Liberty

Many preparations in the school over the last month cumulated last Friday morning in a march to celebrate the Dominican Republic's Independence Day. The actual dia de la independencia was Saturday, February 27, but here in the Dominican Republic where the people are proud of their heritage and nation, the focus of the entire month of February is liberty and celebrating the founding fathers of this country.


Grades 5-12 took part in the march, beginning outside the school, and ending half an hour later in the baseball field of Juan Tomás, where we were joined by the local public school. Our history teacher here at Fountain of Life directed the patriotic activities and presentations, which included not only poems and dramatic presentations of how the Dominican Republic came to be a free nation, but also the GOSPEL, presented by some of our students. We have been blessed by some very committed and hard-working Christian students here, who are a light to their classmates and the village. Please continue to pray for the many students and families of Juan Tomás as they remember their independence, that many more would see their need for true freedom in Jesus Christ.

Sit Still

"Then said she, "Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not rest until he have finished the thing this day." Ruth 3:18

As we finished up a BUSY week for both the school and church here in Juan Tomás, God brought this verse to my attention. It's very easy to run to the edge of burnout in the ministry, giving all our time and energy to accomplish a goal. But while the load and burdens may not lessen, God tells us over and over in His Word to "be still," "rest in Him," "trust in the Lord," and take His yoke upon us to find rest, because His burden is light.

In Ruth 3, Naomi gives wise counsel to Ruth after she has done all she could do -- "Sit still." Ruth had obeyed, and at this point had to quietly wait and trust that a kinsman redeemer was working on her behalf. As we have begun to see fruit here from our labors here in Juan Tomás, this passage was a reminder that while we obey and WAIT on God, He is at work. A few of the things that have surfaced recently, showing God's hand are:

• Renewed desire to hear the Word of God
  
• Renewed burden for evangelism
  
• Renewed energy in service in the church
• A growing interest from more people in the music of the church

It feels that the church is on the verge of great blessing. Please continue to pray for the ministry here, that God would bring each person to the point of complete surrender to Him.

It has been encouraging this week to see the hand of God working in the lives and hearts of the young people here at Fountain of Life school. In some students, it is seen by their renewed effort to do well in their studies; in others, it is shown by their attitude toward their teachers or classmates. Last Sunday night, I was surprised to see the student I least expected walk into and sit through the church service. Please continue to be in prayer as the team at the school and church continue to minister to this community. At this time of tremendous spiritual growth in some, we can feel that the intensity of spiritual warfare has increased, and several of the church leaders have been under attack. Please pray that God will increase our unity as a team, and give the wisdom and grace as we encounter each new situation.

We are continuing with sessions for the high school students on developing Christ-like character. Please pray that God will use this mightily in their lives, and that those who have not yet accepted Christ will receive him as their personal Savior.

Blessings

It has been an exciting few weeks here in Juan Tomás, with many new opportunities and a renewed desire within the church for personal revival. At the end of January, my family and a friend from the church came for a 10 day visit/mission trip. During that time, they were able to minister with the preaching of God's Word, music, construction, a vet clinic, and just by spending time with the young people here. Combined with other events and circumstances, this gave a spiritual "boost" to several of the young adults in the church, who continue to see the blessings of God on the work here.


Please pray that God will continue this reviving work in this village, and that God would give us the grace continually offer ourselves as a "living sacrifice, holy and acceptable" to Him as we seek to bring people to Christ. The harvest in this village truly is plentiful, and it is exciting to see God raise up and prepare the laborers for the work.