In the beginning of this year I was awarded an additional weeks vacation for 5 years of service at Windstream. I prayed about it and decided I would give that week to the Lord, I wanted Him to use me wherever He needed me. Soon after I felt He was asking for all 4 weeks of my vacation time. I was then presented the opportunity to go to the Dominican Republic with Meeting God in Missions. I answered the call, June 12th I traveled with 7 of my friends to Hato Mayor, Dominican Republic. I felt called to encourage the Dominican people in Christ. Instead, I ended up learning from them what authentic and true faith in God looks like. I met a lady, Bahietta, who invited us into her home. She shared her testimony with us. She hasn't had an easy life and doesn't always have money for food, but the joy that overflowed from her changed my life. We also helped a village build a place to burn trash, met lots of kids, sang songs, did David and Goliath skits at VBS and helped with a village building project. The most memorable experiences I had were the relationships I built, whether with the people of Hato Mayor or the Americans I met while on the compound. I learned that fruits of the Spirit are universal, the language we spoke was irrelevant, love and joy flow from the soul.
Bahietta, Marin, Myself and a family member of Bahietta.
I was given another opportunity to travel to Zumbawanga, Tanzania. The name means "city of Witchcraft", I believe God is calling me to pray over the city, for the city to be changed through the love of Christ Jesus. I want to be a light that shines in this dark city. (Matthew 5:14-16) At this time, I'm planning to leave for Africa on December 11th, returning on December 31st. Please pray that God would soften the hardened hearts of the people in Zumbawanga and that we would have the opportunity to show them Christ's love and Salvation through our actions.
I would enjoy talking to you about my recent trip to the Dominican or about my upcoming trip to Africa. Feel free to call me with any questions or to simply pray with me.
If you are feeling lead to financially support me you can send your gift to me at,
3836 Wyndham RIdge Dr.
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Stow, Ohio 44224
More blog posts to follow, I promise they'll be exciting, perhaps funny and who knows maybe even yummy if I decide to talk about cupcakes. ;)
Although tested, I loved how genuine their faith was. You ARE a light, my dear friend. Keep on shinin'!
ReplyDeleteI Peter 3:3-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.