This Thursday morning (1:00am!), I will board Copa Airlines flight #302 to Panama City, Panama to make a connection to Santiago, Dominican Republic. I should land midafternoon Thursday (11/12) and stay twelve days through Monday (11/23).
I am there to lead two retreats and have a number of meetings related to the launch of an expression of The Leadership Institute in that nation. My good friends and recent Journey graduates, Samuel & Kendra Luna, will be heading up that effort through their ministry, Nation in Transformation. They have a vision for the spiritual renewal and formation of leadership at every level throughout their nation. (And Kendra was part of our college ministry back in the early 1990s at The Church at Rocky Peak).
I would be very grateful for your prayers along the way. The success of this trip will depend on the partnership of your prayers and the help of God’s Spirit. (That’s how Paul put it in Philippians 1:19).
I hope to be able to post at least a few updates and stories while I’m away (if the internet will cooperate in Jarabacoa where I am staying and leading the retreats). That’s another way to pray! Until then, my itinerary includes:
- 11/13-14 – Lead an overnight retreat for English-speaking missionaries from various ministries in the country.
- 11/16-18 – Lead a three-day, two-night retreat for Spanish-speaking pastors and ministry leaders from around the country. My Spanish skills will help me find the bathroom and get some basic food, so I’ll be speaking through interpretation (thanks to Samuel & Kendra).
- 11/20 – Lead a time with the staff of Doulos Discovery School.
- 11/21 – Lead a time with a short-term mission team from Michigan who will have just arrived.
I may also speak through interpreter in one or more Sunday church services. That is often more last minute than planned.
This trip represents the first of a few international expansion projects. I’ll look forward to letting you know about others as we get closer to those launches.
Alan-You know my heart for the very sort of work you are embarking on with this trip, and my heart will certainly be with you, and seeking after the Lord on your behalf. May He manifest his presence for, in, and through you during your trip.
I’d love to get together after your return, both to hear how things went, and to continue exploring regarding my own work.
Debbie…I’m here in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic. I’ll lead an overnight retreat nearby tomorrow and Saturday for missionaries in the area. (Many are based here as it is a central location for the nation). Then, I’ll lead a two-day retreat for Spanish-speaking local pastors and Christian leaders. Thank you for your prayers. I know I’m fully dependent on His Spirit and the prayers of my friends.
Will look forward to touching bases again when I really back in town in early December.