February update

After playing a few games of basketball one morning with men from the neighborhood, Bob sat down for a breather. While playing, he had noticed that one young man was really hard on himself every time he missed a shot. As he rested on the concrete bleachers, Bob shared with the guys how he handles disappoint in himself. He showed the young man how he presses a finger into his wrist to remind himself of Christ’s sacrifice for him and the forgiveness He offers. This enables him to stay focused on the present instead of on past mistakes. Several of the guys around him listened intently.

Another morning we were walking in a nearby park, joining others who were doing their daily circuit. Instead of the usual smile and “¡Buenos días!,” we paused that morning to introduce ourselves to two regulars on the track. As we walked together for a few laps, their questions about what we were doing in the Dominican Republic led to discussing the stresses of life and the truths found in the Bible.
Recently, our mission, Crossworld, has defined the disciple-making process as “helping people to live and love like Jesus by imparting God’s truth through authentic relationships wherever life happens.” It’s a good reminder that life happens in a lot of different contexts—contexts that provide opportunities to share God’s truth—whether through leadership training classes in the church or pick-up basketball games and walks in the park.

The fun, and sometimes overwhelming, thing about ministry is that the opportunities are endless. Our complex of 12 apartments is now full of new neighbors. Our hope is that the interchange of small gifts, conversations in the parking lot, and attempts to peacefully resolve conflicts over barking dogs (current population: 25 people and 5 chihuahuas) will open doors for building friendships. Since we work with the couple’s ministry at church, it’s interesting to note that we are currently surrounded by young, recently wedded couples.

Within the church, the leadership classes continue with the addition of Alberto—a talented young leader whom Bob has recruited to help creatively clarify the concepts being taught. While teaching on the authenticity of the New Testament Greek manuscripts, Bob and Alberto took on the roles of Chuchu, a machete-wielding farmer, and his son, Mijo, a university student whose professors were teaching that the New Testament is not reliable. (The students may not remember how many NT Greek manuscripts there are, but Bob with a machete in his hand is unforgettable.) Presently, 65 students are taking the New Testament Survey class. The next class will focus on how to prepare and teach a message from the Bible.

Thank you for your prayers as we strive to be intentional and creative in expressing God’s love and truth to those that the Lord brings our way.