys who didn't speak spanish and were totally out of thier comfort zone, yet with hearts wide open.  

As we prepared to leave, we noticed an 11 year-old boy shyly holding onto the corner of a hospital bed, next to where a young man who appeared to have down's syndrome lay sleeping.  The little boy struggled to make eye contact as I asked him his name and age.  "Daniel," he repeated, until I could hear what he said.  He appeared to have scars on his face.  I continued talking to him, trying to find out if he was with someone, when the mom of another little boy in the bed behind me explained, "He was abandoned here by his parents." 

Looking down at his little face, I was overwhelmed by emotion and threw my arms around the boy.  "Dios te ama,"  I told him.  By then, the rest of the guys were there, wondering about the boy.  It was hard for me to talk...I had a lump in my throat, but I had to be the translator.  So I tried to swallow the lump and let them know what little I knew about Daniel's situation.  I later found out that he had been left there on Dec. 22.  We prayed for Daniel.  Funny how offering a prayer can at times feel like giving nothing, but at the same time be the greatest thing we have to give.  I asked Daniel if he knew about prayer. He said no, but he knew who God was.  I just told him we were going to talk to God together with him.  "Do you want that?"  He  immediately agreed.  One of the young men from the team was also named Dan...As we surrounded the boy, Dan placed his hands on the little boy and began to pour out his heart, in heart-felt words of blessing, hope and promise for Daniel.  I was surprised at how well Dan was able to hold it together in spite of being visibly moved, until he finished the prayer.  Turning to his team leader, Matt, he buried his face into this chest and broke down weeping. 

I just don't think there are words to describe the emotion when you let God break your heart for people like that.  God broke all of our hearts that night...For the suffering kids, moms and dads who would have spent another evening alone without us showing up with simple gifts and prayers.  For the boys and girls who have no family to love them.  For so many people who don't know the comfort of the Savior in their darkest moments. 

As I drove towards home that evening, my heart was still broken inside of my chest as I whispered prayers to God, and nearing home, asked Him to hold me together so that I could swallow the lump still residing in my throat and be a normal dad for my kids.

I think my heart breaks every week...for the 5 year old kids forced out to the streets to ask for pesos from strangers; for the fatherless young women at the university who are being used by college guys who don't respect themselves either; for the dozens of women who lose their lives each month at the hands of abusive spouses; for God's kids who give into discouragement and desperately need an encouraging word and someone to believe in them; and for a generation of young leaders filled with potential, but not seeing it in themselves.

As I write, I feel guilty that I haven't been a better communicator, that I haven't shared so much of what's in my heart with so many who pray for us and believe in this work during the last 5 years.  I'm truly sorry, but the only thing I can say in my defense is that it's hard to find words when you have a lump in your throat.

Thank you so much for always standing with us, even from miles away.  Love you!

!Dios te bendiga!

Rich

 

Many people were very willing to receive prayer with open hearts

Dr. Francisco Sabado consulting

 Lunch with the Med students.  Francisco shared his heart and passion with them

FIRST MEDICAL CLINIC Dec. 6th, 2011 el Puente community center

Medical students check blood pressure

What a special day!   Over 100 people came in  for a free medical clinic we offered at the community center near the university of Santo Domingo.  We invited a dozen medical students who volunteered a day to come and collect data, check blood pressure, height and weight, and give recommendations about diet and health to the community.  Dr. Francisco Sabado, a medical missionary with years of experience here also colaborated, consulting with patients throughout the day.  Each of the patients who visited were offered prayer.  Our faithful students didn't just prayer for people; they truly took time to listen, share and care for each person who came through.  As a result, 15 people opened their lives to Christ!  Everyone who came through the center felt cared for and at peace as both med students and our young leaders took the time to get to know them and let them know that they are important to us and to God. 
Kirsten prepared a great lunch which we shared with the medical students, most of whom we had met for the first time.  Dr. Fransisco shared his heart and passion for serving through medicine with the students, and spoke of the miracles he's experienced during his time on the field.  All were impacted. 
The clinic resumed and even as we wrapped up the afternoon, young people who had come through were receiving prayer ministry through tears. 
We can't wait to serve the community in this way in the upcoming year.  For now, we are continuing to pray for the people by name and working to stay in contact with those who were most touched that day.  We had a taste of God's heart for them, and we know they felt some of His heart and care for them as well.

Steven, far right, a christian student we mentor, had the vision for this clinic

This is just one of the ways that we hope to serve the many people of this community in next year.  Can't wait to see what God will do.  Thank you for your prayers! 

We pray that you thoroughly enjoyed your Thanksgiving week!  There is so much to be thankful for when you’re a child of the King.  We’re so thankful to be doing what we are doing because we get see lives changed through Jesus love where there is so much need of it. 

We get to see people like Eduardo’s life being transformed before our eyes.  Eduardo is a young man who made the decision to follow Jesus about 5 months ago.  When he first came to the church, he was quiet and sullen.  He kept to himself and rarely smiled.  As we took the time to sit, talk and listen, we found that he was willing to talk about his past: about his father, a former mafia member, who abused him and his mom, spent time in prison, and was later killed by other gang members.  He’s lived in different foster homes.   He shared about his fears, his belief in God, and that he wasn’t going to decide to follow Him until it was a sincere decision to give all.  He was baptized in September, and has given all.  I rarely see him now without a smile.  He has integrated into the youth ministry and is joining the worship team.  He always talks to me after the service, telling me that each night he takes time to read “the book” (that’s what he calls the New Testament we gave him) and thanks God for everything in his life.  He says “I feel Him right there with me!”  l

Last week God provided him with a job.  He will never be the same. 

We thank God for you!  Because of your love and sacrifice, testimonies like this are possible.

“ ³ Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. ⁴ Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, ⁵ for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. ⁶ And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”  Philippians 1:3-6

 God is so good. 

OPPORTUNITIES!

As we finish 2011, we ask you to join us in praying that God would prepare hearts as we have the opportunity to share the Good News that Jesus saves any some special ways.

Sewing ministry

This week Kirsten launched a sewing ministry, with the help of Laura Collazo, training some of our faithful young ladies to create projects that can be sold to help support the center and help those in need. (See the handbands, pic below) We hope to train a core group that can eventually train women from the streets near the community center, giving them an opportunity to earn income and escape the dangerous and degrading lifestyle of prostitution.  Huge thanks to those who invested to help launch this project!

English Christmas party

Since launching english classes in the community center this September, our faithful teachers Lisa, Caleb and Kirsten have spent hours teaching english and building relationships with the 24 students who take classes here each week.  On December 2^nd we will celebrate an “American Christmas party”—fun music, treats and games, but most importantly we will take the opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus love that they’ve been observing in our lives these past months, that they too may receive His gift.  Please pray that hearts will be wide open that evening.

Medical Clinic

On December 6^th we will host our first medical clinic here in the community center, lead by one of the young medical students from our church.  He is inviting many fellow med students to help run the clinic, and we are inviting an experienced medical missionary to help supervise and share his testimony with the students over lunch.  We will also offer prayer for all those who come to the clinic to have vital signs checked and received medical advice.  As you can see there will be many opportunities to bring Good News and hope to people’s lives that day.  Again, please join us in praying that hearts will be open.

Dinner Theater

On December 11^th our youth here will be dancing, acting and serving dinner for all who come to a special Christmas play at the church.  They have worked very hard and pressed through challenges, because they want their friends and family to know the One who has brought hope to their lives.  We would particularly ask prayer for some of the parents of these young people—that God would reach into their hearts and free them to receive His love and goodness, that families would find wholeness in Him. 

Next semester at the university

We are already beginning to pray and plan for students to be reached out to next semester, through the ministry of the Bridge community center here at the university of Santo Domingo.  January is the time when the largest number of students come to study for the first time, arriving to the capital from every province of the country.  We want to serve them, invite them into a community of love and acceptance, and offer them God’s Word through different student-led cell groups, and other activities.  Again, please join us in praying for God to prepare hearts, and for creativity and compassion to meet these wide-eyes young people where they’re at. 

“May God bless you and keep you, cause His face to shine upon you, and give you peace”  As we finish 2011 and look towards 2012.  Thank you for your on-going prayers.  Much love!