Father's Day, Santiago, 2010

This is Nelson, liturgist for the Moca congregation, Cordero de Dios. Next to him is his daughter, Marinelsy. Nelson leads the congregation in the opening liturgy of the church service and then pastor Alex goes up front to give the sermon. When they change places, Nelson goes to the back and gets his daughter and has her sit with him during the sermon.

This is Eduadro, also with his two daughters. Society sends parents many messages about caring for children: giving them an education, proper nutrition, protecting them from harm. But how often do we hear any encouragement to train them spiritually? What a blessing for the future of these children, and of our nation, to have fathers who give honor to God by training their children in spiritual ways.


Fathers shaping their children's lives; teaching them to love and serve their heavenly Father who has provided all we have and are.

Tattered Tents

How long would you live in a tent? It has been five months since the earthquake and the majority of the victims are still living in tents. But tents are not designed for long-term living. After months of the hot sun beating down on them, now heavy rains and high winds are deteriorating the tents.

The population is becoming restless. This past week shots were fired toward the house where President Preval has been living since the tragedy.

And while the people are trying to keep dry from the rains and hope to dry out their soggy mattress before the next rain comes, the leaders of the international community met at the Moon Palace tourist center, a five-star resort in Punta Cana, DR to decide how to help Haiti.

(Photo from El Caribe newspaper)

Mother's Day, Santiago, DR 2010

Mother's Day is celebrated on the last Sunday of May in the DR. It is a widely celebrated holiday and most people try to get home to be with their mother. Stores are usually very busy and traffic is heavy. Traditionally, women are not to cook and most will receive gifts, even if they are very humble presents.

We were reminded on this day what a wonderful thing it is when your own mother is a Christian and teaches you the stories of Jesus. Many of our members here do not have believing mothers and are trying now to witness to them. This is a picture of two expectant mothers who are thankful that the Holy Spirit has worked faith in their hearts and want to baptize their infants in this same faith.

The most popular question about Mother's Day is "How was your day"? The most common response is to tell how the family cooked for mom and what they gave mom as a gift. Most people want to tell you what they were able to give their mother as a sign of their appreciation for all she means to them. What a blessing to have a mother that we appreciate for having talked to us about Jesus, taking us to church and teaching us His Word. What greater blessing than to worship the Savior with your parents, to sit at Jesus' feet and learn about His love for all.