Miracle #1

I'd like to welcome you to my first blog ever.  But more than that, I'd like to invite you to join me in a faith adventure.  It's a bit frightening, yet quite exciting.  Will you join me?

I am a missionary in the Dominican Republic.  I've served here for the last 21 years with my wife and 3 boys.  It's been a great ride!  About 15 years ago, the Lord laid on my heart the vision of establishing a Mission Center in the DR that He would use for decades, long after we had left the field.  This would never be a monument to me nor our ministry, but would be part of the legacy of our lives.  Something we could do today to extend God's Kingdom and serve future generations.

So 6 years ago, after a long search, we found the ideal property on the edge of the city.  It was huge.  It was beautiful.  And it was in great need of repair.  It was an abandoned Spanish Villa (12,000sq ft of construction, with 11 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, pool and walled-in property), and had been owned by drug dealers!  Perfect!  We battled the lawyers for 2 years, then settled on a price of $451,000us.  The contract was drawn up.  The date of signing was established.

At this point, their lawyer asked me..."So..how much money do you have?"  I calmly replied..."It's none of your business.  You draw up the agreed upon contract, and I'll pay you the money".  He was undeterred.  "How much money do you HAVE?"  I swallowed...."We don't have any money...."  He shook his head..."You can't buy this property without money!"  I assured him that I was a man of faith and that my God would provide.  Once again, the lawyer shook his head....

That night, in my bed, in the dark, I didn't feel quite so confident.  I prayed...."Lord...we're talkin real money here.  And a boatload of it.  I've got two weeks.  Please help me"

A few days later my home phone rang.  A friend was calling from Canada.  "How's the project coming?"  "Great!".  "How's the money?"  "Well....we're....ah, we're believing for a miracle!"  He went on to say that he'd sold a family home and could lend me the money for 2 years at 5% interest!  $465,000us!

He sent the money, and we paid for the Santo Domingo Mission Center in cash!  Miracle #1

That was three and one half years ago, and we are still in the thick of the battle.  Watch for Blog #2.