We thought it might be helpful to give a quick update of each church. In each church, there are so many needs. I have listed some prayer requests for each church but first, let me list some universal prayer requests -
- Pray for more Dominican leaders! Specifically ones that have a heart for youth ministry.
- Pray for missionaries to join us! We need help (be kind please!) and are praying for God to send us teammates.
- Pray for God to reach Dominican youth! We had two teams that focused on youth and there are great opportunities!
- Pray for the sick! So many are sick and struggling in every community we work.
- Pray for stable jobs for so many! The majority in our churches work day jobs, meaning...they find a job for day and then have to find another.
Central Church - Nueva Vida Jarabacoa
This last year has been a year of transition. Pastor Bill continues to work as a missionary with Kid's Alive (a great group that focuses on at risk children) but stepped down from his role as pastor. Bill did an excellent job preparing the church for a new pastor. In April, Francisco became pastor. Pastor Francisco is a strong leader and preacher. He has lots of ideas with a ton of energy to go with it. We are excited for the church and believe God will work through Francisco to help guide the church to have a greater impact in Jarabacoa! This first year can be a challenge. Pray for Pastor Francisco as he continues to get to know the church and lead this year.
Nueva Vida of Buenos Aires
The first church plant to have a pastor! They are learning what it means to be a church and have the responsibility to care for a pastor. Pastor Alex and his wife Carol are quite a team. They have a heart for the church and for the community. The community seems to have very low employment and the church is working to respond to the various needs. Pray for Pastor Alex and his health. Pray that the church would see results from their outreaches.
Nueva Vida of El Montaña
This church is filled with relatively new believers. Damaso, from the central church, volunteers as pastor. The church is thinking about how it can reach the youth of El Montaña. They created a small area for the youth and are considering starting an Awana program. In many of the families, only one spouse is a believer. Pray for their ministry to youth and for parents who are trying to raise their children in the Lord without the support of their spouse.
Christian Church of Boma
Enrique is the pastor of this church. This past summer, 4 teams came to Boma and focused on teenagers and young adults. This has opened a door to help the youth. God moved in the lives of some older youth and they talking about starting a Bible study for the youth of Boma but so far it hasn't happened. Pray for this church as it reaches it community. Pray for the new Bible study.
Nueva Vida of Los Calabazos
Because of different reasons, in the past 6 years, some in the church have moved to Jarabacoa. Today, the church has just 6 people. Julito, the leader, his family and two older men. In the last year, Julito's teenage girls have had to move to Jarabacoa for high school. As a result, the family has started attending the Nueva Vida in Jarabacoa. Obviously, without Julito the church in Los Calabazos does not meet. That being said, this past summer we had some excellent ministry with the youth. We are praying for a leader to help run a youth ministry and are praying that God will rebuild this church with the new generation. Please pray with us!
Thank you for your prayers!
