Pray with the Dominican Republic on Sunday, February 18, 2018

Lectionary Selection: Mark 1: 9-15

Prayers for the Dominican Republic:

Gracious and loving God,

We thank you for the hope and guidance you show us every day. Your forgiving love was shown through Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit appearing in purity as a dove. We pray that you continue to guide us with this purity and love, where we can spread this blessing to every person that we encounter. We are sent to be light unto this world, so when we are tempted, like Jesus was in the wilderness, give us the strength to persevere and find Light through the darkness.

Today we lift up the shared mission of the churches and the work of Caminante Proyecto Educativo. Bless churches around the world to be guided by love and unity. I specifically lift up prayers for the people working here in Dominican Republic. Provide this staff with the vision and knowledge to continue our amazing work with these children and guide them to a better, more sustaining life. Give us the words and wisdom to reach these children and provide the security and safety they are longing for. Pray for these children that are trying to survive on the dangerous streets, and keep blessing the ones that have come through Caminante and are living blessed and more peaceful lives now. Help these street children find their ways back into schools and get the education and support they need to achieve their dreams you placed in their hearts and minds! Continue to unify the world and guide us all with the Holy Spirit to spread your loving kindness to every person that we meet.

In your heavenly Name,

Amen!

Mission Stewardship Moment from the Dominican Republic:

Many who come as tourists only see Boca Chica as a tropical paradise, where they can soak up the sun and escape the stress of home. Few see the dark secret lurking just below the surface of the exploitation of children through human trafficking. Boca Chica is known for its beautiful beaches, but also its tolerance of drugs and child prostitution.

Every day, I meet with street children who have been forced to spend their childhoods being exploited by others instead of being in school and furthering their educations. Since the founding of Caminante, the rates of child prostitution in this city have decreased; but what happens outside of this city? Outside this gorgeous beach town lays many small farmland communities. These citizens are not given the best education and many struggle to make enough money for everyday life. These aspects have drawn the attention of human traffickers.

Caminante works diligently to reach out to these communities and raise awareness of the potential risks for their children. I have had the chance to visit some of these towns and have seen the lack of food, clothing, and shelter. Even through these hardships, I have seen a gleam of hope and love shared through their smiles and laughter. Caminante has been visiting these towns and providing information sessions focusing on the safety and rights of the children instead of the money they may be offered by traffickers. We also spread awareness of STDs and family abuse, which have proven to be rather important for these communities. With continued support, Caminante will keep engaging with these communities and provide visits and counseling, assistance in finding adequate work, food security, and support for the schools. Continue to lift up all of these children in your prayers and help us eliminate child trafficking in the Dominican Republic.

(Prayer and Mission Moment by Joshua J. Busick)

Mission Partners in the Dominican Republic:

More information on the Dominican Republic: http://www.globalministries.org/dominican_republic

Global Ministries Mission Coworker in the Dominican Republic:
Joshua J. Busick serves as a Global Mission Intern with Proyecto Caminante in the Dominican Republic. His appointment is due to gifts to Disciples Mission Fund, Our Churches Wider Mission, and your special gifts.