The Perez Family - A Heart for the Nations International

Serving the Dominican Republic Newsletter October 2010

Colegio Un Lugar de Esperanza - A Place of Hope

It’s official!!!! Colegio Un lugar de Esperanza (A Place of Hope) is now recognized by the Secretary of Education here in the Dominican Republic!! This is a great advancement for the ministry and community of Baitoa. The parents and children are so excited; finally there is an alternative to a public school education. It is a safe and nurturing environment where the provision of small class rooms allows each child to receive individual attention. Our greatest desires are not only for the children to receive a strong education but to also experience the love of God and learn that with Him there are no limitations.

We currently offer pre-school, kindergarten and first grade, with a total of 40 students enrolled. There was a lot of work involved, but we all pulled together to see this vision come to pass. Our plan for next year is to add second and third grades.

This past summer we were blessed to have two amazing missions teams come to the Dominican Republic. The first was led by Aaron Collins and Courtney Brown. They came with a team of five servants of the Lord each one with different giftings and ready to be used of the Lord. The team sowed into Baitoa and Hato Mayor, blessing those in need with clothes, medicines and financial help, as well as impacting the communities with powerful teachings and testimonies. They gave where they saw a need, both spiritually and naturally. Pastor Fernando had been without transportation for nearly a year, which made it difficult for him and his wife to visit the people of the church. The team saw the need coupled by his heart for the ministry and today Pastor Fernando has a brand new motorcycle. We are thankful to each member of the team, Aaron, Courtney, Shawn, Sonia, Duane, Luther and Ryan.

The second team, from Center for Hope Ministries led by Bishop Larry Taylor, came in ready to impart. There was an immediate connection and deep love for them in the Lord. The team of 14 ministered directly to our leadership, men, women, couples, and youth. It was a time of empowering that launched us into a new level of greater vision and desire to see the plans of God accomplished here in the Dominican Republic. Their love and compassion for the people was evident as they ministered and we have seen great breakthrough in many areas since that time.

We have been preparing for the restoration of families and we are seeing the hand of God move in a mighty way.

Culturally, there is a custom that many couples live together and say that they are “married.” We have a few couples in the church that have been living together for years but have never made the commitment of marriage. Recently, God has been touching their hearts and three couples have decided to enter into the covenant of marriage!!! This November we will celebrate the unity of marriage with a collective wedding and celebration ceremony.

This September, 9 couples who participated in a couples meeting, were treated to a romantic dinner in Santiago (thanks to Center for Hope Ministries). This was such a blessing! Many of these couples have been together for years but have never ever gone out to together. This was a great treat!

God is also touching the heart of the men. We have been praying that the men would rise up and be men of integrity leading their families. Leo started a men’s group that meets weekly. At the meetings, the men discuss basic biblical principles, current events, and plan outings. It has been a blessing to see the men rise up and seek God.

Christmas Project: “A shoe box packed with love”
We want to bless every child involved in our ministry with a Christmas gift this year. The project is simple. We are asking those that are interested to fill a shoe box with a toy, candy or whatever else you would like. We will send you a picture of a child, their name, and age, so you can see who you will be blessing. If you are interested and would like more information please contact me at Cherilyn57@hotmail.com

Medical Ministry Fulltime
Dr. (Pastor) Cervantes will be opening his doctor’s office full time in Baitoa, Monday through Friday. He will travel daily to Baitoa. He will offer house calls if the patient is too sick to come to the office and also “hospitalize” them in their home if needed. The doctor will be working with a local nurse that will be able to check on patients and administer medicine.

Adult education program
Deacon Ramon Valerio will be starting an adult education class. Illiteracy is very prevalent here, especially among the men. The classes are not only a way to educate and inspire but also to spread the good news of the kingdom.

Now On TV
Leo has desired for sometime to have a television channel right here in Baitoa. A community channel with community programming. The ministry will have a daily show and be able to broadcast our Sunday night services live!

We would ask you to stand with us in prayer and sow where the Lord leads you. Here are a few areas where you can sow specifically:

• Monthly support for the ministry – which is used to keep the ministry functioning
• Sponsor a teacher and/or monthly support for the school
• Contribution toward the purchase of Church/School Building in Baitoa ($55,000)
• Contribution toward the Purchase of church in Hato Mayor ($50,000)

Thank you for your prayers and support. We love and appreciate you all.

Blessings,
Cheryl, Leo and Zamar

Checks can be made payable to:
Good News International
The Perez Family
P.O. Box 1219
Erie, Pa 16512

Contact info:
Cherilyn57@hotmail.com
Check out our blog: baitoa-theperezfamily.blogspot.com