“The Real Deal”
In Matt. 19:21 Jesus calls us to leave everything behind, sell what we possess, give to the poor and follow HIM. How many of us have the courage to do this? Last March Larry and I met a couple who have done this!
In Matt. 19:21 Jesus calls us to leave everything behind, sell what we possess, give to the poor and follow HIM. How many of us have the courage to do this? Last March Larry and I met a couple who have done this!
Jose & Coralia, along with their 3 sons, Lucas, Immanuel and Steven, felt the call from God to leave a comfortable life in Bolivia and begin missionary work.
When we travelled to the Dominican Republic in March, Jose and Coralia were kind enough to give us a tour of the Pregnancy Center and town. We were able to see some of the work they do: from providing counselling and support to teaching trades such as cooking, sewing and hairdressing to the women who attend. In exchange for attendance the women get tokens to buy things for their infants. Young men are also encouraged to commit to supporting the mothers through marriage and living a faithful life.
But they do much more than this! While we were there they had to excuse themselves to go and counsel a couple who were on the brink of divorce. Jose and Coralia also offer classes in the evening to Haitians. They explained how the general population in the DR is not very motivated to improve their lives despite other organizations that have gone in and built houses and technical schools. They feel that the people themselves must be engaged in the process and not simply be “given” help. So with this mindset they have embarked on a new project and wish to convert a shack, termites and all into a local community center. This project will be a bright light in the town of Sosua which in turn will hopefully spark interest in building community spirit.
We saw two examples of their in action when we passed the businesses of two women who now run a hair and nail salon.
When we travelled to the Dominican Republic in March, Jose and Coralia were kind enough to give us a tour of the Pregnancy Center and town. We were able to see some of the work they do: from providing counselling and support to teaching trades such as cooking, sewing and hairdressing to the women who attend. In exchange for attendance the women get tokens to buy things for their infants. Young men are also encouraged to commit to supporting the mothers through marriage and living a faithful life.
But they do much more than this! While we were there they had to excuse themselves to go and counsel a couple who were on the brink of divorce. Jose and Coralia also offer classes in the evening to Haitians. They explained how the general population in the DR is not very motivated to improve their lives despite other organizations that have gone in and built houses and technical schools. They feel that the people themselves must be engaged in the process and not simply be “given” help. So with this mindset they have embarked on a new project and wish to convert a shack, termites and all into a local community center. This project will be a bright light in the town of Sosua which in turn will hopefully spark interest in building community spirit.
We saw two examples of their in action when we passed the businesses of two women who now run a hair and nail salon.
Through the efforts of some key people in our congregation we now all have the opportunity to partner with Jose and Coralia in their efforts through our upcoming Valentine’s Dance, Curling Night in March, ongoing yoga sessions as well as the baseball tournament in June.
- Monique (and Larry)
- Monique (and Larry)
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