El Vive!

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

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

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!

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

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!

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!

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

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.

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