February 2013 update

As we neared our destination, our friend warned us that we had better be on our best behavior. He said that the folks there were a law unto themselves and that outsiders could get left in jail. We were headed to the wilds of Louisiana—the coastal town of Cameron—to experience their annual Fur and Wildlife Festival. Thankfully, we arrived at noon, just missing the nutria skinning contest. However, we felt the soft furs—nutria, fox, mink, etc.—that the Wildlife Queen and her attendants would wear in the upcoming parade. While waiting, we chewed on alligator on-a-stick (like tough, fishy-tasting chicken). Then came the floats, cars, and mud-splattered four-wheelers throwing candy and beaded necklaces. We caught enough necklaces to give to each child at the La Yaguita children's center in Santiago. After leaving Cameron, we drove through a nearby wildlife refuge, warily noting the sign at the entrance that said, "DO NOT GET OUT OF YOUR CAR!" As we made the circle, we counted more than 20 alligators eyeing us from the grassy marshes and roadside. After that Lake Charles seemed downright civilized as Bob preached the next morning in a local church. Now after many travels and God-given opportunities to speak and preach, we are heading back to the wilds of the Dominican Republic on February 2. The wildness of the ever-growing city of Santiago is quite evident as you drive the city streets! We look forward to a wild ride as Bob re-gathers the students of the Bible Training Center and begins teaching the next course—Preaching Biblical Messages and Pastoral Ministry. We ask your prayers that the students will learn well how to deliver biblically accurate and applicable messages. These men and women are the next generation of leaders and teachers in the Santiago Bible churches. Our goal is to produce capable, Christ-like leaders. We especially thank all of you who hosted us, fed us (the diet starts NOW), listened to us, and prayed for us during this time of home ministry. You are great, and we cannot minister in the Dominican Republic without you.