Updates from May
Here are a few highlights and updates from what has been happening this May.
Updates at the Children’s Home!
Samuel is continuing to grow in his barbering skills and has become the primary barber at the Children’s Home. Through his hard work, he saved enough to purchase his own tools, and we were able to provide him with a barbershop chair to help take his business to the next level.
Deiling has been taking music lessons and has been progressing a lot. He has grown to the point where he is now teaching piano lessons to someone in the neighbourhood.
Serving the Community
Through the support of Jeremy and Christine from Hope for Dominican Republic, we were able to provide food and essential sanitary supplies to eight families in critical need. These families were identified by trusted local pastors serving in nearby communities.
One of the women we had the opportunity to serve is Cristina. She suffered a stroke a few years ago that left her disabled, and she has very little support, which makes daily life especially challenging. Despite this, there is a powerful reason to celebrate. Cristina recently gave her life to Jesus.
Previous mission teams had visited her, leaving her with a Bible and a gospel tract, and Pastor Gabriel has continued to visit her, patiently walking alongside her and answering her questions. During this recent outreach, her heart was ready. She chose to receive the Lord, and the moment was deeply moving, bringing her to tears.
Walking Through Loss Together
At the beginning of the month, one of our tias experienced the heartbreaking loss of her son in a tragic way. It has been an incredibly difficult time for her and her family, and our hearts have been with them through this deep grief.
In the midst of this, we have been able to see how the community truly comes together. They have not left her or her family alone for a moment, consistently showing up with care, presence, and support during this time.
The children in our care have also responded with deep compassion. They have wanted to visit the tia’s home almost daily and have found meaningful ways to serve and support the family. Through their actions, we have seen a genuine expression of love and care in a time of great loss.
Church
Pastor Gabriel continues to lead the Systematic Theology classes, and we have been encouraged to welcome several new students.
On May 16, we held our first women’s outreach event, with women joining us from both the local area and surrounding communities. It was a special and meaningful time in the Lord as we reflected together on the story of the Samaritan woman.
Prayer Requests
Orphan Care:
Pray for wisdom, patience, and grace for our staff as they lead and disciple the children.
Pray that each child would grow in their knowledge and love for the Lord.
Pray for Samuel who is growing in the craft of barbering, and Deiling who is sharpening his musical gifts and even giving classes. That they may use their gifts with wisdom and for the glory of God.
Church
Pray for the continued growth of the church, the Bible study, and the upcoming women’s event - that lives would be strengthened and encouraged in Christ.
Pray for future women’s outreach events, that women in the community may come to know the Lord and grow in Him for the glory of God
Missions/ Community Outreach:
Pray for Cristina, who received Christ, she is facing significant health issues and also incredible loneliness. Pray for the follow up of the local church and the discipleship.
Pray for the teams joining us this summer - that the Lord would guide their travels, unify their hearts, and use them to impact our community for His glory.
Mark 10:45 (NIV): "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
