Here comes the bride...

On my first trip to the Dominican seven years ago I met Vivianna. She's one of our translators for G.O. Ministries and over the years I've watched her make children in desperate situations smile with hope while singing and dancing to songs, bring people to deeper spiritual insight through interpretive dance and mimes, and bring people to tears of laughter with her quick whit. She's truly been a blessing to many through her time with G.O. Ministries and this past weekend she married Kent who came to the Dominican the same year that I did on a medical trip as a dentist. While only an uncle was able to make it to the states for the wedding, I was incredibly privileged to be there and love on her as her surrogate family.
Vivianna and her Uncle Dr. Disla who also served with G.O. Ministries.

Vivi and Kent.


Brittany, Vicki, Vivi, and Jen



Intensive Training...

One of our Pastors studying during the lecture



Brian teaches while Isiais translates into Spanish
I was pleased to host Brian Johnson in the Dominican from August 13th through the 20th. Brian is a professor of New Testament studies at Lincoln Christian College and came down with me to share in the training of our pastors. While he was there he taught classes, lead Bible studies in the evening and preached 3 times on Sunday. We kept him on a busy schedule!

Brian spent 5 hours a day for 5 days leading our pastors through a theological overview of the New Testament. This systematic approach is mostly unavailable to our pastors due to lack of financial resources and availability of learning opportunities. It was a huge blessing. Some pastors brought new leaders from their church so that they could share in being sharpened and in the responsibility of passing the knowledge on to the rest of the community.
The trip was a success in many ways. The Pastors were edified, Brian enjoyed his time and has committed to coming down four times in 2008 for more training. We already have him set up to come down in March along with a team of 20 Bible college students. Brian has agreed to help me in developing other contacts to come down and teach. All in all the trip was a tremendous blessing!


Brian Johnson's NT Class of 2007