As many of you know, Gabe has been serving as the Program Director of the Children’s Home in Samaná, Dominican Republic for nearly two years. During this time, he also launched a local church, the International Baptist Church of Los Corrales. This small but growing church is located in our village near the Children’s Home and missionary quarters.

What you may not know is that Gabe will be getting married to Melissa Roche in just one month. Melissa will be joining Gabe in ministry and serving alongside him in a variety of ways. The two will be living in an apartment approximately 25 minutes from the church and the Children’s Home.

In addition, Gabe recently started a pastors’ coalition in the surrounding area and now meets monthly with over 30 local pastors. Through this coalition, we hope to partner with these leaders via mission teams throughout the year, with the long-term goal of Gabe providing deeper theological trainings.

I’m writing both to update you on all that God is doing in and through Gabe and Melissa, and to share a need that Gabe would not bring forward himself. Currently, their only means of transportation is a motorbike. While this has worked to some extent for Gabe, it limits travel to longer distances and becomes especially dangerous during the frequent rainy conditions. With Melissa arriving in-country on February 16, I believe it is vital for them to secure safe and reliable transportation.