Dominican and Haiti Updates

"The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season."

Psalm 145: 14-15

Like most jobs or new experiences, it usually takes a while to adjust and see results or "fruit". Because we are Americans and grew up in a culture where success is measured by immediate progress, it has been at times difficult to feel effective and useful in what God is doing down here on the island of Hispanola. In a study that we've been doing, we've spent time in the Scriptures that refer to waiting on God. For us, this has been difficult because our personality is to try and make things happen right now and without much help. In 2 Timothy 3: 16-17 it says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." We have experienced the teaching, rebuking, correcting and training of the Word of God.

Over the past year, our Dominican and Haitian sports staff has grown. We packed the 2007 calendar with sporting events (camps, clinics, tournaments, leagues) and had great success as far as numbers of kids who participated. But God placed it heavy on our hearts that we were still somewhat out of focus. Since January, 10 leaders have been meeting every monday to dive into God's word in hopes of being taught, rebuked, corrected and trained in order to be thoroughly equipped for the good work. Seeking to be equipped not for just an activity, but for the spiritual battle that everyone faces every day. Instead of trying to produce our own results, we have been taught to WAIT on HIM.

Simon and Alan

We met a man named Simon Abreu two years ago. Will was practicing with the professional basketball league and Simon played for Club Sameji. Although his 6'4" - 200 lbs. frame may appear intimidating, his heart proves to be gentle, humble and meek. Simon made the personal decision to get baptized over 6 months ago and since then has been struggling through the beginning of his walk. I say struggle because he's recognized the significance of being a Believer and that the path is narrow. Just last week, after 6 weeks of studying, praying and waiting on God to lead us to the next ministry opportunity, Simon started his own basketball ministry in his neighborhood. Because Simon played for Sameji, who won the professional league championship the last 4 years, he has earned a great deal of respect from the kids. 60 boys from the ages 8-20 came on the very first day. When Simon spoke, they listened. Two years after meeting Simon and spending time with him, the Holy Spirit has moved in him and placed him in ministry.

When we wait, God givest us our meat in due season.

Challenge for all of us: Slow down and wait on God.

As much as we'd love to have a sports complex, sports vehicle, 10 new leaders, 40 new camps, 90 more kids in church, the reality is.......it's not up to us. "They eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season." He is very aware of the desires of our hearts, if they are the same as His, in His time, He will provide.

Please pray for Simon and the rest of the sports crew. This new area we're working in is infested with drugs. Pray that basketball will be an attractive alternative. Also please join in praising God for His faithfulness to His word. He has given us our meat in due season.

We will pray the same for all of you.

Love,

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Will and Audrey