Why you gotta be so ruuuude?

Are you ready to get real?

It’s funny how life happens sometimes.

For 3 weeks you travel around, constantly reminded and fed spiritually by the ones who have thought of you, prayed for you and supported you over the year. You feel refreshed, uplifted, and ready to conquer the world and win the Dominican for Christ.

Then you are slapped back in to reality.

For me this slap was… well… an actual slap! LOL.

This past Sunday was like any other, but I wasn’t feeling well so I missed my morning run. It threw my whole day off! I love my runs! More than anything it’s my time alone with God and refocuses my heart and mind to the things that matter. My Divine Stress Reliever J However, at about 4PM I couldn’t take it anymore… I needed to run. So I put my fancy new running shoes on (yay! Thank you mom!) and went on my way.

When I had gotten half way I started my way back. It wasn’t long before I heard a motorbike coming closer and closer… then WACK! I doubled over in pain, felt like I was going to vomit immediately, but looked up in time to see the guy on the back of the bike pull his arm in. He had slapped me!!!

A million things went through my head. I picked up a rock. Contemplated murder… jk. Then all I could do was think, “Why you gotta be so ruuuude?”

People are mean!

We can say, “Yeh, worldly people are jerks” but the truth is a few days later I was emotionally slapped by someone in ministry! Serving Jesus together then… WACK! A reminder that no one is perfect...

Life hurts sometimes. People hurt sometimes. But like I shared with a struggling sister this week, we are emotional creatures. Women, you KNOW what I mean! I can literally laugh, cry and yell in within a matter of minutes. Don’t lie ladies… you probably could too, right!?

However, it is SO important, despite our emotions, that we remember that we serve an unchanging God! (Check out the proof for yourself: James 1:17, Num.23:19, Psalm 102:27) Look at Malachi 3:6, “For I, the LORD, do not change…”

That means we may feel defeated, but our Father can NOT be defeated! We may feel rejected, unloved, sad, far from God and still God says, “I am right here!!!” (Joshua 1:9)

I have to remind myself of God’s unchanging character regularly. Many times this comes out during our weekly ministries.

We’ve been praying for youth group leaders with a passion for discipleship. We have lost several of our young people to the sins of this world (WACK!!! – that was the slap). BUT God says… “I will provide ALL your needs.” (Phil. 4:19) Two women approached me this week about how God has been stirring their hearts to disciple girls in youth group!

Lately Satan has been whispering the “you’re not making a difference” lie when I go out to the streets on Thursday night (WACK!!!), BUT “God says I’m doing things my way… it’s better anyhow!” (Isaiah 55:8) We saw understanding and glimpses of hope in several girls this week AND a girl came to church with me!

Robersy and I have both been trying to get our ducks in a row ever since we got back (disorganization and exhaustion is my enemy - WACK!!!) BUT God says, “I will give you REST!” (Matt. 11:28) I had my regular Friday to clean up the house, then while Robersy was at practice on Saturday I was able to prepare my material for the week. Once Robersy got home we were able to RELAX!!!

Saying all of that… GOD IS GOOD! He doesn’t change even though my emotions do. I expect to be “WACKED!!!” again because 2 Tim. 3:12 guarantees it.

Be on guard friends. 

Don’t give up. 

Keep serving the LIVING Savior… 

AND run against the traffic J

First night of youth group 

Antonio preaching the Word!

We're Back!

It is so good to be home... but every second in the U.S.A. was incredible and we loved sharing with many of you in your homes, churches and local restaurants :)

This week I sent out our new prayer letter so instead of writing basically the same thing I'm just including the highlights.

If you would like to receive a prayer letter every few months please email me at rslara14@gmail.com!

Prayer Letter Highlights:

I can hardly believe that fall is almost here! The summer seemed to fly by with hundreds of people who passed through the SCORE complex, weekly discipleship, baseball and much, MUCH more. Still, we are thankful for every moment as God stretched us and molded us through our summer ministry.

             Summer began with a week of camp and we stood in awe as church leaders and pastors stepped up to the plate and got totally involved! Together with local pastors we got sprayed with hoses, covered in eggs and thrown in a mud pit and even after that we had the privilege to sit down with teens and see many come to the Lord. We are excited to begin youth group this month and follow-up with those who made decisions.

These past few months were a particularly tough time for the Lily House ladies as they worked hard in the salon, bakery and store with the hundreds of people who passed through the doors. They stayed strong and we watched as God has continued to transform them to be more and more like Him. It was exciting to see some of the women who have never shared open up and give their testimony. This is part of their healing process and it was awesome to see. Please remember our new girls that have just arrived at the beginning of this month. We appreciate prayers as they begin the program since the first 3 months are the hardest.

There are no words to express our thanks for our time in the states. God protected us and allowed us precious time with many loved ones. My sister’s wedding was gorgeous and Robersy loved meeting many family members for the first time. Then each and every visit in Virginia, Washington DC, Pennsylvania and New York was a refreshing time for our hearts, minds and souls.

Now we begin our “regular” (which is never regular, haha!) schedule. Pray as relationships are formed and spiritual needs are met at youth group, baseball practice, discipleship and on the streets. We can not do this with out our brothers and sisters in Christ covering us in prayer so please remember us weekly as we serve here in the Dominican Republic.

Titus 2:7

             Dropout rates are extremely high in Dominican schools. Many families struggle to afford education and many kids dropout to work and help their families with daily needs. Still one of the biggest reasons for dropping out of school is baseball.

             If a child has the slightest talent in baseball they are encouraged to leave school and focus 100% on baseball. They are the “hope” for a family, village and country. Robersy was one of those kids…

In 8th grade Robersy gave into the pressure and gave his ALL to baseball. He thought he was done with school forever. God had other plans.

When Robersy began discipling the baseball boys he was honest that one of his biggest regrets was not finishing school. He struggled telling them to finish when he hadn't so… he decided to lead by example and went back to school.

This month Robersy graduated high-school! He is excited to have finished, but has already expressed interest in attending college. We pray that God opens the door for this! More than this, however, we hope that this example encourages his boys to finish school and we look forward to attending more graduations PRONTO!

Trip to the U.S. of A :)

As mentioned before, we truly thank the Lord for an amazing trip to the USA. Although originally planned in order to attend my sister’s wedding, God opened the door to speak with churches, Pastors and individuals regarding support. Although there has not been any commitments made for support as of yet, we trust that God is able to provide all of our needs.

Also, due to popular belief that the Christian life, and even more so, the missionary life is BORING we wanted to share some photos of a few of the amazing things we experienced during our 3 weeks. We are witnesses that our life is anything but boring! There is true joy (and a lot of fun) found when walking in HIS perfect will!

 

These photos are different from our prayer letter so if you'd like to see some more... email me to get our prayer letter OR check out my FB page :)

GOD BLESS!

Taco Bell... oops... I mean, wedding bells!

Well, the countdown is ON! 

5 days until we begin Robersy’s first official trip to America!!!!!!!

We are honored to not only attend, but participate in my baby sister’s wedding on August 30^th! YAY!!! God has shown Himself clearly in every detail of her special day and has reminded us of HIS perfect timing. I look forward to the book she’ll write about all the events leading up to her wedding day… cuz it’s sure to be a bestseller J

For the next 3 weeks we plan to write the occasional update on Facebook and probably post lots of photos (we know you want to take the journey with us!), but we do not plan on writing any blogs (unless we have lots of time!) and we ask for your forgiveness in advance if we don’t get back to you as quickly as you might like.

We have decided to give a basic overview of our trip so that you can pray for us. We’ll be in 3 different states visiting churches, supporters, family and friends. It’s an exciting time, but a busy time! Pray that we’ll be able to meet with as many people as possible… but get a bit of rest too. We are exhausted from summer ministry and look forward to a few days of doing nothing! 

I actually found a great quote in the book I’m reading ("Overwhelmed")… “The Bible calls those who will not work lazy, but it calls those who will not rest disobedient.” So honestly, we’re looking forward to some rest as well J

We are borrowing a phone while we’re in the states so if you’d like to call please let me know and I’ll get the number to you.

Here’s a VERY general version of our schedule… If you’re in the area and would like to see us please send us an email or FB message!

Aug 23^rd – Aug 31^st Held hostage by my little sister and family J

Aug 27^th – Missions presentation at Clymer Baptist in Sabinsville, PA - COME AND SEE US!

Sep 1^st – 4^th Dulles, VA and Washington DC

Sep 4^th – 6^th Newburg, Pennsylvania and an overnight trip to Lancaster, PA.

Sep 6^th – 8^th Buffalo, NY – Attending The Chapel at Crosspoint - COME AND SEE US!

Sep 8^th – 10^th Syracuse, NY

Sep 10^th – 15^th NYC

We look forward to seeing MANY of you and pray that God will be glorified through this trip!

See you soon!

5:45am wakeup call!

Over the past few days I have been able to sit down and read my new book, “Overwhelmed.” It begins talking about a Pastor who loved ministry loved his church, loved serving… but little by little he came to the point where he literally couldn’t wait to get out of this world, even to the point of contemplating suicide! It wasn’t that he was desperate to be with Jesus (although we should look forward to that too), but he just wanted to get away from the craziness here on earth!

Doesn’t life get that way sometimes? If you’re involved in ministry you know what I mean. It is not 9am-5pm Mon-Fri it is literally 24/7.

And you might say… well, Sarah you have time to sit down and write a blog AND this is your day “off” so at least you have one! But here is the to-do list written on a 3x5 card next to me.

     1. Send encouraging note to (then there are a few names written)

 2. Make plans for visiting Boca Chica brothel on Tuesday morning

 3. Finish laundry for Boca Chica street kids

 4. Research how “not wiping” after using the toilet can affect your health (LOL!!! We have to educate!)

 5. Send email to land lord

6.  Prep devotional and discipleship material for the week

·        

Please understand my heart; I’m not complaining (pinky promise!), but it doesn’t take long for days to get filled up, months to fly by and in a couple of years you’re contemplating just getting out of this crazy world! I know many of you feel the same way. It doesn’t matter if you’re a mom or a doctor… life gets crazy.

This is where I’ve found the joy of getting up early and going to bed late J

Who wouldn't want to get up early with a view like this!

Most of the time I’m up and walking the dogs at 5:45am, followed a run to just clear my head (and burn calories! Haha) and then time to just sit with the Lord before my busy day begins. Then around 9PM my bed is calling my name!

You see, I can NOT do life without my Savior. He’s the One who breathed life in to me, called me to the Dominican Republic and who holds my future in His hands. I physically, spiritually and emotionally NEED HIM.

Maybe the morning is not you’re thing… then carve out some time for Him in another part of your day!

I don’t want to be the missionary looking for a way out when there is still so much to do! What about rest? YES, we NEED to! But then let’s get the job done.

Here are some highlights from “getting the job done” this past week:

Camp - a couple weeks ago... more photos on FB.

    1. Two AWESOME discipleship times with 2 lovely ladies reflecting on how God has transformed their lives and praying for what He has planned for the future.

  2. Devotion time at Lily House where we opened up about areas where we are struggling and then focused on praying for one another.

  3. Street ministry with a few visiting ladies and GREAT conversations with several women. We even confirmed a brothel visit for tomorrow. Pray for this!

   4. Robersy was out with a team all week. Playing ball and preaching the Word!!! Men got saved, seeds were planted and a LOT of pizza got eaten, according to our director, John Zeller.

   5. Celebration with Robersy’s team for the boys who got good grades at school (this is close to Robersy’s heart since he dropped out and spent years finishing school… he graduates at the end of this summer!!!) and a sad goodbye to Robersy’s right-hand man, JJ (SCORE intern). We miss you JJ!

    

 6. Sixth anniversary at the church in Los Fundos. Six years since beginning church under a mango tree. Praying for many more years of growth in this sweet church.

   7. On our ride home from church with our Boca Chica boys we had some pretty deep conversation on Christianity. The boys have a LOT of questions and the 45 minute drive was a great time to talk them through. Pray for many more chats like this. God is moving!

You see… busy for the Lord is a JOY, but be mindful to always place each day in the Savior’s hands and avoid getting overwhelmed. REST in Him :D

Isn't God AWESOME?!

As I sit here with my fresh mango/strawberry smoothie, busy putting together a schedule for our time in the States... I can't help but rejoice in all the blessings we have experienced during our time serving here in the Dominican. We have not only met some amazing people, but we have watched the very hand of God move right before our eyes!
Robersy and I have started a praise jar because we don't want to forget all that God has done, even on our bad days.

Although I don't have the time to write out a report of the last year, let me give you a review of some blessings from this past week.

1. Last Sunday-Monday we had the blessing of spending time with Robersy's family. I LOVE HIS FAMILY! We loaded the truck up with his grandfather, stepfather, mom and cousin to play dominoes by the ocean. Relaxation!

2. Tuesday-Friday I translated at the Lily House for gardening classes. I actually have a new appreciation for those who grow their own vegetables and herbs! But the added highlights was watching one of our Lily House girls get SO excited to see the seedlings grow. She is learning responsibility as she takes care of the plants. Growth in her, growth in plants... double blessing!!!

3.  I also translated for some salon classes as the Lily House too. I had no idea how in depth a haircut could be, but watching the Lily House girls grow in confidence made it all worth it!

4. This summer I've had a young lady from a local girls home shadow me a bit to learn how to translate. We actually split up this week (both at the Lily House) and it was neat to see her confidence grow too. Pray for her this week as she translates for a family visiting the home! This one is all on her own :)

5. Before the storm came on Saturday-Sunday, I was able to get all laundry done and the house cleaned. Men don't understand how excited this made me... but you ladies do!!!

6. The storm wasn't horrible... but we got a LOT of much-needed rain!

7. On Saturday Robersy and I FINALLY had a double date with some fellow missionaries. It was nice to get away for a bit and of course, to get to know our friends a little more too!

8. That same Saturday night when Robersy dropped the couple off, leadership gave him a little package that had come in the mail. 2 books from a friend in Bermuda/USA :) A book about a Christian baseball player for Robersy and a book called, "Overwhelmed" for me. I don't know if she understands the perfect timing of these books (especially the one for me! lol)... but needless to say, I've started reading it already :)

9. Sunday (yesterday) we were not only blessed through the worship and sermon (which was awesome AND 3 of homeless boys came!!!) but we were able to fellowship with other missionaries during lunch too. We are SO thankful for our team!!!

10. While leaving SCORE a few ladies on a short term mission trip (we met them a while ago, but they're back) handed us a gift bag. Much needed toiletries for Robersy and I. They joked about a red, girly poof being for Robersy, but they had no idea that just before we left for church Robersy's poof finally fell apart and I said, "Hey, let's just wait until we're in the states to get a new one." He will use that red, girly poof after all, haha!

11. This is a sad blessing... but we said goodbye to an intern/friend that has served with us at the Lily House. The exciting thing is that she has TRULY been a blessing to the girls, myself and the team. However, we're excited to see how God is going to use her wherever He takes her next! We'll miss you April!!!

12. On the way home from church Robersy received a call from a mom of one of his baseball boys. Some of the boys had been fighting and like a true "father" we drove right over there, sat down with the 4 young boys and was able to give them a Biblical whooping (in Word and scripture... don't worry! lol). Thankful for how God is using Robersy to grow and mature these young men!

I'm telling you. We see the hand of God in the most awesome way! We are grateful and truly feel unworthy for the blessings that flow. Thank you to those who read this and pray for us and our ministry. We pray that each day we continue to see the hand of Christ working in His precious people.

The loooooove project!

I LOVE visiting Robersy’s family! Out in the village, surrounded by loved ones. With no electricity the stars just shine brighter. Then to wake up to the voices of whispers that echo off the tin roof. It is most definitely one of my favorite places on earth.

There are a lot of things and people I love… but this week (especially yesterday in the quiet of the country side) I’ve had a lot of time to think about this word LOVE.

I looove LOVE. I love TO love. I love to BE loved. I just LOVE love!

But as I sit with prostitutes and homeless kids in the street it is heart-breaking to hear their stories regarding love.

One young lady I meet with regularly tells me about her 10 “boyfriends.” They include a Korean, an Italian, a German and many more. She “loves” them… each one of them. And they “love” her.

Another young lady changed her appearance because she wasn't feeling “loved.”

A young boy shared stories of his father abandoning him and his family, which resulted in him leaving the home and living on the streets. He feels un-loved!

Another boy in “looooove” with a girl he’s met twice.

A 4yr old and 7yr old raped… their minds forever changed towards “love.”

I have been accused before about preaching on love. “Sarah, you need to preach hell, fire and brimstone!!! These sinners are worthy of eternal damnation.”

Yes… and so am I. But it was LOVE that changed it all!

Everyone can say John 3:16 backwards and forward, but wasn’t it LOVE that caused God to send His Son? (“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”)

It’s Christ that even gives us the definition of LOVE in 1 John 4:11-12 (“Since God loved us, we ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”)

1 John 4:19 says we only love because He loved! (“We love because He first loved us.”)

1 Corinthians 13 shows us the importance of love since everything we do is like garbage if it doesn’t include love. (“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful…”)

To love is the greatest commandment and it’s our mark as a Christian. (1 John 4:8, “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”)

Love is mentioned 551 times in the Bible (NIV) as opposed to hate that is mentioned 80 times.

Then why is it that we are all “messed-up” in our views towards love!!!???

I know people that preach hate to homosexuals and spit at prostitutes… but isn’t it a lack of love that brought these precious souls (THAT GOD CREATED!!!) to the place where they are now.

Isn’t it an act of LOVE that will bring them to the cross?

I am not minimizing the penalty of our sin or the eternal consequence of rejecting Christ, but I know it was LOVE that saved me, for Christ IS LOVE… so shouldn't we LOVE?!

These thoughts that have weighed on my heart have led me to plan the “You are LOVED!” project.

For the next few weeks I will be collecting love letters to pass out to the girls working on the streets and the homeless children too. They do not have to be long, but we want to express TRUE LOVE! This means verses that express true love, tell them that you’re praying for them (and then REALLY do it), tell them how you experienced true love, and even how TRUE loved changed you.

If you live here in the Dominican or will be visiting the Dominican soon, then I’d love you to write them yourselves and give them to me. If you live in Bermuda you can give them to my parents or sisters and they will give them to me while I’m in the States.

If you do not, then you can send me a private message with a love letter in Spanish or English (I can translate) and I’ll print them out.

I plan to take these love letters out before August 21^st (and many times after if there is a big response!).

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us…”

Love changed your life… Love will change theirs too!!!

Let it RAAAIIIINNNNN!!!

It’s raining!!!

After what feels like months of no rain, it is a blessing to hear the thousands of raindrops mixed with the thunder and lightning crashing outside of our home. Let it raaaiiiinnnn!!!

But amongst the beauty of falling rain, there are these DISGUSTING little black flying ants. Oh my soul, they are so nasty… and worst is, I don’t know how the heck they get in to the house!

Doors and windows are closed, but these creepers find their way to the bed, the floors, the walls… NASTY! Just plain crusty.

But what about that beautiful rain…

The results of this week began a month ago when I first met a young man named Richard.

Each Thursday night, as we speak to prostitutes on the streets of Boca Chica, more and more homeless boys have been following us around. They are actually pretty respectful, have never asked for anything AND keep their distance as we’re speaking/praying with women.

I’ve had some pretty awesome conversations with a few of them and then each week I remind them of church and our “pick-up” spot. For a while none of them came. That is, until last Sunday.

Robersy always laughs at me since I get super excited if there is ANYONE waiting to go with us. Sometimes I wave prematurely and it’s just someone passing by or I have a huge grin across my face and then another car pulls up before we do… but this time… THIS TIME it was Richard!

God touched our hearts during that church service and we decided that we needed to take Richard to camp with us. We arranged a time and place, but the following morning Richard wasn’t there!

What?! Who doesn’t want to go to camp!?

Trying to forget about it, we carried on and had a FANTASTIC first 2 days at camp. The teens were pumped and God mightily used the counselors and speakers for His glory.

On Wednesday night a group of ladies staying on the camp grounds asked to go on street outreach with me and guess who we ran in to :) Turns out he was embarrassed to go since he didn't have a change of clothes. Maybe I should have mentioned to him that his bag was packed on Sunday after church with donated shirts, shorts, toiletries and a Bible! LOL.

So Thursday morning we headed to camp!

Then following the very first message, Richard accepted Christ as his Savior!!!!

It was an amazing week over all filled with testimonies of decisions from the teens and a LOT of fun.

Point is, the blessings poured down like rain, overflowing and abundant. LOVE IT!!!

But then those little black nasty bugs enter my heart and mind.

Soooo… we take him to camp, he gets saved and then we take him back to the streets?! It doesn't make sense! God don’t you have a solution!?

The huge storm on Saturday night didn't help since Robersy and I were up and down all night thinking about Richard.

Where is he sleeping? Does he have shelter? Should we go find him?

Bugs of doubt, fear and just a touch of anger.

“God, why did you put him in our life if there’s nothing we can do to help him?”

Fast forward to Sunday morning.

We stopped by the “pick-up” spot early since Robersy was preaching in another church, and there he was… Richard and two of his friends (Input lots of premature waves and plenty of freaky smiles! HAHA!).

On the way to Los Montones (where Robersy preached) these 3 kids shared their stories, their struggles and their dreams. Three precious souls that God created!

 During Robersy’s message God pricked my heart and swept those nasty little bugs away.

Check out 1 John 3:18, “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”

And what is truth… John 14:6, “I am the way, the TRUTH and the life…”

We may not have a lot to offer, but we do have the Truth and HE is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords!

I trust God has exciting things planned for these 3 special boys and the other Boca Chica street kids so, God Almighty…

LET IT RAIN!!!