Ready for Heaven?

A few of us found ourselves lost one starry night as we strolled throughout our new neighborhood! My precious four year old Starr looked up towards the heavens and said, “Jesus, I’m not ready to go to heaven yet. Please let us find our way home!” The rest of us enjoyed a hearty laugh at Starr’s request. As we found our way home, she stopped in the middle of the street with hands lifted up and said, “Jesus, thank you for bringing us back home. One day I will go to heaven, but not yet!”

Although her prayer was delightful and amusing, it was true for 94% of Dominicans. Few are not ready to go to heaven as Starr prayed. So many need to find their way home. We are continually grateful to God for choosing us to reach them.

God has given us many ways to reach out to those around us. The best way has been to live a life of Godliness before them. Many know the scriptures, but don’t live them. Many attend church services, just to go back to a life of sin. In light of the realities we face, God has made it clear that we MUST live His word before all. Thus, those who watch us are changed.

Let’s take our neighbor Marco for instance. He would watch us out of the window for days. Then he decided to come to one of our movies. After watching the movie, he stayed to talk for a while. Each day he comes by to visit with Ruben. He always leaves impressed. He now attends our church services every Sunday! Ruben preached a message about faith the first Sunday that Marco visited. He focused on the woman with the issue of blood during his message. Marco was amazed because his mom has had the same problem for a few months. We went to their house to pray that day and she is now doing better. Please pray that Marco will give his life to Christ.

Cesar is a pastor’s son. Everyone thought that he would also grow up to be a pastor, but he lived the past four years of his life in sin. He has spent countless hours sharing his heart with Ruben and has now given his life to Christ and is helping us in many ways. He picks up church members who don’t have cars each Sunday. He chauffeurs Ruben and I everywhere! He helps our family face the various un-expected trials that confront newcomers to this country. He also invites new people to church each week! Please pray that he will continue to grow in his walk with the Lord and fulfill the call that God has placed on his life.

Then there is a single mom named Carmen. She was brutally beaten by her boyfriend the night before she attended our service for the first time. I spent some time sharing God’s truth with her about her value to Him. She believed what I said and accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior that day. She now faithfully attends service each week with her children. She has left that boyfriend and is growing in her walk with the Lord. Please pray that she will continue to press forward and not turn back to sin.

Carmen’s eldest daughter didn’t want to speak to me the first time I saw her. She had just watched her mom get beat and left for dead. She was afraid of everyone. I asked Selina to spend some time with her. By the end of the service, she was hugging us. Now, she runs to us when she sees us! What a delight to see God move in her heart. Please pray that she will grow to be a witness for the Lord and a bright light that shines in her home.

I cannot leave out the Fernandez family. The husband, Jaime, did not want to have anything to do with God or the church until he met Ruben. Now he is the one who wakes everyone up each Sunday morning and helps his wife get the children ready for service. His wife called me the other day to tell me that she is doing her homework from our Sunday School class and that she is very happy to be growing in Christ. Please pray that this family will continue to seek the Lord and grow to be strong pillars in His kingdom.

The Land
We are still looking at other properties. It has not been easy for us to let go of the mountain. We are still praying for a miracle since they have not yet sold it. Please join us in this prayer.

Our Family
We have started school! Our routine is not as great as we would like it to be. We have lots of distractions each day. Visitors come on a daily basis. We’ll get this part down soon!
We are looking at schools for Jonathan and Selina. Please pray for wisdom as they continue their education.

Orphans
Our paper work probably won’t be done until the end of August or September. Keep praying as God prepares our hearts and our home for more children.

Thanks to all who have faithfully given. We would not be able to continue this work without your support! You are special to us. Please let us know what your prayer needs are as well and we will lift you up before the Father during our family prayer time. We love you all! Continue to be servants of our king!

More pictures are coming soon!

*Names of the above have been changed. I’m sure you understand why.