Wow everyone So I leave for the Dominican Republic just 2 weeks exactly from yesterday!!! Wow that is CrAzY!!! I gotta tell you all though that God has been doing some pretty amazing things in my life throughout this entire process and I have definitely been stretched and grown through this experience with my Faith and Trust in God... But to say the least His presence has been so intimate and He has definitely shown His faithfulness to HIS word. Hey Everyone please be praying for this ministry as God continues to make the preparations necessary to successfully move this ministry forward... Out of the $15,000 that is needed for the year... God has brought in about $6655. There is still a need for monthly supporters as well as special gifts. Just so you know if you are interested or someone you know who has a heart for international missions or children and would like to join this ministry through financial support, please send all check to:
College Park Missionary Church 2014 Liberty Drive Mishawaka, IN 46545 Attn: Danny Hunter
All contributions are sent here in order for all supporters to receive a tax deduction. Also be sure that all checks are made out to College Park Missionary Church and include the memo: "Dominican Republic Ministry." Also, be sure to include a separate note saying who the contributions are to be directed to (Jim Ralstin). Thank you all so much for your prayers and support. Please continue to be praying for this ministry opportunity and the funds necessary to move this ministry forward. Also, Prayer warriors please be praying for the hearts of the boys and just for the relationship that will be formed there; that God will be moving and that He will make a genuine impact in their lives and that that relationship that will be formed will be glorifying to HIM. Thanks again all of you for all of your support and concern. I have been just so encouraged to see the massive number of people that have decided to team up in this ministry... So I just want to say thank you. Take Care and God Bless.
So some time not too long ago, I came across this cartoon and I was definitely really convicted. For those of you that can't read Spanish let me translate it for you... So the Title is "Afuera" which means "Get Out/ Outside." Slide 1:"Christians Get Out!" Slide 2: "Listen up, why do you rise up against the Christians if they are such good people?" Slide 3: "No, we aren't against them, we already know that they are good people but we are here because we want them to leave and speak of what they have." Slide 4: (And notice that all of the Christians are inside the church and none are outside) "But they hang out inside when outside is where we need them the most." It is so easy to want to stay in our Christian huddles, but what is really interesting is that there really are people that live outside of out church's walls who see something that us as Christians have (which is Jesus Christ) and desire to know that.... I know I was once in that place before I became a Christian... In fact I remember quite clearly getting to know a Christian guy in my life and clearly seeing that there was something different about him than any other person that I had ever really met before. All I knew was that I wanted to know what it was that made him different, and I wanted whatever it was that he had. It is easy to get numb to Jesus working in us when we see it all the time, but know that it is very clear to those around us who are not used to seeing Jesus work. We have a responsibility as Christians to share Jesus with the people we come into contact with wherever we are... Also, can people see Jesus within you? I know that sometimes it is scary to get out of our comfort zones... (let me tell you I am talking to myself with this one as well and I do want to say that it is not a bad thing to fellowship because that is such an important piece of growing in the Body of Christ and maturing by sharpening each other) however, we have also been given the the great commission to "go and make disciples of Jesus Christ." We just need to be willing to go where God calls us to go when He calls us to go (and there is definitely a season for staying and going). "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do" (Acts 9:6.). This has been a conviction on my heart. I want to be willing to Go where and when God calls me to go. Come on Church let's share the awesome news and Hope that God has given each and every one of us.
I hope this letter finds you well and that God is working in your life in tangible ways. This year has been full of much personal growth in my life, both in my relationship with God, and through my experiences at school. I have just graduated from Bethel College and I must admit that I have learned quite a bit these last four years. God has been doing a fair share of showing me more and more how much I need Him in my life. I have been learning more and more about Humility, and how sometimes it is ok to ask for help from our Brothers and Sisters in Christ. This allows the Church to work and function as a Body. I have also recently been learning what it means to put all of your faith and trust in God, and I have been seeing first-hand how God is a provider to His servants.
I am writing to share with you a challenging ministry opportunity that God has presented to me. This July I will be leaving to work as a missionary in the Dominican Republic at a church called, Amor a Quisqueya. I will be working there teaching English as well as mentoring shoe shining boys. These boys range in age of 5 to mid-20’s. Many of these guys have dropped out of school because they need to support their families. Also, several of these boys can’t even read or write in their own language. This has created a vicious cycle in which they can’t escape from their jobs as shoe-shiners, which in reality is not a very respectful job in their society nor financially substantial, and are unable to obtain anything better.
About two years ago I lived down in the city of Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic for a semester abroad trip, where God first really began this passion in my heart for these boys. While I was down there I could feel God telling me just to love them. Many of these boys do not see themselves as valuable, and rarely receive the attention young boys need.I went back to Jarabacoa in May of 2009 where I discovered how much I take reading and writing in my own language for granted. I am really excited to step into this ministry because even the first time I was there for a semester abroad, I felt God telling me that I would be here working with these boys someday, and that day is now coming. I am excited to help these boys and their families, by giving them an education they can use to get out of the cycle they are trapped in. Also, I am excited to do that in a way that these boys feel valued (despite what society says around them) and that there is a God who loves them. Many of these boys lack positive role models, and their character is built on what they learn on the street. Through this ministry, our mission comes from 1 Timothy 2:1-2, “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.”We want to raise up these young boys to be positive and godly men in the society in which they live.
I have currently committed for a year with hope of continuing as long as God calls me to this specific ministry.
My success this year will rest not only on my own prayer and hard work but also on the prayers and support of my family and friends! It would be a personal blessing to me if you would include me in your prayer over this next year. Please pray that God will equip me with the strength, endurance, and wisdom in order to be an effective servant/ leader in this position. I need prayer warriors who would be willing to be in consistent prayer for God’s ministry in the Dominican Republic. Pray for the boys and that we can build a solid relationship that can leave an everlasting impact for the cause of Christ.
Also, I need individuals that would be willing to join me in God’s mission in the DR, who would be willing to support the mission financially. This can be done in two different ways. There is a huge need for monthly supporters. The monthly expenses will be about $1100 a month to live in Jarabacoa. If I can find 11 individuals who would be willing to give $100 of their resources toward this mission or even 22 individuals who are willing to give $50 a month towards this mission or even 44 people who are willing to give $25 a month towards this mission, that is a tangible way someone may be able to join the ministry. Also, special gifts would also be a huge blessing as well, and is a way that God can use you in this ministry. I also need to raise about $4000 in one-time expenses. I am prayerfully asking you, my
# Individuals
Amount per Month
11
$100
22
$50
44
$25
Total
$1100/mo.
friends and family to consider being a part of what God will do in the city of Jarabacoa, by becoming a member of my financial support team.
Your tax deductible receipt will be mailed to you in a year end statement. Please make all checks payable to College Park Missionary Church and include in the memo: “Dominican Republic Ministry” and a note that it is to support me.
Another great need I have (for financial and prayer support) is to get connected to those who have a heart for children or international missions. So along with any contribution, please include contact information for those individuals on the response card.
To find out more about the ministry where I will be serving check out the website: http://www.proyectotimoteord.org/english/timothy.html . Also, if you would like updates from me about the ministry and what God is doing in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic, through a newsletter, email me your contact information at jim.ralstin@gmail.com or call my cell: 574.298.0647. You can also contact me on Facebook. I look forward to being a tangible picture of God’s love in Jarabacoa and I am excited for you to join me in the exciting ministry that God has in Jarabacoa.
