“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9
I thought my heart was fully committed, but looking back on our first three months here I realize I was trying to stand with one fo
ot in the DR and one foot in the U.S. God worked amazingly through Jonathan and I and our team here last semester despite the fact that part of me was still grieving what I left behind.
God has allowed Jonathan and me to enter more fully into this place we call “home” for this season in our lives. He has certainly “strengthened” my heart as I have become more fully committed to Him and His work here in San Juan.
We have experienced contentment as we have trusted Him more fully.
We are asking God to teach us more deeply what it means to be His disciple, to “deny [ourselves] and take up [our] cross and follow [Him]” Mark 8:34. I’m hopeful that he can use us in big ways as we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us to be more like Him.
We’re excited about working towards the goals our team has established:to start four home churches in the four different areas of town we are ministering in and to have eight discipleship relationships with Dominicans by May 15th.
Please join us in praying for these God given goals. We are excited about home churches because they would be a place where people that don’t normally go to church could come to learn about Jesus, learn how to read the Bible, worship God, and be a part of a sweet community.
The legalism of some churches here keeps many people distanced from the church. They think being a Christian is a list of do’s and don’ts.
It is our desire to tell people of the freedom there is in Christ and to walk alongside of them as they grow into a relationship with Him.
The hope in establishing these churches is that they would remain long after we are gone and be led by Dominicans that we have discipled.
God has called us to be fully committed to Him for the rest of our lives and fully committed to His work here in San Juan for this year. We say “yes” to Him and look forward to continually be strengthened by Him. Thank you for enabling us to be right where God wants us.
Thanks for sharing your life with Josh and me when you were here in the ATL and thanks for continuing to share it through this blog sight. I am so excited to hear more about what God is doing in your lives and the lives of the people to whom you are ministering. God is good and I know He has a lot in store for the people of the DR. Though selfishly I can’t wait till you come home again.. I am so glad you feel like the DR is where you are supposed to be! I love you and can’t wait to here more about your life!
Thanks for saying yes – and enjoy the fruit of your sacrifice! I am thrilled with your discipleship and church planting goals – can’t wait to hear more about it as it progresses.
Hey Tabb family! Charles and I are so excited to hear about all that God is doing though the two of yall in DR. We just learned of your website and immediately logged on to read about what is going on in your lives. Your updates are refreshing, encouraging, and inspirational. The Brookstone house continues to be a blessing in our lives. We continue to thank God for allowing our paths to cross.
We will be praying for the work God has in store for you.
Charles and Courtney Ficken
Guys, I hope the time at home over the holidays was great for you! Glad you were able to make it back. The New Year goals are exciting and challenging – may the Lord lead and guide you and keep you excited about what he’s doing on all the days ahead. Great photo, too.