The ministry we have been led to in Dominican Republic (DR), is in the city of Puerto Plata. Several years ago, we started attending a small Dominican led church, while we were here on vacation. God impressed on our hearts that He wanted us to build relationships here. So we made this our “go to place” for vacations over the next 10 years…spending time getting to know people and building lasting relationships. The pastor of that little church (about 60 people) has since invited us to come be a part of their ministry. Now that we are retired, we come to Puerto Plata for extended stays (5 – 7 months) with the intent of being here on a year round basis. We are seeking God’s wisdom and timing for this to happen.
We are learning Spanish, but have a long ways to go to being fluent. Because of that, our involvements have mostly been with the younger generation who have some abilities in English. Our relationships are growing and expanding with the folks we worship together with and also with those in the neighbourhood we live in. Time is spent visiting with, encouraging and challenging people in their walk with God….and how that plays out in their day-to-day living and relationships. What that like looks like is meeting together, sharing meals, discussing the Bible, praying, sharing in ministry and dreaming together of new ministry opportunities.
We do have less extensive interactions with the older folks too. As our Spanish improves, those interactions are also growing.
For the first 30 years of our marriage, we were involved in the camping ministry in Alberta. (20 of those years as full time workers) Those years grew us and our love for ministry to children, youth and young adults, giving us a passion for building into and investing in the next generation. That desire and passion continues in our involvements in Dominican Republic.