Morning arrives with an excitement in the air, the promise of victory smells sweet as it waifs past our nostrils. We are where we should be. The Lord of the universe smiles down upon us.
The evening's evangelistic program was packed to overflowing once more. The complications with the projections were not present, and neither were they missed. As the meeting opened for the night, Pastor Ben played the keyboard and the strong clear voice of his little 7 year old daughter rang loud and clear as she helped lead out in song service. By the time Pastor Gary began his teaching on Bible baptism, the crowd was shoulder to shoulder in the seats. At the end of the service, the call went forth to raise your hand if you want to follow Jesus and the majority in attendance agreed. Then the call to stand went forth if you want to follow Jesus in baptism and a great majority stood. Then coming from the back where we could not see, someone told them something in Spanish and they quickly sat down in submission to the voice. We are not sure where it came from but we are certain it was not the voice of God. We will try to find who it was that held such a fearful hold on these people searching for truth. They have so little in life; they must not be denied the saving grace of Jesus too. There were many that did not hear the voice in the back and did come forward at the call, and Pastor Ben spoke with them and prayed over them as they made their stand. Tonight we will show the Jesus video and hearts will be touched and changed forever as they witness in their own language the great sacrifice that was made for them alone. Mighty angels, excelling in strength will be present. As you read this update it will have already come to past. But we ask that as you read this that you will pray diligently for those souls that hunger, that they be filled to overflowing. Jesus knows ahead of time who will pray for these souls and He will answer those prayers ahead of time.
And do not forget the little children, for how sweet it is to find Jesus at an early age and follow Him through life.
The children's program was also filled to overflowing. It is easy to tell where the Holy Spirit is working because that is also where you will find Satan trying to destroy the peace. Of course his power is not great, just enough to annoy. There is one teenage boy in the village that is probably suffering from schizophrenia and has caused irritating disruption for us. But last night during the meetings he jumped up and left the adult area and ran to the children's area and went berserk, and a fist fight developed between him and another teen. It was disruptive and frightening all rolled in to one. Bob was able to get them apart quickly as everyone scattered in the chaos. Fortunately it happened towards the end of the meeting and so we just dismissed.
George Bectha was let go from his kitchen duties for a short time on Tuesday so he could have a hand in the finishing touches of the church. He has been such a wonderful help in that kitchen that we don't know what we would do without him.
The kitchen crew was able to witness a funeral procession yesterday as it passed the compound. Many people walked the street behind the casket that was being carried by pall bearers to the cemetery. The custom here is to bury the body with in 24-hours. If they are a wealthy family then they are buried above ground entombed in cement. But if they are a poor family, the casket goes beneath the ground where the water table is so high from this being an island. Then after 9 days, the entire village comes to the house of the deceased and the family is expected to feed any and all visitors. There by putting them into great debt that some are never able to recover from.
Sandra M. has been rising early in the morning to have a bible study with Nelson, the bus driver. Andy D. has been leading out as she translates. Also present is Joan N. and today they will all be joined by several more of the locals for a noon time study.
The church building is finished! Hearts are rejoicing as angels are singing. It looks lovely and promises to be a lively sanctuary where hurting souls may come to have the balm of heaven applied liberally. What more can we ask? The Lord is faithful and His mercy endures forever. Each one of us are humbled by the experience Jesus has allowed us to have by coming to serve in the Republica Dominicana and we cry out worthy, worthy is the Lamb. For many of us, the experience has been a bitter sweet one. But we know we have no right to expect any better treatment than Jesus was given. He stretched out His arms for even those that were spitting in His face. May we love and serve in His example is our prayer.
The medical team went to Bengan a ver for a half day before closing down the name means" come and see" and wow, are we glad we did as the experience was wonderful! This was a fantastic way to end the work here. In the last 2 days we have been able to treat 580 patients,
The Dental team did 34 cleanings and 25 extractions.
The optical clinic handed out hundreds of pairs of glasses.
It is well with out soul. We look forward longingly to the Sabbath days rest in Jesus our savior.
He that saith he abideth in Him ought to walk, even as He walked. Jn. 2:6
Smiling with His love,
Jennifer Young