Tissues, snot and tea...

Well here I am…sick as a dog. I´m sipping Sinutab tea and praying that the awful taste of snot in my throat goes away. Too many details J Just trying to wake you up… GOOD MORNING! Yes, gross , sick mornings are the worst, but in light of the many blessings all around me I have no reason to complain!

This week Robersy had his first graduation ever! He is still currently in his final year of high school because he dropped out to pursue baseball, SO as well as finishing up schooling he had the opportunity to attend a mini-seminary program called The Timothy Initiative. It was a LOT of hard work with hours and hours of studying… but he finished strong! I am so proud of him!

This week we also finished up Youth Group for the year with a Christmas party. As much as I complain about the craziness each Friday with usually 70-100 kids, I truly am thankful for what Christ is doing through the teenagers. There are glimmers of hope amongst the craziness for sure!

Discipleship for the baseball kids and Lily House women will be coming to a close this week too. Please pray for them! Many travel to see family, but in the Dominican culture there is always a LOT of partying over Christmas with SO much alcohol and MANY vehicle accidents occur. Pray for wisdom and safety!

I can hardly believe that there are only about 16 days until Christmas. This year sure has flown by, but we are so thankful for the opportunity to stop and take time to celebrate our Saviour´s birth! We´ll continue tostay in touch over the holidays so don´t worry! We have SO much to say… but timing is everything J No. I´m NOT pregnant!!! Lol. But we appreciate your prayers this week as we wait on some important answers to prayer!

In Christ alone.

Sarah

Excuses...

Wow! It has been a while, but I promise I´ve got some pretty great excuses! I fear that I suffer from a mild, youth (like I´m young, hmph) version of alzheimers, but usually doctors laugh when I mention it. Basically I have a HORRIBLE memory! When my computer was pushed off of my couch by Robersy´s dog (he´s only mine when he does good things!) there went all my documents, photos, memories, happiness... lol. Ok, so it can be fixed... but not here unfortunatly. Anywho, with that also went all of my passwords that I strategically saved because, well, my memory stinks!

So enter my blog.
I clicked on my blog site using Robersy´s computer silently praying that I had saved it on his computer too. UH! Nope. I tried every password I have ever used on anything... but to no avail.
Long story short, although this is too long already, one day I just remembered! Came to my mind, I tried it and BOOM, back to blogging.
So here I am! It has been a looooong few months!
I see that my last post was around Robersy´s birthday (Oct 12th) so we have a lot to catch up on!
After the amazing women´s conference Robersy and I have been busy in ministry. We´ve had good days and bad days. Happy and sad. But in every moment there has been a chance to learn and grow.

It has been great to watch my Lily House girls grow! Discipleship has it´s challenges and of course, sometimes, when there is correction or reproofing involved I am reminded of how young these ladies are. Or maybe how real they are. lol. I guess we are all like that sometimes :) Little attitudes when we´re told something we don´t want to hear. haha. So that´s how it´s been. Up, down, up, down... but still lots of laughter and a whole lot of Jesus.


Robersy´s baseball kids still love him to death! It´s awesome to see them yell out to us on the street and 2 sundays ago they reserved seats for us in church and we sat together like a huge, happy, family... with a LOT of sons! lol. It´s just amazing to see their respect for Robersy and I love to see how much they are learning!

Youth group has fluctuated in size, but it´s been such a blessing to see the group form some of the more serious teens. A couple of Fridays ago we had a ¨spirit¨ day where we dressed up to show team spirit! It was hilarious! Then it was even more exciting to have a Bible competition where the teens had to answer questions about Ephesians. We have been studying it for months and I was blessed to see that the kids had really learned something! Sometimes I get so distracted by those who aren´t learning that I forget to look at those who are ACTUALLY growing. I need to read my own blog sometimes... start with ONE!

So to sum it up and get back on track. God is SO good! We are so blessed. The months serving beside my best friend (Robersy) have flown by, and I wouldn´t change any of it. I look forward to the days, months and years ahead.

Though I´m not American, and my awesome rendition of the Star spangled banner proved it so, Thanksgiving was a great time to just sit and count my blessings. I have so much to praise God for. Not everyone gets to do what we do. I mean, we get to be right on the front lines sharing Jesus with the Dominican Republic. I LOVE MY JOB! But we NEVER forget the hundreds of men and women who pray from me and others as we take on this awesome responsibility. I am so humbled that God even desires to use me, despite my sinful self. But I am so thankful!!!

So, that´s it folks... until next monday or perhaps sooner if anything exciting happens ;) Keep praying for a lost country, who needs a Saviour and for dozens of teens under our teaching and discipleship. May we be forever faithful to HIM.

Drained.

This week has been a week like no other!

I moved in to the Embassy hotel a week ago and enjoyed 4 AMAZING days of ministering and being ministered to! Ginger Millermon came and encouraged us through song and message during the evenings, while the days were filled with home visits and ministry to Dominican women.

It became clear, though, that God had called my group to minister in a whole other way. One home we visited had a hurting mother. Guilt and shame plagued her heart since she believes he child’s actions are a result of her “old life.” His actions also affected another family… so then we had 2 hurting mothers.

By the end of the week our dear friends, Giovanny and Carolina Valdez, lost their PRECIOUS little 1yr old girl… and then there were 3 hurting mothers.

During the conference I was given a monologue to memorize with Carolina. This week it has brought on a whole new meaning.

Talking about how Dominican and non-Dominican women are really the same it says this…

“We ALL are weak vessels who question, worry, bleed, sweat & cry when hardship knocks at our families’ door. We are still women who experience the loss of a child, rejection of a friend, the death of a loved one, financial ruin, a wayward teen, and fear & insecurity when doctors give us the results.”

Doubt and insecurities have crossed my mind while ministering to Dominican women… but the truth is that we are really the same. Minister in that manner.

I’m sorry to be short this week, but I am absolutely physically and emotionally drained.

Prayers appreciated for these 3 hurting mothers… and their families. God is still on His throne. He knew this was all going to happen. We just need to trust that He has an awesome plan despite our heartache.

Praises… since there are always bright spots

1.       An AMAZING conference  with time to reflect on God’s precious Word!

2.       Pumpkin spice coffee from Nina, brought by her momma! THANK YOU!!!

3.       Robersy is still celebrating his birthday. Thank you for all the cards, messages and gifts!

Oh how HE loves us!

After several months of praying, saving and raising support… we are happy to announce that God provided a pickup truck! We have spent 7 months borrowing vehicles regularly from the Judes and Shaheens (THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!) as well as several other people along the way. The need truly became great when we had to start saying “no” to new ministry opportunities because we had no way of getting there. We are sincerely grateful to every single person who understood this need and gave!

On Friday it filled us with joy to load the back with over a dozen kids and take them to youth group. Then of course with the riot that happened in Guayacanes (see my video on FB) we were able to use the vehicle to go and see if we could get the kids home… and when we weren’t able to, the truck was our safe place until we returned to the church for the night… and even became my (Sarah’s) bed from 4:00am - 5:45am when the tile floor got too cold J You truly have no idea how much of a blessing this has been… and it hasn’t even been a week. So from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU FOR GIVING!!!

Speaking of the riot…

I want to share a fun video of the kids who were stuck at the church with us. I’m telling you… God knows how to turn a bad situation in to a blessing. After Nate (the pastor), Robersy and I were outside trying to decide what to do with 20 kids that we had to keep for the night, we walked in to see every one of the kids on their knees praying for the situation! THEN, they asked for some music and we had a little “Jesus Karaoke” lol! “I will praise you in the storm” brought on a whole new meaning. Enjoy a song by some of our crazy kids.

 

I did have to laugh though. On the way home at 6am – ish, one of the girls asked me (with every ounce of seriousness), “When do we get to do this again!?”

Ummmm…

Let’s plan the next one with sleeping bags, food… and no gun fire! J

So end of week report. Our God is SO SO SO good. For the truck? Yes. For “Jesus Karaoke”? Yes. But more than anything else, we serve a God who loves us. I mean TRULY loves us. Have you thought about it? Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  

“WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS.” Wow! He didn’t ask us to put a tie on or get dressed up. He didn’t ask to clean up our life first and get things in order. He didn’t ask us to get to church and get baptized. “While we were STILL sinners, Christ died for us.” C-R-A-Z-Y! It’s a good thing I’m not God because I wouldn’t have died for people who were still sinning… and I would have DEFINETLY expected some changes before I would have allowed a bunch of dirty, rotten sinners in to my family. But I am not God. He is God ALONE. And it is HIM IN US that does the changing! So yes, there is a time to clean up and dress up. And we ought to get to church and show the world that we are HIS. But lest we forget, He did a LOT for us while we were still pretty nasty. He must love us a bunch.

Do not ever forget the price paid.

He loves us. OH, how He loves us.

We have truly enjoyed sharing this same message with the people here, young and old. Just to share one more photo before I sign off… these are Robersy’s boys. He has enjoyed sharing this exact message of an AWESOME God with them.

Just recently a mom of one of the boys thanked me for sharing my husband with a bunch of single moms. Of course, I questioned what she meant! Lol. She quickly explained that MANY of these boys don’t have fathers. Robersy has sat with these boys, encouraged them, laughed with them, disciplined them, demanded respect and, in return, respected these young men. Pray for Robersy as he loves on these kids and teaches them to be men of God. They are our future.

Thank you for your prayers!

Pray for me (Sarah) as I work at a Women’s Conference this week. Over 80 women have to come to bless and be blessed. May God guide this week.

Pray for Robersy as he fends for himself (I’ll be staying with the women) and of course for all the ministry he is involved in this week!

GOD BLESS!!!

PRAISES

1.       Robersy turned 26yrs old on Saturday! Thank you for the birthday wishes J

2.       A vehicle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3.       Safety in the midst of riot.

4.       Reeses Pieces (thanks Jodi!!!!)

Overworked, underpaid and loving life!

For those of you that believe we’re overworked, underpaid and exhausted… you are correct ;) lol. But we DO have a lot of fun.

This week was filled with smiles and tears. I had a trip to the capital with some girlfriends, said goodbye to a lady from the Lily House who graduated from the program, celebrated “health” victories, and of course we discipled, preached and taught too. Even started my new English class J Still this weekend was just a special time for us.

On Friday Robersy was able to go and see some pickup trucks with our Pastor and he found “the one” J haha! (the other one that we were looking at sold). It is everything we’re looking for… except the price… of course. It’s just over $20,000 but totally worth it! So since we’ve raised about $7,250 we are praying about paying half and then paying the rest on a plan. This is a big risk since we know sometimes we’ll be paying more than we should in interest, but ministry has grown to the point where we do not have a choice. We NEED a ministry vehicle. Pray with us about this decision. Robersy is going on Tuesday with a mechanic to give it a big “check-up” and he’ll also speak to the owner about our situation and see if any special exceptions or discounts can be made. Pray for a miracle! And if God is pricking your heart about being a part of this miracle… please go to https://scoresponsor.org/missionaries-staff/shop/lara-robersy-sarah/ and give. Make sure you state that it is a gift towards our ministry vehicle so that we will receive the entire amount.

 

 

MOVING ON…

Saturday was pretty awesome! One of Robersy’s teams that he coaches had a game where he met up with another team from Santo Domingo. It was an amazing time where baseball was played and the Gospel was preached! Robersy had the privilege of welcoming 10-15 boys and 1 coach to the family of God!

That night we got to go on our first double date with a pretty awesome couple. We ate Mexican and tried not to “talk work” but we found that it was impossible. We love what we do and are excited to talk about it! J

Then Sunday was such a highlight for Robersy and I. After celebrating the Lord’s supper at church in the morning and then enjoying fellowship (and celebrating birthdays!!! Happy Birthday Adrienne!) with fellow missionaries, we went home to await 12 crazy GAP students and 3 awesome leaders. It was such a fun time sharing with them, laughing with them and of course eating with them. And we sang… WE SANG! In ENGLISH. Now, you may not think much of this… but it has been 7 months since I have worshipped with a group in English! It was such a special time!

Don’t get me wrong… I love where I am and who I am with… but there is just something special about worshipping God in your original language!

I.AM.SO.THANKFUL!!!

So long story short. This week has been pretty awesome. And yesterday (Sunday) Robersy and I completed 6 months of marriage! Where has the time gone?! I only got married yesterday right?! Lol. May I just say… I am the luckiest girl in the world!!! I truly am. SO girls, who are 19 and 20 or 30 and contemplating if “the one” will ever come along…. wait it out J I am 27yrs old and thankful that I didn’t settle for 2^nd best. He will come along in God’s timing!

Ok I’m done bragging on my hubster!

Until next Monday J

 

Things I’m thankful for:

1.       Robersy <3

2.       Double dates!

3.       Worship and fellowship in my native tongue.

What I’m reading: “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan. A MUST READ! One of my favorite quotes: “The point of your life is to point to Him. Whatever you are doing God wants to be glorified, because this whole thing is His. It is His movie, His world, His gift.” Something to think about…

Start with ONE!

This week has been filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, but as always God has stayed consistent. I am thankful for the stability I find in Him and praise Him for His promise in Romans 8:38-39.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

On Sunday I received a call to see if I’d like to work with a small group from Washington DC. I jumped at the chance to visit some of our ministries and to meet new friends in Christ. I was not disappointed J

Throughout the week we visited orphanages, a leprosy home, a rest home, a drug rehabilitation ministry and a day care. We encouraged, were encouraged and spent time crying out to God Almighty for the needs that stood in front of us.

Bedroom at a drug rehabilitation center

 

In one particular home visit I had to fight back tears while translating, when the Haitian grandfather insisted that we spend time praying for the mission team and their needs. This of course as we stood in his home surrounded by his grandchildren that were abandoned by their mother, that don’t have access to running water and often drank salt water out of pure thirst. With the needs that stood before him, this grandfather made time to reach out to others.

 

Then there was the home where the children slept on cardboard because the parents couldn’t afford mattresses….

The drug rehabilitation center where men slept in the loft on cardboard as well….

The day care desperate for more space, so they can welcome in more children…

The orphanage lacking resources…

The lady at the rest home with no family to visit her…

And the list goes on.

 

So what do you do when you face needs that are impossible to meet?

You start with one.

 

I hugged the children with no momma and we left our bottles of water with the family.

We provided mattresses for the rehabilitation center.

We prayed on the potential land for a bigger day care.

We played with the children at the orphanage.

I hugged and talked… and talked… and talked to the older lady with no family to visit her.

 

We weren’t called to solve world hunger. We were called to start with one.

It cost nothing to pray or play, hug or talk… and it was a mere $30 for 3 mattresses and 10 pesos for a bottle of water.

Sometimes we’re overwhelmed by the needs that stand before us. We’re called to start with one.

Matthew 10:42, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward."

It was a blessing to work with the Macedonia Baptist church group this week and I learned a lot! Of course, God opened the door for a little fun too.

On Friday I was able to celebrate the birthday of fellow missionary Jaime Snyder. It was fun to laugh and talk over lunch and ice cream, but, though I hope she gets her birthday wishes… I know God answered my prayer for friends. Despite the opinion of many, a married woman needs her girls J I’m so grateful for the ladies God has placed in my life!
 

Friday evening we had a blast at youth group. It was a smaller group… but I enjoy the more intimate times talking with my girls! However, on the ride home I realized just how short life really is. A dear friend of ours nicknamed Lindo was in a serious car accident the day before (he was a passenger) and had just lost the battle on Friday. Only 25 years old. We think we have all our lives to get serious about God… but we need to use our NOW. I know Lindo didn’t expect to enter eternity on Friday.

The weekends are always my favorite, but Robersy did a lot of travelling around to visit Lindo’s family and encourage some of the baseball players that Lindo coached. He said it went well… but of course it was hard to realize “he really is gone!” Prayers appreciated for Lindo’s family!

Sunday was a little more relaxed and we had some great fellowship with fellow missionaries and then were able to gather some baby clothes, diapers, bibs, etc. that mission teams have left to give to a couple with a brand new baby. God is SO good in how He provides!!! We were able to deliver the “goods” today and the family was thrilled!!!

Today was up and down today with unexpected delays and prolonged “adventures” but I got to work on patience and had the opportunity to pray a lot!!! I am SO blessed! I truly, TRULY am blessed. And I thank God for choosing to use me in this amazing country with so many needs around me… and learning to start with ONE.

Culture

Did you know… In the Dominican Republic a women, after having a baby, cannot wash her hair for 41 days or remove her socks for 41 day AND they often tie a string or bracelet around the babies ankle to ward off evil spirits. Interesting…

Favorite GAP (American students who spend 1 year studying Spanish, Bible and missions at SCORE) quote

Me: What is the name of the fruit/vegetable section of the grocery store?

Anna: The dairy section!

Me: Um, no. Ohhhh dear!

J

Running out the door :)

I'm actually running out the door to be with a group today, but I remembered my promise! Enjoy some Monday munchies on this beautiful morning...

This week as FLOWN by!

Since Saturday (I didn’t say anything last week to spare the gross details!) I’ve been sick with a stomach bug. Monday and Tuesday I was actually forced by own body to stay in bed since I was too weak to stand up, so you would think there is not much to say in my blog… but you’d be wrong J

On Wednesday, after hearing about some conflicts happening at the Lily House, I decided to go in and talk to my girls. It seems whenever there is a new girl in the house many of the ladies forget how God also saved them from the streets, so jealousy and judgment play a big part. It’s disappointing, but it’s life. So it’s been good to sit one on one with my ladies and remind them how far they’ve come and of the ministry that they can have (while still in the house!) in allowing the same opportunity for the new ladies that come in. *Pray for the Lily House ladies! Pray that through the struggles and conflict, God will have the victory in each ladies life.*

Thursday was a highlight day for me. I spent some time talking to my Gran in Scotland. It is SO AWESOME to be encouraged by someone who also served as a missionary. She is such a strong woman, who was and IS totally surrendered to God. At 81yrs old she is still a feisty little thing (yes, I’m definitely her granddaughter!) and she’s even speaking at a ladies conference in a couple of weeks! WOW! She truly is woman after God’s own heart! She is a true, living example of a Proverbs 31 woman. As my Grandad suffers with alzheimers she still goes by bus EVERY DAY to encourage him and then spends hours in the Word! I hope I’m as cool as she is when I’m 81!!!

Afterwards I went and spent some time alongside the Lily House ladies and attempted to make jewelry. Apparently I do not have much artsy-ness in my genes. I was given several different tasks before eventually getting a pile of newspaper to cut in to tiny little strips for a Christmas project. I like to think that I’m more of an encourager ;) HAHA! I walk around and see how everyone is doing, laugh, talk and move on… But it was fun nonetheless. For the whole afternoon I was so blessed to share with these ladies, encourage them and pray for them!

In the evening I had the awesome opportunity to go with Robersy as he opened a new center of discipleship in Guayacanes. About 9 young people came and we studied the book of John. Robersy has such a gift of teaching! Those there participated and listened intently as he introduced this beautiful book of Jesus, the Son of God! I’m excited to see how God will grow this group, that meets under a sheet metal roof, in the Word. I’m also secretly praying that it’ll rain one week… simply because I LOVE the sound of rain on a tin roof J

Friday was a movie at youth group! I’m really growing to love these kids! It was a good night with an abundance of popcorn and the young people seemed to enjoy it all.

 

On Saturday Robersy and I travelled to Bani and got the awesome privilege of giving a blood sugar monitor to Robersy’s grandfather. Fabio suffers with diabetes, but a machine like this was out of his price range. So while I was speaking to a doctor about my medical problems, Robersy mentioned his grandfather and “boom” free blood sugar monitor! Of course we had to teach him how to use it, which was an adventure in itself, HAHA , but he did his first test and now he’s on track. THANK YOU DR. HUMPHRIES!!!

Sunday is my favorite day… as always… but this week was extra special. 2 of my discipleship girls and 2 others from the Lily House got baptized!!! I felt like a proud momma! So thankful for the work God is doing through this beautiful ministry… and I feel blessed to be a part.

I just realized that this is mostly about me… but Robersy is doing great! He is still coaching and discipling his kids. These kids truly look up to and respect Robersy so it's awesome to see him have a positive impact on dozens of kids that don't have fathers in their lives. *Pray for these young boys, that they might become men after God's own heart!*

Things I'm thankful for:

1. Those who have given towards our vehicle. Every little bit helps! We're on our way and Robersy is calling someone today about a second hand Nissan Frontier 2007 for sale! Right in our goal price ($15,000). We're going to check it out... so pray!

2. New girl friends! So thankful to have girl time when I can :)

Things I miss:

1. Scotland - all of my family, bagpipes, kilts, fish & chips, tea, scones, etc. I'm so thankful to have Scottish blood!

Verse for the week: Psalm 133:1, look it up! Isn't it true :)

 

Monday Munchies :)

Over the past several months I have learned some things about myself…

#1. I am a HORRIBLE blogger.

#2. I am totally OCD and need order in my life.

Ok, I’ve known about #2 for a while and so have most of my family and close friends J So I think I’ve found a solution! If I put it in my weekly schedule to send out a blog EVERY Monday then that solves my problem and you get to hear all the exciting things that are happening over here! So we shall attempt this! However, I want some topics for my blog. Maybe you want to learn more about the culture, common Dominican phrases, Score’s areas of ministry, or whatever. Be creative! Send me your questions and I’ll answer them J

As for this week, well it was pretty exciting! I have my regular discipleship on Tuesday and Wednesday (my Thursday disciple went home to have a baby… pray for Y!) and my Bible study with the Lily House girls, but Thursday was a special treat. I travelled with a bus load of Dominicans for a family picnic. Now, I have been to many picnics in my life… but Dominican’s do it well! Full gas cylinder, stove top, camp fire, domino table, coolers, rice, beans, fish, chicken, etc. The works! It was so much fun sharing with new and old friends as well as exploring God’s INCREDIBLE creation. I stand amazed at His handiwork. We have a VERY creative God. Thanks to a Dominican adventure man we swam across a river, climbed boulders and hiked up risky areas to reach a pretty neat cave. I was in pain the next day, but it was totally worth it!!!

Since I LOVE adventures I decided to take another one on my own. Ok, so it was just to San Pedro (about a 40 minute trip on the bus) but I was able to walk around my old “stomping ground” and find some great stuff at Jumbo. My favorite purchase was a rolling pin! How have I survived 6 months without one?! I miss baking!

Sunday is one of my favorite days of the week. Just being with other believers in His house… there is nothing sweeter. This week we also had the opportunity to sit in the midst of Robersy’s baseball boys. It was funny to hear them whispering amongst themselves as they wrote notes making sure they got every detail since they know their coach (aka Robersy) will be testing them over the sermon at the next baseball practice J

Time in the house of the Lord was followed by time in the house of the Pastor! Great time of fellowship with fellow missionaries and then a quick dip in the pool to cool off from this H-O-T weather J Skype with mom quickly became Skype with the whole family and it was great to hear the updates from home. Then we fellowshipped more with dear friends and I was off to bed for an early night.

So here we begin another week of ministry. Pray for Robersy and I go out and “make disciples” and lead others to HIS throne of grace! Of course not every week is as adventureful as this one was… but I’m thankful for the little adventures when they come along.

This week I am thankful for:

1.       Electricity… when we have it, I love it!

2.       A pool at SCORE… did I mention it is HOT!

3.       Rolling pins! Who invented them?! So much better than a cup.

This week I miss:

1.       Pumpkin spice lattes.

2.       Reese’s Pieces (I always miss Reese’s pieces! Lol)

3.       Family J This list is not in order of course, haha, but I miss my crazy sisters and parents! Praying hard that we can reunite at Christmas.  

Verse of the week: Matthew 11:28-30… go read it. It sums up this week!

Let there be light!!!

So I had started to write a super sad blog about learning to live without electricity… the ups and downs of no lights, no fans and no hot water. THEN, BOOM! Lights came on! I thought I was dreaming!!! However, while I had been writing, a handyman had been working on the box below since he was worried about our food in the fridge going bad! TOO COOL!!!

So praise number one… WE HAVE LIGHTS!!! Lol.

Of course there are so many blessings to share, HOWEVER, I’m writing my prayer letter tomorrow. Don’t want you to hear everything before it’s sent out J

So hold on to your seats and let me know if you do not receive our letter, but would like to!

 

rslara13@hotmail.com

AH-HA!

I know that the God’s Word is ALIVE, and the Lord has spoken to my heart many, MANY times… but I have to share my “ah-ha” moment of the day!

Today we had a group of ladies come and minister at the Lily House. We made candles and food was given out to the ladies. It was a beautiful time of sharing. Afterwards, though, we all sat down to share testimonies and one particular lady from the states brought me to tears. She shared how she had struggled in her walk with the Lord and even left the church for a time.

A year ago she began going to church again and decided to come on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic, but her walk with Christ was still very rocky. On that trip she visited the Lily House and not only shared with the women but spent time with their children too… one of which is a precious special needs girl named Naomi. She can’t walk or talk, but she has a smile that can melt your heart.

Well this American lady met Naomi a year ago and this is what she shared with Naomi’s mother today… “Your daughter changed my life.”

Apparently this same lady had spent years working with special needs children before leaving the church and meeting Naomi brought all of those precious memories back again. Upon meeting Naomi, she decided to surrender and come back to the Lord!

Doesn’t it bring John 9:1-3 to life?! Listen…

“As he (Jesus) went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”

WOW!!!!! “SO THAT THE WORKS OF GOD MIGHT BE DISPLAYED IN HIM.”

I highly doubt it was easy for Naomi’s mother to raise her, provide for her, feed her, change her, etc. etc. Can you imagine the struggles and thoughts that went through her head. And OH HOW PRECIOUS to hear these words today, “Your daughter changed my life.”

Without a word spoken by Naomi… she brought this American lady back to Christ.

“So that the works of God might be displayed in him.”

Thank You Heavenly Father, for Your living, breathing, talking Word… and your precious little servants like Naomi.

Baby, it's STORMY outside!

As I sit hear sipping a yummy cup of coffee and listen to the winds blowing outside I figured it was time for an update!

Games at youth group

Two weeks have passed since I last posted and so much has happened. The youth group that we started in Juan Dolio is up and running… full-speed! The kids are SO excited for a club of their own and they have already invited their friends. And we are GROWING! Our first week we had about ten young people (not including leaders) and this past Friday we grew to 48! Keep praying as we prepare from week to week and pray for our new leaders too!

Discipleship has continued to go well on the baseball field with Robersy and for myself at the Lily House too. It’s exciting to see growth! Keep praying for the young people we interact with each day. And as a BIG praise... the businesses are up and running. Salon, spa and gift shop! Open to groups for now and will be open to the public as soon as possible! GOD IS GOOD!!! 

Leche & Miel (Milk and Honey) - Spa, Café and Gift Shop

Recently I was inspired by a friend to list the things I love here in the Dominican. Of course, I miss lots of things from home, but I don’t want to miss the blessings that are all around me! Here are a few…

1.       Fresh (and cheap!) fruit and veggies. From mangos to papayas… they’re everywhere! Pick them from a tree or buy them from a market. DELICIOUS!

2.       A relaxed, slow-paced culture. It took me a little while to get used to this, but I love just sitting and talking with the people. They all have stories to tell J

3.       Baseball! I wouldn’t call myself a fan, but I love seeing kids carrying around their baseball bats like trophies. Such hope in their eyes with big dreams in their hearts!

4.       COFFEE!!! Good and strong J

5.       Bus rides and lots of walking. Although we are still praying for a vehicle, I love the exercise I get just walking around!

6.       Friendly people with BIG hearts. Dominicans are such a beautiful group of people!

This is just a start, but I’m thankful for the “little” things all around me.

Speaking of “little” things…as a final note, I’d like to introduce the newest member of the Lara family. Don’t get too excited, mom. Two-legged grandchildren will come in due time, but for now… meet Tonky. Chiquita is not exactly excited to be a “big sister” but we thought it would be nice for her to have some company since we’re in and out quite a bit due to ministry.

Keep us in your prayers as we continue HIS work here in the Dominican and please stay in touch - rslara13@hotmail.com!!!

Blessed Beyond Measure

As usual, Robersy and I have no reason to complain. We are blessed beyond measure and so thankful to do what we do.

This past Monday we said goodbye to the FCA soccer trip and headed to camp. As at every event, I was placed at registration. I always laugh at this because I am the worst at understanding the million and one names these kids give. You’d think I’d be better because of names like Shaquinka in Bermuda, HOWEVER, these kids have their first name, second name, father’s last name and then mother’s maiden name ALL spelled phonetically and when asked, “How do you spell your name?” They proceed to just say it slower. Ohhhh heavens. LOL. Pastor Nathan, Robersy and new friend, Daniel (Score missionary from Honduras, who was also taking names) just laughed and left me scribbling down what I could J Haha!

We had about 200 kids register for camp, PRAISE GOD! Each day was filled with messages from God’s Word, games, challenges, songs, and just pure fun. Robersy and I were placed in various areas and it was exciting to watch these kids soak up the Word. On the final night, Robersy led the camp fire service where many shared what God had done over the week of camp.

Although I never like to mention numbers, we saw about 14 young people accept Christ and to keep the momentum of camp, we plan to begin Juan Dolio Youth Group THIS FRIDAY. Robersy and I have been asked to oversee this ministry so we covet your prayers as we prepare and train our team. May God ALONE be glorified.

This weekend was also a blessing as we dedicated the Lily House ministry and we were able to honour those who have had a part in starting this ministry and loving/training/discipling these women to the point where they are today. Only the hand of God could have brought these women out of the darkness that consumed them!!!  It is truly a miracle.

Speaking of miracles… to follow up my update on Lauren, read her testimony on her blog. An atheist taken over with drugs and alcohol finds Jesus in the Dominican Republic. Too cool…

http://ourfund.us/dashboard/participant/donation/24970/1555/1

Thank you for your encouragement and prayers. Robersy and I feel honoured to represent our home churches, family, supporters, etc. here on the missionfield. Without you all, it would be impossible!

GOD IS GOOD!!!

Atheists, Reese's Pieces and Trantulas

Honestly this week has been a blur! A week ago I was in bed with food poisoning and from there, the days have just flown. Of course, it could be because of the amazing group I had the privilege of working with this week!


Monday I met the FCA soccer team at the airport with a fro-yo in my hand (the first thing I had eaten since I was bed ridden J lol). They were quiet… yeh, that didn’t last long! Come Tuesday they were ready to get going! I was assigned with them to translate and help the team overall. We began with a soccer clinic in La Rinconada. The girls did great and enjoyed getting to know the Dominican children, but it was the game in the afternoon that literally left me standing with my mouth wide open…

Luci and I after hiking to a football clinic held in a village.
It was MUDDDDDDY!

We had scheduled a game with a local team from a local area (you’ll know why I’m being careful with names in a moment). We were excited, the other team was excited… everything seemed to be going great. That is, until we mentioned the name of Christ. In a country where they are open to Christianity, I was SHOCKED to be asked to leave because we shared the Gospel. The game was cancelled and the girls were upset, but we had no choice. It just reminded me how close we are to Christ’s return. Jesus is coming!

Throughout the week we were blessed with the opportunity to visit Pasitos de Jesus (a girl’s home) and Josiah’s House (a boy’s home). It’s always so special to spend time with kids who have a story to tell, a heart to mend and sweet arms to hug J

Other highlights were soccer games in Santo Domingo and San Cristobal, where the Gospel was preached and testimonies were given. One particular testimony, however, had me choking back tears as I translated. On the day that the team arrived, I was told that there were a few girls on the team that weren’t Christians, but there was one in particular that was openly atheist and was happy to attend devotionals and Bible studies (which were required) but made it clear that she would not listen. We agreed not to offend her beliefs and just  let God do His thing. Day by day, God worked on Lauren’s heart. She saw the hope in girls, boys and adults who owned nothing, but had Jesus… and through the devotionals and testimonies of other team mates that were getting serious about the Lord, she realized that she didn’t have to be saved when she was 3yrs old… she could start now! She shared her testimony at a game today and said, “It’s just so cool to know that there IS Someone out there and that Someone loves me very much!”

God is SO cool.

Rejoice with us! It is amazing to see God work on the hearts of mission teams who came to minister and leave being ministered to. I feel blessed to have worked with this amazing group of ladies!  And to top it off, the leader (Bob) managed to get me boxes of Reese’s Pieces that I have been missing so much!!! I am so BLESSED!!!!!!!!

Alright, it’s 1:03am and we have camp tomorrow so I am heading to bed… I hope I sleep well know that this little guy is close by…

Found him outside our front door when we came home tonight, LOL! SLEEP WELL J

P.S. Say a little prayer for my Lily House girls. The 3 that I’m discipling have a week of vacation. They’ve travelled to see their families and this will show us if they’ve grown depending on the decisions that they make. Pray that they will be strong! I know Satan is going to be working hard this week!!!