Our Refuge and Strength

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea." Ps. 46:1-2

This week has been a mixture of trial and blessing for the people of our community. We have continued with the Basic Seminar, and many have a new vision of what God could do through them as they learned how to live in freedom from sin in their daily Christian walk. The number jumped from 16 the first session to almost 30 registered and attending the sessions. Among these are several who are depending on God to be their strength as they apply newfound Scriptural principles to their lives.

We did feel a light earthquake here on Tuesday, which was just enough to be uncomfortable -- we can hardly imagine the utter devastation that took place in Haiti about that same time. We have many Haitians here in our community, some of which attend our church and are taking advantage of every opportunity to grow in Christ. Many have not heard from their families, and are going through a very difficult time just not knowing. What a blessing it is for them to have GOD as their refuge and strength! Throughout the week, the Dominicans and Haitians have become closer, putting aside the racial and historical differences and conflicts. Many Dominicans now speak of the Haitians as their "neighbors," and instead of emphasizing the differences speak of the island of Hispaniola as a whole belonging to all of them, making them "one."

Please pray for the continued efforts of many to help the Haitians, and for the many people who still know nothing of their family, that God would give His strength to them at this time, and that many would seek refuge in Him.

New Year -- New Opportunities

This year has gotten off to an exciting start for the Bible Church of Juan Tomás and Fountain of Life School. Many teachers and students have come back from Christmas break with renewed energy and new goals for their lives spiritually, in their homes, and in the school. Juan Tomás Bible Church is pictured below with an open door -- many church members are looking forward with anticipation to the many opportunities to present the Gospel of Christ as an open door to eternal salvation.
It is a blessing for us to begin the year with the first ever Basic Seminar in the Dominican Republic. Although we have only had two days so far, we are already seeing the benefit of this seminar to the lives of our people. Due to scheduling difficulties, we began on Friday, and will be finishing in just over a week. We began this rapidly planned Seminar with 16 people the first night, and the number has grown as others have been invited. On Saturday (yesterday), having gone partway through the Principle of Authority, several people raised their hands to share how God was speaking to them, and how they could apply these teachings at home to win family members for Christ. They are grateful for the opportunity to learn these Scriptural principles, and grateful to those who made it possible for them to take the Seminar at almost no cost. We are all excited about what God is doing with our church and school this year, and are praying for the continued revival of the believers and the winning of the village of Juan Tomás to Christ.