Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Matthew 28:19-20 "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

One of the last things Jesus commanded of his disciples while he was still human and walking this earth, before he ascended into heaven, was to go and make disciples of all nations; this is what we call the Great Commission. This Great Commission has become an overwhelming passion of mine this last year. As I sit and think about the incredible ways God uses us through sharing the gospel, I realize how much value and worth it has for eternity. People are valuable and people have worth and we belong in Heaven, our home, for eternity.

I have been given an incredible opportunity to join a team for a month long project in the capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo (May 18- June 15). Santo Domingo is home to one of the largest universities in the entire Caribbean region. Our opportunity on this project is to not only sow the gospel but also to develop and strengthen relationships with many new believers. One of our hopes is to train locals how to effectively share about Jesus with their family and friends. My team will live, serve and worship together in community; experience biblical teaching and develop mentoring relationships during our time there.

One thing I am most excited about is the equipping I will receive on this project; I am ready to be more comfortable and prepared in sharing the gospel (1 Peter 3:15 "Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear."). I feel more and more empowered the more I have experience in something and I know this is going to be an experience that is going to change my walk with God and also I am believing God for change the lives of the people we encounter.

Not only is this month long project going to cost 2,000 dollars, but it is going to take a lot of prayers. Something I pray for each day is that I may be walking in the Lord's will, and so I ask you to join me in this prayer. I want my life to be of eternal value and I believe that when I am no longer being led by the Spirit, I begin to lose sight of his will for my life and thus my eternal purpose starts to wash away. I ask that during your daily devotionals and quiet times with the Lord, that you will join me in prayer so that I may continue to walk in His will and for strength to continue on in the mission in which He has placed me. Also, for the lost and broken and hungry hearts that we will encounter to be softened and prepared for the glorious message of Christ.

The 2,000 dollars includes everything: food, apartment, ground travel, events we do, and airfare. As I mentioned before, the trip is from May 18- June 15 which makes my departure only a short, few weeks away. I will need at least $400 ASAP to purchase airfare, and then the rest by my departure- and fortunately that puts a bit of urgency on the task. You might wonder why I say fortunately. Well, because it gives God an opportunity to do something only He can do! It is things like this that strengthen us and build endurance and give us an unfailing hope in our savior (Romans 5:3-5 "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."). Any amount is valuable and no amount is too little. I want to thank you all in advance for your donations and prayers; I am eternally grateful to have you awesome people in my life who are willing to be used by the Lord and sew into the Kingdom from what may seem like afar. You are near to my hearts and again, I thank you.

Blessings,
Jessica