Sick to my stomach, I lean back in my bus seat, thinking about the past two and a half weeks. I see flashbacks of riding to Azua on the same bus earlier this month, wondering what God could possible have for me this month. Saying to myself, “I really don’t think the Dominican Republic is going to be my heart, I just don’t really feel for these people.” Wow, did I ever eat those words. Over the past 2 ½ weeks I have come to find a new home, here in Azua. The first week there I was very home sick ( Having never been away from home for any extended period of time, I think this process was a little harder for me that most of the other racers on the trip). I didn’t really expect much from Azua, but the first day we were there we had to run the youth service and that night a group of youth guys (I call them the guys for short) began to connect with me. I found myself praying and pouring into this group of 10 guy’s ages 17-21 more and more. These guys lead the church; they serve in the children’s ministry, run the small groups, teach at the school, and still find time to have fun with each other. It was so very humbling to see such passion in a 3rd world country, because in the states it is hard enough for us to get up and go to the building that we call church twice a week; these people don’t go to church… they live it. They take care of each other, and truly understand what it means to live in community, as Pastor Raul said, “There are no orphanages in Azua, because you have an uncle, or grandma, or neighbor.” This is the type of community I was thrown into for my ministry in the DR, and I loved it! I had the privilege of praying over an 18yr old guy that wants to be a missionary in China, and I believe he will. To pray over guys that were going to school to be doctors, and over young men who just want to serve the Lord whole heartedly. There was one guy in particular that I connected deeply with, his name is Joel. The Lord really burdened my heart for this young man of God. I could see the passion in his heart for the Lord, and the hunger to be used by God. The Lord gave me the opportunity to be a brother to him, to pray words of life over him and pour into his life. I sowed seed, and watered them, but I will not personally see the fruit. It was probably one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my life… to leave my brother in Azua, to leave Joel; knowing that I will not be there in the hard times, not there to support him, or his family. Knowing that I have to trust the Lord with his life and bringing him to fruition just like I have to do with my life. To feel like I could be of worth there to these people, if only I could stay, feeling like my work wasn’t done yet, but knowing that the Lords will is for me to move on…..for now. The pain that comes with not knowing when I will see him again. Sick to my stomach, I lean back in my bus seat, weeping, thinking about the past two and a half weeks, there is one thing I know. That Azua stole a piece of my heart…. and I don’t want it back.
I don’t know how much I will be able to post this month being in Haiti so be patient… Also I REALLY need suppot. I need about 9000.00 to stay on the race, and I need it now. so if you feel led to give PLEASE click on the suppport me and donate. It is tax deductable, and can be done on the internet or send in a check. Thanks for your money and prayers.
