Mar 31, 2021 Will you share Jesus with me?

“Some foreigners came to fix the old church by my house,” recalls Israel, a young boy in Paraíso, Dominican Republic. “I just couldn’t contain my curiosity, so I went to meet them—and that’s how I met Jesus.”

Back in 2019, Israel helped the church members at the SDA church down the street from his house and their American friends clearing up the brush and trash. He was excited when he was handed a brush to help paint the church. He stayed to join in the games and stories of the children’s program that evening. It was so fun and he kept coming to programs for the rest of the week. Israel was happy to meet new friends, but most of all, he was so happy to learn more about Jesus.

The Paraíso church had been vacant for a few years and needed a lot of work. There were holes in the roof and walls. The concrete floor was cracked and broken. The outside was overgrown with brush over a bed a broken rocks and trash. It was in desperate need of care.

“Israel and his family were not church members,” said Monifa, a team member who was preaching the My Friend Jesus series. “But he was so enthusiastic and helpful.” He was there to help every day, putting his efforts in with the team and bringing everyone’s spirits up.”

Later that week, some of the team visited Israel’s home to encourage and pray with his family. Monifa gave him a children’s Bible, writing his name on the inside. Israel said he would learn to read and write, and his older sister Elizabeth said she would help him practice his reading with the new Bible.

Israel’s is just one of many lives touched for Jesus through QHM outreach. And although mission teams are not able to travel right now, the gospel is still moving forward. QHM Cares—reaching across borders is an initiative that is still supporting outreach around the world.

Right now, QHM Cares is making a chapel construction project possible in Yaque, Dominican Republic. The construction plan also allows for the possibility of expanding to a second level in the future! Hopefully the church members will see that happen, with the help of faithful supporters.

Now that houses of worship are beginning to open up again, just imagine the surprise and joy that believers will have when they enter their new church! We pray God will inspire them to invite more children like Israel and their families to know the love of Jesus.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14.

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