In her 90’s, mostly-blind, and living alone (her choice), Granny used to say, “Life is moving too fast.” She just couldn’t seem to accomplish what she wanted in a day’s time. Granny died in March at the age of 96, having impacted five generations.
We agree with Granny. Life seems to be moving too fast for us, too. God keeps kicking us out of our comfort zone and putting new challenges in front of us. Doesn’t He know we are getting old?!
Living 20 years in Haiti in mission-owned housing, and then renting in the Dominican Republic meant that we never had to buy a house. However, leaders of the Dominican church encouraged us to buy here to facilitate long-term ministry. I have always been uncomfortable spending large sums of money; so this was a stretch for me.
We set a price that we thought we could pay, and prayerfully began a two-month search throughout Santiago. One day a realtor showed us a new apartment with a wonderful view of the mountains. It “happened” to be located across the street from one of the pastors of the Central church. Judy loved the view, and I liked the idea of living close to the pastor. But the price was too high.
Nervously, we went to Cristina to ask for her lowest price. It was still too high. We presented our dream to live and minister in Santiago long-term. We shared that our church, Central, is our family here in Santiago. She responded that she knew of the church. In fact, her former mother-in-law, Mercedes, the grandmother of her 10-year-old son, “happened” to attend our church. Now it just “happens” that we had had a Bible study in Mercedes’ house for a year, plus we were witnesses to Mercedes’ other son’s wedding. After we shared that, Cristina excused herself. Returning a moment later, she asked us, “How much can you pay?” We made an offer considerably lower than her asking price.
As Cristina began talking to the realtor, we realized that they were talking as if this were a done deal. We cautiously asked, “Ok, so what is the price?” And she responded, “Your offer.” We could not believe it. The realtor later said, “This is amazing. They NEVER lower their price that much!” We responded, “You just saw God at work!” We moved in February 5.
The next day, our first full day in the apartment, we received an email. Can we host a team of four for a week? A friend’s daughter wants to serve the LORD instead of partying during her spring break. She is discipling a fellow classmate. The two daughters want to know if they can work at the La Yaguita children’s center for a few days. They have invited their dads along for the adventure. I’m not sure, I’m tired, the apartment’s a mess, etc…
…and then my friend says that the other daughter’s dad is someone very well known. Now I think, “You have got to be kidding me, no way we can do this.” I’ve never related well to well-known people. I’m too self-conscious around them. So I try to think why we should not invite them.
But my mind goes blank. And then God nudges me, “Don’t be afraid. Invite them.” And we did. And they came. The two daughters and two dads played basketball, painted the church, distributed shoes, shared Bible stories and crafts, and best of all, loved the kids. Pastor Ramón Jorge commented as he watched one of the daughters, “She has something in her heart that attracts kids to her.” And God worked in my life—I had a great time.
Just before the team came, we received the phone call from my sister letting us know that Granny would not make it through the night. We flew to Virginia. And despite my anxiety over giving one of the two eulogies, God comforted the family as I quoted Granny’s life verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”, Philippians 4:13.
In late March—still readjusting after the move, the trip to the states, and the work team—we pushed ourselves to prepare for Central’s new adventure—a church-based center for leadership training. As I prepared to teach formal Bible courses in Spanish for the first time, I thought, “We’ll have 20 students, similar to what we had on LaTortue, Haiti.” Wrong. The Dominican pastor graciously invited all six Bible churches in Santiago to attend, and we mushroomed to 74 students. No panic. After learning my lessons from Granny, the team, and the apartment purchase—I relied on the promise of Philippians 4:13. I knew if I prepared well, I could teach the course.
We began April 5. The electricity and enthusiasm matched my preparation. Several students commented on how much they enjoyed the class. We divided them into small groups, led by the local pastors, to facilitate discipleship and learning. Judy led the Central women’s group.
As I sat in on one small group, I was impressed with the young pastor’s introductory explanation of how to study the Bible using observation, interpretation, and application. I can see that I will need to prepare well for the course each week. No doubt life will continue to move too fast. But “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Bob & Judy Kay
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