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.

Rejoicing in Heaven

Brian has been rejoicing with the Father for 9 years!

Nine years again today, my big brother, Brian was called home by His Creator. I miss him very much! He gave his heart to Jesus in his mid 20's and changed dramatically over the next 6 years. I remember how He craved spending time in God's word, how he studied diligently to know truth, his boldness, and how he had a huge burden for lost souls, especially Muslims.

I remember him even taking a class on the Koran so that he could know better how to share his faith in Christ with the Muslims. I remember his holding Bible studies in his home. I can remember him pulling out his Bible while visiting any chance he had and how he wanted to talk and wrestle through theology. I remember the man who stood up at his funeral and shared how my brother pursued him and pursued him and eventually led him to Christ. I remember others sharing how he loved to talk about his Jesus.

Today as I remember the blessing of his time with us here on earth, I am challenged as well. I am thankful for his example. I am challenged in how my heart lacks that burden for lost souls at times. I am a missionary, yes. I am also a sinner. Yes, missionaries do sin :) But even in doing missionary work one can become so focused on the 'serving others' that one day you realize that your heart is losing that burden for others salvation. And in turn, not sharing the Gospel with boldness. Words from Paul, in Romans 9:2-5, " I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. For I could [a]wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren..." Wow....in such sorrow for the lost he would be willing to trade his salvation in order for them to be saved. convicted? Uh, a little! (a lot).

My brother was remembered by many for his heart for Jesus and his heart for the lost. I'm challenged! Are you? Won't you join me in praying for our hearts to desire what God desires... That none should perish. I don't want to be complacent in just serving the body (though a good thing and called too), I want to crave to see Jesus change hearts. And due to my sin, I naturally won't crave this, so " Lord, change my hearts desires to what yours desires! Let my heart burden for the lost, to see with Your eyes, and help me to love souls the way You love them...the way Paul loved them."
- Jen

Weekly Village Visits!

Weekly we visit the villages where the Makarios kids live.  It is a great time to play with them in their context, meet their parents, share life together, and build relationships in the communities.  This is a link and photos from last week in Chichigua. You can also view it here... http://makariosinternational.org/2012/01/28/our-weekly-village-visits/#!prettyPhoto[pp_gal]/0/

A Hot Date Night! and update...

Want to hear a funny story? Have to read the blog and find out! 

With the Austin Stone Group

Learning to just smile!

Locals dumped our sod in a pile? yes, they did!

Homeschooling!

Belle learning to 2-step

Our week with the college students from the Austin Stone church went wonderfully! They were a very sweet and respectable group to host. They were very well organized and had great servant hearts and attitudes. Our children clung to them and made new friendships. The college students were very kind and warm to our children. Aribella learned to 2 step, Tate and Ollie worked outside all day with the guys, and Finley just brought smiles and laughter to all!

The week started off with rain, which thwarted our plan for starting landscaping at the Makarios House. So the first few days the group served at the Makarios School in several ways ( recess with the kids, assisting the teachers in the classroom, cleaning out closets,and cleaning areas that truly needed some TLC). They spent Wednesday afternoon in Poncho Mateo loving on the community there. Once the sun revealed itself, dirt was dropped off, the students did much rock clearing and dirt moving in preparation for sod to be laid at the Mak house. So we did get that project started after all! In His sovereignty, His plan was better than ours and the group was a huge blessing to all the staff and students here in the D.R. They accomplished so much in just one week.

Our time as host family was sweet with the college students. It was fun to watch their zeal for God, to hear about their place in life and get the opportunity to speak into that, sing praises with them, and watch them lead and serve. Pray that they will continue to seek God , seek the plans of the Father, and that the Father will use them in mighty ways to be leaders for their campus.

Despite a main water line breaking and many down pours that have created a mud bath in our yard, half of the yard now is clothed in sod! We are waiting for sunshine and dry weather to resume work. 

Queen of the dirt!

My little stair steps!  They walked like this for 20 min!

Ok, here's the funny story. This wonderful group sent us on a date and even babysat. So we went to our favorite place , Taste. Great meal and catch up time for us. Afterwards we drove to another local place and were just going to sit on the patio and chat. Well we got into conversation in the Jeep in the parking area. It was 8:20. The next thing I know, I am awoken to Josh's snoring! It's now 9:30! Wow! I fell asleep on a date. Even worse, my date fell asleep too! We are still laughing.  I guess our prayer request should be for sleep!  - Jen

"The Challenge"

Okay, A new year is suppose to bring on one of those New Year Resolution things, right? These are usually require effort or else it wouldn't be a goal, correct? I don't know about you, but unconsciously, this is usually a goal or resolution that requires a "plan". A "plan" that is created by me, myself, and I! And this plan becomes an obsession or an idol in my life unintentionally. I am learning that the "plan" that me, myself, and I come up with usually has a very low success rate.  I am now more than ever, seeing that reliance on myself is just exhausting to my soul. I try, I fail. I try harder, it may worker a little longer, than I fail.

 So how can one succeed in "change"? O.K., stay with me... I have been challenged in the word discipleship. If I can't disciple the 5 little faces that watch me every single day of my life, then I surely can't disciple others. I am unintentionally discipling them in one way or another.  They are learning from me.  I can lead them proactively according to the Gospel or lead them in the ways of the world.  This is what I am being challenged with presently. (This definately needs a plan wiser than I can articulate) My heart has always desired for my children's heart to desire God. This is probably a desire for many parents. My hope is that by them having a heart that desires God more than any other desire, they will be able to make choices that honor Him. It is easy to see your child do something wrong and correct them with words (information and knowledge) or even actions. But does all that knowledge change their hearts? Does it change their strong desire for whatever they are momentarily desiring more than Christ?

For example, one of my children just found a Hello Kitty bracelet in the hotel we stayed at recently. I could tell by the look on her face she wanted to keep it. She manipulated her wording in a way that she was asking if she could keep it. I at first was frustrated in my heart that she even thought of keeping it. But, I quickly started praying in my head for wisdom how to handle this teaching opportunity. If I make her turn it in, then I have shown her the right thing to do BUT did her heart want to do it? So, I told her she had two options. She could turn it into the front desk or she could keep the bracelet. Scripture I shared with her was, "Do unto others as you would have them do to you." ( Matt. 7:12  ) We didn't take any actions for the next two days there and when it was time to check out, she brought it to me. I reminded her of her choices. I also explained that though it may not be valuable, one day she may be faced with turning in something that was of great value or she may loose something important. This was a good test. Sadly, my daughter didn't ask to turn it in. Yes, this breaks my heart. Yet, I am thankful for the insight of how to pray for her. I see where her heart desires things more than Christ. Equally important, how can I model desiring Christ more than earthly possessions?

This leads me to this: Bob Thune, pastor in the Acts 29 Network, gives a great sermon on discipleship.  Go here to listen ( http://www.acts29network.org/sermon/deconstructing-discipleship-part-1-information/ 3 parts to this) He discusses how we are being formed as human beings and what the Bible says about how we are formed.  He gives great insight in to what is going on in our hearts and why change is so hard.  Will information on how to change it or knowledge of the the Word change it? No. We must first admit that we desire XYZ more than Christ. One must be honest where his/her heart is. Then we must let the Gospel reform our lives.  We ask the Holy Spirit to help change our desires - he has been sent here by Jesus as the comforter with power to change our desires.  I remember when we moved here, after much wrestling with God, I realized that my desire for comfort and things of comfort was greater than my desire for the Gospel. (It took me moving here to realize this ).  I also quickly realized that I could not change that by knowledge of the Bible, Christ, or with a great plan. I had to (painfully) confess, repent, and surrender to the Lord. Amen He answered and daily reminds me that the Holy Spirit is walking me through this. Thune also makes this wonderful statement, "Urge people to repentance and not just confession." There is definately a difference!

So, MY CHALLENGE (aka: new years resolution)is to not just feed information to my children but to pray for them that the Gospel will reform their hearts (as well as mine)and that the Lord will continue to teach me how to disciple them. Its my prayer that they will desire the Gospel, Jesus, more than anything and when they don't, they will repent of it and allow their hearts to be reformed by the Gospel of Christ. I am thankful for my husband who loves the Gospel and has opened my eyes to so many depths of the Gospel.
~ Jen

Christmas in the D.R.

December was busy and we were overwhelmed with all that went on.  Grateful to God for sustaining us and providing this past semester.  After school finished December 16th we spent time over the last few weeks catching up on Spanish lessons, preparing for next semester, and preparing to put some grass in at the Mak House!  So excited the kids will have a place to play and the neighborhood kids can play safely as well.  We had about 3 or 4 straight nights this past week of baseball on the rocks.  Used a few band-aids but they didn't care and it was all smiles. The kids really enjoyed it and we are excited they are making friends and learning Spanish. We went to dinner at our watchie's house Christmas Eve and spent Christmas day in Chichigua, a Haitian batey a few miles out in the middle of a sugar cane field.  We loved getting to know the families better and having our kids play with their kids.

Christmas day in Chichigua

It is January 1st..wait just turned January 2nd! and I am out in the lobby of a hotel down in Santo Domingo.  We got a way for a few days because when you are there work does not stop.  We wanted to take a true Sabbath and get rested up for this next semester.  Thankfully the internet was down until now so we couldn't do anything but play with the kids.  This semester will be busy since I will fill the role of the Principal at the Makarios School. Ok, I always seem to be busy... men don't you know what I mean? Always something to do!  The family that was filling this role stepped away to fill other needs on the North Coast and start their own ministry.  We are trusting God for a new principal and maybe a local Dominican or Haitian will fill the role.  I started interviews over Christmas.  We have a group from the US coming Friday.  Jen and I will be making preparations this week.  They will be able to help finish the landscaping at the Mak House, clean at the school, and help the teachers prep projects for the semester.  So thankful for those that come and bring tons of supplies that are essential for the classrooms and other items for ministry uses.  Excited to meet them and hear as well what God is doing in their lives.  We are still looking for a full time nanny so if anyone is interested please contact us.

I have had many moments over the last few months where I hit the wall in how to deal with the things I saw or experienced.  I will try and do a better job on sharing what I mean by that over the next few months and blog during my processing.  Sorting out how to help and not hurt in so many different circumstances is difficult.  We read the book, When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert that discusses poverty in a way that includes more than just monetary concern but the complete well being of people.  More to come on that.

We hope everyone has had a great Christmas and Happy New year!  We appreciate everyone that helped us get here.  It was a crazy year.  We are sending out a year in review short email today.  God deserves all the glory for anything and everything.  He brought all the events together and provides everything we need each day and more.  Many fun pictures below!