where Dave preached his first sermon in Spanish ...
and we were blessed to make a new friend who is 101 years young---these dear mountain people touched us by their faith, hope and perseverance and how quickly they opened their hearts and homes to us ...
next we hosted three teams which included a medical/dental clinic, construction work in Batey 9 and children's ministry
and ... we were able to witness the special bond that forms between the Dominican church and its US partners --here Discovery Church, California members pray over Pastor Aristides and his family after we all enjoyed an afternoon in pastor's home listening to his heart for the people of his community and their struggles and to the unbelievable musical talents of him and his family!!
...and we ended the month having witnessed and weathered a very serious tropical storm. As we write this update, many in Batey 9 have taken refuge in our recently completed dormitory (little did we know that it would be used in this way as we were completing it and furnishing it with bunk beds) and we are witnessing the "sacrificial sharing" of the Domincans here in Santiago as the churches join together to send food, clothing and supplies to their fellow countymen down south.
We continue to have the privilege of becoming part of a new culture and all that that entails--it is awesome to be meeting so many new people, both our new Dominican family and the many North Americans God has prompted to make a short term mission trip to the DR (here is Cherry with precious friends from the church in Hoyo de Bartola)...
Other highlights this month---
**Dave continues to help Pastor Edward at Hogar Crea, an alcohol treatment facility here in Santiago--we now take the men to Edward's church with us every Sunday and enjoy our times riding to and from in our minisry van or "guagua"
**Cherry and fellow missionary Amanda have officially begun the mom's group in the neighborhood and are excited about the possiblities there!!
Please see our new prayer requests and word of the month to the side and our list of upcoming short term trips at the bottom of our blog.
Thanks to all for your concern and extra prayers of late. You bless us so!!!
By God's grace and for his glory,
Dave, Cherry, Rachael and Beka