“Why do we keep going to the same villages, giving the same gospel, to the same people? They say yes to Jesus, mostly to get rid of the group of people standing in their front yard.” – Jacken Holland (2019)
Those were the words that I spoke to while in the Dominican Republic in 2019. I was completing an internship with a nonprofit where we took teams out into villages and shared the gospel with them. Back then, I felt like I was walking through the desert looking for God; so I spoke from my cynism. I wasn’t able to see at the time what God was doing.
I’m now back in the Dominican Republic, and guess where at? Yes, the exact same location that I was at for my internship. My team is doing what’s called ATL (Ask The Lord), which is where we do exactly that. We ask God where He wants us, what He wants us to do, and how He wants us to do it. So God brought me back to Sosua; He allowed me to build connections and relationships almost two years ago in order to prepare me for today.
Upon arrival, He blessed us with a beautiful sunset and like Aaron, my team member, stated in his post, “God straight up said ‘welcome to the DR, boys.'”
God prepares those who He has called! So what has He called you to and what has He been preparing for you? Are you excited to see your sunset upon arrival?
Thank God for allowing me to see such a beautiful sight! Thank you for preparing me far in advance for what you wanted to do in these upcoming weeks. Amen!
What an awesome story, Jacken!!! I pray that many respond to the gospel you share and truly come to know Christ as their Savior while you’re there!
I am so grateful that your hand is getting better!
Love you!
Wise words! Sometimes God does take us back to where we have been to show us new things. I have to agree that the people, and the sunsets, are beautiful in the DR. Love you ??
Thank the Lord for his redemption! I am stoked that you and da bois get to do ATL!! Can’t wait to see and hear what the Lords doing.
Wowwww this is a super sweet story! What beautiful pics!