Our Blog has changed... please visit us at www.alanandjackie.blogspot.com

Engaged!

2009-03-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

February 16, Alan asked me to be his wife!! My mom was here in the DR and CPC too! It was so awesome to have family, friends, supporters and encouragers here alongside of us! We are going to have a private beach wedding on May 17 in the Dominican Republic. Once he is able to travel to the states with me, we'll have a reception in Las Vegas as well!!

Please pray for us as we enter into a marriage covenant with God and with each other. Pray that we serve each other wholeheartedly as if serving the Lord. We have just finished up our pre-marital counseling with Dave and Cherry Schwulst. THANK YOU Schwulst's!!!

We have lots of exciting dreams and plans for ministry and we are so thankful to God for placing us in each other's lives and to you all for your faithful prayers and encouraging support!

Here are some of our engagement photos taken by my good friend Goody, our Field Photographer-- thanks Goody!

Central Peninsula Church

2009-03-22T10:47:00.000-07:00

Central Peninsula Church. I am not quite sure how to even start this blog.

How about the past.

I accepted Christ when I was 20. It's been almost 7 years.

Rob and Missy Hall led to me to Christ. They became my mentors. I served with them and later worked for them in student ministries and children's ministry.

We both eventually moved- them to California and me to the Dominican Republic. My first ever mission trip was with G.O. Ministries to the D.R. when I was 21 and Rob was the leader. He led several trips and they were all successful, but due to moves and life circumstances he hadn't been back in several years.

After a visit to see my friends in San Francisco it was decided that now was the time to return to the DR, but this time it was Missy's turn. She recruited a team of 24 from CPC to serve alongside the Nationals in constructing 2 houses and also doing children's ministry in surrounding communities.

We had hoped that they would come alongside Pastor Medina and would encourage him spiritually and also partner with him financially. Medina is a man of God and a pastor of a small community. He is also a police officer. He splits his time between his growing family (3 kids), the police force, and the church. Our desire (and Medina's) is that he could financially make enough to quit the police force and pastor full-time to truly meet the needs of those in his community.

Watching the team care for Medina and his family is sometimes something hard to put into words. When you see two worlds collide for a brief moment or as one team member put it, two broken parts of the body coming together to heal one another it is, well, beautiful.

The team is making strides towards a partnership with Medina and we are so incredibly humbled and thankful for their week they spent here and the lasting impact it has had on the communities they worked with.

For me, it was personally one of my most encouraging weeks I have actually spent here on the field. Thank you Missy and CPC for sharing Christ's love with the nationals, for stepping out in faith to come on the trip and for partnering with me. I am humbled!

We look forward to the next CPC trip in June 2009!

Missy and Jackie, February 2009
Construction of houses for Rene Rodriguez and Luis Jimenez

Hamilton Life Church

2009-02-23T18:12:00.000-08:00

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the land to strengthen those

whose hearts are fully committed to him.

2 Chronicles 16:9a

Hamilton Life Church, February 3-10, 2009

Gumercindo with wife Dulce Maria, Robert and Damon

Gumercindo Toribio is a man in his late 60's and has been serving God and the church since a missionary came to the bakery where he baked bread daily. The owner was a Christian and he sensed that Gumercindo wanted to accept Christ. He began going to church with the owner and shortly after accepted Christ. That was 1979.

Gumercindo is a man seeking to serve the Lord wherever God sends him. He's worked in over 4 different communities over the past 30 years with a heart to plant churches, grow strong leaders, and send them out to lead, and disciple, and plant churches.

He and his wife Dulce Maria (Sweet Mary) live in the mountains in a fairly rural community two hours outside of Santiago. They pastor a growing church. He is discipling men. He is spreading the gospel.

One of the churches that support the work I am involved with came to see firsthand the work we were doing. I visited with them before their trip. I don't think anything would have quite prepared them or me for their week here. I believe the LORD sent Hamilton Life Church to strengthen the hearts of Gumercindo and Dulce Maria.

The week was filled with sweet moments of the team working side-by-side to encourage them in their faith, their work... their hearts. When we arrived to the mountains on Saturday after a long week of construction of a church and nutrition center in Santiago, the kids were ready to go. They sang sweet songs worshipping the Lord and in the evening's church service, Pastor Damon who preached, washed the feet of Gumercindo urging the church members to serve one another just as Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve.

But, not only was this week an encouragement to Gumercindo, but I believe to the team and the pastor as well. Gumercindo is a church planter. Pastor Damon is two years into their church plant. During dinner one night, Damon's father asked for Gumercindo to share some wisdom with his son in church planting, in that way, the wise can encourage the young. Gumercindo spoke many words of wisdom to Damon.

The Lord sent two different parts of the body to encourage one another, serve one another, love one another.

It has been an honor to be a part of this work and to see the Lord's hand at work in all of this.

Thank you Jesus for dying for us and for bringing us together, for calling us to love and serve one another. Just as you loved us enough to serve and die for us.

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-19T10:16:00.000-08:00

Thank you for all of your support this holiday season. I am so often reminded by those in need and I am so thankful for all the sacrificial ways in which you give. I wanted to share a video with you from my time in the DR in 2008.

As 2008 closes and we begin to look ahead to 2009 I am so excited for the new challenges, the times of growth, the lessons we will learn from God, the souls that will be won, the kingdom advancing, storming down the gates of Hell and proclaiming the LORD's truth and power and glory to the nations!! The best part is... YOU ARE A PART OF THAT TOO!!

I love sharing ministry with you. Thank you for partnering with me. Please watch this video.

In Christ,
Jackie

Just another day in November...

2008-11-23T18:07:00.000-08:00

Hi friends!
I wanted to let you know that I am back in the Dominican Republic. I arrived on November 20th and it feels like I never left! I was able to visit my Godson, Jansel this afternoon and we snapped just a few photos of him. He is now 6 months old- wow!
Thank you so much for all of you who support me through prayers and finances. I am so grateful for each and every one of you. Please keep praying for divine wisdom and direction, clarity, and for His Holy power to shake the souls of each individual here on the island of Hispaniola.
I will continue to write more later this week after I move into my new apartment and get myself setup again.
Much love,
Jackie

2008-10-03T11:35:00.000-07:00

I wanted to send just a quick update to you all!

I am in Louisville, KY training at the stateside office!!!

As the number of teams continue to grow each year, so does the need to expand our administrative staff. I am training alongside Vicki, the current team coordinator, for the next month and a half transitioning into the team coordinator. I am looking forward this new role and all the challenges that will come along with it.

Would you please pray for this transition time. Pray that I can glean all I can from those around me, that I would remain humble and patient and look to Christ for my strength.

There are a few things I have participated in while here in the U.S.:

G.O. Ministries golf outing- raises money and awareness for the ministry
Spoke at Hamilton Life Church in Chattanooga, TN- supporting church

Upcoming Events in October:

Speaking at the First Baptist WMU- October 6th
Traveling to Eastern KY Oct. 9-11th to visit my good missionary friend, Emely Clevinger
Traveling to Harvest of Talents in Ill- Oct. 24-26th

Thank you all so much for your financial and prayer support. I am grateful for each one of you and the role you play in God's glorious plan!

Please join me in prayer for our 2009 teams (and a few 2008 teams that are still scheduled to the D.R. this year) and if you are interested in leading a trip leave me a comment!

Peace,

Jackie

Hurricane Season Torments Haiti

2008-09-10T06:22:00.000-07:00

"In the Always Funeral Home, 21 mud-crusted bodies were piled in a small room, unclaimed. Two of them were pregnant, one still clutching a small girl to her chest."

Tormented by one storm after another, Haiti has suffered the highest loss of life. By time any of the Tropical Storms or Hurricanes have made landfall on the U.S., they have already done their most destructive damage... to those areas least able to respond and cope with the loss of life, and the overwhelming disease and sickness that accompany the flood waters.

Bridges and roads were destroyed providing no access for relief workers into Gonaives, Haiti's second largest city located on the western side of the country, leaving them stranded... hopeless.

Pray for our brothers and sisters in Haiti, for survivors, for relief workers to gain access.

Here are some numbers from this season:

Fay: 9 dead

Gustav: 79 dead

Hanna: 183 dead

Ike: 70 dead

Click on this link to watch a video of Haitian towns submerged under water

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/09/09/haiti.gonaives.flood/index.html?eref=rss_world#cnnSTCVideo

Here is also a link that will take you to over 50 articles & videos concerning the devastation in Haiti

http://topics.cnn.com/topics/haiti

Alecita

2008-08-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

While I was in the Bateys I recieved a very unusual gift... a kitten!

Many of you might now that I am moving into my own apartment in a few weeks and the idea of having a kitten was something that had rolled around in my mind... nothing more than a thought...

The pastor's wife, Ale, had two little kittens in her house and I commented on how cute they were and told her I was thinking of getting a kitten as well... once I move.

I never thought she would give me the cat! She insisted, despite my hesitation, everyday I was there that I take the kitten with me. She even began to call it my cat throughout the week, which I refused to acknowledge!

But, she melted my heart (the kitten that is). Sunshine and I bathed her and she rode in a box in Sunshine's lap for the 6 hour drive back to Santiago.

She is super cute. A purr box, and she sleeps above my head. She is less than 6 weeks old. She begins her shots next week. She has gotten a flea bath and parasite pills from the vet and she is good to go!

I am looking forward to living in my new apartment with my new little friend. What's her name? Well you could call her "Alecita" or "Alelu" or "alelulu" or any other variation you could come up with!

Batey Pics

2008-08-01T12:07:00.001-07:00

Here are just a few quick pics of the beautiful children that Elaine and I were able to photograph during our week in the bateys...

El Vive!

2008-08-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. -Isaiah 41:17

Those of you faithful readers know one thing I love to write about are the Bateys. Each time I travel to the Southwestern part of the Dominican Republic to share a little bit of time encouraging and uplifting our Haitian and Dominican-Haitian brothers and sisters a part of my hearts stays with them...

The Sugar Cane Fields

Life on the Bateys is difficult in so many ways. They lack the very basic necessities that you and I have daily access to. Tucked away in the Southwestern part of the Dominican Republic, 1,000's of sugar cane harvesters and their families live in barracks and shanty houses, mostly made from coconut bark. Their "houses" flood, they have no clean water, medical care is scarce, and if it is available, they most likely couldn't afford it anyway. Harvesters barely scrape by with enough to feed themselves, let alone a family of 5 (the average household there has 3 kids). They work grueling hours with little rest. The International companies that own the sugarcane fields could use machines to farm the cane, but they save money using modern day slaves.

A Harvester

If you had no reason to go to the Bateys, you might never know they were there. No one just "happens" upon the Bateys. Although, it might appear that the world, or at least the Dominican Republic has forgotton about the bateys, Jesus Christ has not. These little sugarcane communities are erupting with God's power as he shines through the churches dotting the villages.

Batey Nueve

William Decena. Over 10 years ago, we began partnering with William Decena. A former sugar cane farmer who grew up in Batey Cinco. As a child he spent many years training and growing up in the ways of Voodoo and witchcraft, preparing one day to become a voodoo priest himself.

William at the future site of the new church & nutrition center

God had other plans. A missionary walked through the village sharing Christ with anyone who would listen. William repented, and was saved, vowing to live his life for Christ and Christ alone. Today William is the Pastor of a growing church and nutrition center that feeds over a hundred of the neediest children in Batey Nueve. G.O. Ministries is currently underway on the construction of a bigger church and nutrition center here to continue helping and sharing Christ with others. He has discipled and mentored many young men in their faith and today they stand against the darkness of Satan as a light to the bateys.

Batey Nueve represents hope for the other bateys. William has fought hard to bring many luxuries to Batey Nueve, which other Bateys do not yet have. In Batey Nueve they have, a water tower, sidewalks (though the streets are dirt roads), an outhouse for every two houses, a school (though teachers do not regularly show up), a basketball court, a baseball field (with no grass), a library, and a "park," consisting of a few swings. God is using William to bring his glory to earth in the Bateys.

One man, Francisco, who was discipled by William and served in the church in Batey Nueve, has set forth to lead the church in Batey Cuchilla. A little over 500 families live there. They are poor. They suffer. Francisco answered the call of God to pastor the church in this village.

Francisco in Batey Cuchilla

Warrenville Bible Chapel, a church from Illinois, partners with Francisco and the church in Batey Cuchilla and this past week they spent 8 days there. Their theme was simple... "EL VIVE!" They brought two big signs that they hung everywhere they went... and their method was simple... they shared Christ with everyone they came in contact with. I was inspired. That is the kind of Christ follower I desire to be.

Warrenville Bible Chapel, Francisco and Yolanda

Two medical clinics in two different bateys. Over 800 people received medical care. many had not seen a doctor since the last medical clinic there, over a year ago. They simply cannot afford medical care. They waited in lines for hours to see a doctor. What happened was a mixture of raw human beauty and God's glory as I watched doctors and nurses care for sick men, women, and children as if they were their own. I was deeply moved by this act of obedience fueled by a deep anguish for the people, and a desire to see Jesus made famous in the Bateys.

Hundreds of men, women, and children waited in lines for hours to see a doctor

Dr. Bob caring for a small child in Batey Cinco

It is little moments like these, when you stop from the busyness, to make a child laugh, that we realize what we are living for...

To live is Christ, to die is gain...

Nurse Amy comforted many children in Batey Cuchilla and Cinco

This year, our staff will spend over 2 months total working with short term teams in the Bateys, continuing the construction of the church and feeding center in Batey Nueve, medical clinics, and children's ministry in Batey Nueve & Batey Cuchilla. Though you may never be fortunate enough to "happen" onto this beautiful intersection of God's power and glory amidst suffering, I ask you to pray for our brothers and sisters there. There is no greater thing that we can do than pray.

Pray everyday for the communities in the Bateys. Pray for the pastors. Pray for the children. Pray for more teachers and doctors and pastors and missionaries to answer the call to work in the Bateys.

Children from Batey Cuchilla praying during a kids event

Pray for Christ to reign and that they would not be known for the poverty that exists there, but for the richness in Christ that exists there.

I invite you to watch this short video from the week Warrenville spent working alongside their partner, Francisco, bringing two medical clinics, construction, and children's ministry.

Family in the Dominican Republic

2008-08-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

My mom (Sheila), Zoraida, and Jahan

It is always encouraging when any of our missionaries have family visiting. In July my mom visited me along with two friends, Zoraida and Jahan. This was a special trip because they were here during the Eastview Youth Group with is a group unlike any other! I have never seen a group of youth with such passionate hearts to serve the Dominicans here.

While my mom and friends were working alongside Eastview, we had our own opportunities to visit with families here in the D.R. that I am particularly close with. They heard many insipiring stories of God's power in the lives of Nationals here.

Zoraida and Francie

Mary Luz, Sheila, Jackie, Guilbert, and Wenifer

Jahan and Jansel

One stood out in their mind. Fran. A Haitian. Fran traveled here to the Dominican Republic, in search for work and a better life. He found promise of that working for G.O. Ministries. He has been a faithful part of the construction team for over 4 years. He and his wife and three kids in a makeshift house in the back of a plantain field. They have no bathroom. They have no kitchen. Just one room seperated by sheets to make two "bedrooms." Fran and his wife sleep in one partioned area and the kids sleep in the other. In the field sits a burner where they make fry bread... their typical meal along with plantains from the field they live in.

Fran, Yvosse, Chantal, Francie, and Usula

After hearing Fran's story and prayer Zoraida and my mom made the decision to partner with Fran and his family, to welcome them into their family and encourage them through prayer, empower and equip them through financial support and resources.

This is what G.O. is all about.

I, of course, was happy that my mom was able to visit, but I was overjoyed when I saw how God's plan was beginning to unfold. How he chooses to use us to bring his glory here to earth.

Thanks mom and Zoraida for stepping out and choosing to be used by God to make a difference in someone else's life...

Fran, Francie, Yvosse, Sheila, Jahan, Usula, Chantal, and Zoraida

2008-06-04T19:09:00.000-07:00

April and May were very fulfilling months!

In April we hosted two teams, one was a fellow missionary couple's home church and the second was our first ever Men's Conference (Men's Adventure Weekend) and the theme was "Wild at Heart". They had over 130 men in attendance!

I prepared to head back to the states in May to share what God is doing here in Hispaniola, but not before working at the Kentucky Derby. I am happy to announce that with over 80 volunteers this year, our ministry raised $30,000 for Kingdom work, by simply selling the official Derby souvenirs! The money we raised will further the Kingdom work through G.O. Ministries in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Mongolia, Colombia, Cuba, and in the Inner-City of Louisville, KY.

I helped represent G.O. at the Exponential Church Planting Conference in April and I also visited a new church in TN, Hamilton Life Church and was fortunate to speak during their Sunday service and spend time with my good friends Ben and Laura! This church has already begun to support me and are already beginning to talk about a Spring 2009 mission trip to the D.R. After TN, I visited a church in San Francisco, Central Peninsula Church, where my good friend Rob pastors there. They too are prayerfully considering a partnership and a 2009 trip as well. Please keep these two churches in prayer. My time ended in the states with a visit to Las Vegas. I was able to be there for mother's day, my dad's birthday, and my stepdad's 50th birthday! I was also able to share at Soulstice Church who faithfully supports me.

Two very special things happened when I returned to the D.R. on May 21st... My godson, Jansel, was born to my friend Fior two days after I left for the U.S., and so when I returned I visited him on his 1 month birthday.

Also, I turned 26 on May 29th! I was able to share my birthday with William and Alexandra Decena, tons of beautiful children in the Bateys along with a fellow missionary Cherry, and our Intern, Jana. We spent one day (my birthday) with this special community celebrating "La Semana de Damas." (Women's Week) They had a service each night of the week at the church and the Women's Ministry sang, read scripture and celebrated the special place we women have in the Kingdom. They made a special birthday tea for me out of Canalia (a type of leaf) and tostones (fried smashed plantains)... It was a birthday I won't forget... I am so grateful for my friends here and for the people God has placed in my life here and in the U.S.

One (of several) new roles I find myself in is the Director of Internships and two of our summer interns have arrived. This has been a fun role for me as I enjoy teaching and working with people who desire to learn and serve. We have such an amazing opportunity to work with gifted men and women after God's heart from all of the WORLD! One intern is coming all the way from Poland! We have 9 interns total this summer! Each one will be serving for a minimum of one month in various capacities from Children's Ministry, Team Facilitating, teaching English, and Medical. Please pray for them and their time here in the D.R. to be productive, encouraging, that God would open their hearts to his Kingdom plan: Jana, Megan, Melissa, Matt & Emily, Adam, Yvonne, Elaine, and Karolina.

If you are interested in finding out more about G.O. Ministries or leading a trip please visit our website at http://www.go-ministries.org/ or leave me a comment and I will contact you with more information!

2008-04-06T13:39:00.000-07:00

Growing in Knowledge and Grace... the marks of our growth. I was asked the question "What does it mean to grow 'up' in the LORD?" and was directed to 2 Peter 3:18 for the answer. There I read "but grow in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the honor and glory both now and forever. Amen."

What struck me by this was just how much I lacked in these areas. March has been a month of self examination. We are marked as not just a believer but a disciple by our knowledge and grace in Jesus. I have found myself in a challenging place spiritually, physically, mentally... and the thing I desire most is not to be a good missionary, or a good person, but to be a true disciple of our LORD, that he may be glorified in and through me. This is however, an easy thing to desire, and less easily attained. It is not something ruled by emotions, but rather a discipline. To worship Jesus in spirit and truth- there is little to be said about our "feelings." We must learn the discipline to put on the armor of God every day, in order that, when (not if) we are at war, we are like trained soldiers both in our knowledge of the LORD, holding deep in our hearts the promises he has laid out for us in his word, and in the abundance of grace we must extend to others. Not because we are good people, but because he first extended that to us, commanding us to do the same.

"Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Psalm 73: 25-26

"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God... Thanks be to God for his indiscribable gift!"

2 Corinthians 9:11-12, 15

In March we hosted four teams who came to the Dominican Republic to serve. Each of these teams helped build the future site our of new Hub in Hato del Yaque. Each one of our ministry hubs serves as a dormitory to host short-term teams. There is a local church, nutrition center, and we to have a medical clinic in each of these locations. We currently have two hubs open in Santiago, D.R. and one in the Southwest part of the country in Batey Nueve (a rural sugar-cane farming community). We are excited to announce that through the hard work of short-term teams we will be finishing the bottom floor of our third hub (dormitory and nutrition center) in time for teams to stay there for the summer.

The Hub in Hato del Yaque is special to me because on my first short-term trip to the Dominican Republic we laid the perimiter block for this project and now 4 years later, what once was simply a grassy field will serve as house of worship for the LORD. 100's of kids will recieve a hot meal. A special thank you to Eastview, Lincoln Christian College, Crosspoint Church, and Discovery Church for serving the LORD through constructing the Hub in Hato del Yaque.

Last month I posted a few pictures of my friend Mary Luz, who is the wife of Bienvo (a very skilled maestro on our construction team), who was going to have baby Wilson any day. She had a healthy baby boy and I was able to visit her in the hospital.

I am at the hospital with Baby Wilson and Mary Luz

Sweet Baby Wilson just 1 day old!

In just three weeks I will be leaving my home in the D.R. to visit the United States. In four weeks I will visit Louisville, KY, Chatanooga, TN, San Francisco, CA and Las Vegas, NV. I would love to see you while I am in town and if you would like me to come and speak at your Bible Study, small group, children's ministry class... etc. please email me soon, as I am finalizing my travel schedule and speaking dates. You can find my tentative travel dates at the top left side bar of my blog!

Thank you for each one of you who continue to support my work through prayer and finances. May God bless your generous sacrifices!

In grace,

Jackie

2008-03-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

February has been quite a full month!

We were blessed by several teams who came to the Dominican Republic to serve our brothers and sisters through constructing churches, nutrition centers, VBS, feeding kids, and a celebrate recovery conference for the pastors and leaders of the local churches G.O. supports. John, a fellow missionary arranged for us to take 50 kids from "The Hole" (a landfill housing over 600 families) to get ice cream at Helado Bon, the local ice cream shop. As we drove to Bon, the kids, filled with excitement sang silly songs and once we arrived they spent the first 40 minutes going down the giant slide and then getting back in line... it was a never ending circle from the bottom of the slide to the line at the stairs. We asked Jenni, the pastor's wife, if this was something they get often (ice cream), and she immediantly answered "no." What a joy it is to be able to bring joy to a child's life praising God together for the things he gives us and the ways he blesses us... through ice cream.

I have made several trips to the Bateys this year and look forward to yet another trip next week when my mom and friend arrive to the Dominican Republic from Las Vegas. South Hills' trip has been postponed until July, but thankfully my mom and Zoraida will still be able to visit for a week, and work with another team that will be serving here in Santiago.

Please continue to pray for South Hills and their team that they are currently putting together to serve here in the D.R. this summer.

One special way I am learning about Christ's love for me and through his people here on the island of Hispaniola is through encouragment. I have been reading different verses in the Bible that all speak of encouragement, even that it is a spiritual gift. Which is not something I would have guessed before this study. Even a simple smile or a hug can bring joy to someone's day including mine. The simple act of visiting someone or letting someone know you were thinking of them can change someone's perspective. Take time to hold a child. Bring flowers to someone. Share your food. The Dominicans and Haitians here are daily teaching me what it means to be a servant.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work in this country and be shaped and molded by those around me and by our precious LORD Jesus. I know, that many hearts are being strengthened, as it is found in scripture, by Jesus, because of the ways you sacrifice for God's Kingdom to expand.

We look forward to the Spring which will bring 7 teams here to bless the work of the Nationals serving here. Please pray for a fruitful season of ministry. Pray for new partnerships to grow, for new believers in Christ, for the chains that keep us from living a life full in Christ to be broken. I ask that you pray for humility and a brokeness amongst our staff and in my own life and that we would remain humble before our LORD.

"The poor will see and be glad- you who seek God, may your hearts live." Psalm 69:32

Here are a few pics from this past month in ministry:

Dave Stone's Bible study team mix concrete and pour the floor for the Dormitory/ Nutrition Center/ Church building in Hato del Yaque

Girls from the team stop working to pose with some of the neighborhood kids who brought joy to the worksite in the form of flowers

Montan, a church elder, and pillar of the church visits the worksite with some of the neighborhood youth

50 Kids from El Hoyo "The Hole," eat ice cream at Helado Bon... son buenos!! Can you find Jackie?

Kids anxiously wait in line for a scoop of blue "chicklet" flavored ice cream

kids enjoy their ice cream!

I am visiting with my friend, Mary Luz, who is expecting baby Wilson this Thursday!

Happy February!

2008-02-01T09:06:00.000-08:00

G.O. Ministries has been working in the bateys for many years now. The struggles many Haitians face day in and day out are inconceivable to most of us. I had the chance opportunity to spend 48 hours in the Bateys last weekend.

This particular trip was different than most. We were not there with a team... We were there on our own mission.

On the day we arrived we were able to bear witness to three bateys coming together to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 14 people were baptized all together in the ocean and it was very special time.

Pastors from the bateys baptize 14

Congregations come together to celebrate... can you see me busy video taping the service??

After the baptisms we were able to visit a church we work with in the large town known as Tamayo (pop. approx. 20,000 people)

Our mission on this particular visit was to interview and collect data from several different bateys where we will begin work on churches and nutrition centers. John and I met with 3 different Pastors who have been called by God to reach the lost , and bring hope and peace to their communities.

One Batey we visited seemed so desperate to me. It was twice the size of most bateys. I saw one girl lying on the floor of her front porch under a blanket shivering from sickness. I met a woman with 7 kids- her husband abandoned her... her "house" torn apart from the tropical storms last year... and she is rebuilding- alone. Kids without clothes. Two women we spoke to whose hearts were hardened to the Gospel. I listened intently as the pastor and another missionary from G.O. shared with one woman about Jesus and she wanted nothing to do with him. Despair. I left that place with a heaviness on my heart.

a sick child

bath time

prayer at the future site of a church building

The town

In another Batey and in Tamayo we visited the houses of two women who were sick. One woman had been bed-ridden for 6 months. I had the opportunity to pray for both of these women in their homes.

I know Christ is already there at work in the bateys. He is always ahead of us, preparing the way.

Please pray for our brothers and sisters in the bateys. Pray for healing in their hearts. Pray for openess to the Gospel. Pray for physical health as well as spiritual health- there is much sickness there. Many people are still repairing and even unable to repair the damage caused by the tropical storms last year. Pray for resources, help, aid for these people. Pray for G.O. Ministries and our relationships with these pastors to grow- that we will see the efforts of these men bear much fruit!

Please continue to pray for the G.O. Ministries Staff in Kentucky, here in the Dominican Republic, and our partners working in 5 other countries... pray for endurance- peace- & unity.

"May the God who gives you endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6

Happy New Year!

2008-01-08T18:48:00.000-08:00

Hi friends!

I am here in the Dominican Republic! I arrived safely back to the place I call home on December 31st and was able to spend New Years Eve with my fellow missionary workers and close Dominican friends. We had a great time at the Gabriel household eating good food, playing dominoes, and in my case- trying to keep my eyes open to enter into the New Year!
There was a beautiful array of fireworks we were able to watch from the balcony, and of course they continued until the early hours of the following morning!

We had about a week to settle back into our houses (you wouldn't imagine how much cleaning there is to do when you have gone for two months), and visit friends and catch up on the last two months.

Just yesterday, our first official team of 2008 arrived here from California! Real Life Church is here working alongside Pastor Felix, helping to build the church and nutrition center in The Hole. All of our staff was anxious to receive our first team and get back to work on the field!

We are so excited for a new year, new teams, new people coming to Christ, new buildings being finished, new communities being partnered with, new mouths being fed, new, new, new!
Please continue to pray for G.O. Ministries- for a strong and healthy staff to lead on the field, for new Americans to partner with our Dominican and Haitian brothers and sisters, for new opportunities to grow in ministry, for God's leading and provision.

Thanks again for your prayers and allowing me this opportunity to serve God here in the D.R.

Peace,
Jackie

"May the LORD continually bless you with heaven's blessings as well as with human joys."
Psalm 128:5 tlb

2007-12-12T19:40:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

I write this and ask yo to please pray for the Island of Hispaniola, who last night was pounded by Hurricane Olga. Still recovering from TS Noel which hit the Island Oct. 28-Nov. 2, they were hit yet again December 10th.

In the latest reports from DR1 News, Santiago (where our main ministry hub is located and where I live) has been hit the hardest by TS Olga, and the President was supposed to be visiting this afternoon.

As you go about your evening and next few days, please pray for our brothers and sisters, and for those who have lost loved ones. An estimated 10 have already died.

Here are a few pictures of what Santiago looks like and a video as well. (to watch the video, you may have to let it all download and then play)

We spoke to a friend in the Dominican and his words were "people are on top of their houses and in trees trying to survive."

We will keep you updated as we are updated. Thanks so much for your prayers.

2007-12-05T14:13:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas!!!

This is a picture taken in November of our G.O. Staff and Board Members

As we close 2007 and move full speed ahead into 2008, I wanted to extend a great big thank you to everyone who supported me and G.O. Ministries this year prayerfully and financially. It has been an incredible journey watching the LORD bless every step of the way.

I am currently in Las Vegas continuing my fundraising and recruiting short-term teams for 2008. I had a great privledge of sharing with the 2008 team from South Hills church on Sunday December 2nd.

After sharing about the ministry in all three Sunday services I was able to share with 16 people, interested in the 2008 trip about the Bateys, the history of G.O., what my role is, and how they can make a difference on their trip next year.

I am thankful for South Hills in so many ways... They have been instrumental in me not only becoming a Christian, but a misisonary too!

Here are some reasons why I am thankful for them during this Christmas season:

I had never attended church before South Hills. In 2002 I attended South Hills for the first time and gave my life to Christ after just 6 months.
South Hills offered me a job working in Student Ministries and Children Ministry and both Rob and Missy took an active role in discipling me (and they also lead me to Christ)
I participated in my first mission trip ever in 2004 (to the Dominican Republic with G.O. Ministries)

When they planted their first church, Soulstice, they commissioned me and the Lead Pastor of Soulstice and his family to plant the church, where I served as the Financial Admin. and the Children's Ministry Director.

South Hills quickly agreed to begin supporting me when I made the decision to join G.O. Ministries.

They have consistently sent a team down to the Dominican Republic since 2004, making this next trip their 5th trip down.

Their a church passionate about reaching not just Las Vegas, but the world too

So, this holiday, I want to extend a special thanks to Bret Johnson, Lead Pastor of South Hills, and all of their staff for the ways they seek to bring people closer to Jesus, disciple and train them in the ways of the LORD, and send us out into the world, sharing Christ with others.

I would ask that as you pray for G.O. and myself, that you would remember the team South Hills is sending and pray for them as well.

Thank you again for your generous partnership!

FELIZ NAVIDAD

JWAYE NWEL

-Jackie Douglas

2007-10-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Well friends I am in the final hours of my time in the Dominican Republic. I have had the opportunity to see God heal and change and move about the lives of his people in a land he has NOT forgotten. I wanted to introduce you to Eva.

Eva lives in Batey Nueve. The Bateys are communities setup around the sugarcane fields, inhabitied by Haitians. Many years ago, Haitians were brought to the Dominican Republic to work these fields and were promised a better life, better pay- what they received paled in comparison. The work is tedious and dangerous. They field owners could pay companies to harvest the cane, but it is much cheaper to hire slaves...

Eva lives in this community called Batey Nueve. She has two sisters a mother and a father. I have spent four different weeks in the Bateys over the course of the last 5 months and I remembered her from each visit. Quiet, reserved Eva. She didn't talk much and what I remembered most was that she never smiled. Her eyes almost haunting.

This last particular visit I was sitting in church, our final night with our brothers and sisters in the Bateys. Eva sat in front of me. I had seen her all week- she had a 2 inch bruise across her face. Upon leaving church, guided only by the moonlight, as there was no electricity, I saw Eva standing in the middle of the dirt road. Tears streaming down her face. No one else was around. I picked her up and held her in my arms and and throughout the course of our conversation I learned that she was afraid to go home. Her dad was violent with her, her sisters, and her mom.

She knew Jesus, but felt he was powerless in stopping her dad's abuse. Her father is a victim of alcohol abuse and the harsh conditions of a harvester. This story is not uncommon in the Bateys. Alcohol consumption is rampant here with the primary drink of choice being rum, which is made from the sugar cane.

I had nothing to give Eva. There was nothing I could do for her. She had to go home. How I had wished I could take her away... but that is not realistic. We sang a song together and prayed and I sent her on her way home with a promise that we would pray for her and her family.

So I ask you as you are reading this, please stop and take a minute to pray for Eva and her family, pray for the many others struggling in the batey's with these same issues. Pray for healing and for Christ's power to reign here amongst the community of Batey Nueve. Pray for William and Alexandra, our national partners, who minister to these people everyday trying to meet both the spiritual and physical needs.

It is not about WHAT we do... It is about WHO we ARE in CHRIST. We connect to him through our prayer life and abiding in him. I am reminded all the more that prayer is the most important thing we as Christians can do. God is not as concerned with your sacrifices as he is with your obedience. Abide in him and he will abide in you!

I dream one day of the people of Batey Nueve being known for their love of Jesus... And I know the only person capable of making this happen is the LORD. Please join me in prayer...

"Every work of God can be traced back to some kneeling form" D.L. Moody

This is Eva

2007-09-28T06:54:00.000-07:00

"The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

He will quiet you with his love... He will take great delight in you... He will rejoice over you with singing... The LORD will rejoice over you with singing...

What strikes me is what it follows: The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save...

I want to tell you a story of a woman with incredible strength. Her name is Patricia. For 11 years Patricia has been married to Puro. They have three kids: Patrick who is 8, Brian who is 6, and Ashley who I believe is 4 years old.

For 6 years Puro has been sick with Diabetes. I met Patricia when I first arrived to the Dominican Republic. She helps our ladies who cook in the kitchen prepare the meals for the teams. Patricia also does other odds and ends jobs to make ends meet as well.

Upon hearing of Puro's illness, I went to visit and meet the family. Carmen, Patricia's mom, also works with the ministry and lives in the house in front of Patricia, and helps take care of the three kids.

As I walked to their house, with the ladies from the kitchen (las chicas de la cocina, as we call them!), they pointed to a man sitting on the street corner- a frail looking man, hunched over on crutches, his pale skin hung from his body, pain and humility in his eyes... this was Puro. This was his "corner". he spent most of his days sitting on this corner. As I walked down the alley to Patricia and Carmen's houses, we were greeted by the kids- Patrick, sweet and humble, then Brian and Ashley- both shy and quiet. We sat talking, and Puro, very slowly, walked with the help of his crutches to where we sat: we prayed for him, and I was on my way.

That began a series of visits to Patricia's house, but with the busyness of teams I was not able to visit as much as I would have liked to. As the months of the summer progressed, I noticed Patricia worked less and less in the kitchen, and then not at all. I asked Carmen where she had been after not seeing her in a few weeks, and I was told Puro's condition had worsened. Patricia was now spending most of her time taking care of her sick husband and kids.

The ladies in the kitchen told me Puro was going to die... they had been saying this all summer... I started getting pedicures from Patricia every two weeks as a way to support her a little bit- 150 pesos, the equivalent of about $6. Patrick became my buddy, but Ashley and Brian remained shy.

The second week of September I learned that Puro had been hospitalized. I saw very little of Patricia or Carmen. Carmen was busy taking care of the kids, while everyday Patricia would go to the hospital to visit Puro. Visiting hours are Mon- Fri., 1pm-5pm and Sunday from 8am-8pm. I arranged to go with Patricia to the public hospital to see Puro. It was explained to me that Puro was hospitalized because his blood sugar levels had spiked to about 400! Normal range was 90-120. He was not aloud to eat anything. He had an IV in him and that was all.

No machines in his room

no TV

no bed that adjusted

no food

no water

no sheets

no curtain to give you privacy

no flowers

Everything must be purchased by the sick. Patricia brought in a backpack, and inside were clean sheets, a clean shirt, and drinking water. She then went downstairs to the "pharmacy," where she had to purchase blood glucose strips for monitoring his levels, and diapers.

When we returned to the room, Puro's sister had arrived as well. It was time for his shower. When Patricia lifted him out of his bed, I was not prepared for what I saw. They lifted him out of a pool of blood and urine. I almost lost my cool, but knew I could not because I was there to support and encourage them. We represent hope and life in Christ. Soon after it was 5pm and visiting hours were over. We prayed for Puro and the others hospitalized in the room as well.

I left the hospital that day a changed person.

The following day we sent our G.O. Ministries doctor to the hospital to find out what was going on. He had a severe case of diabetes and he developed another strain due to the first. He was anemic, which was causing abnormal swelling in his feet, amidts a host of other problems. The good news was his blood sugar levels were dropping, which meant once they were under control then he could go home and we could get him proper medical attention.

Two days later, Puro was released from the hospital. A blood vessel in his brain burst and he was in a semi coma. As I walked down the street I knew so well, I was not prepared for what I was about to see. Puro was laying in a bed, cold compresses draped on his body. The occasional moan. As I sat at their house for 5 hours, many people came in and out, family, people from church, friends. They would walk in the house, kneel by Puro's side and pray, sing songs, comfort Patricia, who at one point crawled in a ball with her head on my lap. I was unsure of what I was to do, but I knew just being there was enough. That day was hard. Watching Puro suffer. Watching Patricia suffer. The kids would sporadically break into tears.

The following day I visited Patricia. I looked in on Puro's lifeless body. Patricia sat outside their house. No smile. No tears. Nothing. I stayed for 1 hour and then returned to my house to finish some work. 45 minutes had passed and I heard the familiar sound of my gate clicking, which meant someone was outside. It was David, the son of one of our cooks. He looked at me and in a quiet voice he said "el, se murio"... Puro was dead.

The funeral was held in the evening of the following day... Tuesday September 25. What followed can only be God's grace and power. I visited the family on Wednesday, and for the first time I saw Ashley, their daughter, playing, laughing, and dancing. For an hour, Patricia, Carmen, Patrick, Brian, Ashley, and myself sat on the floor in Carmen's kitchen, singing and playing games. The cloud had been lifted. The despair of the sickness that had held Puro captive for six years had been freed.

There are hard times to come for this family, raising children with no father. Will Ashley remember her father lying in bed, moaning and crying out? How will Patrick handle his new role as the man of the house? He is only 8. And Brian, he is oblivious to what has happened. Brian and Ashley ask for their papa everyday. They know he went to sleep and did not wake up and is now in heaven with God... but do they understand?

"The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

Please pray for Patricia, Carmen, Patrick, Brian, Ashley, and Puro's family.

The day following their father's death, was their first day at the G.O. Ministries school. The first day of the rest of their lives. Please pray that the LORD would be magnified in their lives. Pray for healing, grace, and comfort.

I want to say thank you to each and everyone of you who pray for the ministry here, pray for me, pray for the Dominicans and Haitians we work with. Thank you to each one of you who sacrifice financially so that I can answer God's call to work here on this Island. Thank you to each one of you who have taken time away from your families, friends, jobs to come here and empower those we work with, and encourage our brothers and sisters with your work here. Once you have been here- it is easy to see why the LORD has captured my heart for these people... His people. Everyday I am ministered to by the strength of those around me.

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,

because the LORD has annointed me

to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives

and release from darkness for the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor

and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn,

and provide those who grieve in Zion-

to bestow on them a crown of beauty

instead of ashes

the oil of gladness

instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise

instead of a spirit of despair.

Isaiah 61:1-3

Ashley posing for the camera!

Patricia helping Brian get dressed for school!

Abuela Carmen and Patrick getting ready for school

Patricia with her children: Patrick, Ashley, and Brian
First day of School at the Colegio for Patrick and Brian, September 26th, 2007

Made To Worship

2007-08-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

"Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." Psalm 107:8-9

As we close the season of summer, I am humbled as I look back and see how the LORD has satisfied and provided for the hungry and thirsty with many good things. We hosted 19 teams in just 10 weeks, and I am left with experiences that have changed me and will stay in my heart for eternity.

I was blessed with a visit from my home church in Las Vegas, South Hills Church Community. They led a team of 8 here- this was one of the smaller teams this summer, however the amount of ministry they saw and accomplished was truly amazing, not to mention a bout with Hurricane Dean!

South Hills spent 10 days here. They arrived at our main ministry hub in Santiago and the following day we traveled five hours to the Southwest part of the country to the Bateys. The Bateys, rural sugarcane fields (you can read more about them below), also function as one of our three ministry hubs on the island of Hispaniola. The first day we arrived they completed a Children's Ministry with over 200 kids crammed in the Nutrition Center (standing room only!).

Just a corner of the room housing over 200 kids for VBS

I was moved by their simple story of Jesus' love for us, and how it is unmatched by any of our loves. They asked kids to draw pictures of things they love- I saw 200 pictures of moms, dads, sisters, brothers, the church, family, and I was reminded of how simplistic their love truly is. There were no pictures of video games or toys. South Hills went on to talk about how God's love for each one of us, is bigger than that, and then the kids pasted their pictures on a huge heart taped to the wall for everyone to see!

Art for Jesus!

They worked hard during a day and a half of construction. On the 2nd day, we had just 4 hours to move what seemed like an impossible MOUNTAIN of dirt and rock! We had no fancy equipment or machinery. Hands, wheelbarrels, and shovels... and of course John Martinez cheering everyone on. We were reminded of this verse:

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20

With about as much faith as a mustard seed we began this tedious process of hand picking out the rocks, shoveling a bit, hand picking rocks, shoveling a bit more, wheel barrel after wheel barrel, slowly it was dwindling. Then the youth from the church, joined in to help, and G.O. Construction team was full force: we were determined!

Carissa and Lauren tackling the mountain!

You know what I am going to say next, don't you! In just 3 and 1/2 hours the mountain of dirt disapeared! I believe it was the body of Christ coming together in unity, with one common goal and vision of working together to move this big pile of dirt to build the LORD's church!

South Hills, G.O. Construction Team, and the youth of the church in Batey Nueve

We left the Bateys after four short days due to an advancing hurricane moving directly towards the Bateys! Though the Bateys were cut short, there was plenty of ministry to be had in Santiago. We visited a local church for more children's ministry.

The following day we traveled to Dajabon, Dominican Republic. Dajabon borders Haiti and is one of the largest trading towns on the border. Our third and final ministry hub is located across the border in Ounamenthe, Haiti. The object of this visit was for South Hills to meet the pastor they partner with and uplift him in prayer and with gifts for him, his family, and his church.

His name is Elonce Bernadin. Unfortunantly, circumstances prevented the meeting to happen, and Elonce was unable to cross the border that day. We are working very hard to get the gifts to him, and I would ask for you to please continually lift up our brother Elonce, and his wife, who is ill, and their 6 children (1 is adopted) in prayer.

Jackie with Elonce during a visit to Haiti in June 2007

South Hills also had the privledge of visiting a place that they had worked in the past trips, Hoyo de Bartola, also known as "The Hole," a garbage dump, inhabited by over 600 families, and a new place, La Mosca, translated as "The Fly." I was humbled as I watched God change and open the hearts of the eight members on this team.

Little boy in La Mosca

Maggie, Valarie, and kids from "The Hole"

I am very greatful for their service, and for their partnership with me, as well. Through prayer and sacraficial gifts South Hills has helped pave the way for me to answer God's call to ministry to the Haitian and Dominican brothers and sisters of Hispaniola.

Jackie and a little girl from The Hole

Thank you South Hills!! Thank you Michael, Natalie, Valarie, Cory, Manuel, Carissa, Lauren, Maggie, and the many people who sacraficed so you could come and share Christ with the island of Hispaniola!

Dios les Bendiga!

As I wrote this blog, a song came to mind and was fitting as the title to the blog:

"Made to Worship" by Chris Tomlin
Before the day
Before the light
Before the world revolved around the sun
God on high
Stepped down into time
And wrote the story of His love for everyone
He has filled our hearts with wonder
So that we always remember
You and I were made to worship
You and I are called to love
You and I are forgiven and free
When you and I embrace surrender
When you and I choose to believe
Then you and I will see who we were meant to be
All we are
And all we have
Is all a gift from God that we receive
Brought to life
We open up our eyes
To see the majesty and glory of the King
He has filled our hearts with wonder
So that we always remember
Even the rocks cry out
Even the heavens shout
At the sound of His Holy name
So let every voice sing out
Let every knee bow down
He is worthy of all our praise

Check out the short video I made about the week they spent here!

Could I be free?

2007-07-27T15:36:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you about the Bateys. There are approximately 14 Bateys, located in the Southwestern part of the Dominican Republic. This is where they harvest sugar cane. Most of these Bateys and sugarcane fields are owned by companies outside of the D.R. They have machines to harvest the sugarcane, but they refuse to bring them to the bateys because the cost of paying a Haitian to harvest the cane is far less.

Haitians are told that they could come to the Dominican and make up to $25 US a week. In Haiti the average Haitian makes $250 US a year. You can imagine how any Haitian would jump at the chance to make up to 4 times as much as they could living in Haiti. Once they arrive in the D.R. the guards tear up there papers, and many simply no longer "exist" to the world. With out any sort of birth certificate or official papers, they are nothing. They cannot leave. They make about $10 a week, and they suffer from extremely harsh conditions in the sugar cane fields. They cut the cane with machetes, and injuries are common. Boys may begin harvesting cane with their parents at early ages as well. They settled in these camps and many generations live here together. While the conditions here are better than that in Haiti, they are some of the worst in the Dominican Republic.

On this particular visit, we brought down a team of 18, which included 1 doctor, and two nurses. The team would provide medical care over the course of 2 days in Batey Cuchillo (pronounced coo-chee-yo). Many here have never seen a Doctor. We brought thousands and thousands of dollars in medications. Many of the people were patient and waited, understanding we were here to help. One woman, came in who believed she was pregnant, but she had bled for two months, and now here belly was no longer growing. Family is very important here, their kids are all they have. They were desperate to recieve care, knowing this may be there only chance to recieve help for their kids and family.

I met one man in his early twenties. He asked me for a Bible. I spoke to the Pastor, and it turns out he was a believer but did not have a Bible. I brought one to him and he was truly grateful. I continued on the day working alongside the team to meet the physical needs of our patients.

As the week drew to a close we had seen and treated almost 900 patients, held two VBS's, evangelized to Batey nueve and cuchillo, led 8 people to Christ, broke ground on the foundation of Pastor William's new church, and participated in the daily feeding of over 100 kids in the nutrition center.

So many things were accomplished that week for the LORD, and on the final night- we had a despidida (good bye party) for the Americans to say goodbye to the nationals they had worked alongside of all week long. There were over 100 people there, many had walked from Batey cuchillo, 30 minutes away, by foot. There are no street lights, just fields. Many stood up and thanked eachother, prayed for one another, and we worshipped as one body. Standing outside after the despidida, I caught sight of the boy who had asked me for a Bible. When he saw me, a huge smile came over his face, I saw a joy in him that was from our LORD. I walked up to him and said "Tu tienes la Biblia? Translated: do you have the Bible?" "Si, si" he replied and as he pulled out the Bible, he opened it to the back cover of the book, where the words had been written after I gave him the Bible "Dios te Bendiga" (God bless you) and his name! As I looked at his name poorly scribbled in his Bible, I thought how much the LORD knows each one of us by name, and I am reminded of this verse:

"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Luke 12:7.

The LORD not only loves me & you, but each of our precious brothers and sisters in the Bateys, and all over the world, those who believe in the LORD, and those who do not yet, the LORD, has not forgotten one single person. He knew that that boy was to recieve a Bible from me that day in Batey Cuchillo. Please pray for him.

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5: 3-10

Thank you all so much for going before the LORD on my behalf, and on the behalf of the many more who do not yet know Christ and those who need strength to keep fighting the fight. I am so grateful for you guys! You can take a few minutes to watch this video from the Batey's, I created:

Basketball Camp

2007-07-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

It has been a great week working with the team from Louisville, KY at our annual Basketball camp. We have been doing Basketball Camp for over 10 years now. What once started with 50 kids on one court has expanded to over 200 campers and 5 courts all bringing glory to God through a unique bond of sports.

Not being much of a sports player myself, I was assigned the job of team photographer. I traveled to all of the courts, visited many of the groups during "huddle time" and I was so blessed by what I saw.

The G.O. basketball team was composed of 25 individuals, men and women with a love of the game of basketball, and an even stronger love for the LORD. Some played the sport and others coached. Each day we began at the main court and met at the club house for chapel time. One of the basketball players or coaches would give a short testimony/ teaching and then kids would be dismissed into one of 13 different groups depending upon their division: NBA, Dominicana, College, Womens, and Little Man League for "huddle time."

During H.T. the leaders would share with their kids about Christ on a more personal level, and the kids would share where they are and what they struggle with, and recieve prayer. After H.T., the kids would warm up, and then it was off to the courts for drills and games.

Each night the professional league would play for a chance to play in the championship game at the end of the camp. The men on the trip were Team USA & they would also play for the title. Team USA had a winning streak of 4 years! The women would also play the professional women's team as well. Men's and Women's USA teams won!!!

On the final day of the camp the best two teams in each division would play in a championship game, and then we held an awards ceremony where we gave over MVP, Most Christ-like, and other awards as well. Each kid got a T-shirt, Nike Basketball, G.O. Min. Sports bag, and a ribbon for playing. The MVP from each team will play in an All-Star game next week!

I was blessed to be a part of this great week!!!

Thanks to the G.O. Sports Team for all their hard work!

Espwa (Hope) for Haiti

2007-06-26T17:58:00.000-07:00

It has taken me a few weeks to update on my adventures in Haiti. It was, well, interesting. It has taken me since my return to process all that I saw, and I am unsure that I could ever process it all to be honest. I left Haiti a changed person...

I will backup some and start from the beginning.
This summer we will be hosting 20 teams and the first three arrived on June 12th. I had learned at our staff meeting that I would be traveling with the team that would be going to Haiti. I felt a mixture of emotions ranging from excitement to nervous anticipation for what may lie ahead in the following days.

We arrived in Dajabon, the border town on the D.R. side and walked with Arcenio Jimenez across the border into Haiti where we piled in the back of trucks to get to our final destination about 10 minutes away. As we drove through the streets of Haiti, or rather, the dirt roads of Haiti, my heart was pierced with sadness. Naked children everyone, women and men who looked twice their age, standing on their front porches as the truckload of "blans" drove through the village of Ounamenthe, swollen bellies, hungry eyes, the evidence of destruction surrounded us.

We arrived at the dormitory and the team began preparing their first VBS for the kids at "Le Orphellinat," the orphange. 38 kids live here, and recieve meals, schooling, and some are even learning a trade like sewing. There is quite a lengthy process for a child to live at the orphanage. The kids, undoubtably, were thrilled to see us.

At the orpahange

The team leader was fluent in Creole, so she was able to communicate with the kids in a way that us "blans" were unable to do thus far. We also had Romano, a Haitian who works with G.O., and several other translators with us, but their was something magical and spiritual about hearing the leader speak to the little ones in their native tongue. The team sang songs, played games, and told the story of God creating the world, and how he created each one of them very very special. That evening the clouds turned black and it poured down rain, turning the little dirt road that seperated the orphange from the dormitory and church into a river, that was untravelable. I sat there wondering how many houses were flooded... how much more damage did the rain bring?

In Haiti no one has electricity. Imagine when the dark falls, your day ends. People go to bed very early, and something we were not prepared for was just how early they get up. 5am is the usual time. The light is a precious and valuable commodity to the Haitians.

The second day we awoke we saw the effects of the rain, the orphanage was flooded and the water was up to our ankles. The kids in the orphanage made trip after trip walking to the dormitory/church grounds with buckets and trays and piled them high with dirt and walked with them on their heads back to the orphanage to fill up the water. Many others were busy that morning bucketing the water out of their houses.

bringing sand to the orphanage

Over the course of three days the team prepared for VBS in the morning at the church, and then in the afternoon they held a soccer camp. Kids lined the fence just waiting for us each day.

Soccer camp

One afternoon I was working on a project at the dorms and I heard this group of children shouting from down below "jackleen, jackleen, jackleen." As the time in Haiti was dwindling every day, my heart grew more and more sad. One of our last days in Haiti we spent doing a VBS at Elonce Bernandin's church. Elonce is a Haitian pastor with 6 kids. He and his wife have recently adopted a child. She had malaria, and now she is having other problems with a tumor/ cyst that if it does not go away with treatment, they will have to operate. This man of God is supported by my home church in Las Vegas. I had only been to his church once before and a picture of it hangs on my wall. It was about a 25 minute walk to his church and kids came out from everywhere. Many naked. we piled over 200 kids into the church to tell them about Jesus. We gave out dolls, candy, and toys to each child. When we left the kids followed us, hand in hand, to the other side of town.

At Elonce's church

The team was such a blessing to our Haitian brothers and sisters. We attended church with them, led worship, we sang songs in Creole, and a pastor on the team preached 2 nights in a row.
One evening the women from the church walked up to the Dormitory, and stood there in a line. We wondered what they could possibly be doing until they opened their mouths, and the most beautiful song came forth. I imagined in heaven it would sound as beautiful as it did that night.
We spent time with the kids in the orphanage one last morning before it was time to pack up and head out. We left Sunday morning after tearful goodbyes, and promised returns at the church.

I was a broken person. I sat in church each night and Sunday morning, unable to stop from crying as I looked around, as I heard the sounds of my Haitian brothers and sisters worshipping God in a way that I could not. With nothing they had everything. I had so much, and yet, so little.

I am so thankful to CCC for their hard work and sacrafices made to share Christ in this community. There is so much yet to be done. So many more lives to be saved, churches to be built, mouths to be fed, and G.O. has just barely touched the tip of the iceberg in Haiti.
God is so good, amidst all the tragedy and suffering in Haiti, he is still the LORD, who will one day, redeem his people and all in the world will know they are a people that the LORD has blessed.

I long to return and hope to soon.
I would ask you to please continue to pray for our brother and sisters in Haiti, and ask how God might want to use you to meet the needs of his people. If you are interested in partnering with me and the ministry in Haiti, please email me at jackie.douglas@go-ministries.org, and I will get you more information.
I have created a video of the team's adventures in Haiti, please watch it. The link in in the Ministry video section or you can scroll down to my past blog and there is a link there as well.
There is still much espwa for Haiti.
God bless you all.
Jackie

My favorite picture from Haiti:

2007-06-20T21:21:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone! I am back in the D.R.
A full Haiti update is soon coming!
In the meantime please enjoy this video I made for the team that served in Haiti. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

2007-06-13T02:45:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody! It is 5:45am in the D.R. and I am finishing up packing to go to Haiti for a week. I found out yesterday that I will be leaving with the team (which I kind of knew, unofficially) today to Ouanaminthe, Haiti to do children's ministry and soccer ministry. I will be returning to the D.R. Monday.
Please please pray for this time that we will be there with Community Christian Church. Pray for the team to be united spiritually and mentally. Pray for the team that is leading the trip (John, Romano, Brent, and me) pray for the Haitians hearts to be open, that the Lord Jesus might penetrate them and they would come to know Christ in an intimate way as their Lord and Savior.
I want to write so much more, but I am on a limited amount of time. We leave in an hour. Thank you guys so much for your support. I will update when I return!
Peace.
Jackie

¡Bienvenido!

2007-05-27T08:15:00.000-07:00

I am here!! I arrived at the airport in Santiago on Friday night at 7pm! Jen who is a staff member and Hannah, the first intern to arrive this summer greeted me as I stepped outside the airport into the warm sticky air. I knew I was home. We drove about 15 minutes to the dormitory. This is where the teams stay when they are here. The conference center and office are also located here.

I am living on the bottom floor of the dormitory in an apartment with Jen, Catherine (another staff member), Hannah, and may more female interns who will be joining us this summer. On Saturday morning we had our first assignment. We needed to go to Hoya Del Bartola (the hole) to get some footage and pics. for a video we are putting together for the church who support G.O.'s work there. Tonight we will be filming part of the church service at the Hole.

Last night we had dinner at Tim and Samira's house (minus Tim!)

It is great here, and I am looking forward to putting some personal touches here that will make it feel more like my space. I am going to get a small bookshelf which we make out of lumber and cinder blocks and also some sort of table/ night stand thingy, as well as painting the room.

My prayer this summer is that as I adjust, and try to figure out what is going on that he would open my eyes everyday for someone that I can serve. I came here to serve the people and share the love of Christ with them. That is the end goal. Whether that is in kids ministry, construction, sports, or cooking with the ladies in the kitchen. I came here to serve, and I pray that I would not forget that or take my eyes off of the LORD and his desire for me to be a light in these communities. And of course that I would continue to study the language.

The single most important thing I would ask of you is to please join me in prayer. Pray for the unbelievers in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, pray for the Dominican and Haitian Christians and Pastors to be strong in the LORD and that they would be a good witness to those who don't believe, pray for the G.O. staff to be empowering to those Nationals we work with and to always looking for ways to serve the people on the Island, pray for the may teams who will be arriving to work and serve Jesus this summer that their lives would be changed and that their work would become a testimony of the LORD and that it would touch the many lives of the people here, pray for Brook, the President of G.O. Ministries for discernment and wisdom as he leads the organization.

Thank you so much for your support and prayers. Without your support- I would not be here.

¡Dios te Bendiga!

Jackie

Here are a few pics from the apartment where I am staying (I know there are no pics. of me yet... they are coming!!)

2007-05-23T22:56:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let everyone know of a few things!

I am leaving for the D.R. Friday morning at 6am- I am incredibly excited. Finishing up packing, and of course I have a million errands to run tomorrow- literally a million!! I am sorry I could not see everyone while I was in Las Vegas- who would have thought 17 days wasn't enough time!! (not me!) I will do better next time!

To those of you who financially support me: I want to thank you and thank you. You have no idea what this means to me and to the children, families, Followers of Christ, and non-believers that your sacraficial gifts will be used to help spread hope on the Island.

To those of you who do NOT financially support me: Please pray and consider how God might use you through your support. For $30 a month you could support a child through our Nutrition Center that will provide a child a hot meal 6 days a week, vitamins, spiritual encouragement, birthday, Christmas present. $30 a month- that's like 5 Starbucks drinks!! Check out this link: www.go-kids.blogspot.com

I started a financial update blog- you will find a link on the sidebar of my blog or you can visit it here: www.jackiesfunds.blogspot.com I hope this will keep everyone updated on where I stand monthly!

Please continue to pray for God's glory to spread through the D.R. and Haiti!! I can't wait until I write again from Dominican soil.
Bendiciones-
JD

April 07

2007-05-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I know many of you have been emailing me wondering what has happened... where is a new post? Well, I have been sick- really sick. Let's just say I have not experienced this kind of sick... It was incredibly imperitive for me to be near a bathroom 24 hours a day!!

I am starting to finally feel better today (day #7 of the sickness) and hope to drink some chicken noodle soup broth!

So- here's the update!

The beginning of April started off rather smooth- I had been finishing up the promotional piece I had been telling you guys about for the Exponential Conference (aka- the largest church planting conference in the country) at the end of April. That was fun and really challenged me and helped me grow as a designer. Graphic design is something I have dabbled with in the past, but not on this level, so I really enjoyed being stretched in this area.
But before the conference we had to make a little stop in the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC!!

We had a blast in the DR for a week at our Celebration of Partnership Conference. The week began with just the staff and our partners from Mongolia, Belize, and Colombia joined us for a staff retreat. John Kohler, who works with alcoholics and prostitutes in Mongolia challenged us during our devotional times to be real about where we are, who we are. He reminded us that Jesus did not just command us to come and drink once and our thirst will be forever quenched... no- Jesus says drink as often and as much as you need... and we need it all the time- we're fooling ourselves if we think we don't and soon we'll be or probably already are running on empty. I was thankful for John's message, as I think back to how many times I try to run on my own strength and might. It just doesn't work.

After the retreat, we took a tour around Santiago and visited 4 of our big projects. Hato del Yaque, Los Guandules, Santa Lucia (aka La Mosca), and Hoya del Bartola. In each of these places a church here in the States partners with a Pastor and the community to provide much need resources to bring hope and healing to these communities.

In Hoya del Bartola:

You remember my friend Jason? Well here he is eating at the Nutrition Center. The church and nutrition center are located here at the bottom of a garbage dump where over 600 families live, and a stream of raw sewage runs through it.

In Hato del Yaque:

This is the view from the top of the church. This is the future site of a new G.O. Hub. Each Hub will have a church, nutrition center, dormitory, medical clinic, and school.

In Santa Lucia:

These are just a few of the kids hanging out at the Nutrition Center/ Medical Clinic. This place is also known as La Mosca, which means "the fly," because there are so many flys swarming everywhere. La Mosca, like Hoya del Bartola, is also located at a lanfill, the difference is that the one here is a burning lanfill. The burn it all day and tractors drive over it to compact the trash. Many kids are hurt and even killed because they play here. The smoke that seeps down into the valley where families live brings many sicknesses including asthma.

In Los Guandules:

In this community there was a bar where prostitution and gambling were rampant. G.O. was able to to tear the bar down and erect a brand new two story church in it's place with a nutrition center on the first floor!

It was awesome to see the transformation in the kids at these places because of the work that is being done here on the Island. God is so faithful and he is continually providing G.O. with resources and partners to bring the Good News to those in need.

After the tour- we went to La Vega for our Celebration of Partnership. I stayed in a dormitory with Dominican women we work with from the kitchen to Hoya del Bartola and Guandules. In the morning the Nationals had training while us Americans had training of our own. In the afternoon we spent time hanging out together, learning about eachothers lives, and in the evening we had worship services in Spanish. It was so amazing to see all the different cultures represented as the body, coming together to worship and seek Jesus.

I was sad to leave, but knew I would be back there soon! From La Vega I flew to Orlando, FL for the Exponential Conference. We had an opportunity to share with hundred's of church planters about G.O. Ministries, and why we were there. Many people didn't understand why a missions org. would be at a church planting conference. And that is where we were able to say that God's plan for the Kingdom is both locally and globally. We were offering an exploratory trip in September for those interested in coming to the D.R. and Haiti and see how God is working and we had over 150 people sign up for the trip!!! Seriously! Please pray for these new potential partnerships!

It was a great experience and I hope to go back next year! (Pic of Vicki and I in Orlando)

Derby is here and I am hoping to get enough energy back to be able to volunteer tomorrow- my good friend Laura Snell comes in tonight with her mom to volunteer- woohoo!! Please pray for my health to return!

I will be coming home to Las Vegas May 9th and I hope to see as many of you as possible- If you are interested in seeing me, please send me an email to jackie.douglas@go-ministries.org. My schedule is filling up FAST!!

Just a quick financial update: I need to raise $1000 more a month to reach my "c" budget. If you are interested in financially partnering with me, hosting a get-together, or know someone who might be interested please email me at jackie.douglas@go-ministries.org

As I am preparing to come home for my final goodbye's before heading to the field, I just want to say thank you so much to those of you who have through prayer and finances partnered with me. I have been blessed beyond anything I could imagine and I look forward to sharing even more of what God is doing with you!
Thank you so much for answering the call of God to partner with me.

Dios te Bendiga!
-Jackie

Haiti Awaits

2007-03-24T17:43:00.000-07:00

"Everyone was running, trying to find a place to hide. One man was shot in the outside courtyard, with his Bible in his hand. Bullets were zinging left and right. I saw a pregnant woman screaming for help and holding onto her stomach. A man had just speared her there, and she was bathed in red blood. Another priest was trying to organize people to give her first aid. I saw an American journalist running up and down the aisle with torn clothes; the men with red armbands had torn the clothing, trying to hurt the journalist. A group of young women were in the front courtyard and were attempting to resist, with our own kind of arms, the heavy weapons that the men were using against us from the street- this was a prohetic, historic resistance that we will never forget."
Excerpted from "The Uses of Haiti," by Dr. Paul Farmer.

I write this blog with heaviness in my heart. In lieu of being in Haiti, I am finding quite a bit of material on the country's history. I am reading tons of material and also trying to practice some Creole (a mixture of African and French) What I am finding is that the story above is not one of extrodinary circumstance. It is not a rareity to read. In Haiti, it is everyday life. And I ask myself how can this be? How can there be any hope for this country who, since it's birth as Saint Domingue in 1492 has battled the nations for it's own indipendence and freedom, only to be repressed, used, and drained for hundreds of years, of it's resources, it's pride it's dignity. How can there be hope? 80% of children will die by the age of 5. Many are orphaned simply because their parents can't afford them anymore- they can barely afford themselves, but you don't have to tell that to the starving bellies of the Haitians... It is survival of the fitness.

There is a man in Haiti, who believes in God's plan to redeem the people of Haiti. That one day Jesus Christ will clothe them in righteousness, who will set them at His feet, and call them His own. Arcenio Jimenez is a Pastor who is supported by G.O. Ministries in Haiti, and has a dream of God's fame and glory to be made know on this island. Currently G.O. supports his school, feeding center, and church, and we are finshing the dormotories where teams will be able to come down on short term trips and spend a week there (this will hopefully be my new home as well).

As I spent only a day there last year, I am reminded of the simplicity of hope. Jesus is not complicated- and his hope is freely offered to anyone who will accept it. In Haiti, G.O. offers hope in many ways- through a church, where 1500 can meet to hear the Word of God preached, through a Christian School, where kids will recieve a Christian education, through the Nutrition Center, meeting the most basic needs of the kids in the community by feeding them a hot meal 6 days a week while recieving spiritual encouragement. And the orphanage, filled with kids who are handicapped, starving for human touch, and love, who were once abandoned by their parents are now cared for by their heavenly father who loves us so unconditionally.

God has been doing a work in me as well. As I spent time in Haiti, the Lord bore a deep anguish within me. One that was unshakeable. It is not a "feeling" and it is more that "passion." Out of the anguish, he bore my purpose... To bring good news to the poor, to bind up the broken-hearted, the LORD has come to redeem the people of Haiti through his son, Jesus Christ.

I read these verses tonight and I know there is hope in Haiti:
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,
for the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
and to proclaim that captives will be released
and prisoners will be freed.^[a]
2 He has sent me to tell those who mourn
that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,^[b]
and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.
3 To all who mourn in Israel,^[c]
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins,
repairing cities destroyed long ago.
They will revive them,
though they have been deserted for many generations.
5 Foreigners will be your servants.
They will feed your flocks
and plow your fields
and tend your vineyards.
6 You will be called priests of the Lord,
ministers of our God.
You will feed on the treasures of the nations
and boast in their riches.
7 Instead of shame and dishonor,
you will enjoy a double share of honor.
You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land,
and everlasting joy will be yours.

8 “For I, the Lord, love justice.
I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering
and make an everlasting covenant with them.
9 Their descendants will be recognized
and honored among the nations.
Everyone will realize that they are a people
the Lord has blessed.”

Isaiah 61: 1-9

...Everyone will realize that they are a people the LORD has blessed...

Proverbs 3:27 "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act."

I urge you to please pray about how you can play a role in bringing hope to Haiti. How you can change a life.
1. Pray- pray for people to rise up to follow the LORD to Haiti and preach the good news to the poor- pray for the Haitians to be freed from the bondage of Voodoo and oppression.
2. GO- Come to Haiti. Lead a trip with your small group, church, Bible study, school, work. Spend a week in Haiti, serving the LORD.
3. Give- G.O. seeks to create partnerships between Nationals and Americans. Pray about how you might be able to support someone in Haiti who, with your support, will answer God's call for their life. If you feel led to support the work that I will be doing, please email me at jackie.douglas@go-ministries.org or leave me a comment.

Con amor de JesuCristo,

Jackie

It's official...

2007-03-08T07:17:00.000-08:00

Well, it is official! I live in Louisville, KY! (This is my third time writing this blog- once it didn't save and once it completely disapeared from the screen... gotta love computers.)

Today was my second day of work. It is exciting to be working with G.O., even in the office. Sure it isn't the field, but there is so much that happens in the office to prepare for the work on the field. I understand this from my past experience on church staff- Church doesn't just happen on Sundays, the staff work really hard all week long to make each Sunday experience happen. So it is with G.O., and I am happy to contribute in any way I can.

They have put me right to work collaborating on a promotional project for a church planters conference we are attending in April. Church planting? Yep, I said it! This is huge for us to be able to communicate the desire to see church plants adopt a global perspective for the world and to incorporate that in their DNA from the birth of the church! Can you imagine building a church in the US, while simultaneously building a church in the third world offering hope and salvation to a community desperate for a glimpse of hope? Well, this is what we will be sharing with church planters in April... and I have been helping design our CD promo handout that will be included in the gift bags that each person who attends the conference will receive- over 2000 people!
I love to design and put photoshop to good use so this has been a fun project for me! It seems there will be many things here in the office that I will be useful in helping and I just thank the LORD for the experiences he has allowed me to have to further His kingdom!

A few pics. I took today at work!

G.O. Ministries office

My little space!

I am adjusting to things here in Kentucky- things are still so new for me. The G.O. staff has been wonderful and I am very thankful for Brook (the Pres.) and his wife Sandra for offering a place at their house for me to stay during my two months here in the office.

I hope to keep everyone updated on all the wonderful things the LORD is doing here in Kentucky and on the field in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. I have posted links to all the missionaries with G.O. Ministries on the right side of the page. They coordinate medical missions, sports missions, children's ministry and so much more- please check them out to read their stories from the field!

Also, thank you so much for all of you who have said "yes" to the call of God to support this ministry. I, as well as the nationals in the D.R. and Haiti, will be allowed to follow what God is calling us to do by your generous donations... Thank you for being so faithful. I look forward with excitement and anticipation of all that God has in store for me.

1 Peter 4:10 "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."

For His Glory,

Jackie

Thank you Soulstice

2007-02-25T20:24:00.000-08:00

As many of you know I am days away from moving across the country in what has been an incredible God-filled journey in pursuit of bringing glory to His name in the Dominican Republic & Haiti, with a pit stop in Louisville, KY first! As the days draw closer to my departure date I am flooded with memories and experiences over the last two years as a church-planter that I believe has helped to shape who I am and has prepared me for this next phase of ministry.

Thank you Soulstice- it has been an honor to serve along side of you. Thank you for sharing your lives with me over the last two years.

I believe this was a foundation for a partnership between Soulstice and God's plan for the world. Please continue to pray for this journey, for G.O. Ministries, for the Nationals we partner with, for love to abound, for hope to be shared, and for eternal life to be offered and received, for the Kingdom of Heaven to expand, and to know that your prayers help make a difference in the life of one person will surely bring glory to our Heavenly Father.

*To Alex: You have broken me down... I guess I am a now a "hugger"... Thanks for that!

Here are a few pics. from my "sending off" today at Soulstice.

Alex and I on stage as Soulstice is commissioning me (He's trying not to cry :)

I prefer laughter to tears (it's my secret weapon)

Prayer Commissioning during my last Sunday on staff with Soulstice

"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

I just wanted to say...

2007-02-14T21:13:00.000-08:00

Free Countdown Clocks at WishAFriend.com..

I am under 3 weeks away from moving across the country to work for G.O. Ministries at their stateside office. Please continue to pray for me and the ministry that I will be working with, the missionaries on the field, and the Nationals we work with.
My fundraising is coming along... I am over 50% committed to my "C" budget. This is the lowest of my three budgets, and I must have this committed and coming into the office by the end of May to go to the D.R. Please continue to pray for new partners in ministry who will commit to financially supporting me. If you are interested, send me an email, and I will get you all the info. you need.
Also, please email me and share some ways I might be able to join you in prayer as well.
Dios te Bendiga,
Jackie

G.O. Derby! (click on image for larger view)

2007-02-08T17:24:00.000-08:00

We have a great opportunity to raise funds for G.O. Ministries state side this year. This is an invitation to help us at the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, KY (We know that not all of you are from Louisville but are close; if you should decide to help we will take care of your lodging (because ideally we need you for at least 2 days and possibly 3). We already have some people coming from Lexington, Nashville, and Indiana.) Here are the details:

"The Game" is the company that produces all of the NCAA sports fan gear, jerseys, etc. They are 1 year into a 5 year contract with Churchill Downs for providing all of their souvenirs during The Oaks and Derby. The Game is partnering with G.O. by offering us $20,000+ if we can staff their souvenir booths on May 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th. We’re up to the challenge and would like you to help us by volunteering and getting the word out! We are hoping that this relationship (as it grows) will help us to become one of the supported charities of "The Game" annually. Please consider helping us out.

We need 25 people that can work all three days, May 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th. In addition to that we need at least 60 more that can work the 4^th and the 5^th. We need people that can work both days. We will not be able to split a day shift. At the very least we will need a 12 hour commitment. If you know someone who wants to help but can only commit to one day we can use them but we really NEED people who can do both if possible. It will earn the ministry $20,000+ and help move us closer to being on "The Game’s" list of supported charitable organizations.

Here are the hours:

May 4 (Oaks day) 7:30a.m-7:30pm

May 5 (Derby day) 7:30a.m-7:30pm

For updates you can visit www.goderby.blogspot.com

Please consider sharing this information with your small groups, Bible Studies, or Sunday School Classes. It will be a great opportunity for fellowship.

If you would like to help please send an email to mailto:jeff.rogers@go-ministries.orgwith the days you are committing to. Also, let Jeff know if you’re coming from out of town so we can further discuss housing arrangements while you’re here. Please include your phone number and physical address.

If you would like to recruit a team (from your church, school, Bible study, etc.) to go with you (we recommend it!) let me know and I will forward you fliers, etc.

Please confirm with Jeff by Monday, February 19^th.

If you know you're loved by the king, sing sing sing

2007-01-30T21:17:00.000-08:00

What a week of blessings, and it is only Tuesday! So many things I have to be thankful for. My week started Sunday- I was tired and rundown. As soon as I layed my head down to go to sleep Saturday night (I was so tired!) my mind decided to go into full spinning mode & I couldn't go to sleep until after 1am. I had to be at setup at 7:30am, so needless to say, I was in need of a serious pick-me-up. I was scheduled to work in Children's Ministry in the Toddler/ preschool area and as it turns out we had more than enough leaders in the t/p area as well as the elementary, so I got to go to service and worship Jesus with the adults!!! This is huge, since the majority of 2006 I spent in the back hallways teaching kids- which I absolutely love- but it is nice to fellowship with the adults too!

That was blessing #1! That night I decided to go to South Hills Church and it was a message for me. Bret spoke about New Found Life and the thing that spoke to me the most was how he was talking about sin. Through the power of Jesus Christ & the Holy Spirit which lives inside of us- we don't have to sin anymore. We still fall prey to sin, and so often I hear this phrase "we're just a bunch of sinners," but the truth is we don't have to sin anymore.

If you know you're loved by the King, sing sing sing. If you know you're loved by the King, then live for him, live for him.

These were the words to a Matt Redman song, which brings me to blessing #3... My mom & stepdad suprised me with a ticket they bought me to the "How Great is Our God" tour with Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin, and speaker Louie Giglio. I couldn't believe it! I had been to the Indescribable Tour last year in Vegas, and had gone to Passion 05 in TN. Being at the Passion Conference changed my life and was only a step in God's calling on my life as a Missionary, so it was so great to be worshipping with some of the most annointed worship leaders and speakers once again. As Chris began his worship set, I had a hard time focusing on God. It seemed there were so many other distractions and hinderances, not to mention I could barely move! I felt oppressed and began to pray. Louie began his message and spoke first about how BIG our God is. He spouted out #'s in relation to the stars that God simply breathed into existence. He told a story about the Whirlpool Galaxy and how it is 31 million light years away. The Hubble Telescope was able to capture a picture of the heart of the galaxy.

The Whirlpool Galaxy, 31 million light years away.

At the center of the galaxy, as if it were a stamp of God's workmanship, right there in for the whole world to see was a giant cross- one of those black bars is apprx. 1 light year wide! Interestingly enough, this pics. were transmitted by Nasa! Science, in all of it's advance technology, and theories about creation, sent this back to the world to see.

Core of the Whirlpool Galaxy

Do you see it? A giant Cross at the core of the whirlpool galaxy. WOW. I am speachless and nothing I could say would do justice or bring the glory to the LORD that he so deserves. So, I will move on to say Louie continued to preach, but instead switched gears to us, and how fearfully and wonderfully made we are. Not just in the Universe can we see the cross is at the center, but we can look at our own bodies. There is a cell adhesion in our bodies called Laminin. Laminin takes the shape of a cross in our bodies. Millions of crosses in our body- holding our cells, holding our flesh, holding us together!
I was moved. And I truly entered into worship with the King.

If you know you're loved by the King, sing, sing, sing. If you know you're loved by the King, then live for him, live for him. Forgiven and Free, how could I not sing? If you know you're loved by the King, sing, sing, sing. If you know you're loved by the King, live for Him, live for Him.

How about 1 more blessing? I had to print up more brochures for my mission to give to supporters. Our printer at the office is not printing right now, and I needed them by morning. I took them to Office Depot, and after waiting for 30 minutes (there were many problems) and realizing they were .89 cents a side, double sided & full color meant I could not get the 30 I wanted. I settled on 15 knowing it was going to cost me $30 (an amount I could not afford, but what could I do? I was in a bind) I said a quick prayer. Because there were many printing problems the lady helping me was reading my brochure and began to ask me about the work I would be doing. She decided she was going to charge half price, so I got the 15 brochures for $15.

God is sooooooooooo good! I came home tonight and as I was folding my clothes and putting away sweaters I praise Jesus for providing for my every need as he sees it necessary. I am so thankful I don't have to be in charge of my life anymore.

Colossians 1:15-17 "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together"

Lord Jesus, thank you for holding me together, thank you for creating me to worship you, to love you, to sing for you, to live for you. Thank you for calling me. Thank you for loving me. Jesus Christ I pray for peace and guidance. For your divine wisdom. Jesus, lead me. I surrender to you. I abandon my ways, I abandon myself, I choose you Jesus.
I choose you.

Keeping me on my toes

2007-01-27T11:11:00.000-08:00

I think God likes to keep us on our toes. We have a perpensity to get comfortable in our situations- which I am not always sure God likes. Comfortability brings it's friends self-reliance and pride.

I had gotten comfortable with the idea of working at Soulstice until May, maybe going to KY a little early, taking a slower approach to fundraising... But, I think it times likes these, actually in life in general, God is calling us to a life dependant upon Him.

So, I found out 3 days ago, that I am needed in the office in KY March 1st! I kind of freaked out silently, and argued with God in my head about how I was going to make all this happen, and by "all this" I mean train 5 people to do my job, so it can be volunteer ran, raise an additional $2,800 a month, continue trying to get back in shape, spend time with friends and family, coordinate our church's garage sale... the list goes on & on. And then it hit me... Had I fall prey to self-reliance?

2 Corinthians 1:8-10 says:

"We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us"

It is God who will accomplish all of these things I had once relied upon myself for. I trust in him, my hope is in him!

So, my encouragement as I pray for all of these tasks and urgent things that must be accomplished comes from Matthew 6:33-34:

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

For His Glory,

Jackie

The Nobodies

2007-01-20T10:56:00.000-08:00

I picked up this great book about 7 months ago called Pathologies of Power: Health, Human Rights, and the New War on the Poor. It is written by Dr. Paul Farmer, who is a Professor of Medical Anthropology at Havard. He has worked in Haiti for over 20 years providing medical care at a hospital in a remote area of the Central Plateau located in Cange, Haiti. It is a 35 mile drive from Port-au-Prince, but is known to take almost three hours to get there. Dr. Farmer spends most of the year working at his clinic called Zamni Lasante, which means Partners in Health in Creole. The book I am reading focuses on several of the most impoverished places in the world: Cange Haiti, Chiapas Mexico, Lima Peru, and one of the prisons in Kemerovo Russia.

He argues, that the real problem is not neccesarily the illness, but they are a bi-product of their poverty. They not only treat patients for their diseases, but they provided food, money, and much much more.

I admit, it is hard to read. It is difficult to understand. But moreover, it is hard to read, because each page turned breaks my heart. I am profoundly disturbed by how the Haitians are treated. It is as if the world has forgotten all about this country. It's people are not humans, but faceless nobodies.

This poem below is the introduction to the book. I have spent a total of about a day in Haiti, but reading this not only confirmed my love for the "nobodies," but impresses on my mind the importance of the spreading the Gospel to this country. The importance of loving another person. The importance of reaching out, to the needy, to the homeless, to the prisoners, to the sick children, to the people we won't let come near our kids, to those who don't share our language... to the world. May we have compassion for the nobodies in the world... Compassion is not pity... It is love in action.

The Nobodies, by Eduardo Galeano

The Nobodies:
Fleas dream of buying themselves a dog, and nobodies dream
of escaping poverty; that one magical day good luck will
will suddenly rain down on them- will rain down in buckets.
But good luck doesn't rain down yesterday, today, or tomorrow, or ever.
Good luck doesn't even fall in a fine drizzle, no matter
how hard the nobodies summon it, even if their left hand is
tickling, or if they start the new year with a change of brooms.
The nobodies: nobody's children, owners of nothing.
The nobodies: the no ones, the nobodied, running like rabbits,
dying through life, screwed every which way.
Who are not, but could be.
Who don't speak languages, but dialects.
Who don't have religions, but superstitions.
Who don't create art, but folklore.
Who are not human beings, but human resources.
Who do not have faces, but arms.
Who do not have names, but numbers.
Who do not appear in the history of the world, but in the police blotter of the local paper.
The nobodies, who are not worth the bullet that kills them.

Down Sizing

2007-01-17T20:20:00.000-08:00

So after much deliberation, I have decided to sell my car! This will be a good thing since I still owe on it and won't be able to carry the insurance or payment once I am on the field... so anyone want to buy an izusu rodeo? Goooood condition! 2000 Roman Bronze Rodeo, 82,000 miles! I am going to sell it for what I owe- leave me a comment if you are interested!
Peace-
J

Guilty Pleasure... I admit it!!!

2007-01-14T23:34:00.000-08:00

OK- What am I going to do in the Dominican Republic and Haiti on Monday nights without the TV Show 24?? AHHHHHHH! It is soooooo good! Although the premier is somewhat violent... much more than past seasons- I can't get enough! Someone will surely tape them and send them to me... **hint hint (Courtney, Laura, Heather!!)**
Seriously, I don't watch a lot of TV, but Mondays and Thursdays, 24 & Grey's Anatomy? How can you not?

I suppose I will just have to settle for having the amazing privledge of watching and growing the kingdom in the DR- Seeing people radically changed for Christ- LOL!

Life is good. Even without a TV.
-Jackie

2007-01-14T23:24:00.000-08:00

"Every work of God can be traced to some kneeling form"
D.L. Moody

Oh the woes of creating a budget...

2007-01-13T09:16:00.000-08:00

Ok- so I have fielded many questions about my budget recently. I do not mind this at all. I actually think it is great because 1.) People are reading what I sent out and 2.) People care what there money goes. I do too!!
So, I thought I would do a little clearing of the air with this blog, in hopes to dispel some fears you might have.
My budget is broken into several categories. It is my responsibility to fill in the blanks with the numbers. G.O. does NOT tell me how much I need to raise for each category, however they provide input, insight, and so on.
I have 3 budgets, my dream budget, middle road budget, and bare bones budget. All three are approved simultaneously. This is a great thing because as I am raising support and it increases it just green lights whichever budget I am closest to. Brilliant! So, let's say I receive too little or too much than I have budgeted for- I do not have to go back and re-figure numbers. They already are set from the beginning.
I like this because the ministry is not set on the dollar amount I am raising (which it would be if I created a budget around what I am raising.) The money would be the focus. But it is not, God is the focus. So with much prayer and thought I have plugged in the numbers I felt God was leading me to, based upon the ministry I think he has in mind for me.
So, enough of the background, let's get to the numbers. My monthly total right now for my middle road budget is $4,300 MONTHLY! I know! I know! This is a big amount, for you or me, but for God, nothing is to big!
Here are the four major categories- personal, field, ministry, sponsorship.
Personal and field expenses are the everday living: rent, health insurance, medical savings, housing, travel expenses (I fly to the states approx. 2-3 times a year!), language training- I will be going to Spanish class everyday.
Ministry: this is what is used to make ministry happen. There are so many things this can be used for from Christmas presents for the kids I work with to correspondence with supporters in the states.
Sponsorship: This is the biggest category and one that I feel strongest about. We must raise money to support the G.O. Kids Child Sponsorship, National & Pastor Sponsorship, and the Buildings. To sponsor a child it costs $30 a month- so I could just put $30 a month in there, but I think God wants us to do something big. Not just one new kid, but in my budget 10 new kids. The money that give will not just keep me surviving but will keep Pastors, Nationals, and kids surviving. I think that is so cool.
It's not just about supporting me and it should never be. There is so much good that the money you donate will support. I am open to talking more about this with anyone who is interested!
So, I asked myself, when creating my budget: Do you want this ministry to survive or flourish? Do you want to get by or make differences? I choose the latter, every time I choose the latter. I have tried to go into my budget and change those ministry #'s and I can't do it... and I have tried several times. Each time I feel uneasy, anxious, distrusting... and I can't do it. I would rather remove my food budget (at $100 a month) than take $100 away from kids in the DR.
So, I hope this clears up any questions, and if not, let's talk more. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!!

2007-01-06T14:11:00.000-08:00

"Dreams rise out of humility not humanity."

Some of my favorite pictures I have taken of kids in the DR & in Haiti. It humbles me beyond anything I can describe to be on this journey. To return to a place that, to me, is home. I often feel like I am being changed and touched more than I could ever change or touch one life in the DR & Haiti. It is special. And magical. And I am humbled to be a part of this. In my heart of hearts I know true peace here. Thanks for your support and prayers.

"Oh for you, I sing and dance. I rejoice in this divine romance. Lift my heart and my hands to show my love, to show my love" Phil Wickham.

Videos!

2006-12-28T12:08:00.000-08:00

While checking out a friend's blogsite I found two videos of a church who has done work in both the DR & Haiti. Please check out these videos!
The first video is taken in Ounanmenthe, Haiti- where I will be traveling to on a regular basis. You may catch a glimpse or two of Pastor Arcenio Jiminez preaching.

The second video is of a place that is very close to my heart. It is a church pouring the foundation for Moises' church. I had the amazing privledge to visit this church when I was in the DR in 2005. This pic. is me and a boy from Moises' church. Pastor Moises is truly one of the most humble and kind men you could ever meet.

Both of these videos will help give you a glimpse of what life in Haiti might look like and of some of things a short-term team might do on a trip with G.O. Ministries.
Hope you enjoy them!
Peace-
Jackie

KINGDOM OF ONENESS: HAITI (copy and paste the link in your browser)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0cv7Hr3eYM

BUILDING THE CHURCH: (copy and paste the link in your browser)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2lMxNK5RVs&mode=related&search=

The Way I See It

2006-12-27T14:06:00.000-08:00

The Way I See it #196
"The greatest leader is a servant.
Don't be a boss. Be a real leader,
Be a servant leader. A servant leader
is a winner.
Even when he loses everything,
Even when he loses his life, a servant
leaders wins it all."
Pat Williams (Senior VP of the Orlando Magic)

I went to my dad's this morning to help him re-seal his slate floor. While we were waiting for it to dry we drove on over to the good ol' starbucks for a little coffee break. The words above were written on my coffee cup. I love to read them. Every now and then there is one that I can't help but wonder if the person who wrote it was a follower of Jesus. A servant of Jesus. That's what I want to be. A servant leader for Jesus Christ in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. I am less concerned about what I will be doing, how many people I will lead to Christ, and so on. I am more concerned with keeping my eyes on Jesus, my faith rooted and strengthened in Him, my obedience to His voice. Listening.

"The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me"
John 12:25-26

Merry Merry Christmas!

2006-12-26T20:42:00.000-08:00

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" James 1:17

I had an amazing Christmas. After church on Sunday (Christmas eve) I came home to my mom's house and we opened our presents with my mom, Hank (stepdad), JD, Kyle & Matt (stepbrothers) and had dinner. My mom made ham, twice baked potatoes, fruit salad, and homemade cheesecake... seriously. She even bought me blackberries (my personal favorite when it comes to cheesecake toppings:)! After dinner we went to South Hills for their eveing service. It was so great to just go to church and worship. Honestly, sometimes I don't get a lot of time to do that on Sundays at Soulstice so it was just a nice time to just worship. After an amazing day I crawled into bed and passed out!

Christmas morning I awoke at 7am and my brother and I grabbed our presents for my dad's and we headed to his house. We opened presents there with my dad, Liz (his wife), and Gavyn (my step brother). Around 2pm, 2 uncles and 6 cousins came over for dinner. We had to rematch at Scrabble, from our Thanksgiving Tourney! I lost! But- I did find out I had scrabble on my phone... I am such an addict! Aaron, my cousin brought over his slurpee maker, and I helped make the kids slurpees- woohoo!!! It was a relaxing, fun, joyous day and after it was all over I had no trouble going to bed!

So, what did I get?

I am very very blessed to have parents and family who truly try to provide for me. It was amazing and I couldn't have asked for anything more.

-Digital Camera (Canon Powershot A630)- to take lots of pics. in the DR & Haiti with
-Portable DVD Player- to watch movies on my down time in the DR & Haiti
-My favorite bath stuff (Eucalyptus & Spearmint)
-Gift cards (Best buy, Family Christian Center, Amazon, Galleria Mall)
-Hiking/ Traveling backpack (This thing is huge- but so cool) for the DR & Haiti
(Are you sensing a theme?)
-Scarves for when I am in KY
-And of course new holiday pajamas from Victoria Secret!

I am really excited about all the things I got that will be of great use as I go off to the DR! I hope my gifts can be a blessing to others when I am down there! I hope you all had as fantastic of a Christmas as I did and you know the joy and peace that can only come from our Savior! I love you guys.

Peace-
Jackie

So Let Your Glory Shine Around

2006-12-21T22:59:00.000-08:00

Psalm 63:2 "I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory."
2 Corinthians 5:7 "We live by faith, not by sight"
Last night I spent hours individually folding each letter and brochure, carefully putting each envelope together full of informaton on G.O. Ministries and my new role while watching Dave Matthews live in concert on TV. It really was a great night. If you know me- you know I love me some Dave Matthews!
Amongst all the joy that is surrounding this new journey I have to admit- I am scared. I am scared for this next step... FUNDRAISING! But I am also hopeful and trusting. I am trusting in the LORD. Brook reminded me the other day- THE LORD IS YOUR PROVIDER. (Thanks Brook- I needed that) So I say with as much faith and trust as I can muster... The LORD is my provider.
Jesus- I promise to give you all of the glory and honor and praise. For you alone are my provider. My strength. My joy.
I read this tonight in my quiet time- It is a book called "Jesus Calling" it is a Daily Devo., I picked up in LaGrange, KY on my initial meeting with G.O. I had no idea when I randomly picked it up that it was about enjoying the Peace of His presence and was written by a missionary... (I like God's sense of humor)
Anyways- here's what I read tonight:
"My plan for your life is unfolding before you. Sometimes the road you are traveling seems closed, or it opens up so painfully slowly that you must hold yourself back. Then when the time is right, the way before you suddenly clears- though no effort of your own. What you have longed for and worked for I present to you freely, as pure gift. You feel awed by the ease with which I operate in the world, and you glimpse My Power and My Glory.
Do not fear your weakness, for it is the stage on which My Power and Glory perform most brilliantly. As you persevere along the path I have prepared for you, depending on my strength to sustain you, expect to see miracles- and you will. Miracles are not always visible to the naked eye, but those who live by faith can see them clearly. Living by faith, rather than sight, enables you to see My Glory."

Psalm 63:2 "I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory."
2 Corinthians 5:7 "We live by faith, not by sight"
So, today I pray for the Lord to make miracles happen fully anticipating giving him all of the glory. I am so weak, and so very dependant upon God. And it greatly comforts me to know that in my weakness he is perfect and strong, and glorious. I said a prayer over my letters and for those of you that would receive them. May God richly bless you, and may you give him the glory he deserves. May we together, live by faith, depending on the strength of our LORD.
Peace-
Jackie

How about a little prayer

2006-12-17T21:08:00.000-08:00

This is a picture taken today after Alex called me up on stage... We announced to the church that I am going into full-time missions in the Dominican Republic & Haiti. Here he was praying for me... Priceless... (Thanks Ben and Laura for taking pics!!)

The Ball is a Rollin'

2006-12-17T16:13:00.000-08:00

Well today we told the church that I would be moving to the DR & Haiti. I wasn't sure how I was going to make it through the morning. But- God is so good- and I was amazed by the outpour of the Soulstice Community! I am so blessed to be a part of such a loving and generous church.

The real challenge was not telling "big church," but telling the kids. I asked them if they knew what a missionary was and explained to them how we are all missionaries called by God to tell people about Jesus. The kids were so cute- Logan and Landon shared how the told a boy in the gym "who believed in science" about Jesus and after they told this boy they said "so... do you believe in Jesus?" and the little boy replied yes! I love how uninhibited kids are when it comes to sharing their faith. How I long for a child-like faith that is completely absent of fear & disbelief!

Anyway, I explained to them that God calls people all over the world, maybe it is to a neighborhood where you live, your school, a different state and sometimes a different country, and God was calling me to a different country. I showed them a video I had when I went on a short-term trip in October and they got to see the kids I worked with and places I worked at. It was so powerful... the kids were in full ideas mode as they began coming up with ways they were going to partner with me once I was gone!!! They even prayed for me and the kids in the DR & Haiti! I love my life!!

All glory to God for the wonderful ways HE brings glory to His name... we are simply here for the journey. I thank God for all the ways he has carried me, changed, molded, and shaped me for the work he will lead me in and all the wonderful people he has put into my life...
Peace-
Jackie

T R U S T

2006-12-16T20:17:00.000-08:00

Psalm 37:4-6
4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

It's verses like this that totally set me right. It is like a re-centering... re-focusing... re-setting of the switch. I drink in the words of the LORD and I suddenly feel whole. I feel at peace. The LORD is surely with me.

Tommorrow is a big day for me... Tommorrow my church family (Soulstice) will hear for the first time that God has definitely called me to the DR & Haiti. I have told a few close people and the response has been so humbling. But tommorrow Alex and I will stand together on the stage and break the news/ celebrate!!! I'm not so sure I will be able to make it through the morning. I will also be telling kid's church, which will surely be heart wrenching. Today I trust in the LORD, so tommorow he can carry me through. This is really happening!

Much too Much

2006-12-16T16:35:00.000-08:00

These past two weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions for me. I find myself frequenting the rollercoaster of extreme emotions. There are days and hours where I am feeling truly on top of the world. I am about to begin living a dream I have felt God has been giving to me for quite some time, and other times I feel so incredibly low & like I am getting in way over my head!

I try to figure all of the details out myself, going over it and over it in my head, but then I am sit and I am quiet and a gentle voice reminds me of a verse that really gives me some peace: Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

So with my shoulders back, and my head high I acknowledge the Lord, this is HIS dream for me, not my own. I trust in HIS promises for my future, promises to prosper and not to harm. He will make my path straight and clear & in HIS timimg he will reveal what I need to know. I am so grateful I can "let go" of all the junk I try so hard to hold onto... I am kind of a control freak!! But in all of my control freakishness- he still loves me & gently reminds me to trust in him...

My first post!

2006-12-05T22:47:00.000-08:00

Well here we go... My first post on my new blog site! I suppose I will start with the purpose of all this. Many of you know that I went to the Dominican Republic on a missions trip in 2004. Ever since that trip I have felt a call to missions. In 2005 I returned to the DR, but I had the amazing opportunity to visit Haiti. It was while I was in Haiti (for only 4 hours) that I felt God capture my heart with his love for these people. I knew upon leaving Haiti that day that my life was to be forever changed.

When I returned to Las Vegas I hit the ground running as the Office Manager for a brand new church called Soulstice. I prayed a lot during that time about Haiti, but I knew it was not God's timing. My job at Soulstice consisted of pretty much everything "not pastoral" which meant all the office work, and there were only 3 of us on staff... it was a hard year! My passion was never Office work, but it was to see lost people come to know Christ as their Savior. Which meant, if office work was how I served God to accomlish those goals then office work it was.

After about a year, we were able to hire someone to take over my old job and I switched gears to run our Children's Ministry Program. It was an amazing experience and I have gotten to do all kinds of amazing things like take our kids to a local rescue mission,leading kids to Christ, watch movies with our church in the park, plan a fall festival and VBS's.

Amidst all of this, there was something missing. I knew I had to return to the DR and to Haiti. Last January (2006) I began to pray once again about going to Haiti full time, and I heard the Lord whisper Summer of 2007. I couldn't believe it. I thought I made it up. I told one person... just in case it really was God and not me :) I began to make plans to go on a short term mission trip by myself to the DR and Haiti with GO Ministries. And my prayer leading up to the trip was that the Lord would reveal his timing to me. I raised over $4000 for my trip an was able to spend over 3000 on Bibles for Haiti! God is sooooo good!!

While I was in the DR & Haiti the Lord confirmed it was time to pursue this dream. G.O. Ministries mainly works in the DR & they are expanding to Haiti, but at this point they only have the means to take people there for a day. I found out that the expansion would soon be ready and they were going to be able to bring teams there for weeks at at time beginning Summer 2007!!! What?? It's true!! I couldn't believe it. I continued to pray and the LORD continued to open doors.

I came home and met with my Pastor. I felt it was important to be open and honest from the very beginning. And with my Pastor's support I began to make plans to visit the President of G.O. Ministries in Kentucky.

3 weeks later I was standing in Brook's office knowing that my future was about to change,and by the end of our meeting I knew this was it! I came home and prayed about it for a few days and again met with my pastor and with his full support, I am now making plans to begin fundraising and join the G.O. Ministries staff in Haiti!

This is going to require a lot of prayer, preperation, and the LORD's leading... I am a little nervous because this is such a new situation. I have a lot of support to raise and a small timeline. I need to be in the Dominican by May 1st, so I can learn the ropes before all the summer teams arrive. They can sometimes have 3-4 teams there at the same time and it takes every person on staff to help coordinate these teams. They do all kids of things like preaching, medical clinics, teaching soccer to kids, vbs, drama ministries, worship, construction, and so much more. Here at Soulstice, there will be a lot to do in the next couple of months to help ease the transition, and I will be fund raising as well! So I am trusting in God to provide for me, give me energy, and His peace. We serve a mighty God, and he can meet every one of our needs without draining his resources or missing one step! I am so excited and plan to keep everyone updated with all that is happening. Please pray for the beginning of a new journey!