We all know that the middle of the sandwich is always the best part. This is definitely true for our trip to the DR. You may have read about our adventure on the way there and our time on the way back was a learning experience to say the least, but our time with Pastor Espady in Santo Domingo was phenomenal!
When we woke up the morning after the day like no other, we met Pastor Espady for real. He was ready to share his vision and he did. He went to the DR as a missionary in the 80s and has been there ever since. He planted a church in a bad part of town and prayed. The church started with 7 people (including him and his wife) and 5 of them left. They prayed and prayed. Three more people came and in 1991 the church grew a lot. Now, they have over 400 members and so many more that want to come to their church.
Pastor's heart is for the Haitians who have moved from Haiti to the DR, so he has programs for the children to help them transition into a Spanish speaking school environment. He welcomes individuals and families into the church when they first arrive and have no where to go. Many people sleep in the church every night. He helps with finding lodging, clothing, and schooling. He gives all the glory to God.
In our time with Pastor Espady and his family, we were blessed beyond what we could have imagined. We felt like members of the family by the second day. Almando and Giovanni (Pastor's son) were fast friends as they had so much in common with drumming, loving the Lord, and languages. The fun didn't stop as we explored the city and helped our friends from the states catch Pastor's vision for his community.
We packed so much into the time that we were there and were so blessed by our time that we didn't notice we were tired until we got home. Then, it was time to rest.
We never know what our week will bring, but we are glad that in the middle of the bread is the best part of the sandwich!
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