Dominican and Haiti Updates

"If God is for us, then who can be against us."

Romans 8:31

As the Sports Outreach team of G.O. Ministries, we have spent a lot of time praying about where God wants us to go. As a whole, G.O. partners with a large number of churches and pastors in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Because there are so many, it has taken some time to make our way around to meet everyone, but it was definitely weighing heavy on our hearts to find a way to get involved with these churches. As many of us know, pastors need constant encouragement because doing ministry isn't always made up of miracle moments and mountain top experiences. This is where we are trying to move forward with our ministry, and so far, things are looking good.

This past Monday, we went to our church in The Hole (Hoyo de Bartola) to meet with Pastor Felix Abreu. Felix has kids flooding the doors of the church and they are all filled with energy. Like most places in the world, we try to find ways for children and teenagers to use this energy and channel it in a way that will better their lives and the lives of those that surround them. Once again, this is where God has blessed us by never having to go and search for kids that want to play sports. Because of their desire to get out and compete in a game of some sort, this presents the perfect opportunity for sharing the love of Jesus.

Felix agreed to bring around 25 girls from his church/community to a volleyball court just outside The Hole. For 5 or so hours, we had the privilege of getting to know these girls through conversation, prayer time, devotions and the game of volleyball. God wants us so bad to form relationships with other people. It's amazing how you can become so fond of 25 people in such a short amount of time. The truth is, when God opens the doors of communication, you will be shocked at how many people have something to share. We learned so much about these girls (about their families, education, spiritual life, past, dreams, passions) and they are all precious in their own way. After reading that part in the book "Velvet Elvis", our eyes have been opened to where Christ is in each person, and we're just trying to point Him out.



One of our plans for Sports Ministry is to visit the churches that are established here on this island and encourage the pastors by taking the youth and providing activities for them. Many churches here only have one person on staff....the pastor; and it defines the term "full-time job". Please pray that this plan is also God's plan and the youth of these communities will open up and let us in. We are excited about where this is leading and the response that we've received thus far.

Other prayer requests and information:
Our biggest need right now is a mode of transportation. In order for us to travel around and expand the ministry, we need a mini-bus. Many of our churches don't have sports facilities near their community, so we need to pick these kids up and drive them to the clinics and camps. Please pray that God will continue to show His miracles through provision as He has so many times.

Audrey is taking on a new role with our G.O. Kids program. She is now the G.O. Kids representative on the field. This program presents the opportunity for people to sponsor kids in our school and feeding centers. There are many hungry children on this island; for food, education and hope. This is an opportunity to respond to Matthew 25:35-36. You can contact her at audrey.partin@go-ministries.org for more information.



Please take a moment to watch the video on the right hand side of our blog called "La Mosca Video" (just click on it). This was a video we made about a partnership between a church in Louisville, Ky and a pastor of one of our churches/feeding centers here in the Dominican.

We pray that all is well with you and that your ministries are in full force as well!

Con el amor de Cristo,

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Will and Audrey