He has broken me

In the course of several months I have read three biographies/memoirs. George Bush (Decision Points), Karl Rowe (Courage and Consequence), and Donald Rumsfeld (Known and Unknown). All three were at the White House at the same time.  All three experienced the political process, the economic meltdown, 9/11, Iraq, Afghanistan, Guantanámo Bay, etc. from different lenses.  All three were correct in some fashion or another.  They quote and mis-quote each other. They agree and disagree. Lens. Perspective.  Paradigm.  They saw differently, remembered differently.  In that context though, government policy was directed and developed accordingly.

The books have humbled me actually.  As I reflect I have been wrong on occasion.  I have been mistaken and perhaps have not read or seen through proper lens, perspective and paradigm.  To whoever reads my post, please forgive me if that human inadequacy has touched you in any way. I ask forgiveness for my shortcomings and for any lack of consideration for you.

Water station ready for equipment

Planting a church in Santiago and serving the people of Cien Fuegos have brought me to this place of humble brokenness.  I am a different person, I believe, and the preface for this report must be the love of God.  He loves me so deeply that he has broken me, changed me, and caused me to reflect much.  I am not my own.  I am at a good place.

We taught more than 100 pastors

We hosted two healing seminars with Larry and Audrey Eddings and their team from Washington state. They did a fantastic job teaching the healing power of God, providing ample time in small groups for application and process.  In our second seminar we had more than 1000 people in attendance the final night.  More than 100 pastors received this clear simple teaching, taking it back to their churches.  It was a multi-denominational event.

The Water Station is built. Installation of the purification equipment begins on April 2. When completed, this gift to the squatters’ rights community of Cien Fuegos will deliver 12,000 gallons of water for approximately 5,000 people. A solid group of some extraordinary Dominican friends now regulate the station.

The church Cántico Nuevo is a reality.  A group of people meet weekly, while potential exists for a separate group to form soon.

John and Diana Martinez

Developing emerging leaders meet weekly.  John and Diana Martinez, the pastors of the church, are leading with grace and wonderful wisdom.  Continue to pray for them. They also need financial support.  What an investment.

Finally, a new network has been established between the Catholic University in Santiago and

Compassionate medical care

Indiana/Purdue University (IPFW) in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  The goal with this network is to establish ongoing health education for the community of Cien Fuegos and subsequent medical, training, and teaching teams on a quarterly basis.  Why not dream that these Dominicans can have medical care like they have never had before? I believe it can happen.

If I am a fool, I am a fool for Christ.  I believe that change and increased influence come through daring to believe and due diligence coupled with a clear proclamation that   mercy can re-write lives. God planned it that way, and Nancy and I have set out to follow this plan.  We are fulfilling what we set out to do.