La Iglesia de Dios

This is my first blog post in almost six months! There is a bit of shame that comes with that, but blogging is something I have to be quite disciplined about. When something happens here in the D.R. that I find worthy of sharing, I rarely think in the online world. It's something I would like to change because there are beautiful things worth sharing - they all belong to the God of the Universe and to Him be the glory for each one of them.

I have been wanting to share, though, in my choosing of a church here in Jarabacoa. Even though I have been here almost a year and going to church every Sunday, I still had not felt like I found a church home or base until recently. It is something I felt that I was lacking; working every day as part of a ministry leaves you feeling like the ministry is your church, and the fellow missionaries are members of the congregation. But I do believe that many great things can come from actually being involved and present in a Dominican church, growing with brothers and sisters who do not share your background or skin color, but who serve and love the same Living God. I am eager to find out more about what those great things are.

La Iglesia de Dios, or The Church of God, is a Spirit-filled church that I began attending this summer. My good friend Kenia invited me to come check it out, and the first thing that wowed me was the strong Presence of the Holy Spirit. I felt immediate joy and peace upon entering and saw pleasing worship of God the whole time I was there. I think one of the saddest things about Christianity and the Church today is that it can seem boring to people. I don't feel like I was alive before I knew Jesus, and becoming part of His family is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me, and for that matter, that could ever happen to anyone. If a building is filled with individuals who don't feel that way, it could seem dull, like they are attending some meeting or conference. This church, however, is different. Almost everyone, and especially the faithful members who have been part of it for years, are passionate about Jesus and His Kingdom. There is singing, clapping, dancing, outbursts and cries to the Only One who Saves because He has saved them and changed their lives. It is so very beautiful and I feel that my soul is benefitting greatly from coming into His presence and being surrounded by those individuals.

I also really appreciate the teaching there. It is truth and biblical, and thus not very "cushy". There are many fabulous women in the church who are gifted in speaking and teaching. There of course is a pastor and he speaks at times, but many times elders in the congregation give the message and it is such a blessing. Just the other week, a woman of about 65-70 years, was laying into the congregation a bit, in a loving way. She spoke about excuses and what we let get in the way of going to worship God or meeting with other believers or meeting with Him. She didn't respond to the issue in a light way: "I know that today's world puts a lot of pressures on and it's just so hard, but we really should try better." It was more like, "In my day there were no cars and a lot less comforts, but we had church services seven days of the week, and we Christians made sure we were at every single one, rain or shine, sick or healthy, hungry or full, with or without transportation." I did not take this as a religious statement, and like she was saying that God "requires" that of us or that you need it for salvation, but to grow as a Christian and to benefit from all God has for us, there are sacrifices that should and must be made, more than the excuses that are often said. (Galatians 6:9)

So, between the wonderful worship, passion of its people, and truth in its teachings, I have decided to attend La Iglesia de Dios regularly. Just last night, I also started helping with the Saturday night services that are held as an opportunity for members to bring friends and non-believers. I served as the one who writes down visitor's information. It was a bit difficult because I still don't know who the non-visitors are. However, I'm looking forward to continuing my service and attendance there. I am always the only white person and, as I'm learning to live with, a lot of stares come my way; so much that at times I just want my skin to be a few shades darker. That's a whole other subject, but it's funny how much attention you get when you live in another country of a different race; something to get over though and embrace the diversity, especially of His children.

Last thought. Fun fact. One of the visitors last night had on a very red t-shirt. As I looked closer, I thought I saw a little cartoon wolf and big "S" across the back. A random Dominican man was wearing a N.C. State t-shirt. For me, that was incredible. Thank you God for bringing me to La Iglesia de Dios, for hearing my prayers and leading my steps!