We're here

We are finally in the Dominican Republic. Check back soon for updates.

Burn it all?

I woke up yesterday morning eager to share with my children the word that God put on my heart. I leaped out of bed and woke them all up. I sat them all down, oblivious to the fact that Ruben was on a very intense telephone call. I felt they really needed to hear this and they needed to hear it now! Once they all cleared the sleep out of their eyes and sat on the sofa I began to read, I Kings 19:19-21 NLT "So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away. Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, 'First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!' Elijah replied, 'Go on back, but think about what I have done to you.' So Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them. He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant."

I then went on to explain to them that God was calling us to do the same. We can’t hold on to our lives here in the U.S if He is calling us to the D.R. We must burn it all. In our hearts and in our minds, we’ve got to give it all up. I felt the power of the Lord rising in me as I spoke. It was a special moment-for me anyway! The children have all crossed that road. Why then was the Lord speaking so strong?

Ruben later called me into the room to let me know that after much prayer, thought and counsel, he’d decided that we would only take the items we need for now with us and the rest would have to stay here. His words were like a shock to my system. I felt like a big fist had pounded me in the chest!

“You mean I have to leave the leather sofas?” I asked as I held back the tears.

“Yes sweetie, the sofas stay here.”

“And the dining room table that seats all of us and our friends so wonderfully?”

“Yes babe, the table too.”

“My computer cabinet?”

“That too.”

Perhaps you can see where this was going.

I had spent weeks talking to shipping companies and packing to move our household. My mind was in going in circles. Why was he changing his mind?

“Vicki, God wants us to trust Him. I don’t have peace from Him about moving everything.”

I couldn’t respond. I trust Ruben, I trust God. Yet my heart began to ache.

My day was spent packing our necessary items, then trying to figure out what to do with the rest! I don’t think that I’ve ever been stressed at that level before. I was cranky, I was mean, I was having an emotional breakdown. I pushed away loved ones and even grieved the Spirit that abides within me. My response was horrible.

Later that evening, Ruben saw my need to get away. He piled us all into the truck and took us to get ice cream. On the way home, the Holy Spirit reminded me of the scripture that I was so eager to read this morning. It was for me, not the children. They’ve burned their bridges. I was still holding on to mine.

After some prayer time with a wonderful friend, Pastor Dwight Linyear, Ruben and I were reminded that we can’t love both God and money. We can’t love both God and things.

How could I be so insensitive to what He was trying to tell me that morning? Following Him means to burn everything that will keep you from pursuing Him with your all. The sofas, the table, the cabinet, even my tea set hindered me from going after Christ’s will with all of my heart. All of the time spent on the phone, computer and faxes with shipping companies could have been better spent in the Word.

So now, I have no problem releasing the items. I don’t want anything to keep me from serving my Master with everything in me!

Vicki

Letting Go

Packing sure brings back memories. Whether it was a good one or a bad one-it is still etched in our hearts. Today during our family devotion time, we reminisced on our life here in the U.S. God has been good to us. He healed us when were sick. He provided our needs when we lacked. He comforted us in sadness. He befriended us when we were lonely.

Leaving is sad, so sad that our hearts may ache. Departing can be so gut wrenching that our stomachs may twist. Goodbyes are often so dreary that our eyes burn with tears. Yet, we must go on. Not half heartedly, but with all of who we are. We must go. There are lives waiting for us on an island in the midst of the Caribbean Sea. Lives that await the same assurance of a Savior that we have. Lives that need to be lifted from the pit and safely bought to the arms of our loving Lord.

If it were not for Him, we would stay. Comfort beckons us. The familiar summons us. Our own flesh tempts us to remain. Yet, we must let go. We choose to go. Obeying and following our Father is the only way we know.

When our sacrifice is compared to that of our Savior's, it seems so miniscule. The amazing fact is that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will accompany us. The same healer, provider and friend that He's been to us here in the states will be with us in the Dominican Republic.

Thank you for your support. Your investment will help us to bring H.O.P.E to those in need in the Dominican Republic.

Vicki

Going Away Party

We will have a going away party at Lindsley Park in Dallas on May 24 at 1pm. Please come with a memory of our time together to share and a picnic lunch for your family. We'll play lots of games and hear an encouraging word from our pastor Brad Weir.

We hope to see you there!

Time is Winding Down

The reality of our move is beginning to hit home. I (Vicki) am teary eyed this morning as I've remembered special times here in the US. God has truly blessed our family with great friends and family. He has surrounded us with many God fearing folks who have encouraged us to pursue Christ at a deeper level.

I must admit that I'm afraid. Afraid of the unkown. Afraid of possibly not acquiring Godly relationships there as I have here. Afraid...of so many things. Yet, He says that He has given me a spirit of fear; but of love, power and a sound mind! So I lay my fears at His feet this morning and I totally trust and surrender all of who I am to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He has never failed.

Please keep praying for us. We have lots of catching up to do. Pray that our family will remain committed to God's purposes and that we won't get off track.

If we feel fear or not, we are leaving. We are determined to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back!

Blessings to you all!

To Our Supporters

Our hearts are filled with a tremendous gratitude for all that God is doing in our lives and for the support that you have committed to us. Because of you and the grace of God, a dream that God has so profoundly placed upon our hearts is finally coming true and many lives worldwide will be touched. The comfort of knowing that we have friends who are willing to support us in prayer and finances has been an enormous part of enabling us to reach our goal.

Everyday we are struck with the reality that our time here in the U.S. is running short. As we are gradually approaching May 25th (our day of departure), we are still in the process of preparation for this journey. We are aware that many of you have pledged to support us financially while we are in the Dominican Republic; therefore, one of our greatest needs right now is to clarify with you the amount of support you are committing to us on a monthly basis. Will you prayerfully consider a gift of $100 or more per month? We understand that some cannot give that much. Please know that any amount will be greatly appreciated.

Although our appreciation for you cannot be described through mere words, we desire to let you know that you are a major investments in our lives, the Kingdom of God, in the lives of many others and in the lives of many generations to come. Be aware of the fact that because of this decision that you have made, other lives will be transformed. Know that God is pleased as you work to enhance His kingdom in any way possible.

There are so many words to describe our emotions of appreciation towards you, yet after putting it all together, it all sums up to… Thank You!

In Christ,

The Dominguez Family