Every Day Ministries

EDM was presented with a certificate of appreciation today by the Nagua baseball association at the beginning of a regional tournament here in Nagua.  EDM was asked to open the tournament in prayer, and also got to throw the ceremonial first pitch to start the tournament.  It was an humbling to be a part of a ceremony that honored individuals and organizations that have invested into the youth baseball association of Nagua and the surrounding region.  The mayor, representatives of the police department, and other dignitaries were also present for the ceremony.  In honor of EDM, the tournament was called “Walking with Jesus”.  We pray that the hundreds of young boys that were part of the tournament will learn to “Walk with Jesus”.

An important part of EDM is visiting the pastors as much as we possibly can. Over the last few days, we have visited pastors in El Factor, El Pozo, and La Boba. In each place, we have been warmly welcomed by the pastors and their families. We try and end each visit by praying for these wonderful men and women of God, and it breaks our hearts to see how often as we lay our hands on them the tears begin to flow. Although so much is left unsaid, it is obvious that many are carrying heavy loads, and that simple touch of encouragement and word of prayer does wonders for them. Everytime, with tear filled eyes they express their gratitude for us taking the time to visit with them, and for praying for them.

The weather in the Caribbean is really getting stirred up as we hit the mid-season for Hurricanes, but today there was a different kind of stirring going on.  In the city of Cabrera, a conference was held titled “The Fire of God”.   The large gathering of Christians were taught by EDM, and some local  pastors, about the fire of God and the results of having the fire of God.  There was a tremendous response from everyone to the call to either receive the fire of God, or to fan in to flame the fire of God that had grown dim in their lives.  It is evident that God is spiritually stirring up a strong desire amongst many to live lives bathed in the fire of God not only in Cabrera, but across the island of the Dominican Republic.

Today a large youth conference was held in Puerto Rico A Pie, with young people coming from all over the region.  EDM was involved in this event, but not in the usual way.  For this event, EDM provided transportation for many young people who live in some of the smaller towns and villages far out in the country.  It felt good to help these young people get to an event they would not have been able to attend without the transportation help.  Although the roads were terrible, and the ride was slow and long, it was worth it all to see those young people praising and worshipping God, and listening intently to the Word of God.

A great cheer went up this past Monday when we announced that this November they (the pastors and leaders that meet on Monday night) would be a part of the first graduating class from EDM’s Bible Institute. It is hard to believe that we are so close to finishing the 100 sessions for this first ever EDM Bible Institute. The sessions have been such a blessing to those that have attended. So often, we have heard how the pastors have returned to their churches and preached the lessons they learned the previous Monday night. This past Monday, the class was reminded they are a holy priesthood, chosen by God to offer up spiritual sacrifices to Him daily. It was an humbling, but awe-inspiring lesson to see how God views us, and the response he expects from us. Continue to pray for the Bible Institute students and their families.

This year EDM was able to Scholarship over 150 pastor’s children from numerous communities.  It was amazing to be a part of something that brings HOPE to children.  Seeing the excitement and thanks in the children as they got their uniforms and school supplies filled us with joy.  The parents in the program were so grateful too, as they were assured that all their children could attend school this year.  God bless all of you that donated funds this year. 

Saturday was an amazing day. All the praying and preparation came to a head as we witnessed hundreds of pastors and leaders flowing into the conference area. It was a beautiful day in Nagua after days of rain. It was as if the Lord said, “Not today.” The natural rain was not allowed to hinder anyone from receiving the supernatural rain that came down from heaven that day. A life changing message permeated their hearts and later they each received a time of personal ministry…every one of them. People then returned to their communities across the province with a new joy in their hearts and ready for battle. All over the province, there are refreshed and empowered leaders who are advancing the Kingdom for Christ.

As we drove on a 3 hour roundtrip on Friday night over the treacherous roads of the country, carefully maneuvering the truck-sized potholes…we felt like the ships on the show, “Deadliest Catch.” We recently had the opportunity to provide transportation for a youth group of a small community which was deep into the countryside. Although we fought sea-sickness, we were soon encouraged as we drove them home and listened to their joyous voices singing songs of praise to Jesus. It also occurred to us that if we hadn’t endured such a trip, they would not have had the opportunity to be part of a youth event that hosted over 200 young people that evening. It was worth it all.

As we pulled up in the mission truck loaded with team members and equipment for our outreach; people pointed at the truck, smiled and waved. They gathered quickly as we set up for our outreach in Las Cejas. There was a level of familiarity now with the team members and people of the community. They had bonded throughout the week of work and visititation. Even community members came out to work alongside of us. By the end of the evening there were over 150 people to hear a message of hope. Last night they were reminded that with God all things are possible. It was an amazing evening. Look for the video and other updates on our facebook page for Every Day Ministries.

God never ceases to amaze me. Today, with a team from both Canada and the States, we visited the community of Las Cejas; which is located between the rice fields as far as one can see. We witnessed the Lord restore and heal people. Francisco had his vision restored after 2 years of suffering. Oh how this man rejoiced! Santo, a man who through disease had lost the ability to walk or even move his legs, was standing up with the use of a chair and moving about his one room house before we left. There were numerous testimonies today of how the Lord infused His people with His love and joy and restored what had been taken. God was there! God heard the cries of His people. God is faithful!