Category Archives: Uncategorized

We took a walk in Moca a few days ago. We strolled down paths that were dry and seemingly safe. The river that runs through the community was muddy, but peaceful. It actually appeared to be composed and amicable. Truthfully, it was hard to believe that such a harmonious component of God’s creation could causeContinue reading “A Time for Everything”

After my dinner of cream of broccoli soup, I eagerly nestled under my blankets. I was tired. I knew the night would feel long and dreary so I wanted to get a head start on my sleep. Tonight would be the second consecutive night of hurricane winds. We are used to the howl of strongContinue reading “Someone Else”

We have had to say goodbye many times since starting this ministry. It has become a part of us. The word that is so final, yet recurring. My grandmother told me to say, “So long.” She didn’t like the finality of goodbye. I guess it really doesn’t matter. No matter how we say it, weContinue reading “Goodbye again…”

Ecclesiastes 9:11 I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, byContinue reading “Dear Adventures in Missions,”

“God  used this place (HOPE Dominican Republic) to bring me to new levels of healing. He is doing a deep work in my life.” Casey Murray   I remember it as if it were yesterday. A team of almost fifty young adults were on their way to our property to serve with us for oneContinue reading “The Stretch of God”

“I lived on the street when I was a boy.” Ricardo has been a blessing to our ministry. He diligently serves us on HOPE Mountain as he cleans fields, cares for our animals, washes our vehicles or maintains our facilities. When he isn’t engaged in the drudgery of sweat labor, he assists our short term teamsContinue reading “From the Street to the Mountain”

“She’s gone Vicki,” our ministry base cook could barely look me in the eyes, “you know, the young mother with cancer.” She lowered her head even more, “My niece.” Her voice cracked a little, “She didn’t make it.” “I’m so sorry,” I hugged her briefly. She isn’t a big hugger. She’s still learning to trustContinue reading “A Heartfelt Explanation”

Sweet little faces represent the joy found behind the doors of Centro de Esperanza de Cien Fuegos. These lovely faces will more than likely see Christmas come and go without experiencing the happiness of the season if we don’t act now! Remember that these precious ones live at the city’s trash dump. Their parents makeContinue reading “Christmas for Cien Fuegos”

English camp certificate Dirt roads ridden with potholes, a filthy river overcome with trash, no clean drinking water, prostitution, drug dealers, severe fungal infections, hunger and desperation are a few descriptions of Cien Fuegos. Driving to church from Cien Fuegos We drove some visiting pastors from the states through this territory a few weeks ago andContinue reading “H.O.P.E for Cien Fuegos”

“One hundred fires” is a great way to describe Cien Fuegos! The fire of pain that consumes the broken hearted flames throughout this community. The fire of poverty blazes within the homes and mindsets of its inhabitants. The fire of confused self worth and low standards spread like wildfires in this community. What do youContinue reading “HOPE to Cien Fuegos”