Houston…We have landed in the Dominican Republic! I don’t even know who Houston is but he sounds important! My team and I have been ordained by God with our destinies intertwined within His will to be here to serve Him. As soon as I signed up for the race, I made it my mission to see it as God’s mission alone. Seeing this mission underneath Him has been such a blessing to know that whatever I go through and ministries I am put in…it is because of Him! I love to think that He is in full control, better yet I thrive in it! There’s no better place in life than to be in the center of God’s will! I feel so privileged to be out here!
The Dominican Republic has breathtaking sights. Dark purple clouds laced with bright orange rays of sun, hovering over monumental mountains flourishing with green life. Crystal clear waves with teal and turquoise ocean water with white sandy beaches, makes this place look like paradise on the outside. However even the beauty here, has heart wrenching brokenness. With dense poverty, there is little to no hope for the youth. Alcoholism destroying many lives, excessive amounts of adultery desensitizes the culture because it has become the norm… the darkness is very real here.
Since we have been here we have had our team’s vision to serve our ministry host, be answered in many ways. The first ministry God gave our team was to watch and pour into their children. Jesus, faithful to answer our prayers, allowed us to serve them and give the children love with vision. It was an honor to serve our host. God spoke to me personally on the importance of this ministry. “Whoever welcomes this little one in my name welcomes me; whoever welcomes me, welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all- he is the greatest.” Luke 9:28
Nothing like being a part of the family here and pouring God’s love into them! Rising up the army for the future generation to expand His Kingdom! I love how God just moves in power and grace in all ministries and more importantly in our hearts.
The next ministry Jesus placed our team in is evangelism. Going out into the community and being immersed in their culture is something I truly cherished and I am definitely excited to experience in the months to come. The dynamic of reaching the lost here is so different than in the states; people are so welcoming but it can be a double-edged sword. They allow you to come into their home and learn about their life, however they want to earn your validation. American’s are highly regarded here in the DR, so Dominican’s often say things that they think you want to hear. The majority of the population is Catholic and it’s hard to give people something, when they think they already have it. I’m not the judge on their status but I am here to show them God’s love with His truth. Since we have been here we have had the honor to witness Jesus touching lives here in the Dominican Republic by salvation, healing, breaking spiritual chains, and moving deeper in many hearts!
The best part is, it’s not up to me. God’s got it. Always have and always will. I have been privileged to be along on the ride to learn more about Jesus through His mission. “My message and preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirits power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.” 1 Cor 2:4-5
My personal time with the Lord has been amazing, I love how the Spirit speaks deeply to me and His word reinforces it every time! I have been growing so much, because I want to run the race with perseverance! I am growing further in experiencing His love as a Father, and becoming a son. I always knew that I am a child of God and a warrior for the King, but embracing Daddy’s love in deeper personal ways has been beautiful. Pouring out that love with the Spirit’s power has touched hearts. Thank you Jesus for awaking the people around me and my heart further in your kingdom!
