At this season of Thanksgiving, we are GRATEFUL for you who so generously support us through prayer and through unselfish giving to missions.  We realize that this is a difficult time throughout the world, yet you have been faithful to support the mission of Christ through International Ministries.  We have been able to continue serving here in the Dominican Republic, doing the work the Lord has called us to because of all of you who are our partners in mission.  Thank you!  God bless you!

Since our last newsletter, wonderful things have happened. 

WE REJOICE

We have received the funds we needed to be able to purchase the land surrounding the Community Center. How exciting that we will be able to expand our ministries!  THANK YOU, donors!!!  And of course, there will always be other needs at the community center that require funding if you are inclined to give.

The Community Center is thriving. Vital continues to walk alongside the Haitians in the neighborhood giving documentation support, leading Bible studies, and discipling Monique and Michaelle who lead the Oasis Church which meets at the center. Ketly also meets with Monique and Michaelle weekly to pray and assist them in their learning since they have not been to seminary yet. 

WE REJOICE

The Oasis Church continues to grow, and there are many young people coming who are excited about serving Christ.

English classes are meeting at the Community Center via Zoom and are taught by Katie in the USA.  Presently, she is using the fruits of the Spirit as her English teaching focus, and she is sharing her life with the students.  During classes, Ketly assists as needed with translation and interpretation since many of the students are new immigrants from Haiti.

We have opportunities to preach throughout the Haitian community, and we spend much time interceding for people through prayer. 

Brian and Lynette Smith and their sons Ricky and Calen have arrived in La Romana and once settled in. They will be working alongside us to spread the Good News of Christ through their gifts to the many Haitian immigrants in our midst.

We were part of the dedication ceremony for the newly completed house of Pastor Santiago.  This was a dream come true and was made possible through the generosity of US work teams and helpers here. Pastor Santiago is now paying it forward by joyfully assisting in the building of a house for a single mother of our community.

WE REJOICE

A new pastor, José Luis, is continuing the work of the Agua de Siloé Church in Punta Cana.  José Luis is part of the second cohort of students in the Master of Theological Studies program provided by Palmer Seminary here in the Dominican Republic.

We ask your prayers for:

Pastors and congregations that are struggling during this time of the pandemic. Our pastors need a lot of encouragement because many feel overwhelmed and are carrying a heavy weight for the concerns of their church family.

The discipleship classes being held via zoom.

Ketly who discovered a lump in her breast two months ago; and after multiple scans and procedures, she is still awaiting a diagnosis.  She keeps her eyes fixed upon the Lord, and in the midst of waiting continues to be grateful for “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”

Please know that although short term mission trips to the Dominican Republic are on hold for now, there are still ways that you can impact lives here. Zoom can be used for pastors to give seminars to pastors, teachers to give workshops to teachers, etc.  If God touches your heart to create a class, please be in touch with us. The possibilities are endless.

We will be on “home” assignment beginning late summer of 2021 and look forward to engaging with many of you.  Any church that would like us to visit them sometime in August through the end of November, please contact Susan Brown who is doing our scheduling. Her contact info is:  812-546-2297 (home), 989-948-8428 (cell), or indiabrowns@yahoo.com.