A lot of people have been asking if we have any needs and specific prayer requests. Peter, my brother-in-law, even asked what scriptures we would like prayed for us. So in this post I am going to compile a short list of material possessions we will need, followed be specific prayer requests.
Needs:
Firstly, a vehicle! I'll just start with the biggie. After some research, the D.R. will only allow 2006 or above models to be shipped into their country. We are hunting for a good deal on a 2006 or above SUV or pickup (something a little higher off the ground because of the poor roads and occasional off-road needs). The other option is buying a vehicle there, but prices are actually 2-3x more expensive. It is cheaper to buy a vehicle here and ship it (shipping and extraction is roughly $2K..and that is because we know some people who know some people) than to purchase one there.
We are praying for one to fall into our laps (well that might hurt...), or to find a great deal. Jehovah Jireh is God- Provider.
Secondly, a goal of $2,000 a month. This figure was reached after talking with several Dominicans (some who live there currently and some who now live in the States), after individually pricing items ourselves when there; and after searching online forums concerning the issue. The general consensus seems to be that in certain areas of the D.R., $20k a year is reasonable (this does not include moving expenses, furnishing an apartment, health insurance and ministry needs). We only have a fraction of that guaranteed right now, but a lot of verbals. We are confident the Lord will again provide for us concerning this need. After the new year, I am scheduled to speak at a few churches as well.
We are praying God will place a giving spirit on the hearts of His people, and we thank Him for the ones already partnering with us for the sake of the gospel of Christ.
Prayer Requests:
1) For the above two needs and an apartment to open up in a complex that we have our eyes on. It is secure, clean, affordable and in a convenient location; but right now there are no vacancies.
2) For God to direct and facilitate our learning of Spanish.
3) For spiritual maturity and Christ-likeness- specifically for a continued and heightened hunger for His Word and communion with Him in prayer.
4) For God to begin a great work and revival in the D.R. even before we get there so all glory belongs to Him. We would be honored to join His work.
Scriptures to pray for us: Any and all of the Pauline prayers (Eph. 1:17-19; 3:14-21; Phil. 1:9-11; Col. 1:9-12; 1 Thes. 3:11-13; 2 Thes. 1:11-12; 2:16-17; 3:5; Philemon 4-6; Heb. 13:20-21) *note: Hebrews may not be written by Paul :) Lastly, the verses that promise God's continued work through the believer. Eph. 2:10; Phil. 1:6; 2:12-13.
It has been very humbling to write this post because it shows our weakness, our needs, and how dependent we are on God and His people to do His work and be obedient. However, in our weakness He is strong! 2 Cor. 12:10.
