Megan and I had the privilege of attend the anniversary celebration of a partnering church in Bani, Dominican Republic. The Iglesia Bautista de Cristo Jesus (Jesus Christ Baptist Church) is celebrating it’s 40th year in ministry to the Catalina community! The Church was planted by Vernon Weber, an American missionary, along side a young national, Felipe Figueroa. Vernon discipled Felipe and taught him all that he knew about the Bible and ministry. In honor Felipe named his son after his father in the faith. Now, 40 years later, pastor Weber is in the presence of the Lord, but the work that he started is still growing under the leadership of Pastor Vernon Figueroa.
Among the invited guests were pastors from all over the DR, the Weber family, representatives from SCORE and 8 representatives from Stonecrest Community Church in NJ. Stonecrest, under the leadership of Don Coords, has adopted the church in Catalina and poured many resources into the church and community. They have not only built a medical clinic, library and home for Pastor Vernon, but also built into the lives of so many people in the community. God’s hand is clearly upon the Figueroa family and the church in Catalina. It was a God honoring evening at the celebration.
