Dominican Republic Update: 8/15/2008
Our team just returned on Saturday the 9th from our latest trip to Barahona, Dominican Republic. We went to share the love of Jesus in word and deed with the children we sponsor, their families, and people in the community.
As we walked around the mountain visiting, we were able to encourage believers, to share the gospel with many (including the local drug dealers), and to spend time with children who desperately need to know that they are loved. I took the photo to the right as we were walking through the community where we serve. The man on the left is Lewis. He oversees our ministry to the children on the mountain. The young man on the right is Johan, one of our translators. As we walk through the community it’s a common experience to be surrounded by children like the ones in the above photo. Some of these children have been abused and neglected. Many of these children eat one meal a day at best. The little boy in the red shirt shines shoes to help support his family. Instead of going to school, he walks to the center of the town 30 to 45 minutes away where he competes with other boys for the opportunity to earn a few pesos. Sometimes he walks home by himself at 11 PM at night. I spoke with his mother about their situation. She said that she really wants to be able to send him to school instead of sending him to work; but at this time, it’s necessary for him to work. She can’t feed her family on her income alone (she makes about $3 per day, washing clothes when she can). I assured her that we’re going to try to find sponsors for her children so that they can go to school instead of work.
The sponsorship program makes a huge difference in the lives of these people. Unemployment is high and food costs keep escalating. It’s common to meet families who are hungry and children who are malnourished. When a child is sponsored his or her family gets $20 per month in food and supplies. Unquestionably, this is a great help to families. I spoke to several of the families who have children who are sponsored. These families are extremely grateful for the help they receive. Please pray for more sponsors for there are many more children in this community who need help.
We handed out some clothing to children as we went through the community. It was a blessing to see their response to these simple gifts of love.
In addition to our time on the mountain in Barahona, we also visited Tamayo, Batey 7, Batey 6, and Batey Central. We praise God for the people who received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. This time we had the privilege to pray with more than 30 people who made a commitment to Christ.
Whenever a person receives Christ, we do our best to connect them with a local church or Bible Study. Many pastors are thankful for our efforts and look forward to our time together. It was a joy to see Pastor Mariñez from Batey 6 whose church continues to grow as he teaches the word and shares the gospel in his community. Additionally, we stopped by and visited with Pastor Francisco from Tamayo. We joined with Pastor Francison and visited a young man whose five year old daughter died 20 days ago. We shared the gospel with him and prayed for him.
We’re planning a trip in January 5th though 13th, 2009. If you would like to go, look for an application on the “DR Table” in the lobby or send me an E-mail for more information.
Serving Our Savior, Sharing His Love,
Pastor Doug
doug@ccdeltapa.org
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