Finish lines and faithfulness

I cannot believe that in a month another GAP year will be in the books.  The time has never gone slow, but at a good pace and at times it seemed like it was moving at the speed of light.  I'm not exactly sure where February went, and I'm now sitting here realizing that we're in the home stretch.

And I'm sure April will be the fastest month yet.  Trying to fit everything in, trying to make and remember memories, trying to figure out how to give it all and have no regrets...and not just for the students, but for myself and the other leadership staff as well.

As I was talking to a fellow missionary friend, talking about my 2nd year as director, talking about the students that the Lord brought here and how I have seen Him show up time after time, I want to brag on God and the students that He's brought here.  I truly believe that He has a purpose for every single student that comes down.  I believe that God will use whatever He needs to in order to get specific students in this specific environment.  I believe that for last year students, for this year's students and for the students coming in the future.  Some come into the program because they, themselves need to be challenged, need to be fed truth, need to come out of the distraction that is the American life to be able to be broken down and built back up the way Jesus wants to build them.  Some come pretty solid in their faith and God then uses them and their giftedness to help not only the program grow but also to help other missionaries and ministries around the Dominican Republic.

They all are leaving a mark on this island.  Whether they see it or not, they are making a difference!  Here are just a few examples of how the Lord has been faithful through the gifting and lives of our students!

Caroline has been able to share her gift of music by teaching guitar to one of the boys at Josiah's House.  She truly was answer to his very specific prayer!  She also teaches guitar to a girl at Pasitos de Jesús and just this past weekend was able to play guitar at the very first wedding in San Jose.  She has also stepped up to lead worship in the kids programs that we have done on our different mission trips.  Not only is she filling a need, but also in her faithfulness in coming here has shown others that God is real, He can be trusted, He DOES hear our prayers, and definitely provides.

 Jack's story is one that has come full circle.  Craig McClure, a missionary down here in the DR, was his youth pastor 6 or so years ago.  In the time since Craig has been down here, Jack has grown in faith, wisdom, ability and language and just last month had the opportunity to preach (in Spanish!) in the village church where Craig is currently the pastor.

 Christa has left her mark on the DR quite literally.  Her gift of art has blessed 3 churches so far and her legacy and faithfulness will remain the Dominican for years and years to come.  Christa, along with the help of her classmates, has also put together an art class for the boys at Josiah's house a couple Saturday's a month.

Amanda has this way with children that is amazing.  They FLOCK to her.  Doesn't matter where, when or how...she always has kids running up to her and jumping into her arms.  Amanda's main ministry here is working with the women of the Lily House.  Those women need love, unconditional love and Amanda is the PERFECT one to give it to them.  Her experience at the women and children's shelter back in Buffalo prepared her for such a time as this!

More updates on God's faithfulness through the students to come!  

In the mean time will you join me in praying for them? Specifically for their futures after GAP? Some are seeking the Lord for what next year might hold, some will be reentering into American culture, college and all that goes along with that! Please pray for guidance, for clarity, for some doors to open and others to shut.  Pray for godly friends and mentors to come along side of them when they get back.  Pray for God's voice to be the loudest in their lives and for the courage to listen and obey that voice!