Late posting of December newsletter

The low rumble of an early morning snowplow clearing the roadway reminds my foggy brain that we have left the 90° December temperatures of the tropics and entered the cold, white winter world of Virginia. As I pull the blanket closer, I thank the Lord for this opportunity He has given us to spend Christmas with Bob’s parents.

Returning to the states for Christmas was not part of the original plan. However, Bob’s dad had a serious accident October 12 in which the fuel truck he was driving rolled over several times. The first responders to the accident were sure that he could not possibly have survived; yet, God miraculously protected him. After two days in the hospital, he left with a few scrapes and stitches, wearing a neck brace and a back brace to support three cracked vertebrae. Now, two months later, Bob’s dad has started driving the truck once again. And for the two weeks that we are here in Virginia, Bob is helping his dad and brother-in-law stay caught up with the home-heating fuel oil deliveries.

This is also a time to pray and plan for the ministry challenges facing us in the New Year. Please join us in praying for the following challenges:

1) Strengthening the marriages within the Central church family
Juan and Lila are an extremely talented couple. As we walk through their home, the beautiful paintings on the wall are all signed by Juan. In the sewing room of their home business, Lali’s amazing designer clothing creations hang on a rod. But the stress in their home is palpable as we sit down to chat. This is the second marriage for both of them. To avoid constant conflict, Juan is withdrawing. Lali is exasperated and ready to give up. They have asked for help.

Working alongside a Dominican couple, Bob and I have served in the Central couple’s ministry now for two years. Lately, each time there is a couple in crisis, the church leadership asks us to help. They feel inadequate to the task. Guess what? So do we! However, we’ve discovered that just talking with a couple—sharing our own struggles and the things we have learned—can help a younger couple regain perspective and the will to keep on loving.

Pray for us as we facilitate a 5-week, small group experience for couples this year. We’re hoping to provide an environment that encourages sharing and growth, and at the same time begin to identify couples who can be trained as marriage mentors. In addition, we’ll be focusing on “fireproofing” our marriages in the monthly couple’s meetings—now attended by 40 couples.

2) Training men and women to study, teach, and preach God’s Word with integrity and practicality
Daniel steps up to the pulpit and warms us with his wide smile. His rich words focus our minds on worshiping the Lord. This is Daniel’s Sunday to lead the praise team. He has a double workload since Central started a second service to accommodate new growth. This expansion has fueled the desire of the elders to develop more leaders. Daniel is one of six men who are studying preaching methods with Bob on Sunday mornings. On Saturday afternoons, a larger group of 12 studies the biblical qualifications of a leader. Pray that these men grow in their desire and ability to be servant leaders.

Each major ministry at Central has a Christmas banquet specializing in great food and words of encouragement. During the women’s ministry banquet, we ran out of plates and silverware due to more than 100 women attending. As part of the women’s leadership team, I (Judy) watched as two of our team led a recent meeting—one younger and vibrant, the other graced with a kindly and mature wisdom. Their teaching gifts are evident, but they lack confidence in developing their own Bible studies. Please pray with me as I work with them and others this coming year.

We had quite a few Christmas celebrations before we left for Virginia. In the Los Girasoles church, we joyfully sang carols in three languages in a joint Dominican-Haitian celebration—a rarity for these two so-different cultures. The singing group Pecha—comprised of nine Haitian young men studying at the university in Santiago—harmonized in an acapella praise song. Within this group are the core leaders of the Sunday evening Haitian congregation, which has recently doubled in size to 50-60. Pray for their spiritual growth as Bob continues to train these men.

3) Learning how best to help the LaYaguita church impact their community for Christ
This small church, led by Pastor Ramón, continues to minister daily through their child development center to more than 70 children. Most of the children come from difficult family situations. Some of you have said you want to bring a team in 2010 to minister in this poor neighborhood. As you work with us, we’d like to help the church clearly define their mission and recognize the resources they have at hand. Pray for us as we work with Pastor Ramón and his leadership team to plan healthy ways that US churches and the LaYaguita church can minister together.

We’re actually looking forward to these challenges, and whatever else the Lord brings our way in 2010, realizing that our adequacy comes from Him. Edward Everett Hale once said, I am only one, but I am one. I can’t do everything, but I can do something. And what I can do, I ought to do. And what I ought to do, by the Grace of God, I shall do. So pray that we will do what we ought to do by God’s grace.

As you encounter your own challenges in the New Year, we pray for wisdom and strength for you. We return to the Dominican Republic on January 1, Lord willing. And for the first time, my (Judy’s) mom will be flying from Dallas to meet us in Miami and travel with us to Santiago. Please pray for good health for her during her stay. We live on the 4th floor—no elevator!