Adopted - Twice

The eldest son of a poor family, Juan's parents felt they were unable to raise him along with all their other children. So at a very young age, he was given to the family that employed his birth father. This family raised him - adopted him - and became Juan's family along with the other 7 children born to this couple.

Raised in the evangelical church, Juan attended their schools and even began studies in their seminary. He was awarded a diploma for completing the first level of the seminary studies.

Then the Lord changed Juan's plans. He came in contact with the WELS mission in Santiago and began studying doctrine with Freddy Aquino. Ironically enough, the first class that Juan attended was a study on baptism! After studying the teachings of the Lutheran church, Juan became a member. He tells about the day he gave away his diploma from the evangelical seminary. It was no longer a source of pride for him, he considered it "rubbish" compared to the truth he was learning.

Juan is thankful to his adoptive parents who raised him, and he is overjoyed with his adoption by His heavenly Father into the family of believers. His zeal now is to share the good news of the Savior with everyone he meets.

Witnesses

Julio first heard the gospel from a WELS member who has traveled to Antigua and met one of the missionaries there. He was studying with his friend when he came into contact with some WELS missionaries that were living in Santo Domingo. Julio continued to study and became a member of the WELS church here in the Dominican Republic.

On a bus trip to the east end of the island, Julio sat next to Freddy. He began to talk to him about the things he was studying in Bible class. The new things he was hearing intrigued Freddy and he began to attend the Bible studies with Julio. With time, Freddy became a member of the church and eventually began to study in the WELS seminary program.

Freddy met Juan while living in Santiago. He began to talk to Juan about the things he was studying in the seminary. Juan was very interested in what Freddy was telling him and continued to ask questions and read the materials Freddy gave him. The Holy Spirit worked faith in Juan's heart. Juan is taking classes to become a member of our church.

Juan began talking to Angelo. Angelo was a member of a different church but was unhappy with some of their teachings. He liked the things Juan was telling him about the Bible, and how he was able to show that everything he taught was based on biblical teaching. Angelo is also taking classes to become a member.

Angelo is talking to his family members. He wants them to hear the truth and believe in the Savior for their salvation.

The Lord uses the witnessing of believers to work faith in their hearts. What a blessing and a privilege that He allows us to participate in this glorious activity of witnessing about what He has done for us and for all people. May He also use you to speak to many people of His love.