Age-Old Debate

My bible study group back in the states has an on-going debate over which is better... dogs or cats? We were divided down the middle on this matter.  In my opinion, dogs are so friendly and loyal, while cats could care less about your life.  Harsh words, I know... but I'm currently recovering from a mauled knee cap after a spastic kitten attacked me out of nowhere... give me time.

Yes, the Lord created cats, too... I've even prayed for a softening of my heart towards this species because they are His... but so are spiders, snakes, and vultures.   

(I kid... sort of... Glad the Lord has a sense of humor) 

There is a point to all this banter.  I'm presenting you a case in support of dogs.  Substantial evidence of how God has purposefully used this breed to bring light to a small village here.

Missionaries Rick and Barb Sucher visited a small area called Playa Laguna a few weeks back.  While out there, this dog caught Barb's eye.

Malnourished, the dog was caring for her puppies out in a field.  Barb came back with food and asked the woman living nearby about the dogs.  Barb learned that the dogs belonged to the woman, Erika, but she didn't have enough food to feed the dogs and their family.  Erika shared how their house had recently expanded by two mouths as a woman dropped off her two children, 3 and 1 years old, when she found it too burdensome to care for them.  The last time Erika had seen the children's mother was the day after Christmas.  

Further discussion revealed that the children's mother works the streets.  Sosua, where we're located, has the highest rate of prostitution in the Dominican Republic, along with Boca Chica on the south coast.  The Dominican Republic ranks 4th among the largest export of prostitutes in the world behind Brazil, Thailand, and the Philippines. 

Worst part, the mother came back and took the 3 year old girl, Rosio, for more work.  Erika shared how she longed to get the little girl back and had been praying that the mother would bring her to them.  Meanwhile, Rick and Barb were able to find support for the little 1 year old boy, Fe, by placing him on a sponsored feeding program.

I visited this beautiful woman and baby nearly a month ago and truly felt such a peaceful presence in their home.  Erika and her husband are a couple living for the Lord and seeking His mercy and guidance.  

Good news! Rosio has been reunited with Erika and her brother! When they got her she was covered in sores, it moved us all to tears.  We may never know the horrendous things she endured, but the blood of Christ washes her through and through.  We've prayed for her little heart to forget all the images, fears, and lies she's taken in and for God to restore her to the beautiful, thriving girl she was born to be.

The main reason Rick and Barb were out in the empty field several weeks ago was to begin looking for a place to start a new church.  Feeling led by the Holy Spirit, they began praying for discernment and for God's provision of the land to plant His Word.  God brought them to Erika.

Just this past weekend, I joined Rick and Barb on a visit out to see Erika and the kids.  What a joy it was!  God has opened so many doors for and through the faithfulness of Erika's family.  In true response to scripture, the family is sharing the land God has blessed them with for the new church.

All the believers were one in heart and mind.  No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.  With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.  And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them.  For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.   

Acts 4:32-35

Rick, Barb, Pastor Felix, Pastor Lucien, Erika, and other spiritual leaders in the mission were all present and prayed over the small building where they plan to bring God's Light to this community.  We have a mission team that arrives Friday who will now be spending part of their time working on this church.  Talk about divine timing!

Best part, Rosio was so full of life and joy when I saw her.  We brought some coloring books and crayons so I spent my short time with them that day drawing and simply smiling and enjoying her lively company.

  

Bringing it back full circle...One dog played a huge role in this story of redemption and renewed hope.  If you're a so-called cat person, you can keep praying that my heart is softened.  Maybe He'll use a cat next time... but my bet is on the dogs :)