Whew…
I have also been a part of some amazing works of God- some highlights: Pastor Ramon receiving his hearing through the cochlear implant, Mecho receiving the funds she needed for her open heart surgery, all three churches finding permanent homes (with their own bathrooms!)- this week we got the doors put on the church in Los Santos and the fence is up around the basketball court in Villa de Yaque. Palmar Arriba has a new, wonderful basketball court, 7 water purifiers have been installed and are in use, the water trailers are here and working, ready to minister in a disaster, two of our new believers graduated from the Bible Institute and are serving as leaders in their respective churches, the Barnabas Foundation was established and is beginning to function, being a tool in our ministry to the poor and to up and coming leaders, and really the list of blessings could go on forever.
Tomorrow is my last day to worship at the Hole, Los Santos and Villa de Yaque. I am so thankful for a pastor friend who has agreed to coordinate the ministry of these three young churches. So much work needs to be done to strengthen these new believers. Please pray that over the next six months, Dany and his wife will be able to guide them to a healthy foundation with capable leaders to continue to minister in their respective communities. Tomorrow will be an emotional day- pray for wisdom and grace as I share my final Bible study with them.
On a totally different note, after getting home from the capital, seeing the St Giles folks off at the airport, I had an open house at my old place. Even after moving so much over to my new house, even after giving stuff away forever and ever, there was still a TON of stuff left over. I invited our church folks and told them to take everything and whatever they left behind, to throw in the trash. You would not have believed the boxes and boxes and bags and bags and bags of stuff they took away!
God has been so good to me through so many of you- you have been generous with me and our ministry which has allowed me to be generous with so many people. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know all that “stuff” will be put to good use by good folks!
Hey Marsha -
I just wanted to let you know that we arrived home safely last night(well this morning really). We had a couple of lost bags…but Dwight took care of it. I just wanted to thank you again for your selfless service and all the sacrifices you made in order for us to be apart of such an awesome ministry experience this past week. After getting home it’s always so hard to process all that happened and how we can somehow here in the states still reach out to our new friends in the DR. I will be praying constantly. I can’t really put this experience into words yet. We serve an awesome God and He deserves nothing but the highest praise for all that was accomplished and is yet to come in the DR.
On a different note - I want you to know that I am praying for you as you prepare to leave for the states in a few days. I know that God has very special, divine appointments already in place for you here. I know that you will be truly blessed by having some time to refuel your tank and enjoy your family. I am hoping to see you at some point if it’s in God’s plan while you’re here. Well, I think I’ll go back to sleep now. I woke up this morning at 7:00am. I guess my mind is still in the DR ready for another day of ministry (too bad my body isn’t there…a day worshiping with all of the sweet people in Santiago would be great!). I suppose it will take several days to return to a more normal schedule. Thanks again so much for all that you have done for us (St. Giles) and for God’s kingdom! I’ll keep in touch through the blog to check on how things are going. Praying for you!
Love -
Emily
Marsha!! Thank you soo much for investing your life in the ministry there in Saniago (and Santo Domingo!). I have really enjoyed and been blessed to work with you the past few years… these two weeks this year were just a blessing. Praise God! Let Pastor Melvin and Simon and their respective families know that I (and everybody else) am praying for them! Let me know about any details that come up with a longer term (semester length) trip! I’m really interested in going somewhere for a longer time and of course the DR is one of the places I’m praying about! Have a good refreshing time on state side assignment and come visit Liberty some time!!
Dios te bendiga.
– Corey
Marsha,
Thanks again for your support this past week! Like Emily, my mind is still in the DR as well. In fact, this has been a very “unproductive” day sitting in the office reading through the blog and looking at my pictures from the trip. I guess that I thought I would jump back into work feet first, but I am so glad that God continues to remind me that serving him is the most rewarding thing that I can do. I admire your willingness to follow God’s calling and enter the mission field. We look forward to seeing you in the future.
Carey
very good!
i like your space
Keep going.Do not entertain fear.