The Heart of a Father

Discovering God in the Midst of the Roller Coaster

Have you ever discovered a new facet of God or been reminded of His character in such a real way that it left you in awe? Sometimes, it’s in the quiet moments of prayer. Other times, it’s in the chaos of life—when everything feels unpredictable, and you’re holding on for dear life.

Serving here in the Dominican Republic has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride. The ups have been exhilarating, filled with joy and moments of deep connection. The downs have been humbling, stretching us in ways we never expected. Through it all, God has been revealing more of who He is—His faithfulness, His provision, and His presence in every high and low.

The God Who Sustains

Before stepping into this journey, we knew there would be challenges. We knew there would be moments of discomfort, where we would feel out of our depth. But knowing something in theory and walking through it in reality are two very different things.

There have been days when we’ve felt completely poured out—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Days when the needs feel overwhelming and the resources feel too small. Yet, in those moments, God has reminded us that He is the One who sustains.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." – 2 Corinthians 12:9

We are learning, day by day, what it means to depend on Him fully. Not just when things feel manageable, but when they don’t. And in that dependence, we are discovering the richness of His presence.

The God Who Provides

One of the greatest joys in this season has been witnessing the way God provides—not always in the ways we expect, but always in ways that remind us He is near.

Sometimes, it’s through answered prayers that seemed impossible. Other times, it’s through the kindness of a stranger, a moment of encouragement from a teammate, or a simple provision that comes at just the right time.

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." – Philippians 4:19

He has been teaching us that provision is not just about material things. It’s about strength for the day, peace in uncertainty, and grace for the moment. It’s about seeing His hand in the details and trusting that He is working—even when we can’t yet see the outcome.

The God Who Sees

One of the most profound lessons we are learning is that God sees. He sees every challenge, every moment of exhaustion, every tear, and every victory. He sees the people we are serving, and He sees us as we serve.

There is something deeply comforting about knowing that we are not alone. That even when things feel chaotic, God is not distant. He is here. He is moving. He is weaving together a story that is far bigger than our small piece of it.

"You are the God who sees me." – Genesis 16:13

Holding On in the Ups and Downs

A roller coaster is thrilling because you don’t control it. You simply hold on, trust the track, and embrace the ride.

This season is teaching us to do the same—to hold on to God, to trust that He knows where this ride is going, and to embrace the moments of joy and the moments of challenge. Because in every high and every low, He is shaping us, stretching us, and drawing us closer to Him.

If you’re in a season that feels like a roller coaster—where things are uncertain, stretching, or just plain hard—take heart. God is there. He is revealing Himself in ways you may not even recognize yet. And one day, you’ll look back and see that He was holding you the whole time.

So, let’s hold on together. Not to our own strength, not to our own plans, but to the One who is faithful, steady, and true.

What is Poverty?

We arrived back in North Carolina around 1 a.m. Wednesday morning after an incredible time in Austin, Texas. The trip was more than just logistics and preparation—it was an opportunity to connect deeply with Sharla, our Executive Director, and the rest of our team members who will be joining us at the end of August.

There’s something profound about gathering with people who share a common mission. Sitting together, praying, and talking through our upcoming roles was more than just preparation—it was a blessing. It reminded us that God doesn't just send individuals; He calls teams, equipping them for His purpose. We are stepping into something bigger than ourselves, and the unity and faithfulness of this group is a reminder that God is in every detail. As we anticipate meeting some of the veteran staff who are awaiting our arrival in the Dominican Republic, we are filled with gratitude for the team God has put together.

But with great anticipation comes great responsibility. One of the requirements for this weekend was to read When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert. If you've never read it, I highly recommend it—it is a challenging and eye-opening look at how we, as believers, engage with poverty and missions.

What is Poverty, Really?

If someone asked you to define poverty, what is the first thing that comes to mind?

For many, the immediate response is money—or the lack of it. Maybe you think of homelessness, hunger, or a lack of material possessions. That’s exactly where my mind went before reading this book. Poverty seemed straightforward: a financial deficit that needed to be fixed.

But Corbett and Fikkert challenge this assumption. They argue that poverty is much deeper than a lack of money. In fact, financial poverty is often just a symptom of a deeper, more complex issue. Poverty is not merely a material problem; it is relational.

In their research, when people living in material poverty were asked to describe their experience, their answers were rarely about money. Instead, they spoke of shame, fear, isolation, powerlessness, and a deep sense of not belonging. Their greatest struggle wasn’t just their empty pockets—it was the wounds of broken relationships: with God, with others, with themselves, and with creation.

On the other hand, when wealthier individuals were asked to define poverty, their answers often revolved around economics—lack of income, lack of food, lack of a home. This disconnect between how we perceive poverty and how those experiencing it actually feel is at the heart of the problem. If we view poverty only in terms of material need, our solutions will be incomplete at best and harmful at worst.

The Danger of the “Savior” Mentality

One of the most convicting truths in When Helping Hurts is how easily well-intended efforts can actually do more harm than good.

It’s tempting to approach poverty with a “fix-it” mindset. Many mission trips and charity efforts operate with this assumption: "We have resources, they have needs—let’s meet those needs." While generosity is beautiful, if we’re not careful, we can strip dignity from those we’re trying to help.

Instead of empowering people, we can unknowingly reinforce a sense of helplessness. Instead of walking alongside them, we may communicate (even unintentionally) that they are inadequate or incapable. This book challenges us to move away from handouts and toward genuine restoration.

True biblical poverty alleviation isn’t about swooping in and "rescuing" people. It’s about recognizing that we, too, are broken. We are not saviors; we are fellow image-bearers of God, walking together toward healing. The ultimate goal is not just to provide for physical needs but to restore relationships—to help people see their worth and identity in Christ.

Moving from Relief to Restoration

So how do we help without hurting?

Corbett and Fikkert offer three key distinctions in poverty alleviation:

1. Relief – Immediate aid in a crisis, like food, water, and shelter after a disaster.
2. Rehabilitation – Helping people get back on their feet by restoring what was lost.
3. Development – Walking alongside people as they grow and become self-sufficient.

The mistake we often make is applying relief when development is needed. Long-term aid that keeps people dependent doesn’t solve poverty—it sustains it. Instead, we need to focus on empowering communities, listening to their needs, and working with them rather than for them.

A Shift in Perspective

Reading When Helping Hurts forced me to reflect on my own assumptions. It made me realize that true mission work is not about simply giving—it’s about investing in relationships. It’s about recognizing that poverty, in all its forms, is something we all experience. Some of us may struggle materially, while others suffer from spiritual, emotional, or relational poverty.

The good news? Jesus came to restore all of it. His mission wasn’t just to provide for physical needs but to reconcile us to God and to each other. As we prepare to serve in the Dominican Republic, I pray that we would not just be problem-solvers but peacemakers—people who listen, love, and walk humbly with those we serve.

Because in the end, poverty alleviation isn’t just about changing others. It’s about allowing God to change us.

Three Amigos

   Los tres amigos! (amigas!)

Two dear friends ( Laura Mosley and Tabitha Patel) were able to come visit me in la Republica Dominicana! They arrived late Friday night and stayed until Tuesday afternoon.  We had a blast!

even fit in a workout

Laura running with the bulls...

Tab enjoying sugar cane...

learning to ride on a moto

Tab and Laura's favorite...
Rice and Beans!

We were able to catch up on life, ask accountability questions, work out together, enjoy rice and beans together...and do plenty of giggling!  They were able to see my new home and what a little bit of my life is like here.  They were impressed with my driving too! They only looked scared a few times.  We ventured out some and they were able to experience some cultural differences like going to get gas at night and the workers were having a meeting so they shut the lights off and ignored us.  Laura was a good sport when she wanted to ask for another napkin at a local restaurant and she asked me what to say in Spanish.  I told her " te amo " ( I love you).  I know... MEAN! but we all are still laughing!  She did pick up on some Spanish  rather quickly.  Proud of her efforts!  We also on a spur of a moment decided to venture down a 9 km road...good thing we didnt know what kilometers were because it took us like 30 minutes on a dirt, rocky, wet road to get to Monkey  Jungle.  Yes, 20 squirrel monkeys jumped on us and ate from a plate of fruit and nuts in our plates we held.  Tab and I were peed on, but i am sure that has happened in motherhood to us at some point?

Tab getting peed on!

At Monkey Jungle

Cabarete Beach

It was so relaxing for me- it was like a piece of home was wrapped up and brought to me! I was so blessed to have them here.  They were also kind to share our wish list with our past Sunday school classes and again we have been blessed by so many whom rounded up items for us that the girls brought to us.  We are in awe at how the Body of Christ reached out and through them, the Lord provided every need and want again!  We are humbled and grateful to all of you who helped out in that! 

A sixth monkey for me to love

Teaching Tab to make fried plantains

Mi amigas are gone, and I am a bit sad.  BUT, I am so thankful they were able to come and encourage me and speak into my life.  I hadn't laughed that much in a long time!!!  It was good for my soul! 

We have a busy February and March so please pray for us as we prepare for that.  We have a staff retreat and 3 groups coming up very soon!  And a praise, we have a college student, Kelsey Vaughn, who will come nanny for us during May, June, and July!  This will allow me to assist the teams in the busy summer months.  We are open to a nanny year round if anyone knows of someone who would love to help out around here with our kiddos and experience a third world culture at the same time!

And again, thank you all who have sent items down with the girls.  Thank you all who have been holding us in prayer and in support.  It truly blesses us daily.