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.