After months of living in the Dominican Republic, I have found that I am still learning every day about the language, students, and culture. One example would be learning where to use the question words for "what" and "which," seeing that in many places that we ask, "what" in English, they ask "which" in Spanish. Another example is the disaster I had with a Dominican cooking lesson last Monday -- the brown rice I wanted to use in the dish is not used in the Dominican culture! (to see this humorous story, visit www.partnersnchrist.org/ingrid.html) I thank God for brave Dominican friends here who will help me learn and experiment, to the detriment of their own reputation as cooks!
I am still learning much about my students; out of all the classes, seventh grade has grabbed my attention the most in their love for music, and has also come a long way in their behavior. A focus of their teacher has been character development, and we have recently begun to address the area of respect for others. Just as in the U.S., people can be very cruel to one another in their words, and when it comes to expressing oneself in music, drawing, or writing, many degrade their own work so they won't be disappointed if another does the same. Please pray for the teacher, Josefina, and me as we teach the students the value of each person in the eyes of God.
Kristina is here to visit for a little while, and I am as exciting about her being here as she is! She is always a help around the farm and school, and will take part in the music while she is here. This week the school is on break for Semana Santa (which, according to the Dominicans, is anything but "holy), so she and I will have plenty of time to spend together.
I thank God for all of you who faithfully keep me in your prayers. Thank you for taking part in this ministry!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
In the Name of our God
"We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the Lord fulfill all thy petitions.... Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen, but we are risen, and stand upright." (Psalm 20:5, 7-8)
We are excited to have had two 11th graders receive Christ as their personal Savior last week, and several other students asking serious questions. PLEASE continue to pray as we continue to work in the school with this purpose of leading the students to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Please pray for us, that each teacher would not only nominally work "in the Name of God" but truly work in His Name, filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom as each new circumstance takes place.
I have just started a piano class, and have more interest in the strings class. Please pray for me as I begin working more closely with students who may or may not be saved.
To all who sent me birthday cards and gifts: THANK YOU! It was a blessing and encouragement.
We are excited to have had two 11th graders receive Christ as their personal Savior last week, and several other students asking serious questions. PLEASE continue to pray as we continue to work in the school with this purpose of leading the students to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Please pray for us, that each teacher would not only nominally work "in the Name of God" but truly work in His Name, filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom as each new circumstance takes place.
I have just started a piano class, and have more interest in the strings class. Please pray for me as I begin working more closely with students who may or may not be saved.
To all who sent me birthday cards and gifts: THANK YOU! It was a blessing and encouragement.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
First Strings Class!
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.....
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, 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.
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