Thanks, Gracias, Danke, Grazie, Merci

As our Cuban brother, Rudy, has said, "Sometimes the words 'thank you' just don't seem like enough." And I must say right now this is exactly how we feel.  In case you don't know, our computer died last Thursday.  It was working fine Wednesday (I'll admit we had been having a few problems and glitches for the past few months but I was just pushing through hoping to make it to December) and then Thursday morning, it just wouldn't turn on.  I tried and tried with "hard rebooting" and unplugging and replugging and battery this and battery that... but to no avail.  We left it plugged in (and I think charging according to the light) overnight and nothing.  Needless to say, this was very disappointing (and rather annoying) as we do a lot on the computer including keeping you all up to date and work and communication and yes, fun stuff like Netflix.  We called J's mom to ask her to start looking around as the AIM staff was still in the States and therefore a new computer could easily be brought back with them.  And of course I was stressing (typical me) about funding a new one and getting one back and how it's all going to work... "chicken littling" it again.  And now comes the most amazing part... Monica (J's sister) heard of our need (as she and her husband, Cody, are the tech people in the family) and immediately posted our need on facebook with requests for help in any way.  What is such a blessing, and I will admit something that actually brings tears to my eyes right now, is the overwhelming response she had from people willing to help.  In 24 hours, Monica had found support for $1100.00 to purchase a new computer for us.  Through her faithfulness and willingness to get the need out there, we were blessed beyond measure with not only a new computer and a solid state hard drive (to which I am assured will help the poor laptop with all the traveling we do) but with a showing of love felt all the way in the Dominican.  So, I want to take this time to say thank you to each of you who helped this happen.  Thank you for your willingness to donate to us and support us in our times of need.  Thank you for the prayers through this time and faithfulness.  We are blessed and grateful!!!
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And because I have not been able to blog in a while, I want to catch you all up on all the other amazing things God is doing.

The guys returned Monday afternoon after 9 days in the States.  And from the things I have heard, it was a phenomenal trip although exhausting.  We have our weekly meeting today in which I know I will be hearing even more about their experiences and growth and will try to share those with you soon.

While they were gone, it was much quieter around here.  J returned late Sunday night, the 12th, and according to him the work in Hato Mayor was used by God in many different ways.  4 men prayed to receive Christ (2 from our AIM coaches), Gloria a Dios!!  After having a very productive, doctrinal talk on baptism, 8 men were baptized.  (The average Dominican is taught you should wait 3-6 months before being baptized to learn doctrine and in essence to prove your faith is genuine.)  Chains were broken and the freedom of Christ's salvation was emphasized to all the men throughout the camp.  (Again, many Dominicans are held down by their previous lives and sins even after accepting Christ.)  Praise God for His truth and those able to preach it.

J had the final Paz Financiera this Monday with the pastors and leaders of the community.  According to J it was a great finish and several of the pastors were requesting the DVDs to show their congregations and reach out to their areas.  (A complete blessing as this was the idea behind administering the class to these specific men and women.)  And just another woohoo! for this class was shown in the States by one of our own staff who decided it was better for him not to buy a computer (although there is a need and want) but apply those funds to another area in his life to get out of debt.

As the AIM guys are back and "on fire" for discipling and reaching others, this week (and honestly all future weeks) is dedicated to getting out there and reaching those coaches we work with and finding new ones.  Pouring into the coaches and leaders so they can in turn pour into the youth and kids.  Raising these men and women up to be better and stronger in their faith.

Please be praying for the AIM staff and us as we continue along this process and really shift into overdrive.  Pray for a willingness to get out of our comfort zones and our areas and reach new people.  Pray for Christ to shine through all of us throughout our work and life, and pray He will be glorified in all we do.

Aubrey with several of our neighborhood friends.

Aubrey and Ryann.  We are beyond blessed for these 2 amazing girls.

Daddy teaching Aubrey how to throw and catch with a princess glove.  Go hard or go home... "There's no crying in baseball." :)

While the guys were gone we cleaned out the equipment room to organize, count, see what we had, etc.  J found several balls from TU and here is one he took the liberty of making better.  Yes, he has some crazy eyes here, gig 'em!

 

 

 

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

Matthew 6:19-21