Missionaries

It was February 1988; I was afraid, or maybe just a bit timid. I stood before my home church and announced, "God has confirmed in my heart that He is calling me to a life in foreign missions."  I was 15 years old. I had no idea what this meant. When? Where? How? All these thoughts rushed through my mind. Then the answer came. God gave me a vision:  To plant a Bible-believing, God honoring church...somewhere,someday! Thirteen years later, in January 2001, I purchased a one-way ticket and my feet landed on the soil of the Dominican Republic.

In 2002, the fulfillment of the vision was the establishment of New Life Baptist Church in Santiago. My God is so faithful!  Here we are embarking on 2010 - Much has taken place!  To God be the glory, New Life Baptist Church is alive and growing!

Today the New Life family stands in awe as we see what God does for the church and thru the church. He is using our faithful people, the supporting churches and individuals, just like you, back in the United States.  We are so blessed!   We see lives changed by the power of the Gospel and the love of our people.  Allow me to share one example:  Edwin, a young Dominican man, one of the first to be saved, baptized, and discipled, has now been called to preach.   Within three years we were able to purchase a house for a church building on a main road in Santiago and just a year and a half later purchase the house directly behind it. While it is true that the economy has been struggling, God has supplied our every need.

Our children's ministry is occupying that most recent purchase.  We have torn down two walls to accommodate the growing attendance in our main adult auditorium.  Still, we have asked the teens to meet in an overflow area, watching the service via TV monitor.  One hundred thirty five (or more) worshipers praising God are crammed into a small space on Sunday mornings.   We are not able to knock down any more walls without affecting the overall structure and security.  For this reason, we want to attach steel beams to our current building, as well as add a second level, including a metal deck roof.   The recent earthquake reminded us of the need to construct a solid church building!  This will allow us to have a large, open auditorium seating 230 people comfortably.  This project of improvements/additions will cost around $80,000.  I am excited to say that New Life Baptist Church has already raised $10,000.  We are asking for additional partners to pray and act on the vision God has given our church - to love these people, to share the hope of Jesus Christ, and disciple and build His church among the Dominican people.

Time is precious, and we have not come close to realizing the potential I truly believe God has for New Life!  It is an exciting and growing ministry, and we hope that you will prayerfully consider helping in whatever way God may lead!  This is a special opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people who are receptive to the Gospel. We aren't just building a building, we are building His church. We thank you in advance for simply loving and encouraging us as we go forth in His Great Commission.  God bless each one of you and your home this New Year.

Impacting Santiago,

the Webb Family