First Fruits

Hello from the Dominican Republic!

We have now been here for a month, and rejoice that there is already fruit from our labor; or, to be more specific, Abel's labor while I tended the baby. Much of our organized ministry will not begin until the school year starts, giving us time to get things here prepared, but Abel has been working hard with the vocal and instrumental group that leads the worship service at Quisqueyana Baptist. This octet plus piano, guitar, violins, and clarinet has a lot of talent, but the lack of a musically equipped director showed in their performance. A few Sundays later, and we are already seeing the difference. Although the children's ministry has not yet resumed, a group of excited children met Abel at the door of the church yard the Wednesday after English Camp ended.

Music isn't the only reason we're here, though; it's only a tool we use to give the Gospel. It's what opened the door for us to live in Juan Tomas, where we can be involved with the school children here. Apart from the school, there is a large Haitian population in the area to which God is opening the doors for outreach. This is truly a field that is “white unto harvest”, as shown by the recent salvation decisions made by Haitian workers on the dairy goat farm – one of which Abel was able to lead to Christ yesterday morning. We are happy to be serving the Lord here in the Dominican Republic.

A few prayer needs are:

• Wisdom and spiritual strength from the Lord for our family and ministry
• Continued provision, safety, & health
• Our housing: we are currently in a one-bedroom apartment that is simply not big enough for long term. We chose this to paying $300-$500 in monthly rent. There will possibly be a larger apartment available to Fountain of Life School for on of their teachers and family, and we have submitted our name for consideration (we understand there are others interested in this apartment as well). May the Lord's will be done, and no civil war started in Juan Tomas over this residence!! The decision will be made by the Logos Foundation (which owns the apartment) when it is completed in October.
• Internet: still few and far between!

On the lighter side, it is hot, humid, and sunny. I have started hanging the cloth diapers out to dry, although that usually ends by a rush to get almost-dry diapers in before a surprise rain shower gets past the first few drips. I am eyeing the diaper-drying area as a good place to put a potted garden of herbs, green beans, and lettuce (if I can manage to get something to serve as pots for free or a very reasonable price (like almost free). The hot, sweaty baby likes his cool baths. He is hoping to be able to get from Point A to Point B soon by himself without having to accomplish it through rolling over several times. He seems to have a smile for everybody here, and particularly for those whom he associates with his aunts and uncles that have mysteriously vanished and now live in the computer via Skype.

Until next time!