Thank you for praying for us! We have sensed the protection and provision of the Holy Spirit since we arrived in the DR on June 11.
Here are highlights from our past two weeks…
Our team worked hard to prepare the celebration of the promotion of our latest Literacy Class—our third in the 3+ years of the ministry. The women in the class invited their friends and family to this special event. As the students were invited individually to step up and receive their diplomas, they were recognized for the fruits of the Spirit that the teachers saw in their lives. Some received recognition for perseverance, others for their humility, still others for the joy, gentleness, and mercy they show toward others. We are grateful two of our sisters in Christ could join us to share in this special event: board member Sue Morton and bookkeeper Amy Shobaken.
Promotion celebration of Spanish with a Vision's Literacy class, its teachers, and supporters.
What most impressed us was hearing from two former teachers who described the changes they’ve seen in the literacy students. The teachers told us the women are less anxious and much calmer . . . more at peace with themselves and others, and using the Lord’s name in their everyday conversations.
We are realizing the transformation in the women’s hearts comes from their growing confidence and self-esteem as they are discipled by their present teachers, Dominga and Belkis. We originally thought our ministry was providing primarily literacy skills and Bible teaching, but it turns out that the “life on life” modeling by the teachers has been even more valuable. Both teachers are extremely missional, making themselves available to the women after the class ends for phone chats, additional tutoring, and counseling.
L-R David, Dominga Santiago (Lead teacher), Belkis Perez (Bible teacher), Mercedes, Amy Shobaken (Bookkeeper), Susan Morton (Board member).
We met with a potentially new cooperating church called Iglesia Miramar. This church is pastored by Edison Marmol, a medical doctor Mercedes has known since they were in church together as teenagers. Edison said that because Jesus told his disciples to “go,” their church is going out to seek those who don’t yet have a relationship with Jesus. He sees our literacy program as a way for the church to reach out and love those folks. The church building is situated in an unbelievably congested and busy section of the city. As we met inside, we could hear a constant clamor of vehicles and people outside. We sense this is our next cooperating church and classes are expected to begin in September.
Our Spanish with a Vision Team meets with Iglesia Miramar's leadership and future Literacy and Bible teachers.
We also met with the pastor of our current cooperating church, Hector Santana, and his wife Patricia, as well as our lead teacher, to plan next year’s classes. We’re excited about what the Lord will do and who He will bring to our class.
As we head home, we are so grateful for your prayers and your interest in the lives of the women we serve!
Yours in Christ,
David y Mercedes