Waking up in 2021 with a NEW Light
2020 has come to a close and a new year has begun. 2021 reached our lives a couple of weeks ago and the TIME Ministries DR team entered 2021 with a group. How could this have happened, you may ask? GOD! God brought a group from Des Moines, Iowa to the Dominican Republic from December 26 to January 3. There were extreme challenges to conquer and details to address in our new living situation worldwide. Our God laid a light in their path and in ours to make it possible for God’s Kingdom work to continue. Many questions filled our minds, those of the group and also their families. We are then reminded of the one who brings light to our path and the ONE who truly works on our behalf for HIS Glory. I am reminded of the ONE who lights our way and the verse in Ephesians 5 verse 13 , But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.” What better way to bring a year of darkness through the tough times of COVID-19 to an end and to look forward to 2021 with a new chapel for a pastor, ministry to moms in need, a Dominican congregation and also great fellowship on New Year’s Eve. God’s light brought a bright light of encouragement to the TIME Team and to the Iowa Team.
The Cambridge dictionary defines a light as a piece of equipment that produces light, such as a lamp or a bulb. This is where we ask deep in our souls as to what is the light that is producing the energy and passion within us. For TIME Ministries, the passion to share the gospel to those in need and to share Christ with them is the “light-spark” that shines out from us.
The light we have at this time may be dim due to the challenges of the pandemic, political challenges and economic uncertainty. The energy this past group shared with us was phenomenal as they stepped out in faith to share Christ with us and other Dominicans. Masks were worn, social distancing was encouraged, and curfews were complied with as the Dominican government instituted changes to the current curfew regulations. Through all these limitations, God prevailed in HIS plan as mothers were encouraged; The gospel shared with Chinese youth in the DR, and a congregation was inspired by the presentations from the WEFC group.
Here is a direct testimony from a fellow mom and missionary who was a participant with the Iowa Team:
“TIME Ministries is absolutely needed right now! As the Lord has brought us through all the many challenges of the past year, we must re-awaken to the urgency of the Great Commission. God has given us, the church, the task of taking his great name to all nations. What better way to wake up our sleepy churches than to take a missions trip? TIME Ministries is the ideal way to have God prick your heart, once again, for his great plan. The ministry gives you a variety of opportunities to be used by God: building a chapel for a growing congregation, encouraging the local brothers and sisters, loving on children in an orphanage and being Jesus to those who do not yet know his name. But even more than that, God will challenge you to evaluate your part in his plan. Will you pray specifically for unreached people groups to hear and believe in Jesus? Will you give to support those whom God calls to go? Will you go? Whatever you do, actively seek and listen to see how The Father is calling you to be involved in His global plan.” – Laura,
We pray that you may continue to partner with us as you seek where God may be asking you to share your light. He may be asking you to share it with someone through a phone call or possibly even crossing an ocean. It is then when we ask ourselves, how are we shining our light to the world?
We thank WEFC for their light to the TIME Ministries team in the DR and in sharing the light of Christ here in the Dominican Republic. We look forward to seeing how God will shine YOUR light in 2021 and pray for the opportunity for more light in the DR.
“Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
