"Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place."

II Corinthians 2:14

 

Recently, Love A Child received a wonderful gift!  A partner, who wishes to remain anonymous, donated a house in the Dominican Republic for LAC to use.  We prayed about what to do with this donated house.

 

The Love A Child Village is about an hour's drive from the Dominican border on the island of Hispaniola. 

 

 

 

The two countries are as different as night and day.  The Dominican Republic is considered a developing nation, with the second largest economy in the Carribean.  Their national language is Spanish.  They have a thriving tourism industry, and many of the best baseball players in the US are Dominican.  However, there are also similarities the D.R. shares with its Haitian neighbors.  There are many, many very poor people in the country.  Problems such as drugs, drug related crime, HIV/AIDS and corruption are common.  One other thing the two nations have in common... they both need Jesus!

 

We prayed long and hard about what the Lord would have us do with the house.  We feel that He has led us to use this gift as the Love A Child Base House for outreach to the poor and those who do not know Jesus.  We plan to bring volunteer groups to do street ministry, crusades and regular church services. 

 

 

 

 

Carlos is the LAC Team Host.  He is also from the Dominican Republic, and he jumped at the chance to serve the Lord in his home country.  The first Dominican Republic Outreach Team learned quickly how to go street-to-street and door-to-door sharing the love of Christ.  The group delivered Gospel tracts, rice packets, canned chicken, Bibles and HOPE!

 

 

 

 

Carlos and his team showed God's love in action...

 

 

 

 

Families were grateful that the LAC team came to seek them out and minister to their needs...

 

 

 

Ministering in the "Bateyes"

 

Carlos and the pastors went into the bateyes, which are little villages or shantytowns made up of shacks where Haitian workers live.  There are thousands of Haitians living in the D.R.  Most of these people cross the border to work in the sugar cane plantations, but they will take any job available to feed their families.  The living conditions in the bateyes are crowded and miserable...

 

 

 

 

There are many of these "camps" in the D.R., and they are full of impoverished families who desperately need HOPE.  Many bateyes have no public services such as running water or sewers.  By FAITH, we are believing the Lord to guide us as we attempt to improve the lives of these people.  We know that through Him we can make a difference. 

 

 

 

 

Thank you to our friend who humbly gave the gift of a house, which "planted the seed" for our Love A Child Dominican Republic Outreach.  Because of your generousity, "a great door is opened," and many will be served and many will receive the opportunity to serve. 

 

How YOU can serve...

 

Now, we are planning missions to the D.R. for street ministry and evangelism.  If you would like to volunteer, get your passport, and look for information in Upcoming Events and the Love A Child Team Schedule for next year.  Teams will be limited to about six people.  You may want to talk to your pastor about organizing a team from your home church.  If you are interested, please contact Shar at shar@lachaiti.org.   If you would like to send a financial gift to support our Love A Child Dominican Republic Outreach, please contact Shar at the above email address.

 

Finally, a statement from Carlos, about the impact his mission trip had in his life:

 

"It was an awesome week and I cannot explain how I'm in awe with what God did this week. Bobby, I am in debt to you for giving me the opportunity to work here with LAC, thank you."

 

Carlos, our Team Host, Director of LAC Dominican Republic, and Winner of Souls!