The House of Blessing Church of the Nazarene in San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic, is characterized by the many ways it serves its community. It is seeking new ways to continue that effort during the time of crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, River Church, led by pastor Dante Gebel, sought to help with the “Mi Gente”(my people) Project, which supports churches and initiatives that contribute to their communities. The House of Blessing sent an application, which was approved. The joint effort between these two communities of faith have benefited some 150 families with few resources.
The ministry of River Church seeks, among other goals, that the churches or ministries who join the project demonstrate a compassionate lifestyle actively serving the community. House of Prayer fulfilled this as well as all of the other requirements, including writing an action plan to defined how they would deliver basic supplies to families with few resources, something they had done in the past as well. A while later, they received a call that their proposal had been approved, and that their ministry would receive $2,200 USD to carry out the project.
The local church also contributed a monetary offering along with their time and work to make and distribute the packages. They delivered packages of basic supplies to 150 families located in 5 communities, one of which can only be accessed by crossing a river.
The pastor of the church, Benny Sánchez, said that many people expressed their gratitude for the packets, and that as a result they would have food to eat for the day. One of the individuals said, “This is helpful for us because we really needed it during this pandemic. There are people without jobs here, and this is a great help for this area.”
The package contained: rice, beans, sugar, pasta, oil, sardines, milk, eggs, bread, soap, bleach, and face masks, among other items. The church also included the Gospel of John and a written message inviting people to give their lives to Christ.
“We would like to the thank the local church team that accompanied us, and who arrived back home late to their meals in order for other people to eat during these days,” said Pastor Sánchez. “And of course, we want to thank the ministry located in the United States for their confidence in us and for supporting us even without knowing us personally. To God be the glory, because of what he does and will continue to do in our lives and ministry. Keep praying for us!”
Source: Benny Sánchez, pastor, House of Blessing Church of the Nazarene
