Oh blessed Sabbath day!

Our final evangelistic meeting was held last night. The church was filled to over flowing with each person shoulder to shoulder on the benches. People lining the back and sides of the sanctuary stood without complaint. Eric had arranged for a double projection of the Jesus movie to be shown simultaneously both inside the church and outside on the grounds where a multitude of people sat on the ground or stood in the street. A count of 560 people was taken. All eyes were glued tightly to the screen as scene after scene of Jesus’ life unfolded before them with such stark reality. At the end of the presentation, the invitation was given to accept Jesus as your savior and to stand in agreement. All but a few rose to their feet to give their life to Christ. We believe that the Lord’s word does not come back void and know that the seed that has been planted will still be reaped at its appointed time
After offering prayer for the people, Pastor Ben then called out each of the names that had attended the 4 meetings in order to receive the Bible. And with the sound of their name, they each came forth to receive their own bible and a booklet about Jesus. You could see the excitement written on their expressions as they each came forth to claim the prized possession.
As we parted for the night, hugs were in abundance as the relationships we have made are about to end, probably not to continue face to face again until that resurrection morning. Several of us were almost begged by some to take them back to the states with us to live. A very heart wrenching scene to say the least, to know that what we hardly give a thought to, is something they long for, a chance to live in America, the land of plenty.
Maranatha will now send someone to put the finishing touches on the completed church building, such as the stucco and the cement floor. They have plans of building 50 churches in the Dominican this year.
Today we had 23 baptisms take place in the small river near the church and Pastor Gary and Pastor Dwight preformed the service. Before the children’s program was ended, all the children were lined up and given a small gift to keep and cherish.
This afternoon, Deena Wagner along with Andy Daum will teach a class on natural healing treatments at the church to all that are interested in learning.
The rest of our weary group will rest and fellowship at the compound and then prepare to take down our makeshift rooms and be ready to leave this area tomorrow morning by 7:30 a.m. Bob has already warned us that wake up call will be at 4 a.m. Oh groan! Then it will be one more white- knuckle adventurous 4-hour bus ride and we will be at our excursion site to wind down with fun and relaxation before the flight home on Tuesday. We have left a huge stack of clothes and other supplies to be distributed to the locals. And the remainder of our dental supplies will be going on to Brazil with Renita and Mark Turner DDS. to be used in a work down there. Remember to keep praying for our safety as we continue to pray for you and for our new friends in the Dominican. You will not be able to send us email from here on. We will pack up the printer tonight with the rest of our equipment, but you will still receive more updates
.
Our hearts are calling out to be a reflection of His light. Where will we go next? What doors will open for us? Where He leads we will follow is the response of our grateful hearts! When the call comes, we will be ready.

In the love of Jesus Christ my savior I send a smile and a prayer to you.

Jennifer Young,
Berkshire Mission reporter