Sharing Truth in Santo Domingo

Today started out with a wonderful devotion from Maggie teaching us the story of Jesus commissioning Peter to feed His sheep and lambs. It was inspiring as we went out today to a small community in Santo Domingo called Las Victorias. The community was originally built by the government to house displaced flood victims, and is set far off the main road among fields of sugarcane, corn, and banana trees. All the houses are connected, cinder block structures, so it was easy to visit many families. Right as we pulled up, we saw a group of Jehovah’s Witnesses going door to door.  I am sure it was no accident that we showed up at the same time!

We split into groups, and the first family my group met with was Deborah and her son Jose. Deborah is nine months pregnant with a girl she plans to name Genesis. Sadly, her husband recently abandoned his family for another woman. She shared that she had been to church, but she no longer attended and often felt she didn’t measure up. She was also made to feel ashamed that she didn’t have much money to give to God. I was able to share the gospel with her as Marian translated, and we also shared the story of the widow’s offering from Luke 21. She told us that after hearing our stories and teachings she felt a weight had been lifted off of her shoulders. Then Jordan prayed the most beautiful prayer over Deborah and her family.

Next, we visited Lissy, Eva, and Sandra. Lissy is also nine months pregnant and doesn’t attend church. She invited us into her home, and Benjie spent some time going through the gospel. She said that she had heard something similar from other visitors in the past, but it was different. Benjie explained that faith is a free gift from God and that it is by grace you are saved and not by works. Eva said that she felt very happy after she heard the gospel, and we were elated when all three showed up at the church later on.

The afternoon was filled with fun. About 40 children arrived at the church around 2 pm and many of their moms came as well. (In fact, they just kept showing up, more and more!) Regina shared the story of Daniel in the lions’ den, and then we played a few games with the children to reiterate how God rescued Daniel and how he has provided a Rescuer for us all. I can’t tell you how much fun we all had! I hope the pictures will give you an idea of the joy we all shared with one another. David spent time sharing the gospel with many of the women who came to the church and encouraged them to continue growing in Christ.

It was a wonderful day, and although the days have been long and hot, we can’t wait to do it again tomorrow! Thanks for reading and praying, everyone!

-Dossie