Big Visions

Our vision for Hato del Yaque is big. Very big.

Pastor Elido tying rebar with a team member

There is a central building that has a dormitory for teams, an office for Pastor Elido, a kitchen and pantry, a water purification system and a large cafeteria where the children in the nutrition center eat as well as the American mission teams. The second floor is under construction for classrooms and sanctuary.

 We have recently bulldozed our new baseball field and anticipate our volleyball and basketball courts.

Across the street the ministry house is well under way. The first floor will be a duplex. I and my son will live on one side and Pastor Elido’s family will live on the other side. The second floor will have apartments for interns and other staff. The third floor will be an open area for get togethers. 

All of these buildings are tools to touch people’s lives and make an impact in this enchanting community.

Pastor Elido is spending time raising up leaders to expand every facet of ministry so that Christ will be felt in Hato del Yaque.

Elido has encouraged the congregation to raise funds for equipment for their church instead of waiting for handouts. Last year the poverty stricken congregation raised enough money to buy themselves a used sound board for a sound system. This gave them a sense of accomplishment, unity and pride.

In March we had some intruders come into our building who robbed us of that same sound board.

The following day Pastor Elido and I went to the station to make a report. The captain establishes his authority by talking in a manner that everyone around has to listen. He begins to talk about how there are so many “tigers” in Hato del Yaque and how you can’t trust anybody and these thieves have no conscience… but something he says grabs our attention. He says “let me tell you that God won’t forgive this thief”. Both of us in unison say “That’s not true!”. Elido begins to reference the Bible, speaking of the thief that entered heaven with Jesus. I point out that we are in Hato del Yaque specifically because of that thief, because Jesus does forgive him.

The captain didn’t agree with us, but it was like a match was lit. We remembered that it truly was for the “tigers” that we are in Hato del Yaque. The congregation has rallied. They too are realizing who they represent in this community and what the true cost …. and reward, may be.

“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you be Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” 

­– Colossians 1:21-22.