… to fully experience the beauty of this country and its people. Adrian and I went up to La Jagua again today to check on the construction of the church. They are pouring the perimeter beam today in preparation for the Brampton team that is arriving early saturday morning. The rains held off and the beam should be all poured today. We shared a little bit of some rice and beans goodness (moro), and had some fresh orange juice, then went on our way to another appointment - meeting with a pastor who has an orphanage and school. Sadly, she does not have enough money to support the children in these beautiful buildings. Below are pictures of la Jagua and one of the orphanage buildings.

~Ryan

Yesterday, Ryan and I visited with Pastor Rosario, who recently lost his father. We just spent a few moments encouraging him, and letting him know that many were praying for him and his family. As always, we were treated as honored guests. Within a few minutes we were sitting down and drinking coconut milk from freshly cut coconuts as the sun began to slip behind the hills. It was difficult to leave, as not only is it such a beautiful place with rolling hills and a fantastic view of the lower valleys, we were also enjoying the time of fellowship with Pastor Rosario. Please continue to pray for Pastor Rosario, his family, and the community he ministers in.

~Adrian

Yesterday Ryan and I visited with Pastor Ramon, who pastors a small church of 9 people up in the hills that surround an area called La Entrada.  It was a time of fellowship and prayer as we heard his heart and vision for his church and the surrounding community.  There are many pastors like Pastor Ramon, who minister in the countryside in small churches the size of a small room with just a few members.  The majority have to do all kinds of menial jobs just to meet the basic needs of their families.  Please pray for these pastors as they faithfully follow the call of God on their lives.

~Adrian

Last week, Jim, Adrian and I started to look for some plots of land with the help of a pastor and friend, Nicolas. The land out in the countryside is so beautiful! The first piece of land we visited was the most beautiful - it had a large open area with some grass-trimmers (cows), a small forest of cacao trees (chocolate), and some nice hills. Over the next months, we will continue to investigate potential properties on which we could place our Every Day Ministries central headquarters, pastors’ retreat centre, and missionary housing. We are very excited and know that God will provide just the right piece of land.

~Ryan

Almost two weeks ago, I received a call from a dear friend and pastor who lives in a rural area. His father died suddenly the previous night of a heart attack. Our friend lives with his parents in a very humble home in the mountains. He told me that his dad went to bed fine, and when he went to say good night and read the scripture with his parents, his dad started to show signs of distress. Within five minutes, he was gone. No time to take him to any hospital. Jim and I canceled an evening appointment and went to the burial service that same day. To our surprise there was a multitude already there. I have never in my life witnessed such wailing as was there after the memorial service. Our friend was deeply saddened, but also joyful that he will see his father again one day - his dad gave his heart to the Lord about one month ago. Life is precious, every moment is a gift, and I pray that we all live each day as though it were our last.

~Ryan

A few weeks ago, Jim and I hopped on our bikes and went to Payita, and together with a local pastor, visited various pastors, churches, and areas of need in the community. One of the highlights was talking with a group of young people on the street - not yet followers of Jesus, but we are believing that soon they will be. We are hoping to do a big, free lunch for the youth and community there working alongside our pastor friend to share the love of Jesus in this very needy community. During our journey today, we saw living conditions that left us speechless. We saw houses made of tin that are so small and hot, they could be equated to a metal oven. During the day, you have to leave the house (shack) - it is too hot. During the night, no breeze can run through the house - so it is difficult to sleep.

At lunch today, we were treated to a delicious Dominican meal of fish, plantain, rice, and salad by a wonderful pastor and his wife. They are starting a new work here in Nagua, and have begun to reach out to the needy youth in their area. It was very exciting listening to them.

In the late afternoon I went a little early to English to invite some of the neighbours over to our mission house for coffee. They were very pleased with the coffee and said it was very Dominican! The English class for the pastors and leaders went very well. The turnout was great in spite of the rain that we received beforehand.

Please continue to pray for wisdom and direction for us as we seek to help the pastors and their churches further the kingdom of God here in the Dominican Republic.