In our ongoing efforts to partner with the work of Esperanza International in the Dominican Republic, Grace sent a team last week to build a house and build relationships in Esperanza’s headquarter city of El Seibo.

One of the key ministries of Esperanza is its microfinance service, which provides small, low-interest loans to individuals and families to sustainably improve their economic situation.

The Grace team sat in on some of the informal associate bank meetings to learn more about the microfinance process. They also visited a few associates who’ve received loans to start their own businesses — Felipa, who now runs a pig business, and Armando, who is a motorcycle mechanic. Grace is excited to partner with this microfinance program in a big way — you’ll be hearing more about that soon, both in our services and on the blog.

The team also worked alongside Isabel Jimenez to dig trenches to set the foundation for the bedroom and kitchen of her family’s new home. They mixed and poured concrete, cut rebar, hammered out tin walls, and hauled rocks to help the Jiminez family have a new place to live. Hard work, but worth it!

Here are some more highlights from the trip:

• The team worshiped, prayed and shared the Word with the church leaders of Iglesia Asamblea Bet-el
• They had the privilege of praying over a teenager named Hector, who has been suffering from headaches and low energy for months. Our medical mission in September will serve people like Hector.
• They also had a surprise party on their last night to honor team leader Alex Bucher’s birthday — she celebrated with her trip to the D.R!

Pray for our partnerships in the Dominican Republic — that they will be fruitful and lead people to the gospel and hope of Jesus Christ.