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March 13, 2006
Dominican Republic Mission of Hope!
Dear Friends,
Jeff and I are home from our Mission Trip and it was TREMENDOUS!! I’m a little sick right now with a cold but I'm so thankful to God that this happened on our way home and NOT during our week in the Dominican Republic. I was WELL AND STRONG the entire time and able to keep my itinerary, speaking 12 different times on TV, in churches, at a school and at a women’s retreat … not to mention many hours of personal evangelism.
This trip was glorious and God really used my life to touch and soften hearts. Each time I spoke, the churches were filled to overflowing, standing room only in most cases. Several were saved (15 in one church) and countless others recommitted their lives to Christ. One particular Pastor was so convicted and broken after I spoke that he could not even move nor speak to anyone after the service because he needed time alone with God. As word began to spread about my testimony, I received numerous invitations to speak in other churches but my schedule was already full.
Pastor Samuel and Gladys were truly extraordinary, leaving their home and church for 10-days to be with us. Together we traveled across the country from church to church and they worked tirelessly alongside us evangelizing, handing out tracts, and distributing toys. Samuel did all the driving and assisted Jeff with lifting my wheelchair. Gladys was not only my interpreter but also our church liaison, AND chef!! She did a superb job translating not only my words but also my feelings by using physical gestures and expressions. It was remarkable how beautifully we flowed together.
I truly thought I was going to the Dominican Republic to be a blessing but they have blessed me and showered with love beyond measure. I was greeted with flowers at the airport (the exact flower on my business card I might add), presented with long stem roses at one church after my presentation, and even taken to a beauty salon as a special girley treat! We were invited to eat in many homes, taken to the beach, taken to a country club and Jeff even swam with the dolphins!
When I thanked Gladys and Samuel for all they had done for us, this was their reply: “It was our honor and privilege to serve you, Bernadette. Who are we, that God would choose us, and place you into our hands?” WOW, I'm humbled.
Well friends, I guarantee – Lord willing – that this wont be my last visit to the Dominican Republic nor my last mission trip. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus tells us to "...go and make disciples of all nations…” Won’t you join me? If I can do it, so can you! The blessing far outweighs the sacrifice. For me, this is just the beginning. Next stop, Bolivia!
With Joy,
Bernadette
Posted by Bernadette at 05:28 PM
