It has been way too long ( 8 months) since our first post. Not what we had purposed in our hearts to do...waiting so long before this post..., but life has been busy and moving. Since January we have seen God moving in our lives and the hearts of others as well.
In our last blog we stated looking to language school in February, well...God had different plans and we
have been in language classes so graciously given to us by a dear friend. We have been in classes 4 days a week for about 2-3 hours a day, til May, when her beautiful grandson was born. What a blessing!
Since that time and after a month off and mission trips in between, we are back at 2 days a week for 2 hours.Please pray that understanding and usage comes quickly. The younger ones seem to 'get it' so much faster than the older ones of us. But God is so gracious to the learning of the older minds.
We took a group at the end of May on a week long mission trip to the Dominican. We experienced
construction on this trip like never before. Let's just say that the pastor's house is built on a 'solid' foundation as the ground was much like lava rock. Digging the trench for the footer for that house was definitely team work...so much so...God put together 2 teams. We are grateful for that. We were blessed to feed pastors (and their families) of the group of churches we work with and several families in a village. So little goes so far in this country compared to the USA. We were able to minister at Josiah's House (new orphanage for boys with houseparents for every 8 boys - to make it just like a family) and also at Emanuel Day School - a school to help the poorest of the poor.
The children were able to take a shower for the first time in their lives and received oral hygiene instruction and new clothes. What a blessing to hear children thrilled to be under running water.
Of course there was the play in the villages with the children, puppets with songs, and testimony and teaching to each village. Hearts were opened and Christ received along with clothing and shoes and food. Just as Christ did, he had us use physical needs being supplied to reach them for the Gospel sake. We definitely returned to the states blessed.
We were also able to have a meal with two different missionary families and hear of the work of the Lord in those areas and the needs as well. Please continue to pray for discernment for exact area of service.
Looking forward......we feel God has pressed upon our hearts to be in the Dominican by the first of the year. Therefore we are in the process of planning that way. To let you know the hand of God at work, we were trying to decide about our home in TN...whether to rent, look at sale, or just have our daughter continue to live here. It is a big yard and that is a lot to care for for her and Jesus knew this well. Generally talking one night with a sweet family at church lead to God arranging that family to come and rent and live at
our house. We are so grateful to the Lord for His provision in this area. They are so gracious to allow us to live down stairs right now and to allow Jennifer to continue after we leave for the Dominican. Still sorting through all the 'stuff' we have....have you ever tried to put 3 bathrooms into one? God is just preparing us for Dominican way of living. Pray that we would be diligent in the 'downsizing' process and pray that the things that need to sell will sell. Pray for the best garage sale ever : )...timing on that as well.
The Lord blessed in this years Annual Golf Tournament as well. The Tournament raised an extra $5000 over last years funds. Praise the Lord and THANK YOU to all those who worked so hard in this tournament and for ALL those who participated. Everyone seemed to have a great time. We are grateful
for the extra funds as living cost in the Dominican seem to be rising as well. Gas now at $5.50 - $6 a gallon.
Therefore our budget needs are $5,500 a month,(up from the last post) yikes, but we know it is the Lord who raises these funds.
We are grateful also for the new partnerships that we now have for monthly support. We are at a level of $3,953 in partnership support and have a remaining need of $ 1,547. Please continue to pray for those whom the Lord would call to join Him in missions in the Dominican Republic through partnership with us.
As my sister stated: "So you are in need of about 15 people to partner with $100." and I stated, 'Yes, or 150 people at $10, or 75 people at $20". You understand the perception. No amount is too small. Pray God people will open up their hearts and allow God to open windows and pour out blessings through their lives.
As this is being written, Frank and Bradley are in the Dominican in ministry for 3 weeks. They have seen much from a different perspective during this ministry time. Pray for safety as Frank drives in the Dominican...yes... for HIS safety and the others on the streets as well. Driving for FedEx has served well and for this I am grateful to God. On that note....we are now FULL TIME missionaries...as Frank is no longer employed with FedEx since the end of May.
October 16 -20 is the Women's Conference in the Dominican and as of now, there are 5 ladies that are
committed to attend with us to join others from around the USA. We look forward at what the Lord has planned during this time.
Be in prayer for those we know who have loved ones in dire needs situations. Loved ones in hospitals hanging on to life at the grace of God. Ones with parents who need extra attention and help in the aging years. Especially those with loved ones needing the salvation of their Creator, even if they don't think so.
As stated before:
We look forward to the Lord’s working here and in the
Pray for Dominican Housing to be finalized, partnerships, and growing relationship with Jesus.
Thank you for loving Jesus and obeying, and for reading and praying,
The Ogles
Frank, Jo, Bradley, Kristin, and Catherine
