As it was Sunday, we had two church services today. The first church was at Soto. It was the church that we had done painting in yesterday. Our stupendous cooks, Morena and her family, attend this church, so it was special to worship with them. Two young men, Caleb and Gabriel, were very nervous about sharing their testimonies; but God used them and they did a wonderful job.
Before our evening service we had a meeting with missionaries, Mitch and Debbie. They were so kind to us in opening their home and treating us like family all week. Hearing the story of how they became missionaries inspired many of the students who also feel that call. We admire how they have persisted here in the DR in spite of many trials and tribulations. Spending time with their son, Josh, and his family was hilarious. (Josh tells the
funniest jokes!) Josh has a caring wife, Carina and an adorable 13 month old son named Ken, who we have all enjoyed getting to know.
This evening we headed out to the Rieles church for our final time ministering together. John, Danielle and Josh shared from their hearts and everyone was moved by their messages. We even recruited the pastor, Gemuel, to take the spot in one of our dramas as the "ninja." One of the cool moments about returning to this church was hearing a testimony of how God had already answered some of the prayers we offered up on Tuesday. Every time we go to this church, we are overwhelmed by the presence of the Holy Spirit. As we were nearing the end of the service, many students became emotional as they realized this would be our last official ministry opportunity together. One student mentioned that the worship we were sharing reminded her of what heaven would probably be like. Another student mentioned that this was not "the end." We all need to continue this as we head home on Tuesday.
In case you have seen some unfamiliar faces in the photos on the blog, I'd like to introduce some great young men we have had the pleasure of meeting here. Jesse and Ryan are interns here with Mitch and Debbie. They are from New Jersey. We have adopted them into our team and have been blessed by their never-ending prayer, servants' hearts and noisy laughter. Although the first day they sat on the outside of our Family Time circle, they have been an integral part of all of our times here. They have blessed us with great advice, funny stories, and so much prayer. Ryan even made his debut as the muscle man in the sin chair drama. He did an amazing job. They have just kept our spirits high and they have helped us so much with little things like clearing the table and washing the dishes. Jesse shared the following experience that happened tonight at our service.
While we were all in the church service, he noticed a young boy standing by our bus. Jesse motioned for the young man to come and join us in the service but the boy tugged at his torn shirt, indicating that he was not dressed well enough to come to church. Jesse insisted and the boy did come to the window and listened intently to part of the service. When Jesse returned to check on the boy, he wasn't there anymore. Jesse was disappointed and prayed for somehow God to continue the work He had begun. After a short while, the boy returned with a new, somewhat better, torn shirt. He entered the service this time and at the end of the service Jesse was able to pray with him. Isn't it amazing how God shows up when we seek Him with all of our hearts?
Tomorrow we will wake up early and head to the resort for a day of reflection and relaxation. Please pray for traveling mercies and don't worry, moms, we will use our sunscreen!
