After weeks of prayer and preparation, I was finally able to give the first strings class on Friday afternoon to a group of 5 young people. In this culture of maracas, tamboras, and guitars, it is refreshing to see children and teens interested in learning how to play the violin, viola, and cello for the purpose of bringing glory to God. And this group is only the beginning. Over the next few weeks, I will continue to "scout out" students in the church and school that would have the ability as well as the interest to learn. Please pray that God would lead me to the right students (or the right students to me) as we begin this new program. It is our goal to teach them to use their gifts for God and for the edification of believers. At this point, every student attending this class has made a profession of faith and has a good Christian testimony; it is possible, however, that as we seek God's best in this class, that it will grow to include nonbelievers, giving yet another opportunity to reach this community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Please be in prayer for these students, as learning a stringed instrument can be very tedious at times, that they would rise above the "norm" for any young person, and dedicate themselves to this new goal. Pictures coming next week!
As a side note that has nothing to do with the music class, the temperature suddenly dropped Thursday night by 10 or so degrees. Even the Americans are cold! Now for those rainclouds to start dumping snow.....
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
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:
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
Sunday, February 14, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
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.
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.
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