During our exploratory trip we were able to visit numerous pastors and their spouses. Each meeting was a time of blessing as well as an affirmation of our calling. Each visit was spent getting to know them, talking about the church, their struggles in ministry, the community, how we can be praying for them, etc. When I talked with the spouses and asked them ‘How can I pray for you?’ Almost every single one of them answered with the same answer. First, they would respond with concerns for the church and a desire to see the ministry grow. Then after a little more conversation they would ask for prayer for ‘strength to continue ministering and increased passion for ministering.’ Each of the women we met, as well as their spouse, have amazing strength and passion for the ministry that they are doing alongside their husband and all for the betterment of God’s Kingdom.

                I am going to tell you about one of these amazing godly women that we had the privilege of meeting and will eventually be lending pastoral support to. Her name is Alaina and her husband (Ramon) is just one year into his job as a pastor. He quit his previous job so that he could fully focus on ministering. Their hearts are burdened for the local families in their barrio. Alaina is especially concerned about the children in the barrio because there is no school or education available to the children. The church has grown from 10 to 50 in one year and is continuing to steadily grow. They have a beautiful new church building that meets their needs much better than the 15 x 15 cement building they were meeting in.  The new church was built next door to the old church building, they are currently in the process of converting the old building into a clean water system.

Alaina is nearing 50 years old, has two grown sons (Jonathan and Carlos), she is praying for a grandchild before she turns 50, and she has just recently begun attending school so she can be better equipped to effectively minister alongside her husband. When I asked Alaina what she would like prayer for she first said strength and then passion for ministry. But, as we talked some more she began sharing about some of her health struggles she has been having for the past two years. She explained to us that she has been seeing a doctor for over a year now and the doctors have not been able to give her a diagnosis other than she is having an allergic reaction to something. She struggles with skin rashes and swelling in her face. She said that sometimes the swelling gets so bad that she can’t even open her eyes and that she must stay home. When this occurs, it lasts for a couple days and she oftentimes will have to miss church services. This deeply grieves her because she loves ministering alongside her husband and has a passion for caring for God’s people in the barrio. Alaina also has a passion for the women of the church and barrio. She desires to develop a spiritual mentoring/mothering relationship with the women in her community to see them empowered in Christ. Please pray for Pastor Ramon and Alaina; pray for strength and passion for ministry, their ministry will continue to grow, the families of the barrio, healing for Alaina, and that God will continue to meet all their needs. Alaina is truly a hero as she serves God and the church she is called to.

                Give Globally and Act Locally!

UNOMissions Christmas Challenge (Click above to give): God is calling us to support and encourage pastors and pastors’ families in the Dominican Republic and Cuba. The need to support and encourage pastors and pastors’ families is both a global and a local need. The question is will you answer God’s prompting and make an impact on God’s Kingdom?  As you prepare for Christmas and celebrate consider sharing in this important ministry.

How can you make a global and local impact?

This is just one way: Make a donation today to American Baptist International Ministries to help support our ministry then encourage your Pastor and his or her spouse. Although, in this journal’s challenge I really want to focus on the need to support and encourage the pastor’s spouse. I challenge you to seek out every opportunity to love, serve, and encourage her; especially on Sunday mornings. You have the opportunity to help make an impact forGod’s Kingdom today! Both globally and locally by accepting the UNOMissions challenge. Will you act on it and make help God make an impact?

If you are led by God to partner with International Ministries to support our mission on a monthly basis this is a breakdown of how you can help us minister to the pastors and pastors’ families:

$200 = Training and Support for Ministry to Pastors in Cuba;

$100 = Provide Opportunity for Pastors to Network and Train Together;

$50 = Provide Training and Support for a pastor;

or $25 = One trip to visit a pastor. 

Accept the UNOMissions challenge today to begin giving globally and locally.  God is calling us to support and encourage pastors and pastors’ families in the DR and Cuba and you can encourage your pastor today.

Merry Christmas and Thank You!

(Written by Sarah McCurdy)