Enter Jesus.

I LOVE my morning runs. Out on my own… sound of the waves… beautiful breeze. It’s me and Jesus time. I have been amazed at how many times a song has caused me to pick up speed, slow down, tear up, smile, etc. There are two songs that I have been putting on repeat a lot lately. One is “Held” by Natalie Grant.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-hJ87ApWtw

What an encouraging song! A reminder that God’s promise was never to take all the difficult times out of our life, but to be with us when we do face difficult times. God has been speaking to my heart about this.

I live in a 3^rd world country and poverty is everywhere. How do I encourage a mother to come to Christ when she can barely clothe her children each day? How do I show a teenager that Jesus loves them, when their parents are NEVER home and they’ve had to fend for themselves?

It’s something I have struggled with. But do you realize if life were easy WE WOULDN’T NEED A SAVIOR! According to the dictionary, a Savior is “ONE WHO SAVES.” Deep, I know! Have you felt like you just need someone to come and sweep you off your feet? Are you in need of a superhero to help escape this world’s problems? Enter Jesus.

This lesson couldn’t have come at a better time. On Sunday I sat with two precious girls and listened to their frustration in understanding why they ended up on the streets in order to provide for their children. The shame. The pain. The worthlessness. In need of a Savior. Enter Jesus.

Today I traveled with a group to take bags of food to families in need. Mothers with few possessions and homes with little privacy. Husbands have left. Kids are hungry. In need of Savior. Enter Jesus.

In both situations it was an honor to share this truth, “I have NO IDEA why God has chosen you to go through this struggle and though He never promises to take these hard times out of your life, as His precious child He PROMSISES to carry you through.”

Selfies :)

Is it easy? NO!

Is it uncomfortable? YES!

But His promise is true. Rest in HIM.

This week is a crazy one. Robersy and I are both helping in different areas for a LOT of people here on mission trips. It is so exciting to stop and remember the excitement of your first mission trip. Tons of teenagers with wide eyes, curiosity and PASSION! Gets me excited!

Another praise… Robersy’s English is getting good! We now try to speak ONLY English around the house and, although I forget sometimes, he’s really improving! His goal is to preach in English when we visit Bermuda again. Soon he won’t need me. SAD FACE! But I am so proud of how far he has come. Keep praying for him please!!!

So that’s what is going on here! How about you? Robersy and I want to pray for you, so let us know how.

GOD BLESS.

Here to stay... for now ;)

Just about every week I start my blogs by writing “WOW!” Then I usually delete it and try something more witty and fun. But this week was “WOW!” worthy for sure so I’m gonna have to do it! SORRY…

WOW!

It has been an awesome week again. Some have asked, Sarah… do you ever have a bad week? Um… YES! But seriously, each week when I look back at what God has been doing I have no reason to complain. This week is no different. Of course it started off with gummy bears and Cheezits from a lovely family visiting from the States so it couldn’t have started any better J

I have to admit, I originally wrote this blog post with lists of things that God is doing complete with numbers of souls saved, revival and more… but I want to focus in on 3 specific prayers that God has answered. Truthfully God is doing so many things I can hardly keep up!

Robersy  has been praying for his baseball players at the Seattle Mariners academy a lot lately. He has seen growth and much interest in the Word, so he has been praying whether God wants to grow his ministry among the players there. On Tuesday he preached at the Mariners complex and we are thankful to see the hand of God at work in a mighty way once again. Four young men from the team received Christ. That brings the total up to 12 young men who have accepted Christ during Robersy’s time with them. Pray with Robersy as he is praying about whether to begin a smaller study with the men who have accepted Christ. We thoroughly believe that God can use these baseball players for His glory and we are excited to see how He works!

Ministry amongst the prostitutes in Boca Chica has also been pretty exciting lately! I have been trying to stay faithful at going out and meeting with specific girls with whom we have been developing a relationship. One particular lady I meet with each week struggles between the responsibility of providing for her children and giving her life over to the Lord. It is easy to say “Oh well, God will provide” and it’s another thing to live it! No job, no husband, 5 kids… she’s just looking to survive. The struggle is REAL! Pray that the Lord speaks through me as I seek to share HIM with these precious women in Boca Chica.

This leads me to my final answered prayer. It thrills my heart to write about our ministry “in Boca Chica” because for now that is where we plan to stay!!! Robersy and I have been seeking God’s guidance on where we ought to live and how we were going to do it! We felt as though God wanted to use us further here in Boca Chica, but support wise we couldn’t do it! Truth is… rent in our current location is not missionary friendly! It is impossible to stay and although we knew we’d never have a nice place with security and lots of running space for the dogs (and me!) we knew it was time to find a new place. STILL GOD WAS WORKING!!!

Over the past year we have been doing little favors for a gentleman that is building apartments in our neighborhood. No strings attached - just little things he needed since he does no reside in the Dominican. The other day he came to visit since he was in the country and he offered us one of the apartments at a missionary friendly rate! SAME NEIGHBORHOOD, SAME SECURITY, SAME RUNNING SPACE J  Isn’t God awesome! Guess God’s not done with us in Boca Chica!

You know God has been teaching me a lot about answered prayer lately. His timing and way is so much better than mine will ever be. Things may not turn out as I expected, but He answers! Trust Him!

We are thrilled to serve here and see the hand of God move right before our eyes. Still I KNOW He does the same in Bermuda, the USA, Scotland, etc. Are you waiting for answered prayers? Don’t give up. TRUST HIM!!! 

Adoption or Kidnapping? Hmmm...

HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY! Wait… I have no idea why I said that. Lol. I’m not IRISH! Actually it’s funny, here in the Dominican they have holidays practically every other week for saints. Not today. I wonder why! Something to investigate.

Anywho, it has been a roller coaster week. Ups and downs… but praise God, more ups than downs J

Last week Saturday we met a fun group that has been coming down for years. A group of their men and teens played against Robersy’s team in the morning and then I had the opportunity to go with them to Los Conucos to distribute flyers inviting them to an event that our church is holding this coming Saturday (PRAY FOR THIS EVANGELISTIC EVENT – 3PM ON SATURDAY). 

Within this visiting group was a young man named Michael. An awesome baseball player with scholarships to great schools in the States. When Robersy saw him pitch we considered adoption. However, when we learned he actually has a loving family who want him… so we considered kidnapping instead J JK. Well Robersy was convinced to use him in a game he was planning so after permission was granted by his leaders and parents (we didn’t tell them our original plan) he was put in the game on Tuesday. He did so well! However, more so than that, Robersy appreciated the time to sit down and pour in to this young man. Through Robersy’s Spanglish (which is becoming more and more like real English everyday) they discussed the awesome opportunity to use his skills for the Lord.

Michael (in the black shirt) - pray for his future in baseball

Aren’t we the same. God has given us each gifts and talents. How do we use them for the Lord? I’m reminded of my almost-brother-in-law Kyle, who is an amazing artist. He uses this gift in his paintings – which are pretty deep and make you think. (Check out his site - http://society6.com/KyleHorton )He also uses it while he preaches and as an evangelistic tool. I know others that can sew, cook, and do other things that are constantly used to bring glory to our Master. Pretty cool, hey!?

So we didn’t adopt or kidnap Michael, but he was a lot of fun and we are thankful for the opportunity to work with him and his group.

On Thursday evening my softball team (yes, you read that right. I play softball... ok, well I try to play softball!) played again a local team and although there is still some question about who REALLY won, we’re excited to say that 3 girls and 2 men accepted the Lord! I stink at softball… but the awesome doors it opens to share Christ is incredible! We have another game this Thursday so just pray that I can hit a ball J and that more people come to Christ.

The same street where we speak with women.

Of course, that’s not the only exciting thing that happened on Thursday. There was another group of ladies here to work with FCA. I was asked to lead them in a night of ministry to the ladies on the street. What an incredible opportunity!!! Before we left we prayed and set a goal of praying with 3 ladies. We would pray for their families, health and of course that God would show them their need of a Savior. Well, Christ went over and above! We met and prayed with 8 girls! We shared Christ with them and several showed interest and even asked that we’d come back to teach them more of God’s Word. It made me laugh, in one area 3 girls went ahead and set up tables and chairs to sit with us and listen to the Gospel. When the restaurant owner asked them what they were doing one girl snapped back and said, “We are having a Bible study!” HAHA! Then she proceeded to ask a few of the girls to stand in front of them blocking the men who were walking by so that they wouldn’t approach them. God is working! Pray that the chains of sin, that bind these beautiful women, would fall away!

I’m excited to share that Jodi (leader of the FCA group) and I ran in to 2 of those girls on Sunday afternoon and they’ve asked if they can go to church with me! Pray that God will make their hearts tender to the Word. I’m excited to introduce them to women who walked in their shoes and now work in a job that doesn’t degrade their bodies, but brings glory to God. PRAY THAT THESE TWO LADIES COME ON SUNDAY!

So see… lots of “ups” this week. This doesn’t even include youth group, the beach and Blondies empanadas (my current addiction)… but we’ll stop there for today. It’s 10:44am, I’m still in my PJ’s and I’m going to sit on my porch and read a book.

Happy Monday friends. Rest in His promises, use your gifts for Him and keep your head up!

Hasta luego <3

Our updated Prayer Letter - March 2014

Sorry it's not as awesome as my actual letter (the header was pretty cool, haha!)... but at least you get a glimpse of what is going on around here! Enjoy and pray!

It has been a fantastic first few months of 2014. We have accomplished some of our goals for this year already (Sarah has started a small group with the GAP students), and we have made steps toward others.

One of the most exciting things so far this year is watching Robersy’s baseball ministry grow. Last year Robersy had about 40 boys (11yrs-16yrs) under his coaching and Bible teaching each week. That number has grown to about 70 in the last few months. As well as training them and developing their baseball skills, they are receiving the Word every week and many have come to Christ.

Not only this, but a requirement to be on the team is that the boys must attend a Bible-believing church. Many of the boys have chosen to attend church with us, so it is a blessing to sit with them and worship with them too. Of course, being young boys in church, we say “Shhhh!” a lot during the services, but my (Sarah) heart was filled with joy this past Sunday hearing the boys sing with all of their soul! It was loud and not at all in tune, but I could imagine the smile on our Savior’s face hearing His children praising Him! Sweet blessings.

On the 27^th of February we had the opportunity to leave our neck of the woods and serve in another part of the Dominican called Moca. Over two days we able to assist in Bible programs at a local youth club, visit homes, hold a service in a neighborhood with no church and share God’s Word in two different schools. All a part in fulfilling the Great Commission!

            While I was visiting my mom and sisters in New Jersey, the Lily House held a conference for women currently working as prostitutes. 15 women came from Boca Chica (where we live)! Hearts are tender and there is work to be done. Pray as I continue to seek an opportunity to begin a Bible Study for these women. Pray specifically that God would reveal a location and time to meet with these women. The harvest is ready!

            All in all, God is doing some pretty amazing things in and through us. We are humbled daily at the fact that God has chosen to use us here in the Dominican Republic. May we stay faithful in our walk with Him!

Prayer and praises: 

1. New monthly and one-time supporters needed!
1. Please visit... https://scoresponsor.org/missionaries-staff/shop/lara-robersy-sarah/ to donate to our ministry.
2. Currently we are still living off of Sarah’s “single missionary” support. Our support is not sufficient for two adults. Pray that we can raise our monthly support.

2. New responsibilities in our church.
1. At the end of last year we are asked to be part of the leadership team. After much prayer we have decided to step up to the plate. Pray that we, along with the rest of the leadership team, lead our church well!
2. Sarah has also agreed to help with the church finances.                                                              
3. Possible mission trip to Panama.
1. April 21^st - 28^th a group of missionaries / church members will travel to Panama to serve with a local Pastor.
2. Total cost of the trip will be just over $1,000 each.

coming up...

On April 6^th Robersy and I will celebrate ONE YEAR of marriage. We can hardly believe how fast the time has flown, but we are so blessed by the family, friends and supporters who have encouraged us along the way. Thank you for the prayers as we continue to serve Christ TOGETHER for His name sake!

Our Prayer for You:

Philippians 1:27

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel”

I heart my pillows!!!

New pillows. That's all it takes to make me happy. New pillows!

But we'll get to that in a second...

Seriously, it has been a whirlwind of a week. As I mentioned in my last, short, kind of boring post I had a bit of a cold so I spent a few days in bed, where I learned a LOT about snot. My poor neighbors had to endure the "Ward/Simpson nose blow" that can be heard for miles so I researched snot. Check this out...

How much snot can a person produce? According to Ask.com (totally reliable! lol)  it depends on the person and health. You can produce up to .94 litres of snot a day, 343.1 litres/year and 1,827,455 litres over a period of 70 years.

I think I made it to that point this past week. Seriously, nasty. Wow, I think this is my second post about snot. Hmmm... changing subjects, but first let me blow my nose... (heehee)

But as I was on the mend something exciting came up! I was supposed to travel with a team to Haiti, but due to some circumstances I couldn't go and so I joined a team from our church that was heading to Moca (in the DR) for a mini mission trip. WOW! What an experience. No, it wasn't a trip to feed naked children or heal the blind/lame/deaf, but it was a trip to encourage a brother in Christ and his church!

On Thursday morning (6am to be exact) we loaded up the bus and traveled about 2.5hrs to arrive in Moca. After a quick breakfast of yuca, sweet potato and salami we held a sort of VBS in the morning. Robersy led game time and others from the team lead singing, Bible story and crafts. Let me say, it was such a blessing to see fellow church members step up to the plate and serve. Some as young as 15yrs old had prepared lessons, songs and crafts! So encouraged to see young hearts eager to serve.

That afternoon we visited homes to invite people to a special service and to share the Gospel. I was amazed to meet so many people that were so content not knowing their destination once they leave this earth. Many shrugged at the question "If you were to die today, where would you go?" and some said that they "hope" that their good works would be a enough. Friends! You CAN know.

Romans 3:23 says that we are ALL sinners and we fall short of the glory of God, but Romans 5:8 tells us that WHILE WE WERE YET SINNERS Christ died for us! John 14:6 says that there is no other way except through Jesus Christ, Romans 10:9 tells us how we can be saved and John 3:16 tells us the gift of that salvation... eternal life with Him and not suffering in a place called Hell (the alternative!).

It's all there, I didn't make it up (check it out!)... He wants us to come to Him. We are not promised tomorrow. In fact, in the last 2 weeks I personally know 3 people, who have entered eternity. One only 2yrs old, one 13yrs old and one in his 80's. We are not promised tomorrow. Accept Him before it's too late.


The following day (back to our mission trip) we were able to enter 2 schools and do a mini VBS for each class. So thankful that schools are so open and that the Gospel can be presented.

So all in all it was a pretty awesome trip. I hadn't planned on going... but I am so thankful that I did!

Saturday involved a lot of laundry and meetings, so we'll skip to Sunday ;)

On Sunday morning we headed out to Los Montones (a village about 45mins away from Boca Chica) and as I shared in my FB status, Robersy was preaching. Still, it was so much more than that. In 2009, as I share in Robersy and my long drawn out love story, we served together in a camp. I didn't speak Spanish so it was probably the quietest summer of my life... but I met many other friends that summer too. Together we washed dishes, led the singing, did dramas, swept the cafeteria, and on and on. Those same friends, who stood sweating with me as we washed endless piles of dishes, now serve as the Pastor, the song leader and some even sang in the choir. So blessed to see friends continuing to serve the Lord!!!

Following the service we met up with friends from our church to eat lunch and then headed home to take a Sunday afternoon nap. I remember when my sister, Rebecca, and I were young and our parents FORCED us to take Sunday afternoon naps! I don't know how many times we packed our bags to run away or made plans to move in to our friends' homes. Yeah... now I crave those naps!!! But I could hardly sleep this Sunday! Robersy and I were finally going on our long awaited date! It had been cancelled twice due to unforeseen circumstances and we were FINALLY going to dinner and a movie, but even better we were going to buy PILLOWS!!!!

New pillows on the left and old on the right! lol.

We may seem like an old married couple, but that is all I asked for on Valentines Day. No chocolate, no roses... just pillows. Our bed came with pillows, but I'm pretty sure they are stuffed with 3 feathers. I can feel the mattress through them and, though I am thankful, my scoliosis is not... I really wanted big pillows! But we don't just buy things for fun around here. There has to be a rhyme or reason... Valentines Day was our excuse :)

So friends, I slept well last night. I mean SERIOUSLY like a rock. I dreamed about my pillows while sleeping on my pillows, and though it may mean nothing to anyone else... I thanked God for my pillows! Little blessings in His time.

(Prayers appreciated for the friends and family, who lost the loved ones mentioned in this post. Pray that their hearts may be comforted and peace given as they remember their loved ones).