The Dominican Republic seems like such a long time ago as I sit here in our ministry home of Haiti listening to the laughter and conversation of my teammates. Reminiscing on this beautiful country, it’s not the scenery that I will miss most. Much of the beauty comes from the people who touched my heart.
This blog won’t do the people justice. The impact they made, and the lessons God taught me through them would take a lot of words to explain. But, even with a few words, this blog (in my opinion) is worth writing. Whether I’m with someone for minutes, days, or a month, it reminds me that what I say and do leaves a mark.
Here’s some of the people I had the honor of meeting while in the Dominican Republic and a few things they taught me during my time with them.
1) Dominguez Family: Faith is an act of obedience that produces perseverance and patience. True faith overcomes trials and tribulations (James 1:2-4).
2) Walter: What is real love? Real love is this, not that we loved Him, but that HE FIRST loved us and gave His only Son as atonement for our sins (1 John 4:10). Surrender to God daily and give Him your whole heart.
3) Senor Lucien: Work for the Lord with all your heart (Colossians 3:23) and have an outward expression of joy.
4) Senor Fausto: Your personal relationship with Jesus cannot be hidden and can invite others to soften their hearts towards God (John 8:12).
5) Senor Manuel: Do all things with love (1 Corinthians 16:14) and set an example that allow others to walk in love also.
6) Johnson Family: Plant seeds of truth (Matthew 13:23) and trust God with the increase of Harvest (1 Corinthians 3:7-8).
7) Mr. Murphy: All blessings are from the Lord and He should be praised for them (James 1:17).
8) Nani: A house built on rock will not be moved (Matthew 7:24-25).
9) Deimi and Albert: The Lord favors the humble heart with Grace (John 4:6).
10) Wilson and Johan: Build one another up in Hope and Faith, never losing heart (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
11) Joshua and Dani: Do not give into the temptations of the flesh and delights of the world that will keep you in the darkness and away from the light (Matthew 7:13-14).
12) Marisela: Have faith in the Lord who heals us (Isaiah 53:5).
13) Ed: Align your heart with God’s heart and follow His instructions (Psalm 16:7).
14) Lucerio and Jeneatte: The Holy Spirit wants to communicate with you and guide you daily with what pertains to God (1 Corinthians 2:10-16), so be interruptible in your thoughts and obey the Spirit’s instructions.
15) Francia: Being kind and gentle can open the door to vulnerability and accepting Jesus’s love. Considering others above yourself (Philippians 2:3-4).
I pray this blog touched your hearts as it did mine. There’s still so many stories to tell about my time in Dominican Republic. And, Haiti is the same! I’m enjoying every moment here and every day I wake up and thank God for this life-changing journey.
