Santiago church robbed

"Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

Jesus' words in Matthew 24: 42-44 became more vivid this past Tuesday morning as I arrived at our ministry center in Santiago at about 7:30 am to get ready for seminary classes. I unlocked the padlock and took off the chain from the gate along the street thinking it was another normal weekday morning. My heart sank as I arrived at the top of the stairs to see the gate to our front porch wide open and the front door ajar. Everything became slow motion for a moment as I saw that both door locks had been pried open and were now lying on the door mat in pieces. All I remember thinking was: "Oh, no..."

Seminarian Freddy had hitched a ride with me that morning, so we went in together to check out the damage, expecting the worst. The thieves had gone through the entire building opening cabinets, dumping out boxes, breaking into a locked storage room looking for anything of value.

They wound up dismounting and taking a window air conditioner unit, an inverter (battery backup system for the building), DVD player, radio/CD player, computer speakers and a wall fan.










Despite the feeling of being "violated", we thank God as we recognize that He was still protecting us and our resources:

• Noone was injured.
• Everything they took is replaceable.
• The thieves took computer speakers, but not the computer itself.
• They took the DVD player, but not the TV it was hooked up to.
  
• One of the few boxes the thieves did *not* look in was the one containing a small lockbox with the congregation's offerings.
• They left a mess, but did not vandalize or break anything other than locks.

I wasn't expecting thieves to break in on Monday night. What a vivid reminder that the Son of Man can come at any time also, even when we least expect him!!!

We are trying to prepare ourselves to prevent the thieves from returning--stronger locks on the doors, a security system, possibly a night watchman. What amazing grace that God himself prepares us through the Gospel to actually welcome his Son's return!!! Jesus has saved me from my sins. I am forgiven. I am ready for Jesus to return.

[ There is more to the story, even with a few unexpected twists. But you'll have to wait a day or two until I can write more... ]

The Lord bless you with His peace,
NW

Streaming in the DR

On Wednesday, October 31, members of our Dominican mission family watched the Reformation service from Risen Savior Lutheran in Milwaukee. The service was broadcast (or "streamed") live over the internet. We were able to project the service on the wall so everyone could see and participate. Copies of the worship folder were handed out so we could sing along with the hymns and follow the readings.

We also shared this service with our Dominican congregation. They were happy to listen to a former missionary, Seth Haackenson, and to share the mission message given by former missionary Roger Sprain.

We thank WELS for this opportunity to share in this service of praise. We also thank the people at Multi-Language Publications who helped to organize this transmission. Above all, we give thanks to our merciful God for preserving His Word among us. To Him be all the glory.

[ Thanks, Kathy, for the post! --NW ]

English Classes - Session Two

Our volunteers have started the second session of their English classes. I decided to try and find out what all goes into preparing just one class.

In the picture, Polly and Julie are writing out their lesson plans for each class. They research all their resources according to the needs and level of their students. They create all their own original worksheets, adapting them to the level of their students. Games, activities and group activities are also chosen to reinforce the language skill being taught.

Preparing for each class also includes administration duties such as taking attendance and calling students who have missed class. Copies must be made for each day's activities which involves a walk to the copy shop and waiting in line for your turn. There are also homework activities to be corrected.

Julie and Polly arrive early for each class. They unlock the gates, open the doors and windows and begin to set up their teaching area. Chairs and tables are put in place, some dusting might need to be done, mop the floor if necessary, get out all their teaching aids. Also, a quick check to see that the bathrooms are clean and stocked.

Now that they have begun to form relationships with their students they are starting to make home visits to the students. The visits are set up with the students and usually involve finding their way around the city and then spending time with each student in their home, getting to know their family and using the visit to make an evangelism presentation.

Our volunteers are working hard to teach excellent classes and also to reach out with the gospel to all the students. We appreciate all their hard work. Thank you!

[ Thank you, Kathy, for the above post. --NW ]

Mission Family

Two Fridays ago (16 Nov), after we finished our English Bible study, we celebrated Molly Monday's birthday as a mission family. One person volunteered to bake a cake, another person brought the ice cream and a celebration was on the way!

We want to thank Molly for all that she brings to the field, for all the help she gives and for her thoughtfulness to others. Thanks Molly!

We also thank the Lord for these opportunities to enjoy our Christian family. Through our weekly Bible studies and these family celebrations, the Lord blesses us through the study of His Word and strengthens the bonds that unite us as a family on the mission field and as a family in Christ walking together towards our heavenly home.

Praise Him with the Keyboard

Presently, there are several people receiving training to play hymns with the chord method of piano playing. Each of the students is a member of one of our congregations and our goal is that in the future we will have people able to read music and lead the members in singing and praise with musical instruments.

We would like to give our deepest thanks to Roxanne Martens (wife of LATTE Missionary Ralph Martens) who wrote the music course that the students are using. She wrote the program herself and gave us permission to reproduce it to train more people. So far it is working well and the students are making good progress.

We thank the Lord for gifted people like Roxanne who are willing to share their talents with the church, and we thank God who bestows musical talents on His believers and fills their hearts with the desire to praise Him by learning to play hymns to His glory.

[ The above was written by Kathy Strackbein. We thank the Lord for her service as well. --NW]

Where shall I serve, O Lord?

Rona Abraham is our first seminary graduate in the Dominican Republic. (Read other posts about Rona by clicking here.) He graduated in July and was so excited about returning to his home country of Haiti to share the life-saving Gospel with so many who are still lost in sin and unbelief. But...

...Rona may not be able to carry out his plans. He intended to return to Haiti and start a "tent ministry" -- sharing the Gospel while supporting himself with a secular job. With his seminary diploma giving him the title of "licenciado" (equivalent to a bachelor's degree), he planned to get a job as a teacher. But...

...He recently found out that since our seminary is not yet registered as an "institution of higher education" with the Dominican government, his degree is not recognized. Without a degree, he cannot get a job. Without a job, he cannot support himself in Haiti. So...

...In the DR, we are looking into the requirements to register our seminary so that we can confer degrees that will be recognized and accepted. In the meantime, we ask for your prayers:

• that the Lord would bless our efforts to register the seminary
  
• that the Lord would guide Rona to know where and how He wants him to serve
• that the Lord would direct us as we consider other alternatives

James reminds us to say, "If it is the Lord's will" when we make our plans for the future (James 4:15). We know that all things are in His hands -- His good and gracious hands! We, therefore, trust Him to bless Rona's ministry wherever that may be.

(The above was first posted at our sister blog "LATTE on the Road". For more information about our LATTE travels in other countries, click here.)

The Lord bless you with His peace,
NW

Substitutes

Substitute – "to put in the place of another person or thing".

Nate W. and Kathy S. worked as substitute teachers in the place of Julie and Polly while these two Kingdom Workers were at home recovering from pink eye (see the post titled "Quarantined" here).

To begin the day Nate and Kathy each made a trip to the girls’ apartment to pick up a copy of the lesson plan and a list of the student’s names. In the afternoon, they arrived early to set up the classroom and look for all the necessary materials to teach the class. The substitutes had also helped out with the registration and interview portion of the English classes, so they were not complete strangers to all of the students.

When the students arrived, we saw how disciplined they were. Everyone wrote their name on a sign-in sheet, put on their name tag and took their seat. Of course, the first question was, “Where is Polly? Where is Julie?” We heard many sympathetic, “Ooh”s when we explained their health situation.

The teaching went well and even though the students missed their teachers, they were happy to have substitute teachers so as not to have their classes canceled. Nate and Kathy were also happy to have this opportunity to serve. It made them appreciate all the teachers do to help their students learn a new language.

Joyful Service

English classes started in September. Each day there are about 35-40 students attending the classes in our worship facility. Since space is limited, we use our worship area as one of the two classrooms.

That means each week the room metamorphoses four times. After the Thursday English class, tables and chairs are removed and benches moved into place for the Haitian service Sunday morning. After the Haitian service, the benches are removed and tables and chairs set up for Sunday afternoon English class. After that class, tables and chairs out; benches in for Spanish service. After Spanish service, one more switch to be ready for Monday English classes.

It's great to see everyone -- members, seminary students, even the English students themselves -- eager to help. It involves quite a bit of activity, but what a joy to work together, grateful hearts willing to serve!

Tropical Storm Noel update, #18

According to the Center for Emergency Operations (COE) 18th bulletin: 137 communities are still isolated, 85 people are dead and 48 are still missing. A total of 47 bridges and roads have been affected, although seven temporary routes have been opened. The bulletin indicates that 34% of the 110 aqueduct systems have been restored and 133 shelters are still housing 26,491 evacuees. In all 4,406 people were rescued according to the report and 66,608 people have been displaced. (Cited from www.dr1.com, 06 November 2007.)

We continue to thank the LORD for his protection during this storm that pretty much took the whole country by surprise. It developed so close to the island that by the time weather forecasters realized how large the storm was becoming, they had to scramble to get the word out. Plus it was Sunday (28 Oct), the day most Dominicans do their weekly shopping and household chores, so few people were listening to the radio or watching TV to hear the warnings. The storm dropped so much rain that the majority of the deaths and damage were from flash floods in low areas that caught everyone off guard.

"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). Knowing and trusting in the Gospel, which is God's wisdom in Christ, makes us ready so that we are *not* taken by surprise on our last day - whenever that may be.

The Lord bless you with His peace,
NW

Time together, Time with the Spirit

It is consistently the highlight of my week. Warm greetings. A few friendly laughs. The good Word. Some good questions. Even better answers. Prayer and thanksgiving to God. His blessing, and then goodbye. It's Friday night Bible study in Moca. It's time together with brothers and sisters in Christ who love you and love the Lord even more. It's time together with the Spirit of God. In the books and letters of the Bible, written by the prophets and apostles, we read and meditate on "words taught by the Spirit," spiritual truths expressed in spiritual words (1 Co 2:13).

Is it any wonder that it's a highlight? And no, it's not because of the fun or the fraternity. It's because it's time together with the Spirit of God. "No one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us" (1 Co 2:11b-12). Bible study is our prime face time with the Holy Spirit, when we get to know the God of all the universe a little better, when we understand a little bit more about the truth, when we realize once again that this God loves us undeservedly and freely gives us all things in his Son Jesus Christ.

Maybe you've already guessed that we're reading through Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. One chapter a week. We're only up to chapter 4, but what jewels of heavenly wisdom we've already found:

• Chapter 1: Paul writes to a Christian congregation stifled by sinful problems and top-heavy with sinful pride, and yet writes to them as brothers in Christ, with thanksgiving, optimism and loving-but-firm straight talk about their spiritual woes and God's clear will.

• Chapter 1b: The message of Christ crucified. A big nothing to the world; not quite strong enough or smart enough for our sinful side; in reality, the exclusive key to salvation and to absolutely everything else that matters. "Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God... that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption." (1:24,30)

• Chapter 2: Christ, the wisdom of God, was not discovered by the wise men of this world; it was revealed by God through his Spirit to his chosen apostles. Whose wisdom and word should we give our time and attention to? Man's or God's found in the Bible?

• Chapter 3: The preachers who plant and water the word are nothing; it's God who makes faith grow. To him be all glory! And yet God graciously and generously rewards his workers in proportion to the faithful work he himself has produced in them.

• Chapter 3b: We may think we are wise and put ourselves on a higher plane than others; we may do the same with our favorite pastors and teachers. But this only creates factions and fractures God's holy temple that is his Church. Toss that "wisdom" and become a "fool," who understands that we are all fellow servants and co-heirs of the world under Christ. We are one under him, even though we all have different roles, different gifts, and different callings.

That's through three chapters. Thirteen more to go. Holy Spirit, make us grow and glorify your name!

Pastor Shiloh