Hola Queridos Amigos!
We pray that all is well with you and your family. We know that it has been awhile since we have been in communication and we apologize for that. We feel that it is necessary to “catch “you up on what has gone on in the past few months. We have experienced great victories, great sadness and great joy and through it all we have seen the faithfulness of God. So, please sit back, fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride.
March
In March we received a tremendous blessing from the United States. A team of four men of God came and sowed seed in this nation and the people of this nation. Aaron Collins and Courtney Brown took the people to a new level through their business seminar. They gave the necessary tools to begin a business and change the face of a poverty stricken nation. They gave into the visions of Dr. Cervantes whose dream was to open an office in Hato Mayor, a place where there has never been a doctor’s office. They also sowed into the dreams of a man that wanted to expand his produce business and into the dreams of the youth that have been praying for a music studio. Not only did they sow into these dreams but they also sowed seeds of love, hope and pure joy all over Baitoa and the surrounding area. They came ready to give and they gave and gave. The high school students received them with open arms as they ministered to a group of seniors in the public high. Many were blessed by what they gave, but more were blessed by the love of God that poured out of them.
April
We faced a great tragedy at the beginning of April. Adel Baez, the youngest member of our congregation went home to be with Lord, he was only three months old. This was the first time that we had experienced a death so close to home. It was very difficult, his mother Heimy, is not only a sister in the Lord but also a good friend. To watch a mother suffer and cry out from the very depths of her being was at times almost too overwhelming to watch. There were no words that could console her, but the peace of God that passes all understanding… After a time of prayer, the peace of God came in like a flood and His presence was there. She said from that moment on, although her heart ached with pain there was something so sweet that she could feel. The next day when I went to visit her, I expected to find her in bed, but she was sitting outside with neighbors full of the peace of God and telling others of His goodness. It has not been easy for her, but what the enemy had intended to destroy her with was the very thing that drew her closer. She is a testimony to all who know her. We have all seen her overcome and walk in a joy that is inexplicable. Many stop and ask her how she went through all that she has gone through and still continues on. She uses those moments to testify of the greatness and faithfulness of our God.
May
A group of 6 women from our church were greatly blessed by a 3 day women’s retreat that was held in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. These women, many of which live in extreme poverty were given the royal treatment at the resort where the conference was held, this thanks to many of you who sponsored some of the women. This was a great blessing, but the greatest was the word that Pastor Barbara Burkholder, from Buffalo NY, brought forth. It was a life changing message. There were over 500 women at the conference, and all of us left with seeds ready to be sown and birthed into this great nation and the nations of this world.
We were also blessed with another wonderful team for the United States. A team that consisted of some of my favorite people, Pastor John Bowers, Pastor Kevin Nelson, Duane Lynch and Danette Nelson. They came and imparted the message of hope, reminding us that with God all things are possible. They challenged us to new levels in Him and gave words of life that brought deliverance and hope. Danette ministered in the dance, which always touches the hearts of all that are present.
During this same time the seeds that were sown through the business seminar begin to produce fruit as Dr. Cervantes opened his office in Hato Mayor. The office bears the name Emanuel, the same name as the church which is just a few doors down. How awesome to see what God has done. A seed taken and sown and that now producing fruit! Dr. Cervantes heart is for the people, and we know he will be a blessing to the community that he serves.
Our youth also put on their first reggaton concert to raise money for their music studio. I (Cheryl) have to admit I was not sure people would pay to see a group of local kids perform, but I was glad I was wrong. The concert was a great success and I was extremely proud of them. We are blessed to have a group of youth with a passion for the Lord and the desire to accomplish the dreams that He has put inside of them.
June
We celebrated the end of another successful school year with our school program and graduation. There were 75 children that graduated this year and participated in the program. Parents love to see their kids perform, even if they just stand up in front of the crowd. We like to use the program to celebrate and recognize the children, but also glorify the name of Jesus. It is a lot of work, but always worth it. This year I was especially happy because Zamar, our 4 year-old, over came his fear of playing the drums in front of people.
In June, we also celebrated the wedding of our dear Kenia Mora. Kenia, who many of you know and love, is one of the leaders of the praise and worship team. She has 3 boys, Luichy14, Jose Alberto (11) and Alberto Jose (11); she married the father of the twins on June 21st. Her husband, Roberto, had accepted the Lord and wanted to restore his family. How great is our God! He makes all things new and restores the desolate places. This is a great testimony for our community.
I see that the Lord is moving in the families. We have more couples than we have ever had. He is restoring the family.
July
We just finished a two week intensive program for the youth, Speak to the nations (Declara a las naciones). What an amazing experience! There were 26 youth from Baitoa and Hato Mayor that participated in the program. The program was designed to thrust the youth to a new level and a new desire for the things of God. The program strengthened them spiritually and gave them tools to overcome. Please keep the youth in your prayers.
Muchas Gracias
We love you all and thank you for your faithfulness. There are not words to express our appreciation. Blessings to you and your family.
The Perez Family
Please check out our blog, http://baitoa-theperezfamily.blogspot.com/
e-mail cherilyn57@hotmail.com
