Greetings from the Dominican Republic!
Greetings from the Dominican Republic! Sorry that we haven't written lately. Now that everyone is feeling a little better, we have been busy studying and organizing everything for the Missions Team arrival next week. The house for Marisol has been started with the foundation and frame in place. They are eagerly awaiting the Missions Team completion of the project. Not only will this gift be a blessing to Marisol and her family, it has also been a huge blessing to Francisco and Joselito, the two carpenters on the job who would otherwise be unemployed at this moment. We visited the site the other day and took a picture of Marisol, her mother, grandmother and daughter. Seeing four generations of women together and smiling ear to ear with the anticipation of the house project was very moving. When we first went to the site about a month ago, Marisol was very quiet and shy. She almost seemed embarassed. Now, she is filled with excitement and hope. All of you that have contributed to this project have given her hope. Muchas Gracias!!
The day of reforestation has been planned in conjunction with the Ecological Society of the Cibao from the Secretary of Agriculture. Thirty volunteers including the Missions Team, the Bowmans and Keenans, several youth from the local orphanage and several youth from the school that Lydia and Luke are attending will travel in the back of mountain jeeps up the mountain to reforest two acres with 400 trees. Several Dominican "campesinos" have been hired to clear and prepare the land. They are even digging the holes for us!! At first I was about to say that we all could dig the holes; however, this employment opportunity for the Dominican farmers is so important for them. Once again, it is a double blessing, the land is being reforested and poor farmers that desperately need income are earning a wage.
The Missions Team will also be worshipping with the "Methodist" church on Friday night at their outreach location in Los Cocos and at their church in Santiago on Sunday. Pastora Sairy is helping me to pick up the Missions Team at the airport and is looking forward to meeting her family in Christ from New Jersey and working with us should God be calling St. Peter's to continue sharing here in the DR.
In addition, the Missions Team will participate in a kite-making workshop, a Dominican dominos class, visit the local orphanage and schools, learn to dance merengue at a fiesta featuring traditional music and learn Spanish each day. They will be very busy and return home exhausted, but filled with the joy of the Lord!! Please keep them all in your prayers. 2 Corinthians1:10b reads, "On Him I have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us,as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many."
We continue to praise and thank God for "the prayers of many" for all of us that God has called to the Dominican Republic to advance His kingdom. We couldn't do it without your support and prayers. Que Dios le bendiga. Con Carino, La Familia Dice