A Happy and Blessed 2024 to you, our dear readers and supporters. 

We are so grateful for the many ways you have blessed us through your prayers, financial support, and visits to the D.R.

 ”Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.”

(‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬)

This has been a year of changes and struggles.  In July my mom’s health began to decline, and I (Ketly) spent two months in Florida helping with her care.  In November, my 102 year old mom took a turn for the worse and passed from this life into eternity with her Savior on Nov. 3. ”Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid“ (‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬). I received that peace from God at the bedside of my mother, and I believe God gave me a new strength so that I can now extend His comfort to others who are in distress. 

On Nov. 18, the day of my mom’s funeral service, Vital’s stepmother died.  Vital and I were then able to accompany Vital’s family through the process of funeral details and grief.  Once again, the comfort I had received from God, I was able to extend to Vital’s siblings – especially his sister.  I had never imagined that I would need to share this newfound strength and peace from God so soon! 

Then on Dec. 18, IM’s missionary to the Dominican Republic, Madeline Flores-López  – our dear friend and colleague– died suddenly in San Cristóbal. This was such a shock to so many people in the D.R., Puerto Rico, and the USA.  Madeline was scheduled to receive a team from Puerto Rico on Dec. 22, and with God’s help, I accompanied this team.  I was able to extend God’s grace, peace, and comfort to the team and to the folks in the bateyes that were grieving Madeline’s death.  God had prepared me for this without me even knowing what the future would hold.  And at the end of December, I was able to travel to Puerto Rico to visit with Madeline’s family and participate in a celebration of Madeline’s life at the funeral home.  I praise God that He brings comfort and peace to us as we grieve.

The insecurity continues with the Haitian immigrants in the D.R.  Police and immigrationofficers take Haitians randomly before and after work and often send them back to Haiti. 

There is so much underlying stress because Haitians are targeted as they go about their daily lives. 

Please pray for Haiti and for this unsettling and often desperate situation for Haitians in the D.R.

Vital continues to accompany the immigrants in the Community Center, and the pastors from the Alliance of Baptist Churches are called upon almost constantly to speak on behalf of arrested Haitian immigrants.  Because of the fear, many Haitians stay in their homes and do not have funds to buy food.  The churches have accepted so many responsibilities.

                                                                              PLEASE KEEP PRAYING!  PLEASE KEEP PRAYING! – for Haiti and the D.R.–

that God will help us proceed with hope in the midst of despair.

”We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia (and here in the Dominican Republic).   We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, … But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.“                             ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Thank you again for your love, prayers, and support, and please continue to walk with us as we share God’s love and hope with all those we encounter.