Unlike in the United States, Easter services are not usually regarded as the best opportunity to reach many unsaved and unchurched people. In fact, many Dominicans take vacations and often there is a hesitancy among Christians for making a big celebration out of Easter because that is what the Catholic church does.

And while we are very careful to be culturally sensitive, what could be more fundamental to our faith than the Resurrection? We decided to help our church see that our most important concern was not what the Catholic church was doing, but that we please God by worshipping the Risen Lord!

Under the leadership of Miguel, we experienced a truly moving worship service in song and in the Word. Miguel had perfectly coordinated five songs with video clips of the Jesus film. Gary, Allison and Miguel all sang specials and the church joined in a final song before the preaching of the Word by Gary. The songs and message fit together and left the church and visitors at the empty tomb, opened for examination. The church was almost full and many went away greatly touched by God. Above, The Dynamic Duo: Miguel and Allison sing a stirring duet as part of the special Easter service.

Casting a vision is hard enough when people have reference points in which to compare. But imagine, trying to cast a vision for a city that has never seen anything like what God has placed in our hearts and minds; such is the case with the quality of Christian school that we are anticipating. And though the task can leave you feeling a bit like Moses, God sometimes sends you an Aaron.

Dr. Ron White, founder of the Greenbrier Christian Academy in Chesapeake, Virginia, recently came to help out in this area. Greenbrier has longed been recognized as one of the top academic schools in all of Chesapeake. With a world-vision that filters learning through the light of God's Word, Greenbrier has graduated countless students that are prepared and equipped for life, whether in ministry or in secular work.

The focal point for Dr. White's trip centered around a Tuesday evening meeting on April 11 at the church. Many people came out from across the community, including a prominent lawyer (Sammy Sosa's) and the Attorney General for the eastern side of the island. In the meeting, Dr. White was able to share about the philosophy of Christian education and why a quality Christian school was vital to the future of this city and country. He was also able to share his personal experience in seeing God work the "impossible" and left people encouraged that the dreams can become a reality through God's power and provision.

At the end of the meeting, a $10,000 gift was presented to the future school. Our sincerest thanks go out to Dr. White, Kevin and the Greenbrier students that came on the trip. Our appreciation also goes out to Colonial Hills Christian School that came in a week before and were a tremendous blessing and helped promote the community meeting. Continue to pray as the team makes the necessary preparations to begin, most likely in the fall of 2007. Teachers are being actively recruited in the States, so if you know of anyone that might be interested please contact us right away. Perhaps what is most exciting is for the Dominicans to see the network of churches, individuals and schools that are working to make this become a reality. All of this points to a God who seeks to be known! Above, almost a full house turned out to listen to a meeting about the future Christian school in San Pedro de Macoris. A large display in the background, coupled with a PowerPoint presentation, helped give the community a vision for what could happen.

We are not joking on this one: On April 1, Gary and Allison Hale celebrated their sixth anniversary at their home by hosting a dinner for couples of the church. Allison displayed her talents in cooking with a dinner plate consisting of chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables and bread, along with a red-velvet cake for dessert. Gary displayed his cunning ability to put ice in the glasses and serve the drinks. The evening marked the first "couples-only" meeting in the church and was a tremendous time of fellowship. After the dinner, the couples enjoyed entertaining games that helped everyone get to know each other better. Among the favorites were the skits by the men, reenacting three of the couple's engagement proposals. The ladies had to guess which reenactment was being portrayed. We decided to spare readers the sight of Miguel in the pink dress (having to portray Paula) but let's just say the couples rolled with laughter. After all these years, Gary and Allison still couldn't win the "newlywed" game, but were satisfied with a close finish - maybe next year guys. Above, Laughing with or laughing at? Ladies enjoy the couples night at the Hales' home.