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December 28, 2005
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Team Dominican Republic Update
Finishing the year strong, looking toward 2006!
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Dear Friends
Though the past year has been full of challenges we
thank the Lord for His grace, mercy and for His
continual working in our lives and ministry. As we
stand on the edge of a new year we are expecting
God to do great things in the ministry. Thank you for
your prayers and support - may we all rejoice and
share in what God is doing here and will do in the
Dominican Republic in 2006.
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Gary Hale Named Senior Pastor |
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Transition Positions the Church and Ministry for Continual Growth
Earlier this month, a pastoral transition took place in
our church, the Iglesia Bautista Evangelica de
Macoris. Gary Hale became the senior pastor, with
Doug Hodges (former senior pastor) becoming an
assistant pastor. This transition allows for Doug to
focus his energies on the Dominican property and
vision development and the overall growth of the
mission, which includes recruiting for full-time
missionary staff here in the vision.
This is also good for the church, as it allows Gary
and Miguel (assistant pastor and team member) the
opportunity to focus their leadership and energy in
leading the church to be what we all believe God
wants this church to be - a significant, impacting
church reaching the city and the country. The
church has enthusiastically accepted the transition,
realizing that focused leadership in the major parts of
the vision better positions us for all-around growth
and expansion. Gary Hale second from left,
above, enjoys a men's retreat in the all. Nearly 30
men participated from different Baptist churches in
the country.
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Boys Homes Surprised by Gifts |
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Lewis Memorial Determined to Make the Boys Smile
As we picked up the numerous boxes from the
airport, we wondered what would be packed inside.
The boxes that Lewis Memorial Baptist Church, in
Huntington, WV and the Sherick family sent were
numerous, large and heavy. Like any child at
Christmas, our hearts leaped with wonder. Boxes
were designated for Constanza and San Pedro, our
two boys homes.
Inside, as we would soon find out, were some very
special gifts for each boy in the homes. Brand new
dress clothes, shoes, games, etc. were specifically
sent with each boy in mind. Words cannot express
the joy the boys had in opening their gifts on
Christmas Eve. In the Christmas service in San Pedro,
one of the teenage boys gave a testimony of how
much that was a blessing of God. What an
encouragement Lewis Memorial was to the home and
the team by providing such thoughtful, quality gifts.
It is exciting that the church and ministry here in San
Pedro knows our home church (Lewis Memorial
Baptist) has invested time, energy, prayers,
resources and personnel to make a difference in this
city and ultimately the country. What a great
example as our church in San Pedro looks toward
being that type of church which makes a significant
difference in other national churches and new church
plants. To learn more about the orphanage ministry
and ways you can get involved, email Paula Hodges at
p.hodges@daystarbaptistmissions.org or
pbhodges@yahoo.com Above, Johnny, 15, opens
one of his many gifts.
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San Pedro Newborns Receive Special Christmas Welcome |
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Baby Gifts Touch Hearts Once Again
From the silence of her seat, a mother began to cry.
Her newborn had come into the world naked and
almost left the hospital the same as well. The
hospital does not provide any clothes or blankets for
newborns and the mother had no money. It was not
even feasible to think there would be any help
offered. It was then a group of ladies walked through
the door, carrying a special baby package for her
newborn. As she met warm faces and kind hearts she
was moved to tears of joy. A team of ladies from the
church, with the backing of
friends and churches in the United States, were able
to deliver baby packages once again on Christmas
Eve, Christmas and the day after Christmas to
newborn mothers at the hospitals in San Pedro. Each
package included a bath tub, wash cloth, diapers,
receiving blanket, pacifier, baby bottle, teething ring,
little onesie, a nice Bible and an invitation for a
follow-up class to be given in January at the church
about proper baby care. The class will also allow
Allison a great opportunity to share the gospel to
several of these new mothers. To learn more
about the ladies ministry email Allison Hale at
a.hale@daystarbaptistmissions.org
Above, Martha presents a baby package to a new
mother.
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Church Family Celebrates Christmas |
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Annual Dinner Time of Fellowship and Reflection
On December 18, the church celebrated its third
Christmas dinner with nearly 70 people attending.
The evening was a great time of food, fellowship and
reflection as the church came together to celebrate
Christmas. Pictured left, this family has something
to smile about as the parents (Alex and Carina) have
been saved during the last year. God has done
amazing things in their lives and family. Both parents
have been baptized and are faithful church members.
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Internship 2006 Video on Website |
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See Why Colleges are Excited About the Program
If you want to see what our summer College
Internship is all about, now you can do so without
leaving the country! But be careful, you might find
yourself on a plane down here trying to get involved!
To access the video online, go to
www.daystarbaptistmissions.org and then
under "short-term trips" scroll down to the internship
section. There, you will find two links - one for
broadband and one for dial-up. The video lasts about
7 min. and will give you a great understanding of our
program so you can better recommend it to college
students interested in missions. To learn more
about the internship program email us!
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