I've been in the Dominican Republic for almost three weeks now, and it's been awesome! God has put us in an area where there is still darkness, but there is so much hope. I constantly see butterflies floating and soaring in the air. It's been so great being in a country founded on God. A great area and community to minister to, but to also get ministered by. The host family and church family that God has put us in are remarkable. God has done amazing things in this community over the last 13 years through our host couple, the pastor and his wife, and He has used them to build up a generation here that has and is changing and growing this Azua community for the Kingdom. We have been able to reap from the fruits of their labor and plant new seeds for God to grow. It has been incredible getting to minister to the pastor, his wife, and his church through prayer and fellowship. My team and I got a mirror image of what that looks like last Friday night.
Last week, three of us girls had a family member pass away all within a couple days. So Friday night my team went to the YWAM (Youth With A Mission) facility, that is on the beach and has an incredible view, and we worshiped from the rooftops and had some time to be quiet and reflect. As the sun started to set, we saw Raul along with his family and the rest of the church family arrive. They were supposed to have a Bible reading event in the local park, so we were surprised to see them. Once they were all on the rooftop with us, Raul spoke, "We are a family, the body of Christ, so we could not go preach the Bible knowing that you are hurting. When you hurt, we hurt. When you rejoice, we rejoice. We want to pray for you and hug you." The whole church then proceeded to circle around us and lay hands on us. We six girls, along with our squad leader Erin, circled up and held hands and looked at each other, and I thought, "This is what the Body looks like." They prayed over us and poured words of love and encouragement and wisdom and hope into us. We prayed prayers of thanksgiving and remembrance. I was thankful that in reading my Maw-maw's obituary that I was reminded of how much she loved her family and loved animals, and how that showed me how I'm like her and carrying her heritage.
What a fantastic and beautiful way of the Lord showing us that this journey is not just about us shining His light to others, but also about Him shining His light and love through others on us. It is truly a relationship, and it requires others to happen. I'm learning SO much about community, and to be honest, it hasn't been easy, but it's worth it! I feel God is growing my heart for marriage, because I truly feel married to this group of girls. Like it or not, we're in it to win it and we're in it together. God is teaching me so much about dependence on Him and dependence on others. We are not meant to walk out life alone, but in the American society, we're taught to be independent and almost to a fault. Strength can be the new weakness. God is teaching me about vulnerability, about being honest, and about giving myself grace. I give grace out easily, but not for myself. I think a lot of us are that way. There's a balance.
I've really enjoyed these past two weeks. September is the month for the Bible here in the DR. We've been going into public schools talking about how the Bible has changed our lives; we had a Jesus parade, (SERIOUSLY a Jesus parade!) march, and festival Monday night, which is a part of the tradition here for the month of the Bible; and last night we did a prayer walk through the streets praying against alcoholism and drug abuse in honor of one of my teammate's ex-boyfriends that died a year ago Tuesday of a heroine overdose. Tomorrow's my birthday, also the Day of the Bible in the DR (Sept 27). It'll be fun to experience that. Birthday recognition here has something to do with flour, water, and eggs. And that's not in the form of something baked. yikes!!!!
Our verse for the month of the Bible:
2 Timothy 3:16-17
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Love and lots of hugs!!!!
Monica
