SUMMER 2015

The end of the summer has arrived. It has been a fun ride for us, it’s always humbling to be a part of God´s work in Dominican Republic. In the last few months we have had over 40 groups of missionaries from different parts of the United States, that have come down to help us accomplish God´s purpose for our island.

It has been fun to have so many people helping us work in areas like construction, medical clinics, sports events, camps, training, nutrition centers, and so many other outreach events. We are really thankful for the work that you all have done here. It has been a great encouragement for all our missionaries and local leaders.

During this time, we have witnessed several lives being changed. We have seen people coming down on trips and surrendering their all to our Lord Jesus. A lot of people have been baptized this summer and not only that we have seen how so many

Christians have felt the call of missions in their own communities and their churches. We want people to leave this place wanting to serve those around them, just like Jesus did.

This summer God also allowed me to see some of my spiritual kids grow their faith and mature in their spiritual walk. One of them is a rapper named Manny. I´m really proud of everything God is doing in his life because I have been able to see God´s work in him since day one. This is a kid that accepted Christ at our first Cristo Urbano Camp, 7 years ago. It’s crazy that 7 years later God has allowed him to release his first album and also to perform at the camp where he was once ¨just a visitor¨. This year God has called me to empower him with his music, so we have been helping him in every way we can for him to get exposure and for him to grow in knowledge for his God given music ministry.

We did his release party in our church back in June, and we had a full house. People loved it and we were very proud. Also a lot of churches around Santiago are now calling him to perform in different places. We are very proud because I have seen that he doesn´t look at music as a way to gain recognition but a way to bring the Gospel to people.

In the meanwhile, I have been finishing my solo album that I started 10 years ago. I believe it´s time for the world to hear it. It has been a fun process because I love music. Our group is also preparing new music, we have been writing new stuff. Lord´s will, our new album´s name is going to be RIMAS 3R, which the 3 R´s makes reference to REDEEM, RENEW AND RESTORE.

I don’t know exactly when it´s going to be ready but in the meanwhile, I do know that my album is going to be ready by the end of the year. The name of it is going to be LA RECOPILACION, which translates to The Recompilation. Because it is a recompilation song that I have done in the last 10 years. It’s going to be interesting, I still have two more songs to record. But many of the older songs, I have been making new music for it and in some cases, changing a few lyrics. I know when that project its out, you guys are going to love it. Especially now that in this ¨LA RECOPILACION¨ album, I’m going to have two songs in English, so people like you, that have been supporting me since day one, can appreciate it a little more. It’s going tobe a small form of appreciation.

Another great testimony of the things that God has done during this summer, is the outcome of our annual youth retreat CRISTO URBANO. During the last few hours before camp many things were going south. It took patience, determination and faith that God was in control. Every time God is about to do something great, the devil tries to get in the way to take our eyes off the goal. One of the things that had me really worried was that the morning of the day when camp starts, I woke up with the news that one of our busses coming from Jimani (city at the Haitian border) was stopped by military for passport check up and out of 30 people, around 15 didn’t have their ID documents up to date, so the entire bus was sent back to Jimani (8 hour drive.)

I was really sad, especially when I heard that they had a lot of new comers that were excited about coming to camp but were not able to. They had kids crying and torn apart.

We were able to bring to camp only 7 of them, and they loved it. We sent gifts like shirts and cds to those who couldn’t make it because there was nothing else we could do. The good news is that I talked to them a few weeks after camp and they said that they loved their shirts and cds and that they appreciated that we thought of them. They also told me that they are already working on their documents so they can make it next year.

The camp was a success. Even though we had some trials and tribulations along the way, God showed up. Our challenge to the kids was to become fishers of men. We encourage them to not just be believers and become disciples. I have been hearing lots of comments of kids that took on that challenge. Now they want to make a difference in their communities. It was also AWESOME to finish camp with 6 people getting baptized.

This summer has truly been a fun ride for me and my wife. God continues surprising us, he keeps showing up. His faithfulness is always there and any time we need a word of encouragement, he sends somebody to meet that need. I´m thankful for everything He has given me and thankful for those who have been there behind the scenes supporting us. May God bless you and please keep us in your prayers.