Matthew 5: 3-12 states:
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
A couple days ago I woke up reciting this scripture in my head. When Jeff and I announced that we were going to be leaving our full time jobs and moving to the DR to serve full time, there were people who questioned our decision. Now that we have been living here for over 6 months, I can honestly say I wouldn’t change a thing about our commitment to serve the people of the DR and the Americans who come to serve on a weekly basis. Yes, we have days that are emotionally overwhelming, but we are learning so much from those experiences.
In the past 2 months we have had the pleasure of hosting Lou and Joni Coe (Jeff’s grandparents), Steve and Kay Shaffer (my parents), and Jim and Lynn Bucher (Jeff’s parents) at our home. It was encouraging for us to be able to share our hearts with them and for them to each leave a part of their hearts in the DR. Each of them affirmed our commitment with SRI. It has been exciting to see and hear about the impact their time in the DR has had on them.
Joni’s ladies Bible Study just recently raised money to purchase several books for our schools! They had a little shopping spree on our Education Wish List! The students will be so excited to read and hear these new stories being added to their libraries.
My dad led a medical/construction group from his church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. My mom ventured along on the trip as well to help out with Braegan.
A week later, Jeff’s parents arrived to the Dominican for the first time. They were very thankful to escape the midwest where winter had seemed to be lingering on a little too long. They were able to experience a little bit of each part of what Solid Rock is doing throughout the DR from teaching in the schools to barrios to construction to surgery.
We are wrapping up a 14 week stretch of groups. We have 3 weeks until our next group arrives. Next week we will be working with staff at the clinic to organize supplies that have been donated. The 6 of us American staff will be venturing to Punta Cana for a couple days of relaxation on the beach following Easter. We feel blessed to be a part of the ministry of Solid Rock!
With Easter just a week away, I want to leave you with this amazing song by Kari Jobi, “Forever“. I have found it to be very encouraging!