Fellowship Nights

In an effort to reach out to others, the Moca congregation has initiated a series of Fellowship/Game nights. Some of our members are married to spouses that are not members. Many have parents, brothers and sisters, and other family members that are not members. Everyone is encouraged to bring their friends and neighbors along also.

We are getting together on Sunday nights to offer members a chance to bring others who are not members of the congregation to spend time with us and give them an opportunity to get to know us. Our desire is to show them our Christian love and open doors for them to speak about spiritual things.

We play games, talk, eat and enjoy our time together. Dominoes is always a favorite and a common card game here, "Casino" is also popular.

So far, these gatherings have had an excellent attendance. Many members are bringing their family members and we have also seen many new faces. It is our hope that by providing opportunities to spend more time with others, there will also be many more opportunities to witness to them and tell them about the hope we have.

Contrasts

Living in a foreign country can give you a different perspective. We have the privilege of meeting new people, learning a new language and new customs. It is a continuous learning process and we always feel like we are learning new things.






I thought it might be interesting to show you some of the contrasts between our two countries. These are some photos showing the difference between two countries. The pictures on the left are from congregations in the U.S. The pictures on the right are from our congregations here in the Dominican Republic.






Different parts of the world, worshiping the same Savior.











Thanking God for the gift of salvation, be it with gold and silver or with paper and plastic; coming to worship Him in SUV's or on motorcycles. The thankfulness of the hearts is the same.

Useful

What good is a boat out of water? That is what we thought when we saw these two boats in San Pedro that had been pushed up onto the rocky shore by strong waves. It is a very strange sight to see the boats, so close to the water and yet - basically - useless.

A boat out on the ocean is a beautiful sight. A vision of strength and beauty. When an object fulfills it's function it is an amazing thing to see.

That boat made me think of Jesus talking about believers. Connected to Him and his Word, Christians carry out their functions of praising Him and in gratitude witnessing of Him to others. He gives us purpose and usefulness. Apart from Him, we stumble, become confused, easily fooled and eventually dry up. Could that happen to me? Could I become useless in God's kingdom. "Apart from me you can do nothing" John 15:5

A few months later, we went back to see the boat again. It had been stripped down to just a few pieces of wood. The city officials had taken some pieces off the boat and scavengers came and finished taking away anything else that was left. How tragic. Something that had been designed and built to serve a useful function was now destroyed.

God has given us faith and he continues to give us his Word to feed and strengthen that faith. We thank Him for keeping us and pray that he would help us to be useful instruments in his kingdom. We also thank all of you for your prayers and support. Your letters, emails and prayers motivate, comfort and encourage us to continue serving Him who makes us useful in his service. Thank you.

Pichiro Praises the Savior

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. Rom. 10:15

As believers, we appreciate the people who taught us about the Savior, be it pastors, parents, friends or relatives. They were the instrument that God used to bring us to faith, and we are thankful for them. These are the people, moved by the Holy Spirit, who took us to church or made the effort to come visit us and tell us about forgiveness and salvation.

Pichiro also has a desire to talk about the Savior. Having been born handicapped, he has never been able to walk - his feet have never touched the ground. Nevertheless, he is the first one to church on Sunday morning and for weekday Bible study. He has to be carried piggy-back from his home to the church - his wheelchair cannot be pushed over the rough roads - but that does not stop him from attending.

Pichiro also witnesses to his family and neighbors about the Savior. Many people come to his house, to visit or to help him with housekeeping. Pichiro talks to his visitors and many new people have come to church as a result of his witnessing.

Pichiro's feet have never touched the ground, but they are still beautiful. In gratitude to his Savior, he speaks to others about all that Jesus has done for him. He brings them the good news.

I thank God for the privilege of knowing Pichiro. What a motivation he is for me. I have two good feet. I can go to visit others and tell them the good news of the Savior. When I see Pichiro's zeal to serve his Savior, I am without excuse.

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. Rom. 10:15

Grace for Graceli

"We should not doubt at all that wherever one is being baptized the heavens are assuredly opened and the entire Trinity is present and through its own presence sanctifies and blesses the person being baptized". Martin Luther

The angels rejoiced today as another believer was added to the ranks. Graceli became a believer this morning through the sacrament of Baptism, the sprinkling of water connected with the promise of the Word.

Christians rejoiced today as they witnessed the Trinity working new life in this infant. Children bring joy into families as a new life begins and grows. How much greater the Christian's joy when we see that Graceli has been given faith and eternal life.

Graceli rejoiced today when the Holy Spirit entered into her heart and gave her the first spark of faith. She has been washed in the blood of her Savior and made an heir of heaven. She has received grace, the undeserved love that God pours out on all His children.

"Holy Baptism has been purchased for us by the same blood which Christ shed for us and with which he paid for our sin. This blood, with its merit and power, he has deposited in Baptism so that men attain it there. The person who is receiving Baptism in faith is in effect actually being visibly washed with the blood of Christ". Martin Luther