Last night Annie and I had an over-nighter in the batey with the girls.  Quite the experience!  The girls were so excited that we wanted to come stay where they live.  Twelve girls between the ages of 10 and 18 came.   We had a great time of visiting and doing “girl stuff:” painting nails, eating lots of food, playing games, watching a movie (one of the girls’ dads let us borrow his generator), and talking about boys, life, etc.  I think the greatest impact, though, was getting the opportunity to peer into their everyday life and counter their worldview on relationships with a Biblical worldview.  They are at the age where relationships are or will quickly become a reality and they live in a culture where sex at a very young age is the norm.  We want to start talking to them now and showing them what God’s Word has to say on relationships, showing them that there is a better way – (God’s way – and that the commands in the Bible are not just suggestions or old-fashioned but are ways that we can honor God and protect ourselves and that they are truly the best way to do life.

All-in-all it was a fun night and an opportunity to reinforce that we are interested in their personal lives, not just holding church services and activities.  When I went down into the batey this morning to gather up the kids for Niños para Cristo, I was met by lots of people asking, “Did you really spend the night here?” with a mixture of awe and excitement (I guess they thought we would get scared off with no electricity . . .).  

It meant something to them that we wanted to be there.   So, while we probably won’t see any radical life changes as a direct result of our sleepover, relationships were strengthened, a Biblical worldview was presented, and fun was had by all! 

In the words of Eva: “It was a spectacular night!”

Highlights of the last two weeks:

Sunday, October 26

                The Mota family came out to Concho Primo with me for the 3^rd week.  Pastor Mota preached on salvation.  Not a lot of people came due to the HOT weather (it was almost unbearable. . .), but those that came listened well.  In between service and Sunday School, I mentioned that if they had any questions about salvation they could talk to Pastor Mota then or with me afterwards.  While we played a review game, 3 people went outside and talked with Pastor Mota.  One of them, an 11 year-old boy named Alexander, accepted Christ as his savior during this time!  Please keep him in your prayers as he grows in his relationship with the Lord and his understanding of grace.

Wednesday, October 29

                I went out for Bible study with Rosalia, Yaneisi, Eva, and Irenita.  Three of the 4 girls (all except Irenita) were ready when I arrived and came up to the school study.  It was a good day in that the girls were ready and somewhat excited to study, but a frustrating day in that it was hard to make myself clear in Spanish.   The girls are getting really comfortable with my level of Spanish and speak much more rapidly and openly than they used to do (which I love), but that makes it all the more frustrating when I don’t understand exactly what they are saying or can’t figure out how to express myself. 

The theme of Rosalia and Yaneisi’s study this week was resisting attacks from the enemy and preparing for temptations that will come our way.  They didn’t quite understand the concept of temptation (well, they understood everyone else’s temptations, just no their own . . . sounds like most of us, if we are honest).  Anyhow, I couldn’t seem to bring it home, so pray for us as we try to cover this topic again that the Holy Spirit will reveal this truth to them through the Word.  (And pray that my Spanish will continue to improve)

                Eva’s study this week picked up with where we left off before – salvation by grace through faith, not by works.  We had a good discussion about salvation in which she proceeded to tell me that one example of a way that she could be saved was by helping the poor.  I was excited at this response because it was the first time that I was able to get her to verbalize what she believes (definitely the Holy Spirit working through me in this situation.  There is no way I could come up with just the right words on my own).  From there we were able to leave our Bible study book and head into Romans 3.  We had a brief discussion on how we cannot be saved by the law, only by faith.  She doesn’t quite get it yet.  But the light is beginning to dawn.  I know that the Holy Spirit will keep working Eva, illuminating His truth so that one day soon she can choose to follow Him.  Please keep her in your prayers!         

Saturday, November 1

                Niños para Cristo – my friend Kristin came out to help me for the weekend as we continued our study on integrity.  We had the usual amount of kids come 20-30ish but they were pretty rambunctious.  It was a good day, but tiring.

Sunday, November 2

                This Sunday my friends John and Lynn Cunningham came out to help with the Sunday service in addition to Kristin and the Mota family.  John preached in English on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and I did my best attempt to translate (not sure if we can really call it that yet, but hopefully someday soon!).  John did such a great job tying the Gospel into the story. No decisions for Christ this week, but the seed was planted once more!

Monday, November 3

                Ezequiel and Elizabeth Mota came out to help with the youth group one last time (Mike and Annie return next week).  I think the teens have grown fond of having them there; we have had a pretty consistent group of 10-15 each week.

The Power of Prayer

This weekend I have been thinking a lot about the power of prayer.  I have the unique/humbling/exciting blessing of being on the receiving end of intercessory prayers by fellow believers . . . and seeing answers!!

 

While I was presenting the ministry in several churches this summer, I gave some pretty specific requests:

1) that I would be able to develop a better relationship with several of the young mothers, namely Niña and Leidy
2) that my Spanish would come back quickly and improve even more quickly,
3) that we would have wisdom to address false doctrine being taught by others
4) that we would see people saved (among a few others)

One of the most encouraging things that I noted while giving my presentations occurred at my home church, Memorial: the response of the people to my prayer requests.  I saw people listening intently and writing them down.   Not that I think it is necessary to write down prayer requests in order pray for them; but I knew that if they would take the time to write them down, they were serious about doing their part to help in the work in Concho Primo.  That was both humbling and exciting!  Also, when I gave an update on prayer requests from the previous trip (I mentioned that Rosalia had gotten saved - a teenage girl that I had asked them to pray for for salvation), I actually saw one of the same ladies nodding her head intently, showing me that she remembered the prayer request and had actually been praying for her by name!  (thanks, Melissa J)

All that to say, that I know that people are praying . . . so now I am going to tell you the results that I am blessed to see. J 

First of all, my Spanish is doing great!  I know, I know, I hear some of you saying, “We knew you’d be fine, you just didn’t think you could do it!”  But when I say that it is doing great, I mean that after a week of being back, I felt that it was much better than when I left in June and I was much more comfortable!  That is a huge blessing!

Secondly, and even more exciting, I have been able to pick right up and develop relationships with several of the young moms already (I mean, we had begun before I left, but it is even better now)!  Leidy and Niña, whom I asked you to pray for specifically by name, have shown a real interest in coming to church. 

Leidy and her youngest
daughter, Yismeidy at
one of the teen events.
events

 Leidy had never come before and she came right up the very first Sunday that I was back!!! (try to tell me that is not a specific answer to specific prayers)  I have been back 5 Sundays, and Leidy has been at 3 of the 5 Sunday services (and a few teen activities)! 

I didn't get Nina in the pic,
but isn't little Angel
just adorable?

Niña came every Sunday up until her  precious baby Angel was born a couple weeks ago.  She has invited me into her house several times to sit and talk, and I have been able to learn more about her and her family.  (She never did come to our Bible study a couple weeks ago, but that’s pretty understandable considering it was about 100 degrees and she was due any day). 




LoMisia with her youngest
child, Elizabet

Last Sunday, another young mother came for the first time – LoMisia!  Please continue praying for Nina and Leidy and add LoMisia to your list.  Pray that they will have the desire to continue coming to church and hearing the Gospel.  Pray that the Lord will give me opportunities to sit and share the Gospel with them, and that I will have the boldness and clarity of speech to do so when the opportunity arises.  Pray that God will open their eyes to His truth and we will see them and their families transformed by His grace. 

Don't stop praying now!  This is just the beginning of what God is going to do!

And let’s not forget to thank God that He listens to our prayers and gives us the privilege to act as an intercessor on behalf of others!  (I have been studying the tabernacle, and I am so grateful that we no longer have to go through a priest to commune with God, we priest-believers can carry the petitions of a fellow believer right into the holy place to our loving God!  What a privilege of which we all could take better advantage!) 

Other Requests:

Continue praying for . . .

. . . wisdom to address false doctrines

. . . both kids and adults to understand the Gospel and choose salvation

. . . the girls that are doing weekly Bible studies with me (Irenita, Eva, Rosalia, and Yaneisi).  They haven’t been very faithful the last couple weeks, so pray that they will have the desire to continue and the Devil’s distractions won’t be enough to draw them away from our time of study.

He Did It Again!

Thank you to those of you who have been praying . . . Niña and Leidy both came back this Sunday!  Yep, both of them! 

While I was walking around visiting before church, Leidy told me that she would see me up at the service in a little bit.  We frequently hear that, so I might have been a little bit skeptical; but, true to her word, she came up!  And Niña was already there with her 3 kids when she got there. 

One of the most exciting parts to me was that they both stayed around to talk for a little while afterward!  Leidy talked with Annie about her kids for a bit.  Niña asked me if her son, Adrian, could join the Bible study that Michael does with the teenage boys on Wednesdays now that he is 10 years old.  Adrian made a profession of salvation last spring while my parents were visiting so we can’t wait for him join in the study!  He is a sweet boy and seems to have a tender heart toward the things of the Lord. 

That also gave me the opportunity to ask Niña if she would like to study the Bible with me.  And she said, “Yes.”J    Please pray that she would be able to come this Wednesday.  There will be many things to distract and deter her: she has 3 kids, is pregnant with the fourth, and is substitute teaching in the school every morning; but prayer is powerful, so keep her lifted up this week!

“Ain’t God good . . . 
                                to give us so many blessings?

Undeserving that’s what we are!”

P.S.  Sorry there are no pics.  I forgot my camera Sunday.

First Sunday Back

Leidy with her youngest daughter Yismeidi

Yesterday was my first Sunday back in Concho Primo.  Wednesday was actually my first day back, but this was my first Sunday.  It was so nice to visit with everyone.  We got there early, so I was able to talk to a couple of the ladies for a while - in particular Nina and Leidy, 2 ladies with whom I am wanting to build more of a relationship.  Nina invited me into her house and we talked for a while about the kids, school, family.  It was a nice visit and a huge step for me.  Thank you to those of you who have been praying for me in this area of stepping out of my comfort zone and building new relationships.  Please continue to praying for the salvation of Nina and Leidy.

I had been looking forward to being part of a regular Sunday church service, but the kids had a surprise planned for me!  They had gotten together with Mike and Annie and planned a special day to welcome me back.

First, they had two of the boys bring their horse to guide me up the hill from the batey to the school, where we hold services.  Unfortunately I had worn a jean skirt which is not ideal clothing for riding.  I was not quite sure how I was going to get on the horse, but I ended up riding sidesaddle . . . bareback.  That was a scary experience!  I nearly face-planted in the mud multiple times!   But the boys were nice and went very slow while Claudo made sure that I stayed on. J 

When we arrived at the top of the hill, all of the kids were eagerly awaiting my arrival.  They had decorated the small building in which we hold services with balloon and signs.

They even had a special song prepared to sing during the service! It was priceless!  

Michael and Annie had prepared a video of all the activities of the summer to show after the service.  We hoped that it would encourage some of the moms who only attend sporadically to come up to the service (they love to see photos of themselves and their kids).  It did!  

We had several adults attend, but the most exciting part of all (for me), was to see Leidy come up to a service for the first time!  (for those of you who saw my PowerPoint presentation, you may remember that I said one of my desires was to see her come to a service during these 3 months that I am here. . .  She came the very first Sunday!  Isn’t God good?  I’m not counting on her becoming a regular just yet, but I am so excited to see this first step!  God is at work in her life!  Please continue to pray that I would be able to share the Gospel with her and that she would see that the Gospel is the answer to the joy and purpose of life which she is seeking.)

All-in-all it was a great day.  Between kids and adults we had 49 people in attendance!  I can't wait to see what God has in store for Iglesia Bautista de la Gracia and the people of Concho Primo!

Good Byes

It seems like there are good-byes at every step of the road.  And none are easy.  Good-bye to family.  Good-bye to friends and church family.  Of course, there is a hello on the other end as I arrive at volleyball camp or the DR or wherever the place of ministry might be.  But then eventually there is good-bye to those to whom I have had the privilege of ministering.  No matter when or where, I’ve learned that good-byes are not my favorite. 

But I have learned a few things that have helped me tremendously as I begin to adjust to this life of constant hellos and good-byes. 

1.       God never calls us to more than we can handle.  His grace has proved sufficient in times of homesickness and struggle. 

2.       It is a hundred times easier to say good-bye when you know that you are being obedient to what God has called you to.  I have said good-bye, still doubtful if I was doing the right thing, and I have said good-bye 100% confident that I was right where God had called me.  In the former, I stepped out in fear, terrified of what was to come; in the latter, I stepped out with confidence, knowing in whom I had believed and in whose hand the future was held.   Both types of good-byes held tears, but one of fear the other of momentary sadness.

3.       And last, but not least, good-byes are not forever.  For the most part, I will see all those precious faces again in a few short months after saying good-bye.  But if not, this life is not the end!  What a joyous reuniting that will be one day in Heaven!

All-in-all, I can’t say that I like good-byes; but I am learning to stop dreading the good-bye and the times that will be missed and to start treasuring every moment to the fullest – enjoying the laughs and good times with family and taking advantage of every opportunity to share the Gospel, not knowing if it might be my last.

As I said good-bye last week to those I have grown to love so much in Concho Primo, there was still a twinge of sadness, still a few nagging thoughts of “I wonder how big Yariel will be when I get back. . .” and “Will I be able to pick up right where I left off with Isabela and Leidy when I get back?”  But right behind those thoughts, was the calm assurance that I am simply obeying the Master’s commands.  It is in His hands.  He knows exactly when I will be able to return and what the ministry will be like when I do.  Nothing surprises Him.  I am so thankful for yet another demonstration of His overwhelming grace in my life.  He daily gives me more than I deserve, and in this case, it comes in the form of peace – peace that passes understanding.  He doesn’t have to give it.  He just does because that’s His nature: He is good.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

Mother's Day

Sunday, May 25 was Mother's Day here in the Domincan Repulic. We invited all the mothers to come to our Sunday service so that we could honor them and we held a "Spa Day" the Friday before to pamper them just a little bit (and give them a bit of rest from their work).

These women lead a hard life caring for their families. First of all, there is no running water or electricity in Batey Concho Primo, so every day chores are a lot of work! They spend hours washing clothes by hand, with water that has been retrieved from a nearby pump. Every day, two to three times a day, they cook over an open fire outside of their house. Then, when it is time to clean the dishes, someone has to get more water to clean those! (It is a good thing they train the kids to help from a young age!) In addition to the chores, however, relationships are a struggle too. With the exception of a few, you will not find a father leading any of these families. Several of these women are grandmothers. It is very common here for the grandmothers to care for their grandkids because the parents are either unable to provide for their children or have chosen not to fulfill that responsibility. 

Needless to say, the women loved the idea of a break from the routine when we announced the “Spa Day.” We had about a dozen women come. It wasn’t quite as big of a turnout as we had expected, but it was a great opportunity to get to know these women better. (Sometimes smaller is better). Annie shared a few truths from God’s Word, before heading into the manicures, pedicures, massages, and makeup time. The spa day was nothing profound or extraordinary (Annie, the teenage girls of the batey, and I worked each of the stations, and we are by no means “professional” :)), but it was a great time of relaxation and relationship building. 

One of the most interesting parts of the day, was actually our icebreaker activity. I put a list of “Mom” questions on the board, then we passed out some jelly beans (thank you Pastor and Mrs. Wright for sending the jelly beans:)). Each woman was to choose a question, corresponding to the color of one of their jelly beans. The question that majority chose to answer was: “What is something that you want for your child that you never had?” Their answers were enlightening: every single mom who chose this question said happiness. Wow! I was floored by their honesty (I really had thought that their answers would be something material), and saddened by the fact that, though they all appear so happy on the outside, they are missing out on the joy of knowing Jesus. My prayer request is that we will be able to follow up with these women and see them come to know true happiness. 

On Sunday, we had 15-20 moms and grandmas show up for the Mother’s Day service!  We gave each one a rose, and had the kids deliver cards that they had made for their mothers the day before in our kid’s club, “Niños para Cristo.” It was a great time for them to attend a church service in a "non-threatening way and also to see what their kids have been learning every Saturday and Sunday. (I have to say, though, I think that since the kids have been attending regularly, they are quieter and can still sit still longer than their parents!)

Please pray for wisdom as we try to follow up with these women. And pray that some will come back to church another week. (Imagine what a change we will see in a family when the mother comes to know Christ. Each mother has such a strong influence on their child’s life, imagine what would happen if one mother chose to influence her children in a God-fearing and loving manner!)

Updated Praise and Prayer Requests

Praises:

1. Clarity!

The goal of my 6 months here was to see if this was where God was leading me.  In His faithfulness and kindness, He has made it clear that this is where I am to be.  I feel incredibly blessed to serve Him here.

2.  Faithfulness!  

The kids have always loved to come on Saturdays; but over the last few months, they have really grown in consistency. They finish chores early on Saturdays to come to "Niños para Cristo" and they are ready for the church service when we arrive on Sundays.  They are anxious to learn!

3.  Opportunities to speak the truth!

Satan, in his usual manner, has been fighting the truth that eternal life is received only "by grace." He has sent people who are teaching that you must accept Christ AND "do something."  

But God, in His usual manner, has used this to give us opportunities to speak the truth that salvation is ONLY by grace, that there is no "AND". . . there is nothing we can do to add to His work, it is sufficient!  (I am so grateful that there is no "AND" in the Gospel because He knows there is nothing that I could do to please Him).

Prayer Requests:

1. Salvation

While a few have accepted Christ there are many more who are still blinded to the truth.  Please pray that we will see more eyes opened and more come to Him.

2.  Boldness and Wisdom

It is a bit daunting trying to confront false doctrine in another language, (especially when we are not exactly clear on what is being taught).  Please pray that we would have wisdom both to know what to say and how to say it graciously but boldly as God gives us opportunities to share the truth.  

3.  Summer Plans

I will be returning home in June with lots to do!  I have a few volleyball camps to instruct this summer, plans to make for returning to the DR, support to raise, and (of course) family to see :)

Thank you so much to all of you who are praying for me and for the ministry here.  It means so much to know that you are thinking of me and lifting up this ministry to our awesome God!

The Lord's Work

For quite some time now, God has been working the theme of humility into lessons of all types in my life.  It is humbling to receive money from people instead of earning your own money.  It is humbling to be surrounded by godly pastors and missionaries from whom I have so much to learn.  It is humbling to be loved and missed by family and friends.  Etc, etc.  You get the idea.  Through both the good and the bad, the easy lessons and the hard lessons, God has been revealing the pride and selfishness of my own heart and graciously teaching me humility. 

Just the other day I was reading a blog update written by a fellow missionary (which was very well written, by the way); but as I read the update, it struck me how much we tend to focus on particular ministries as belonging to a certain person.  Not so much in our words – more so in our thoughts.   When I think about a particular “mission field” or ministry,  I tend to think more of the people who are ministering and those to whom they are ministering, than the work that God is doing in that ministry.

We frequently speak of “the Wolfs in South Africa” and “Pastor Jon and Joni in Costa Rica.”  I think of my home church, Memorial Baptist Church and the ministries there:  Pastor Wright leading the church in “inviting others to know and follow Christ”, Pastor Jeff guiding the teenagers, Josh and Brie leading out to the young adults.  Sometimes it just brings a smile to my face to think of what wonderful people they are and what a great work they are doing.  And it is all true!   . . . But what about the God of these great works?  How often do I stop to contemplate Him, when I think of South Africa, Costa Rica, Ohio? 

I titled my blog “Declaring His Works” because that is what I desire to do, but am I?  How quick I am to report what is happening, yet slower to find the words to explain what God is doing.  Or do I even see it?  How many times have I missed seeing His hand at work because I have focused what I did or did not do, should or should not have done.  Don't get me wrong, I know that we need to share the tangible parts of the ministry: the things that we can see, hear, touch, etc.; but I just don't want my focus to end there. (or for that matter to begin there, I want my focus to begin with what God is doing and end with the tangible details).  Lord, forgive me for missing You in the work and help me to focus more on seeing what You have done through others and declaring what You have done for me!

Psalm 145 

I will extol You, my God, O King; 
And I will bless Your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless You,
And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
And His greatness is unsearchable.

One generation shall praise Your works to another,
And shall declare Your mighty acts.

I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty,
And on Your wondrous works.

Salvation!

Isn’t it so exciting to see God work?

It has been evident for some time now that God has been drawing some of the kids in batey Concho Primo closer to salvation, one step at a time.  When I left in June, they seemed so far from understanding the basic truths of the Gospel.  But when I returned it was evident that He had begun to remove the blinders.  Having heard the Gospel countless times, the Holy Spirit was convincing them of their sin and their need of a Savior. 

God set the stage and brought in just the right people to fulfill the role. .  . This week we have a group from Georgia visiting and running a CEF Good News Club.  It “just so happens” that the leaders of the group (Pastor Mark and his wife Cindy) were missionaries in Mexico for almost 20 years and, obviously, are fluent in Spanish.  They came Saturday and today (Monday) and will return tomorrow and Wednesday, Lord willing.  At the close of today’s lesson on Gideon, Cindy shared the Gospel clearly and gave an invitation.  She went outside with the children who wanted to know more, while the others remained inside to play a review game.

Up to this point, we have not really been able to give an invitation of this nature because of the language barrier.  We are able to clearly share the Gospel; but an invitation is a little bit different.  Especially when working with young kids, you tend to have many respond to the invitation that have no idea why they are going to talk to the teacher, they only know that their friend was going so they decided to also.  You want to be sure that they truly understand what it means to be saved and why they need salvation . . . that is very difficult to do without having mastered the language. 

God used Cindy’s knowledge of the language and experience with kids to lead 3 precious souls to Christ!

Praise the Lord for the salvation of 1 girl and two boys!
Praise the Lord for opening the blind eyes to their need of Him!  I don’t know how He convinces us of our sin, but I am so glad that He does! 
Praise God for bringing along just the right person to explain the Gospel on their level, in their language! Praise God that He does all the convicting, convincing, drawing, saving. . .and yet allows us to be a part of it!

Please pray for the new believers: Amanda, Alexandre, and Dauri!
Please pray that more children will be saved this week! 
    In particular, I ask you to pray for Eddy Miguel, Luis, Alejandro, Juan Carlos, and Irenita.

Michael praying with Alexandre after Good News Club today

Discipleship

One of the biggest blessings and privileges that I have received here in the DR, has been the privilege of discipling a new believer.  Marolin is a 13 year old girl who was recently led to the Lord by Mike and Annie.  After turning her life over to Jesus, Marolin and her brother Estarlin have been coming out to batey Concho Primo every weekend with Mike and Annie.  Marolin loves to help with the little kids.  She has a magnetic smile and a sweet personality to which the kids are attracted. 

I was not here to witness the miracle of Marolin’s spiritual birth, but it has been incredible for me to see the miracle of her growth.  You may think that I am using the word miracle lightly here, but that is exactly the word to describe the change in a person’s heart. 

Let me give you a little background before telling you the work that God has done in her.  Marolin has grown up in a culture that “Christianizes” everything.  You hardly meet a person walking down the street who doesn’t believe in God or claim that they either “are” or “were” a Christian.  However, that term can be used to describe Catholic, Pentecostal, Baptist and just about everything in between - as long as you believe in God.  Hopefully you recognize that this is not what the Bible calls a Christian for James says that “even the devils also believe, and tremble.”  One of Satan’s weapons of warfare to keep people trapped in blindness is to convince them that their belief in God is enough.

 About a month ago, Annie and I began meeting with Marolin.  I had never before discipled a brand new believer.  (If you have not either, let me tell you that you are missing out on seeing part of the incredible work of God).  Looking at Marolin and her culture through my human lenses, I saw an impossible task: change her worldview from the “religious” worldview so prevalent here in the DR into a Biblical worldview.  Well, clearly that is not an easy task. 

Marolin is seated in the center, holding the baby;
and Estarlin is wearing the blue striped polo shirt in the back.

Yet, as we have met over the last few weeks, He has been showing me the work that He is already doing in her.  He was already transforming her heart and mind.  I only have to be faithful to show her what the Scriptures say, it is God who does the transforming. 

I was reminded that Jesus said in John 16 that the Holy Spirit will do the convicting, the drawing.  And that is just what He’s done in Marolin’s life.  I didn’t have to explain that we had sinned and needed to be rescued with 45 different fancy explanations, the Holy Spirit had already done His work to show her that she was a sinner.  I didn’t need fancy theology or eloquent words to show her that we needed a Savior.  The Holy Spirit had already removed the blinders and shown her her own need.  No, she didn’t answer all of the questions just right; and, no, her understanding is not complete yet.  But the Holy Spirit has clearly done a work that I could not.  And  we know that “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it!” (Phil. 1:6)

God has begun this worldview shift, this sanctification process, in Marolin’s life.  It’s not complete yet . . .there’s still more to learn (as there always is in each of our lives) and I am so thankful that He is allowing me to be a part of teaching her a little bit more . . .

“With men it is impossible; but not with God, for with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27)

Marolin doing what she loves . . . playing with the kids

Escuela Basica

                         Maria Luz                      Yaniri       (Photo from 2013)

 How it all began . . .

Sometime last spring I was sitting in the pavilion where we meet for church holding Yaniri on my lap.  We were flipping through some of the New Testaments that we had been handing out and came across some of the songs written in the back.  When we found the song "En La Cruz" written in the back, Yaniri got excited and wanted me to sing it with her.  So we did!  But as we were singing . . . I noticed that she was singing the words that we had taught her and following along in a completely different spot with her finger.  It was at this moment, that I realized how many of the kids were working with did not know how to read.  It was like a lightbulb just came on in my brain.  Who knows why I had never thought of it before (I am a teacher after all . . ).  I had eight year old Yaniri look at a few more songs and tell me some of the letters that she saw . . . She could only name a few!

God working "behind the scenes"

Later that evening, I spoke with Mike and Annie about Yaniri's lack of education and asked what they knew about the school there in Concho Primo.  It just so happened that when God first brought Mike and Annie to ministry here in this batey two years ago, He had put it in Mike's heart to build relationships by helping with the "English" class in the school.  Because of this, he not only had a pretty good idea of what their education was like but also had a connection with the teacher and director, which opened the door for me to do what I am doing now - teaching the alphabet/reading every Wednesday!  It is always fun when God lets you see a little bit of what He is doing behind the scenes.

Education in the Concho Primo.

I can't speak for all bateys here in the Dominican, but the education in Concho Primo leaves a lot to be desired.  A teacher comes from San Pedro everyday by bus/motorcycle (unless it is raining or something "more important" comes up).  Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades meet in the morning from 8:00-12:00 (in theory) in a one-room schoolhouse.  In reality, it is rare to have all of the kids attend on one day and those who do attend, frequently don't show up 'till closer to 8:30.  Attendance is very sporadic in batey Concho Primo. Third and 4th grades meet in the same classroom from 1:00 - 4:00.  Fifth grade and up meet in a different school (a much larger one) in the nearby city of Ramon Santana.

I'm sure you can imagine how difficult it would be to be a teacher in these circumstances.  First of all, it is difficult to teach kindergarten and second grade at the same time.  Secondly, Maria, the teacher, doesn't have a lot of resources to work with.  Thirdly, you may have different kids show up each day of the week and you have to pick up where you were yesterday even though only 2 or 3 students were there for lesson yesterday.

As a result of the poor attendance and these gaps in education, many of the students have been held back (some numerous times).  Most of the kindergarten students are 5 or 6, but once you get past kindergarten the ages vary greatly.  We have a 9 year old in first grade who does not know any of the alphabet.  We also have a 13 year old in second grade who only knows a few letter.  Most of the students in the morning session (k-2nd) are still learning the alphabet, but not all . . .we do have a 9 year old in second grade who is an excellent reader!  Most of the students in the afternoon session (3rd-4th) can read (with just a few exceptions) and have been loving seeing new books each week.  However, even in the afternoon, the ages vary greatly, the third and fourth graders range in age from 9 to 15!

All that to say . . .

It has been a joy for me and Annie to work with these kids every week!  I love helping them succeed, and their faces light up each time it is their turn to come!  My three main goals going into this were 1) help each student reach the next step in their education whether it be learning the alphabet, sounding out words, or reading a short chapter book; 2) spend one-on-one time with each child each week; and 3) (the ultimate goal) teach them to read with understanding so that when we see them come to know Christ they will be able to read His Word!

Blogging

Ok, so I think I have finally committed to this blogging thing . . . 

First of all, I sat down to write a update letter on what's happening in the ministry here and it was too overwhelming to write.  So I thought it would be a lot easier to write a blog post about some of the major things that happen instead of a big long update.  And besides, sometimes when I am posting pictures to Facebook, I want to write more of an explanation than just a caption.  

Secondly, there have been several times recently while reading my Bible or sitting in church that I wanted to share what I had learned with several people but just can't call or write e-mails to each one.  So, for the first time in my life, I found myself wanting to write blogposts! (it's a bit of a weird feeling for me, so I figured I'd better get started with it now!).  

To keep it from being too overwhelming, I am going to write a couple updates at a time. I will try to write about each aspect of the ministry here at some point . . . but it may take a while to get them all covered.  I just hope I can figure out how to move the pictures around on my blogpost this time . . .