I can't believe I have already done one week of ministry here in the Dominican Republic! It is so weird for me being out of America and finally starting this thing called the race. The DR is extremely beautiful! I would post some pictures but the internet isn't exaclty as fast uploading things so pictures are coming later I promise!
Our ministry this month is basically going door to door evangelizing and working with the kids from a village near our church. I must say this is probably one of the most uncomfortable things I have had to do, especially since I can't speak spanish and everything is being translated. But I know that God has my team here for a reason, and I know that it's not about me but His glory. There has already been two people come to know and except Christ as their Savior!! Praise God!!
I am starting to realize that this Race is going to be difficult, difficult in the fact that I am a spoiled American who loves comfort. But I can't help to look around and see how much God has blessed me. These people don't have half as much as most Americans have and yet I would argue to say they have more joy. I have a joy that no man can give and no man can take away keeps ringing in my ears as I walk through the dirt roads and streets looking at these people and what little they have. We have much to learn about where our joy comes from and it has nothing to do with our successes and valuables.
I have to have the Spirit of God leading me always while I am here or else all I am doing is in vain. He walks with me through the streets, He talks with me as I pray, He talks through me as I bring His gospel, HE is always in me and around me. I am in constant reliance on Jesus Christ and I don't think I can say that I was like this back at home. So my encouragement and challenge to you all back at home is to walk in the presence of the Lord daily, literally walk with Him. Be in His presence, bring Him glory, bring His kingdom to those who don't know it. I love you all and I hope that God is blessing you back in America.
One thing you can pray for in the Dominican Republic is that God would soften the hearts of the Dominicans. There is a woman here named Ulga and people say that at the age of 20 she got involved in witch craft and now is crazy. Some believe she was cursed and some believe because she was involved in so much darkness she became crazy. Nevertheless she needs prayer, much prayer. And I am asking you all to join me in praying for her. She doesn't want to be free, because we have asked her. But I am believing that God is going to free her, free her from the darkness, free her from the chains, free her from the sickness and finally heal her. I praise God for what He is doing here and for what He is going to do here in the two weeks we are here and after the two weeks we are here. Love you all and thank you for joining me in fighting for the lost.
