The Dominican Republic - From the Laurel Perspective

"Where You Lead I'll Follow." I knew God had called me to this church and I heard His voice when He said, "Go" (to the Dominican Republic.) Why was not a question I asked of the Lord; however, I must admit my flesh wondered what I had to contribute. I had to remind myself that it is not I but the Christ that lives within me.

I believe thousands of people were touched my this "Body of Christ." Every place we went we found a loving, giving, happy people... in spite of profound poverty. With all that we had and gave, I wished there was more. With what little they did have, the Dominican people were gracious in their ways. I marveled at their gentle spirits while my heart broke and my soul cried out for them. I wondered, "Am I seeing with my heart? Am I seeing through God's eyes the way He sees and loves His children? Another whole dimension has been added to my Christian walk as I become more like Him."

The laying on of hands as I anointed them and prayed was truly a privilege and an honor for me. To be used by my Lord in such a personal way helped me to understand the depth of our Father's love for each of us. And every night I thanked God for "expanding my territory", and I thanked Him for never giving up on me and for helping to make me a yielding vessel at His disposal for His people. I am wiser for it.

Everywhere we went people were hungry for the Lord. Revelation 14:15 states that the fields are ripe for the harvest. We must be about the Father's business...that is our commission.

"For I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." - 2 Corinthians 5:16

Glory to God the Father,

Laurel Meres

The Dominican Republic - From the Phil Perspective

The DR was a fascinating and beautiful place.. I was amazed at how poor or "unkept" the Island was. The richer areas was, of course, around the shore line. Roads and bridges were very much in need of repair. Although traffic laws and order to flow of traffic were not obeyed anyway. The attitude as a whole was more laid back.
The Church that we worked on was just being started when we got there. Concrete forms that were rotting were being held up by trees and sticks. The concrete was shoveled up on the roof as opposed to pumped up by a concrete truck.

There were many cases in which we had to make do or improvise. That really reminded me to be humble and thankful. The funny thing is that the DR people didn't seem any less happy than we are. And in many ways more happy than we are.
I brought back with me a fire for missions. In places where we passed out shoes and built the church it showed me how blessed we are. Is it really important that I get that new car or new garage when our brothers and sisters down in DR and other places don't even have proper clothes or are living out of cardboard built houses???

For me the mission field is where my Christian walk is shall we say... "Where the rubber meets the road". The standards and blessings that we here have grown accustom to, hold on us tightly and give us a sense of ENTITLEMENT. I hope and pray that I will never forget that in every decision that I make, whether financial or other, that I keep God first and ask how He would want me to use whatever for His glory. Phil

Service

Something that many Christians do not give enough thought to is getting involved in serving God through ministry to others. Every Christian needs to offer service to the Lord. It's selfish to only want to be ministered to and not minister to others. The wonderful thing about being involved with serving is the variety of ways that we can minister. From taking care of babies in the nursery, to delivering meals to shut ins, to building sets for Christmas and Easter productions. The fact is that ministry opportunities are available for every Christian no matter what their talents and abilities are. Are you involved in ministry? You will grow through it. If you have any interest in knowing more about the ministry opportunities at Laurel Wesleyan, call our office and we'll help you out. 302-875-5380