March 2022
With the Ides of March upon us and, God willing, a return trip to the States beckoning, we’ve been looking back over the past few months in the Dominican Republic with wonder and thanks at what God has allowed us to do. Some people say, “Numbers don’t matter.” A pastor we admire greatly says, “Of course, I count salvations and baptisms! I count what matters. For instance, I don’t say… Oh, I’ve got somewhere between four and six children…I say I’ve got five because what I’m counting is important.”
And so, in the spirit of counting “Things that Matter,” we want you to know what YOUR support has done to further the Kingdom in this season in the Dominican.
· Six-week courses in discipleship completed in the DR = 11
· Pastors and leaders fully equipped to make disciples = 412
· Microloans to pastors to support their microbusinesses = 7
· Rescue homes for at-risk children in Asia supported = 3
· Children supported in rescue homes = 67
· Pastors supported who are carrying on the discipling work in Asia = 7
· Watchdogs won over and semi-civilized = 1
· Chicks hatched and fledged = 47…no, 54…no, 61….no, 70… (oh, forget it!)
Our last three groups for discipleship training could not be more different! The first group meets on a dirt road in a simple tin-roof Haitian church, speaking Creole as their first language. The electricity may or may not function. Peter says a statement in his Zimbabwean accent, Emily translates in her excellent Spanish, there is a pregnant pause while the listeners do the mental gymnastics required to sort it all out, there are collective smiles and nods...and then we do the next sentence. Despite the language obstacles, they are a willing and enthusiastic group, full of energetic young people anxious to become Ambassadors for Christ. Of all those we’ve taught, Haitians, who have the least materially, are the most committed to evangelism.
The second, a group of bible school students in that country-that-must-not-be-named, participate by Zoom each week and put their training directly into practice out in the villages. They are true Luke 10 practitioners, going out two-by-two, seeking a Person of Peace, and training those people who are open to God to establish house churches that spread to other locations. Their very capable pastor translates everything into Burmese and is faithful in helping them practice between sessions, so their progress is rapid and encouraging.
The third is another Dominican overflow group with far more than the requested 30 participants, which is always problematic. However, they are organized with child-care so everyone can participate, already involved in outreaches, and clamoring for practical evangelism strategies. How incredibly blessed we are to be working with groups anxious for teaching, and leaving teams ready, willing, and equipped to carry on!
And meanwhile, back at the ranch, life goes on. Chickens? Well, we’ve got ‘em coming and going. While Google maintains bull sharks have the most testosterone in the animal kingdom, young roosters apparently aren’t too far behind. Between the crowing, the stare-downs, and the bullying, it’s enough to drive El Jefe (the main rooster) and me (the main peacekeeper) to distraction. I finally appealed to the landlord, who banished about 12 of the most pugilistic (I purposely did not ask where they went), so now there is (temporarily, at least) “peace in the valley.” In other drama, we’ve brokered an uneasy peace with the junkyard dog who roams free at night. However, I still wear a padded jacket to catch and tie him up in the morning, lest he forgets he is reformed!
When I drink coffee on the porch in the mornings, listening to CeCe Winans and observing our backyard menagerie, I marvel how well the psalmist, Moses, knew his poultry. He might have been watching Tiger Mama when he described the protection of our Heavenly Father: “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
And so, very shortly, we’ll be throwing our stuff into suitcases, doling out the last of the chicken feed, praying the chicks of two new mamas will appear before we leave, saying tearful goodbyes to the dear friends we’ve made here, and contemplating the hoops through which we must jump in order to return home to see family and friends. Please pray for God’s protection over our travels, and His blessing and favor on our pending visa applications for various countries.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1