Hey y’all!!!
Three weeks ago, my squad made it to the Dominican Republic! We’ve been working with Mission of Hope to start up a new campus in Jarabacoa. It’s beautifully placed in the country with a view of both mountains and the city. Days here typically consist of painting houses, using a machete to cut grass, move around storage, landscaping, or going to downtown Santiago to visit families and share the Gospel. I am loving the ministry and have been experiencing and sharing the Lord’s love in ways I never expected.
I’ve been reading the gospel John recently!! One of my favorite scriptures is John 8:31-36, where Jesus is speaking to the Jews about who He is. He says to them, “If you hold to my teaching, you really are my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free… everyone who sins is a slave to sin… so if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” The Lord is teaching me a great deal about His freedom, and how I don’t have to continue to walk in bondage to my sin, fear, and past. He is holding the door wide open for me to walk into the fullness of His freedom. The Lord also beckons you to begin to walk in His freedom and truth that He has ready to offer. Let me tell you, from the glimpses of freedom and victories I’ve had in my life the past 6 months, it is beyond worth it to follow His beckoning to lay off the weight and burdens of the world and the hurt you’ve experienced to step into His light and His loving arms. That being said, during this season of life, I am thanking the Lord that I don’t have to be a slave to sin/fear/my past anymore because of His eternal sacrifice for me on the cross.
In the transition from Nicaragua to the Dominican Republic, my squad took a week break in Costa Rica. During my time there I got baptized in the ocean!! All glory to Him!!!! Forever I’m free!
I have one week left here at Mission of Hope, then solely my team (of 8) and I will be going to a ministry spot called Hope Mountain in northern Santiago for a month. I’m not entirely sure what to expect ministry-wise there but I am certain that wherever the Lord takes us His will is going to be fulfilled!
As we end our time here in MOH, you could be praying for:
- increased unity within the squad
- a smooth transition from being an entire squad to just teams
- more energy to do ministry to the best of our abilities
Thanks for your time & your prayers! I love you all a lot. I don’t have service here and only get wifi once a week, but please feel free to reach out!!
Much love,
Rach
