Waiting

Hello Everyone,
I am here in the D.R. and have been waiting for one week to be able to go to Hato Mayor. There were some problems with the house being ready and the schedules of the folks who are taking me there so I am being patient which is essential if one wants to live in a third world country!
It has been HOT! All I seem to do it drink liquids and sweat! As I type this blog our electricity is out and I am on battery with a small candle burning. It goes out every day for several hours morning and afternoon. That means there are no lights and no power for running water so a bath must be taken by pouring water from a large container over oneself. Fun no but at least there is water that we have filled up beforehand. I have been shopping for supplies to take to Hato Mayor as things are a bit cheaper here in the Capital.....I say "cheaper" with tongue in cheek as things are so expensive here that I am just amazed. The prices are actually double from what we pay in the United States. I feel so sorry for the poor people who earn so little and then even basic things like rice and beans are out of sight! Never complain about what you have to pay as most of you have no idea what it is like in other countries and we are so BLESSED and SPOILED in the U.S.
Pray for me as I journey tomorrow into the unknown but not unknown to God. He is with me and I feel wrapped in His everlasting arms.

Today I received some pictures of the Deaf children who will be in our school. As I looked at their faces I was overwhelmed with the great responsibility that God has intrusted me with. Most of these children will not know formal sign language, neither how to read or write and almost nothing about their Wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ. It will be my great joy and honor to teach them and lead them to Christ.

These precious souls are so valuable to God. He cares so much that He sent His Son to die for their sins also!

I love Romans 10:13-15 "For whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet (hands) of those who preach (sign) the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!

I am so excited to learn that our Director of the Deaf Ministries in the D.R. has found me a house in Hato Mayor and that the group of Deaf children has grown to 16.
A wonderful gal, Vivian Spencer, from Canada has agreed to join me in the D.R. in October. I had planned to be alone while teaching and training national workers and I had been praying alot about this and I was ready to do it with the power and strength of the Holy Spirit. This is an added blessing to know that she will be there for those times when I need that fellowship in English, a prayer partner, and someone to give me feed-back and to be able bounce ideas off. God is so good!
Today my children gave me a "going away get together". I have great kids! They are of course all grown up and married to great people! I have one awesome grandaughter and one super-awesome great-grandaughter. I thank God for them everyday and I am so proud of each one of them. My prayer is that each one in their own way finds out how very much God loves them. The God who hears our prayers will also answer each one in His time.
Please keep praying for me!

GOD'S LIFE GIVING WORD

I had the opportunity to preach/teach at my Deaf church today. I prayed much about it, as I have preached/taught in the same church for almost 25 years and have covered quite a bit of the Word of God including teaching lots of basic Doctrine. I love teaching Foundational Doctrine which I am convinced, when received by the student, causes deep roots to grow in the spiritual life and gives the strength to the Believer when the "world" tries to put pressure to conform.
As I leave for the Dominican Republic (D.R as I will refer to it from now on) I wanted to reinforce one more time the "whole picture" for our Deaf church. Hopefully there were those that were able to fill in some missing concepts. Many Christians only know a part or portion of the Truth. Because of lack of study of the Word of God they are floundering through their spiritual life without all of the power they need to overcome. There are many churches that do not encourage people to read, study and meditate upon God's Word. Praise God that those in leadership have always encouraged this in our Deaf Church. Sadly to say, some apply this and other do not.
As I go to the D.R. I will have to begin all over again in brand new baby Christians. I am thrilled and excited to have this opportunity to teach not only education but God's precious Word.
I have received a report from our National Director of Deaf Ministries, Rev. Carlos Reyes, that there are 12 Deaf children ready to begin school!
Please! Please! keep on praying for me and those precious children who would never have a chance if God didn't love them so much that He is sending someone to them.

MISSION ASSIGHMENT FOR 2008-2009

God has called me to return to the Dominican Republic from Sept. 2008 until May of 2009. The goal is to set up a new school and ministry for the Deaf in the town of Hato Mayor. At present, there is absolutely nothing for the Deaf there.
I have been planning this trip for over 6 months and I cannot wait to get there and start the work! Another goal is to try to develop a standard curriculum for all of the Christian Deaf schools in the Assemblies of God. It is a big challenge and will take lots of trial and error. Hopefully I will not be doing this alone but having the help of other missionaries and teachers of the Deaf in the D.R.
God is so good to choose me and send me to work for Him and I am amazed at His Power and Ability to do the ministry.
On this blog, my goal is to give an ongoing dialogue/diary of what is going on. You who have "tuned in" to this blog will see how it all works out. Those who are praying for me will see where I need your prayers.
I leave on Sept. 22 and my first prayer need is for a safe journey and that I have the wisdom choosing a house to rent in Hato Mayor. Also, keep up the prayer for the Deaf of the D.R. and especially Hato Mayor.