Soon after leaving the Dominican Republic last summer, we sensed God calling us back to these beautiful people in service to Him. As a family, God brought unity to our hearts in this decision to serve with Children of the Nations. The picture on the right is etched in our minds, Carly and friend Bethany walking with two little children in their village. We can’t wait to go back this summer and continue in a work God has begun.
Our role will be a bit different this summer. Monique is going to serve as an intern leader for the five interns who will spend two months in country. Pictured on the left are interns from last summer at our despedida (going away party). One of them, Bethany, is returning to help Monique lead the interns. Our family will still serve as the host family at Casa Betesda for the many short term mission teams scheduled for projects this summer. We will help them experience life in the bateys and in communication with the national staff of COTN.
My heart (Vic) is being stirred to connect with and teach young men in the reality of being Fathered by God, embracing God as our perfect loving father, in spite of the realities of fatherlessness. The beauty of this long term mission, seven weeks, is that we have time to build relationships and share the love of Christ.
Monique and I will continue our marriage outreach in the Baharona area. Each year we have introduced Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage in Spanish to local pastors. We have left them with Dvd’s to continue the outreach and they have been faithful to share the message of hope for marriage in the community. The people love this presentation, mixed with truth and humor.
Our tour of service this year is from June 14th - August 4th. Even though this will be our third trip the DR, we are still learning the culture and language of the Dominican people, thus we feel a strong need for your prayers. We have continued to study Spanish and we feel less of a language barrier, praise God.
The cost of our seven week stay in country will be $3,500 for our family; which includes room and board. This is the sum we are asking God to provide for us this year. The airfare has already been provided for this trip.
We would like to ask you to partner with us through prayer and financial support. If you are able to make a commitment to partner with us in either way, please indicate this and send us the response card attached.
Should you decide to send financial support, please make your check payable to Children of the Nations. Donations can also be made online at www.cotni.org. When donating online, make sure you include our trip code, DR_THW611, with our name.
We prayerfully await your decision to partner with us in this mission. Thank you and God Bless You!
Love,
Vic, Monique, Ellie and Carly
Journal entries from the Woodward family; Vic, Monique, Ellie and Carly for our upcoming 2012 summer trip with Children of the Nations. Republica Dominicana - Barahona
