“Here am I. Send me.” continues to echo in Pedernales.
The first stage of the missionary project concluded with visible fruit and transformed hearts.
On August 24, the first stage of the Isaiah 6:8 Project came to an end in the Dominican Republic. This six-month missionary initiative seeks to plant a Church of the Nazarene in the community of Pedernales. For three months, a team of missionaries from four countries served actively in the area.
The initial team included Wellington (Dominican Republic), Cecia (Guatemala), Keren (Nicaragua), and Axel (El Salvador). Their ministry involved tutoring programs, free English classes, family visits, discipleship for children and teens, and creative evangelism. Each weekend, between 50 and 60 children attended services and activities.
With the support of the Church of the Nazarene Altos de Chavón in Santo Domingo, a Vacation Bible School was held with over 150 children attending. Many heard the Word of God, and several teenagers received Christ and began discipleship. A candle-making workshop also welcomed more than 20 women, who were strategically reached with the gospel. The missionaries also stood alongside families in moments of grief, such as the passing of the mother of two local teenagers.
The support of the South District of the Dominican Republic was essential throughout the entire first phase. By providing housing for missionaries, meeting spaces, sound equipment, and school supplies, the District made it possible for the ministry to grow and move forward.
The stage concluded with the baptism of seven people in the ocean, a deeply moving celebration of new life in Christ. One story that stood out was Carmen’s. Invited by a teenager, she began attending church gatherings, accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, and soon asked: “Can I be baptized?” That day came, and she testified to her faith publicly. Today, she serves actively in the church. “Her story reminds us that a willing heart, a simple invitation, and a church that embraces with love can change a life forever,” Wellington said.
The missionaries also shared how God transformed their own lives through this assignment:
- Wellington reflected: “During these two months we saw God work in a supernatural way. My father suffered two heart attacks, but God sustained him, and today he is stable and has reconciled with the Lord.”
- Cesia said: “I know God brought me to Pedernales for a personal encounter with Him. Something changed in me. I now return to my country convinced that I am ready to commit to a longer time of service.”
- Keren Romero expressed: “I never thought I would love and enjoy this time so much. Seeing God’s faithfulness in every plan fills my heart with joy. The church in Pedernales is now my church, no matter the distance. I now see missions in a whole new light.”
- Axel added: “I thank God for this time in Pedernales, a season of blessing. God allowed us to plant a church, and it was all by His mercy. I learned to fully depend on Him. Many who didn’t know Jesus heard about Him and accepted Him into their hearts. I invite you to let yourself be used as an instrument of God and say, ‘Here am I,’ so He can send you and use what you have in your hands.”
Among the new believers, Manuzca, who was baptized, shared: “It was a very special moment for me. It made me reflect on many things in my life. I feel super happy for what God is doing in me.”
On August 21, the second stage of the project began with the arrival of a new team: Leonel de la Cruz and Whitney Gallegos (Mexico), and Donald Stanley and Kimberlyn Juárez (Guatemala). They will continue discipleship and leadership development over the next three months. The first team stayed five more days to help the new team transition, introducing them to the church and community.
Prayer requests include:
- Health, strength, and guidance of the Holy Spirit for the new team.
- The missionaries returning home.
- The new church in Pedernales, its teens, and the families being reached.
“Our prayer is that the South District will embrace this new congregation and continue to develop a healthy church that loves, serves, and multiplies,” said Elba Duson, project coordinator.
God’s work in Pedernales is moving forward. Children, teens, and families are being transformed, and a new church is rising. The Church is on the move because Christ is at work.
Source: Elba Duson, Mission Mobilization Coordinator, MesoCentral Area.
