February 2022 - Pre-field Ministry Updates

Greetings,
Thank you for praying for my recent trip to the Dominican Republic (DR)! Before my departure, some of you prayed with me, asking the Lord to order my steps so that I can fulfill His calling in my life. I am happy to inform you that the Lord has answered your prayers and has orchestrated all the events for His glory.

I arrived in Santo Domingo, the capital city, on January 24 at 1:34 pm. On the same day, I taught a group of leaders on the inerrancy of the Word of God. The next day, I traveled to Santiago, the second-largest city. I worked with two Haitian pastors every day until I returned home on January 31. Below is a summary of what the Lord has accomplished through us. Remember to click on this link to view a short video! https://youtube.com/watch?v=0LM9_yQ0kiQ&feature=share

On Wednesday morning, we evangelized in two cities near Santiago. In the afternoon, we visited another one called Punal. We found 59 Haitians in two separate houses called “pension.” A pension is a shelter where underprivileged people live. One of the shelters has 16 rooms and one bathroom for all its residents. Our hearts broke when one of the residents disclosed that information to us. We refrained from taking pictures because that would be considered a disgraceful act. But we talked to the people and encouraged them in the Lord.

As we ministered to the people in Punal, we saw the need to plant a church there. But the Lord has begun to work in some people here to make that happen. Two days before I went to the DR, a church in Jonesboro, Georgia, donated a Kurzweil PC88 Workstation (keyboard), three new music stands, and two cordless mic systems to the ministry.

On Thursday and Friday, we returned to Punal and found another pension with about 30 people. We prayed with most of them. Two young ladies and one young man accepted Christ as their personal Savior. Moreover, a voodoo priestess—a woman who summons false gods to heal sick people or harm people—promised to quit her wicked activities to turn to God in faith. We prayed with her and will continue to do so.

On Saturday, I was the special guest speaker at a family conference entitled “Understand the Meaning of Marital Commitment for a Successful Union.” We had 65 people attending the conference. On Sunday morning, I shared the Word of God from the book of Psalms. In the evening, I introduced Biblical Greek to a group of students completing their three-year program to receive an associate degree in biblical studies. The Bible school currently has 79 students. Please pray that I can partner with a Theological Seminary here in the US to offer an accredited bachelor’s degree in biblical studies and a few graduate programs to equip these leaders for the glory of God.

I am at 83% of my required monthly support, and the shortage is only $ 1270. That means, if 12 new donors pledge $100 per month or 24 pledge $50, my family and I will relocate as soon as possible (perhaps in three months). Please pray that the Lord will show you how to support His ministry and how much to give. May God continue to bless you!

Ismael and the Dora Family