End of January 2024 Update
And we’re off in a cloud of dust…
…already ministering in the Dominican Republic, retrofitted with a new knee, rehabbed by Hawaiian sunshine, refueled by family and friends, reconnected to beloved believers in Goldsboro, and re-inspired by the Word in 21 Days of Prayer! How good it is to take some time, recharge, count our blessings, and listen for direction.
And of course, there have already been hitches in my carefully thought-out plans! My intention to link our suitcases together with luggage straps so we could push them effortlessly down long airport corridors (no kidding, I’ve seen it done!!!) only works if ALL wheels remain attached…which was decidedly NOT the case after this, the first of our many flights. Our son, who has painful experience in this area, says: “International suitcases are a lot like disposable toothbrushes: one use and you’re done.” Lodging a claim in the Dominican is “easy”…you bring the empty suitcase back to the airport (a 3-hour drive), and they’ll send it to Dallas for repair, letting you know when it’s ready. “How long will that take?” we queried. “¿Quién sabe?“ he shrugged. “Dallas está muy lejos.” Yes, it sure is.
As is all-too-frequent where we travel, our carefully prepared entry papers required a "little extra gift" to ensure they were in order. We smiled, looked at each other, and said, “Welcome back!” And as we inched our way to Bani in traffic snarled by rain, serenaded by impatient horn blasts, gazing at houses barricaded behind locked gates, razor wire, and iron shutters, it was still wonderfully familiar and comforting…because God loves these people and they are hungry for Him.
In the DR, we are staying with missionary pastors Jaime and Jacqueline in Bani (the mission house is not yet complete but will be soon…the principal mission construction team is due at the end of February), being spoiled by their good Dominican cooking, and immersed in Spanish again. A refresher is certainly in order; it’s discouraging how much ease we’ve lost in two years of neglect! These pastors’ ministry has exploded; they’re building chapels, planting churches, training pastors, spearheading food programs (which ALWAYS include the Gospel), training disciples to make disciples, managing microloans, liaising with schools, partnering with other ministries, and conducting Saturday Kid’s Churches among the Haitians refugees who are despised and persecuted in this country, even (sadly) by Christian communities. Always, always, always…the Gospel is first and foremost. Pastor Jaime has organized 12 formal training opportunities for Peter and me, not to mention visits with the Haitian pastors whose churches were planted this year because of disciple-making classes. Peter is like a hog in mud, thrilled to be back in the field.
Meanwhile, as they say, “back at the ranch,” in Thailand and M________, medical missions into the interior continue. Just as some of our teams use water filters to convince village chiefs to allow their people to hear the message of Jesus, so does the prospect of medical attention open doors into places normally off-limits to evangelists.
A challenge in raising chickens in Asia is the predator contingent (rats, snakes, cats) looking for an easy meal; the defenses are constantly under attack by determined invaders. Only the most vigilant of farmers are successful. Our Pastor sustained some losses before fortifying his defenses beyond what we ever imagined was necessary and now his chickens are thriving and laying eggs unmolested.
We do ask for prayer for our Brazilian missionaries whose ministry to the Burmese refugees in MaeSai has been under almost constant attack by hostile, drug-influenced neighbors, which has resulted in the closing of their learning center. This, while upsetting, is no surprise to our LORD. As they reorganize, we know that what the enemy meant for evil, God will turn to good; it’s just a question of trusting Him and waiting for direction. Please pray for peace and clarity in their ministry.
As we plan, God willing, to visit and expand existing ministry partnerships, the word “stewardship” and the responsibility and privilege that entails is impressed upon our hearts. Pray that we may be wise stewards, first, of the precious message of Grace God entrusted to us to be shared with all. Secondly, pray that we are good stewards of the trust, confidence, and resources you have invested in us to spread this precious message.
"And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." Matthew 24:14