Faith that Works

Dominican Republic orphans move into new home

Ben Adkins

World Radio Team Leader

Shock waves rattled the community of Neyba, Dominican Republic when they saw what you, faithful World Radio supporters, were willing to sacrifice for their neighbors. I am proud to announce the structural completion of the orphanage in Neyba that you so generously supported. The hurricane delays only fueled the hard work of the Dominican engineers and volunteers to complete this wonderful blessing for the children of Neyba. Concrete blocks, mortar, tile, and wood: these things can be used to build a house anywhere, but this place is much different. Only love can build a home.

The faces of these precious children lit up like fireworks when they saw what you were willing to do for them. I have never met a more grateful group of people in my life. We were pleasantly attacked with heartfelt embraces from these children who have had an opportunity to experience your love through your generosity. I could not keep my heart from melting when I felt the love radiate from these children as they poured out their gratitude on me with hugs. It’s really not the money they care about – it’s your heart. They received your generosity as love.

I can’t help but think about what Jesus really wants from us. Many times we struggle to do things to earn His love and acceptance or to attempt to justify ourselves. We have read what James said about faith without works, and too often we begin with the works expecting the faith to follow. We know, however, that He just wants our hearts - our whole hearts. When we place our broken hearts in the hands of an unconditionally loving Savior, the actions will follow – not the other way around. This is why I am grateful to you for your actions, because they show where you have placed your heart.

“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.” 2 Corinthians 9:12-13

“As I watched God work in the Dominican Republic, I was reminded of His principles that we reap what we sow, we reap more than we sow, and we reap later than we sow. In the Dominican Republic we had the privilege of watching God bring about fruit through the sowing of His word. It’s a humbling experience to see God use what so many have given to physically and spiritually feed the people of the Dominican Republic. When you give to God in this work, you give hope to children. And don’t worry, God doesn’t mess up”– Mike Kellett

“The thing that impressed me the most about the brothers in the Dominican Republic was their commitment to young people. Not only were they dedicated to helping these orphans, but they were also committed to growing these children into fine men and women who love the Lord and want to serve in His church. They conducted special training for the young people to involve them and give them a role. By developing the young leaders, the church has grown tremendously even to the point where they have to have a separate meeting for the young people. The reason why I keep going back is because every time we visit the church, there are more young leaders trained to impact the community around them by loving people as they share the good news of Jesus.”– Alan Robertson

“Visiting with our family in the Dominican Republic was for me a life-changing experience of sorts.  What I mean is that it was good to find another group of people who love the same God that I have loved for so long.  The odd thing is I went there to edify them by teaching a group of preachers “leadership principles.”  Ironically, I am the one who was edified.  Their passion for the lost and the word of God is greater than mine.  Their understanding of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ was greater than mine.  Most importantly, their humility was so genuine that it shined throughout the community of Neyba.  It was an honor for me to spend a week with the brothers in Neyba.” – Gordon Dasher

“I would say that the most awesome thing about the trip to Neyba is seeing how the church family has taken what we have given them, and used it to the absolute fullest. The work there is never ending. It is such a blessing to see our family there grow constantly even when we aren’t there. For example, the new children’s home. Wow! In just two years of talking about expanding the facilities, it was built and there is a newer home for all of those sweet children! That was great!” – Katelyn Kirby

During the dedication of this orphanage, we were able to hear from members of the community who expressed their gratitude for your selfless act of service. People from all around this area of the Dominican Republic are now asking questions about the work like “Who did this? They don’t even live here. Why did they care enough to do this?” The answers to these questions all point to the same place: the cross of Jesus Christ. We love because He first loved us and gave himself up for us as a sacrifice so we can live forever with Him and our forever family. People are drawn to Jesus through the compassion you show them and this is exactly what is happening.

We never planned for this to be just a humanitarian effort to provide shelter for some kids in another country. Your partnership in this work has an eternal impact. These children now cling to the only family they know: their forever family in the church. They have the opportunity to hear about God’s word and His plan for their life. They have the freedom to experience His love first-hand and see how it transforms people’s lives right before their eyes. Through this work, God is opening new doors of opportunity for us to grow His kingdom through the spreading of the Gospel. It would be a shame for you and me not to walk through those doors because of a lack of financial support. When David and his people were cheerfully giving gifts to build the temple, David prayed to the Lord:

“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” 2 Chronicles 29:14

Only a people redeemed by the blood of the Lamb could possibly understand the joy that accompanies giving. David is expressing his gratefulness to God for blessing him with the opportunity to give so generously and recognizing that whatever they were able to joyfully give to God came straight from His mighty hand anyway.

Do we really think that God would cause us financial hardship if we gave from our hearts? During this past year, I have heard people reference the economy, their investments, and “uncertain times” as reasons to decrease their financial support to God’s work. We understand that God is constantly at work within us building our character. Every time we humbly lay ourselves out before him to do what He asks of us, He blesses us through it.

It’s no wonder that you feel great after you have been able to bless someone else through your obedience to the Father. The reason is because it is not all about the people you bless or the blessings you receive as a result – it is about giving Him glory.

I urge you to receive this blessing as you bless others. This is important because through your generosity, the world will know that HE LIVES. This is why we share His sweet message of the Good News to everyone in their own language. Like David, let us thank God for the ability to give generously what He has given us from His hand.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:9-10

I cannot keep from thinking about what He is capable of doing:

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

Today, you have the opportunity to be part of a work that exceeds our imagination. We know that God will provide support in order to further His kingdom, and we invite you to be a part of that right now.

Send your donations to World Radio, earmarked for Dominican Republic orphans.