Hello ADTH family,
I must be completely transparent... I have written and rewritten this letter at least fifty times. I just can't seem to find the words to express all God did during our trip to the Dominican Republic AND all He has provided for the people of Haiti affected by the earthquake. So, I am just going to act as if we are old friends getting coffee and catching up. Are you good with that? 😉
Since we last talked…
- ADTH has taken our very first mission trip to the Dominican Republic
- A 7.2 earthquake hit Haiti on August 14th
- We deployed our first all-Haitian mission team to Au Cayes to help with earthquake relief
Man, what a month!
It has been over a year and a half since we have been able to go out on the mission field. The moment our bus pulled up to the first village on Sunday morning and the sweetest little boy came over and grabbed my hand and… my heart exploded! It was as if a snuffed-out fire inside me had been reignited and erupted in my chest.
We had the privilege of sharing the Gospel with over 100 children (and the adults hanging in the windows) through Vacation Bible School. Our mission team prayed with and provided food for over 100 families in two different villages. We got dirty helping repair a school. Most importantly, we saw God move. Not only did He move in the lives of children and people in the D.R., but we also saw Him move in our lives. Twelve people came with us on this trip. Each person was there for an exact purpose, a specific reason. It was a beautiful thing to experience. We met new friends and fell head over heels in love with some of the most precious kiddos ever! The faces in the picture attached to this email aren't just great faces. They are real people. They are real men, women, and children who have etched their names and faces on our hearts!
On every trip we lead, Brent and I ask, "What was your high and low for the day?" The highs are too numerous to type, but for me, the greatest low was the lostness of so many of the people we encountered. The Lord quickly reminded me that we are not the Holy Spirit. Our group was in the Dominican Republic to share Him, point others to Christ, and plant seeds. That is what we did. We were able to share the Gospel with so many. It was beautiful. Many people asked question, sought to know more and even investigated how to get involved with a church close to them. GOD MOVED! He allowed us to share about Him and plant those seeds. Now, we trust and believe that He will water and nurture those seeds.
If we could be so bold, we ask you to join us in praying for:
- Maria :: Maria is married and expecting her first child. She wants and needs to be discipled. Pray that the Lord would bring her a “Barnabas” to come alongside her, encourage her and teach her!
- William :: We didn't get to actually meet William, but we met his wife. She desperately wants her husband to know the Lord.
- Alvin :: Alvin is a teenage boy living with his grandmother, younger brother, and cousins. He was very attentive to what we were sharing and asked that we would pray for him. Please join us in praying that the Lord would captivate his heart, and that he would become our brother in Christ.
These three are just a few of the people we encountered; do you see now why these people's mark will forever be imprinted on our hearts?
Shortly after we arrived home, we received the news that another large earthquake hit Haiti. Praise the Lord the areas we serve and the people we know and love were not directly affected. However, it did trigger some scary memories for many. Hours after the earthquake, we were informed that the community served by Pastor Arnold’s best friend in ministry was devastated by the natural disaster.
Upon receiving this news and with the help of amazing people like you, we were able to wire money, buy supplies, and send our first fully-Haitian mission team to Au Cayes, Haiti, to feed hundreds of hurting and devastated families. For three weeks in a row, we have been able to provide food and water to those most affected by the earthquake. Not only did this mission team transport and distribute, but they also evangelized through the villages adjacent to the church in La Saline. Because of this, eight people gave their lives to Christ! AGAIN, GOD MOVED… HE IS MOVING!
We are truly standing in awe of all our Father is doing, and we trust and believe even greater things are yet to come. I leave you with this:
“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power
20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.”
Eph. 1:19 - 20
We believe in the incredible greatness of God's power.
ONLY HE CAN MOVE THE MOUNTAINS.
Please join us in praying for the people of the Dominican Republic, the people of Haiti, and that He would move the mountains for us to be able to get back to Haiti to serve the people we love so much.
We sincerely love and appreciate each one of you. Thank you for allowing us to share what God is doing in and through A Door To Hope.
A Door To Hope