Sitting high above the banana fields and cropland of central Dominican Republic is the little Haitian settlement of Jaun Gomez. We have visited this village every year for almost 10 years. This was once one of the most difficult stops to make. It is desolate, dirty, and way below what we would call the level of poverty. There has been great sadness and fear in this village. There has been grief and loss. But one thing has remained constant. The church!

The past three years there have been many fires in the village. The houses are made of rough wood and branches with thatched roofs. It would not take much to burn one, or two, or many to the ground. If you to take a look at the picture on the right you will see the cinder block – four room Juan-Gomez- unit Haitian Ministries built 2 years ago. In the foreground of the photo you will see a tree and a row of cactus type bushes. On the left you will see the church building. Now look closely at the cement building, the trees and the bushes. They are all scorched and burned from recent fires. There was even two small buildings between the bushes and the church. They were burned down.

Now, look at the church. The church is not burned. The church is still standing! Praise God for his faithfulness and protection!!! Even in a village that is desolate, dirty, with much sadness, fear, grief and loss. God has not left. God does not change. God is the one true hope we can grab hold of!

This little building holds classes almost daily for adults and children to learn to read and write. This little building hosts some of the most uplifting worship services I have ever attended. This little building is a place of worship, of rest, of learning, of family. This little building holds the family of God.

The vision of Haitian Ministries has not changed but the outreach has grown. There is much work yet to be done!

Colossians 1:9-10 “For this reason also, since the day we heard of YOU JUAN GOMEZ, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God”