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.The town
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