We had been invited to share a message with a group of women from Pastor Rita’s congregation in Nagua. It is always a privilege to share the Word of God.

On the afternoon of the evening set aside for the women, we visited various homes to invite the women of the church’s neighborhood. Pastor Rita was with us and led the visitation.

Throughout our visit we were aware of God’s divine appointment of our time there. In fact, there was a woman that I met whom I will never forget. When we met at her front door, she immediately invited us in. She appeared to be in her mid-twenties. After introducing ourselves and inviting her to the night’s event, we sat down. We began explaining why we were there in her country and why we believed that it was so important that everyone have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Her eyes began to well up with tears and we asked if she knew Jesus as her Savior. She shook her head, “no.” We then asked if she would like to receive Christ as her Savior at the time. She said, “Of course!” In that moment, as we prayed with her, she received a new life in Christ. To paraphrase, 2 Corinthians 5:17…If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away and everything has become new…In that moment, one could feel the incredible breakthrough that was taking place!

After we prayed, I sensed that she was still quite burdened and that the Lord wanted her to hand her burdens to Him. I asked her if she was carrying burdens and shared what I sensed. She said, “Yes, it is true. I have problems in my marriage. And I need prayer for my son.” Tears fell down her face. We asked if we could pray for her and these burdens. She was eager to accept it. We then prayed for her and she received the Lord’s grace, love and provision for the situation.

In the following moment, Pastor Rita ministered to her as well and invited the young lady to her church; not only that night but any opportunity she would have. She wasn’t sure if she could make it to the night’s event, however; Pastor Rita just smiled and said she would come back to visit again.

We encouraged her to read Isaiah 61. It is all about how Jesus came to restore, to rebuild and trade our sorrows for praise and gladness. As we left, I embraced her and reminded her that she is now a member of a grand family–the family of God. She is not alone.

As I reflect on this time, I can’t help but thank God for divine appointments such as those. Sometimes we can set out upon a day and think it to be quite ordinary and then suddenly you see God’s plan unfold before your very eyes. It is always a privilege to be in the middle of the unfolding. All praise and glory goes to the King of Kings!

~Renée