A Light Called Hope

Claudia was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and has an undeniable passion for her people. She and her husband serve as our missionaries on staff there. She wrote the following message for you: Matthew 19:14 "But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for such belongs to the kingdom of heaven."

There are many ways to let the children come to Christ. A few of them are attention, patience, discipline, smile on face, and helping them grow in the knowledge of God's word, but each should have the special ingredient...love of God in us. God uses us as a source to bring that special message to each child or adult.

Another source is still sponsorship. The impact created in the community has become so strong that the respect, admiration, and desire to live different is reflected in the people and children of the community of Carrera de Palma. You can be sure that you have activated a light called hope.

I could tell the story of the life of every child who has been touched with hope right through sponsorship of One Vision. Everyone wanted to talk and say something, but take the case of Darling Miguel Veras and the opinion of his grandmother Francisca Vasquez. With tears in her eyes, she expresses how grateful she is for the sponsorship program and the care he gets in the afternoon program.

Francisca Says, "Darling before had many problems learning how to read and write at 7 years old. Now he is 9 years old and can read and write. Thank God. I did not have money for uniforms, school supplies, most of the days we doesn't have food to prepare our daily meal. In the after-school he receives rice, beans, spaghetti, or whatever the sponsorship program provides that day. I feel very blessed because my grandson is being blessed. Darling doesn't know who his father is and his mother doesn't care nothing about him, for that reason he live with me, but every time the missionaries come and give him all of the attention that Darling needs. Although they do not speak Spanish or the children English, all of us understand the language of love. Thanks for all you do and will continue doing."

Also one of our children is young, with 4 years old, Yordi Valerio Abreu wanted to give his opinoin. Yordi says, "Mommy doesn't care for me, just likes to hit me a lot, so I leave early my house and come to Mati's house (Matilde) because she teaches me and gives me a lot of love. She also lets me help serve the snack. When Aunt Claudia comes she also teaches us a lot in the afternoon and helps us. When she comes with other people (missionaries) they are very good and give us kisses, hugs, and love and like to play with us. My mommy doesn't like to play with me."

Many stories of children and how their lives have changed with sponsorship are the strength we all need to continue to support. God calls us in many ways...In what way is God calling you?

Matthew 28:18-20 "Jesus came to them and said: I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world."

Beauty From Ashes

Some of our good friends, Stephanie and Rod McMahan, have a great business. They were able to combine their passions, hobbies, and skills to create Beauty from Ashes. They take used household items, that most would discard, and turn them into beautiful pieces of art. Not only is this a great idea, it is a picture of how the Lord sees His children. The world first notices our flaws and is quick to dismiss us. However, God holds us in His hands and molds us into beautiful creations. Each one unique and special. They also use the proceeds from this business for a special cause. Stephanie has used Beauty from Ashes to fund her trips to Haiti through One Vision. There she shares her passion with women by teaching them to sew. They can use this valuable skill to make clothing for their own families and also as a potential career in their communities.

Another great example of faithfulness. If God is calling you to missions, do not let funding be the deciding factor. If he sends you, he will also provide for you. Through friends, family, or even a skill you already have. If you would be interested in taking a trip with Stephanie, or are interested in being involved in missions in general please contact the office at 865-579-3353. We are happy to answer any questions and offer encouragement.

Check out Rod and Stephanie's story here: http://tinyurl.com/qeqq3vsBeauty from Ashes

The Result of Obedience

This may be a long post, but hang in there with me folks...I promise it's worth the read. This summer One Vision had a record number of trips to the Dominican Republic. We took two teams in June, three teams in July, and one in August. At one point, teams were departing the DR one day, and a new team was arriving the next.

Early on we wondered, "Can we handle this many trips?", "Will this be too much for our staff and volunteers?", "Will there be enough to do for so many teams, so close together?" (I imagine God laughing and shaking His head at us as we pondered these things)

God has richly blessed us this summer with renewed energy, drive, and a passion to share His Gospel. During each trip He revealed Himself in a new way to our staff, trip participants, and men, women, and children in the DR. We were given the opportunity to reach out to others in so many different ways from Martial Arts to Stomp performances to Medical Check-ups to just spending time sitting in peoples homes.

There were times for learning

         

Times for playing

                           

Times for practicing new skills

                   

Times for check-ups

                                            

And times of encouragement

What do all of those moments have in common? Relationship building!! All to often we travel overseas with a specific project and a list of to-do items. While all of these "to-do" items are intended to help and serve others, they also shift our focus from God's calling in our lives......to love our neighbors as ourselves and make disciples. We worry "If we don't finish painting this room, the trip will not be a success", or, "If they do not receive Christ as their Savior this week, what have I accomplished?"

The truth is, One Vision's goal in taking mission trips is not to save others, it is not to change hearts, change attitudes, or change lives. It is to be obedient, whatever the cost, to the calling to GO and believing that God will use our faithfulness to change the hearts and lives of others for His glory.

Perhaps one of the best examples of this is Mercedes, aka "Nena". One of our teams was scheduled to rebuild her home that was in need to repair. We had taken pictures, priced construction materials, and had begun working out all of the logistics. When it came time to make the final decision, the funding for such an undertaking simply wasn't ready. We worried that she would be disappointed or upset at the change of events but the team made new plans to hand out food baskets and simply spend time with people in the community.

As one group went door to door, they came to Nena's home. She welcomed them in and they all spent time talking; talking about life, family, blessings, trials and Jesus. That afternoon the same woman that we thought would be upset with our inability to build her home asked Christ to become her Savior. She did not feel cheated because our "team project" was not completed but rather felt joy that we had brought her a much better and eternal gift.

                                                                                                          

Want to know the best part?? That sort of relationship building does not need to be left in the DR or overseas in a foreign country. We can build the same relationships that point to Jesus in our own state, our own town, and in our own families.

The Word does not say that obedience is easy or comfortable, but is does say that it is mandatory. 2 John 1:6

August Bible Drive

If I went home right now I could probably find at least 5 different versions of the Bible sitting on end tables, shelves, or bookcases. You may be able to find several copies in your own home. However, many people in Haiti, and all over the world, are not able to have even one Bible to call their own. During the month of August, One Vision International will be hosting a Bible Drive. We want to ensure that each child and staff member at the OVI Children's Home in Haiti has their own copy of God's Word. We have found children's picture Bibles, and regular Bibles, written in Haitian Creole for $10. If you would like to purchase a Bible for a child or staff member please send $10 to the OVI office along with a picture of yourself. We will write your name in the dedication line in the front of your Bible and tape your picture to the inside cover. This gives the child an opportunity to see who gave them God's Word and allows them to pray for you specifically as you pray for them.

If you would like your Bible to go to a specific child or adult just indicate that when you send $10. If that child or staff member has already been chosen, you will be assigned another child and notified of the change.

Purchasing a Bible may seem like a simple act but it is a dream for many believers around the world. For some, it is a dream that will never come true due to persecution in their home countries. Realize what a blessing and privilege it is to read God's Word and help us share it with the children and staff in Haiti!

Help Them Learn

In the Dominican Republic, school is relatively similar. Children come in the mornings to learn math, writing, reading, and history. However, one difference the children in the after-school program face is that they are not allowed to attend school in their area unless they have a uniform.

This may seem reasonable considering a uniform calls for khaki pants, a light blue button down shirt, and black closed-toe shoes (any stye). Easy enough right?

                                          

Unfortunately not. Often families can not afford these basic items and suddenly a simple school uniform is the only thing standing in between a child staying at home or receiving an education. 

We have been collecting uniforms for the children in the after school program but we are asking for one last push! If you are able to purchase a school uniform for a child please contact Emily Lee at emily@onevisionintl.org. She will send you sizes for a specific child.

Don't have time to go shopping? We understand! (Some days you feel lucky to have enough time to sit down for a meal) We can purchase the uniform for you if you are willing to donate $40 and write "school uniform" in the memo line.

We can not thank you enough for helping our kids go to school!