Wednesday, June 8, 2011

June updates

Hey Folks,
So sorry this is a week late...the beginning of June was a whirlwind at our place. Among preschool 'good byes' and grade school awards ceremonies, Vacation Bible school planning and helping build the extension at church, we were very busy and lost track of time. So here are the updates, prayer requests and praises for the month....

During the recent trip to the Dominican Republic, Lance was able to meet several missionaries we served through Agape Flights. It was really amazing to see all that is being done for God’s kingdom. We thought that this month we would take a little time to tell you about some of the missionaries we are connected with so you can get a glimpse of their ministries and how they are being served through Agape Flights.

One of the ministries, Lance got to visit was Sharing the Vision (STV) in Santiago, DR. Jim and Teresa White lead this ministry and they served with Agape extensively during the Haiti earthquake relief. They serve as the host couple for STV’s Mission Team House and during earthquake relief, many Agape pilots stayed with the Whites while shuttling loads from the DR to Haiti. The Whites also preach/teach in local churches, plant churches, provide outreaches for the poor, provide medical clinics in remote areas. Currently, they are developing a discipleship training center. It was a great pleasure to meet the Whites and thank them for all they have done to help Agape.

Another ministry that Lance got to visit was Casa Grande deMisiones Internacional (CGCMI). This ministry is located in Santiago and is led by Tim and Trena Johnson. The Johnson’s work is mainly evangelism which takes many forms. They are involved in preaching, teaching, youth and children ministries, church planting and humanitarian aid. Because of some conversations during the picnic, Lance has been helping the Johnsons by connecting them with Tri-County Air in Venice, Fl. Tri-County is assisting them in exploring the set up of a solar power system to help them eliminate the high cost of electricity. The DR is ranked as one of the highest countries for electrical costs, so this system would be a great benefit to them. What a great connection and relationship to be able to help foster. Only God can work like that. Another need that the Johnsons mentioned during the visit was a need for sports uniforms. Within just a few weeks of the trip, Lance and Allen Speers located a university which donated several sets of uniforms for their youth sports ministry. We love watching His divine connections that come together to fill a need in their ministry.

A third ministry that Lance was able to visit was that of Students International(SI) in Jarabacoa. SI’s focus is to bring students and the poor together. They have a cross-cultural approach to bring students to a deeper understanding of how they can help the poor and serve God’s people through their occupations. They work through technology, arts, construction, dental clinics, sports ministries, physical therapy, schools, and many more avenues. Currently, Agape is trying to acquire a dental chair for their new dental clinic they will be opening. (Anyone with leads on a dental chair ready to be donated, let us know.)

These ministries are just a sample of some of the great things being done for Christ in the Dominican Republic . The trip was not just a time of refreshment for the missionaries. It was an opportunity to see that the needs are and strive to find ways to help. We really enjoy being able to see first hand what Agape has been able to do to help and what we can do to help more. We are very grateful to be partnered with all of these amazing servants. Please continue to pray for all the missionaries serving in the DR, Haiti and the Bahamas. They are the feet on the ground in these countries and they are serving with all of their hearts.

Prayer request and praises.

Praise God for ways He builds connections and bridges for us before we know we need them.
Praise the Father for being our provider. We are constantly awed by the ways He takes care of our needs.
Please pray for the people of Haiti. Fear and uncertainty are a constant problem for the people in Haiti. This month some of the tent cities were destroyed by the government, leaving hundreds homeless again. Pray that the body of Christ will help them meet their needs and find a place to start over.
Please pray for the missionaries in the DR, Haiti and the Bahamas. Pray for strength, wisdom and provision as they strive to reach more souls for Christ.
Please pray for us as we serve Him. Please pray for strength, health and favor in every area of our lives.
We are very grateful for every prayer lifted on our behalf. We believe in the power of prayer and we never take for granted the prayer team God has given us. Please know that we are praying favor and blessings for each of you.


Also pray for the people of Haiti as the rains of this week are causing mud slides and horrible living conditions for those in shanties and tents. Please pray for protection of their lives and homes.


I will proclaim the Lord's decree:

He said to me, "You are my son: today I have become your father.

Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance,

the ends of the earth your possession. Psalm 2:7-8