Recently, I started studying Ephesians with a friend from home. Before I started the study, I felt like I needed to read through Acts to be better prepared. I read through Acts, taking notes about the events, but I didn’t do a deep study. I wanted to have a better context for my Ephesians study. 

Then, Kamanda mentioned that City Church (their Church in Fort Wayne) is currently doing a study on Acts and recommended I give it a listen. The book of Acts is the story of the foundation of the Church. Pastor Chris Freeman is sharing about different people who helped to establish the early Church, who by all accounts would seem unqualified by others, but to God, they were the exact people to grow his Kingdom. 

I won’t share all his sermons, but I encourage you to listen. From Peter and John to Lydia and more, every person had an impact on the foundation of the Church, and they were all obedient to follow the calling placed on their lives by God. 

There are two pieces I have taken away from these sermons so far: 

1) We should always know the Gospel for someone’s salvation.

It’s important for us to remember that it is not our responsibility to save anyone; that is the responsibility of the Holy Spirit. But, it is our responsibility as believers to be prepared to share the Gospel with others who don’t believe or have never heard it. It’s also important to remember that sometimes you have to share the truth of the Gospel in the context that the individual will understand. I love that every team can share the Gospel with Pastor Enol when completing home visits. 

2) There is no work that is insignificant in the Kingdom of God.

Sometimes, this can seem so easy to overlook. At home, our jobs can seem so far from Kingdom work, but the truth is God has us right where we are for a reason. Sarah always reminds teams of this on Friday mornings as we say goodbye. Here in San Juan, it might be easier to see the Kingdom work during the week but don’t forget that God is also asking you to do your Kingdom work at home in the clinics, offices, factories, or wherever you work. 

I think about the people who helped to found the early Church and the humility and obedience they had to have in their lives to sacrifice everything. And I think there is no way I’m qualified to share in that work, but the truth is we all are. We are uniquely qualified to share in God’s work as pastors, healthcare providers, teachers, bankers, farmers, construction workers, first responders, mothers and fathers. We are all part of the body of Christ; no one’s role is the same, but everyone’s role is essential. 

March has moved very quickly. We started the month with a week off. We took advantage of a free Sunday afternoon and went to the beach with friends. We wanted to make sure to take a trip with Sarah before she moved home. We hosted a team of nursing students from Fort Wayne and had a very successful week working with them. 

One Sunday evening, we hosted a gathering of many friends for Sarah. It was a simple party, but it was so nice to look around and see all the people there to support Sarah. 

Bianca and I visited a local school in San Juan last week. We will be hosting a day of CPR training there next week. I have also been working with Bianca to help plan for more upcoming education teams. 

Last week, I helped Sarah move out of her house. We spent a few days delivering items, organizing friends to come help remove other items, and one last day cleaning. 

This week, we are hosted a team from North Carolina. I worked with the team on Monday and Tuesday, going to the barrio sites. This team traveled quite a ways every day, but they were always ready to serve. 

The team also had a small group of guys who worked in the chapel at the clinic. We held a small Chapel dedication Wednesday evening and then went to dinner at CCED. At dinner we took time to celebrate Bienvenida, and all the work she has done for Solid Rock over the years! 

Thursday, I took Sarah and the dogs to the capitol. Sarah had been working for months to ensure she had everything she needed to get the dogs home. Still, I waited until I knew for sure she was good to fly before heading back to San Juan (you never know). 

I continue to take Spanish classes 2-3 times a week during our off weeks.

Next week, we are hosting a barrio team, and a portion of them will be helping to complete CPR education with nursing schools around San Juan. I’m excited for this week. We have the potential to teach 400+ students and staff CPR. 

Then, Kate and I are going to take a small break for a week in La Romana. I will do some work there that week but look forward to having time out of San Juan. 

Following this, we will take a day at the beach for staff appreciation. I always enjoy spending time with our team outside of work! 

Prayer Requests: 

• Rest for Kate, Hector, and I in our weeks off in April.
• Endurance for Kate, Hector, I, and our Ministry Assistants in May. Sarah’s transition home is another change for our ministry. We also have a lot of new faces with our assistants.
• God would bring the right people to fill our search for more help here in San Juan. 
• Spanish comprehension
• Organization of upcoming education teams
• My transition to becoming the medical coordinator