Dear Family and Friends,

I pray that this letter finds you and your family well and deeply satisfied by the love of our Savior. It is with great excitement that I write to you to tell you of an amazing way that God is working in my life and in the lives of His children around the world. Most of you know that I have been a part of four short-term mission trips to the Dominican Republic since I was a high school student (2005, 2006, 2011, and 2012). Each time that I’ve visited the Dominican Republic, God has used my experiences there to direct me and call me into a deeper relationship with Him. It was there in 2005 that I solidified my decision to become a teacher. And it was there in 2011 that God began to work on my heart in a new, exciting way by calling me into full-time missionary work. Each time that I’ve left the Dominican Republic to return home, it has become harder and harder to leave that incredible country and the people there behind. I am excited to say that the next time I travel to the Dominican Republic, I won’t have to leave for a while!

 

After my last trip, I returned home and eagerly began researching ways to get back to the Dominican Republic in a more long-term capacity. God led me to Kids Alive® International and I have been accepted as a short-term two-year missionary to the Dominican Republic with their ministry. Kids Alive is a Christian organization whose vision is to “reflect the love of Christ by rescuing and nurturing suffering children-in-crisis, so that they can grow into Godly men and women who will live Christ-like lives in their communities and around the world.” Founded in 1916 in China, Kids Alive now serves thousands of children and youth around the world through their care centers, residential facilities, schools, medical clinics, and community outreach. Over 1200 of those children are in the Dominican Republic. Kids Alive is “faith based, action oriented, and child focused” and seeks to “reflect the love of Christ by rescuing orphans and vulnerable children, nurturing them with quality holistic care and sharing with them the transforming power of Jesus Christ so they are enabled to give hope to others.”

I will begin my two-year commitment at the Eva Russell School in the city of Monte Plata. This school is owned and operated by Kids Alive but is also an accredited Dominican School. I am so amazed by the way that God has prepared a perfect position for me there that will both challenge me professionally and enable me to serve Him and His children on a daily basis. I will have two main responsibilities at the school. First, I will be serving as an English teacher. Second, I will be serving as a math curriculum and instruction coach by observing, mentoring, and conducting professional development training with their teaching staff, which is largely comprised of Dominican national teachers.

My most important request is that you would partner with me in prayer. I have not made it to this point in my walk with the Lord without your prayer, encouragement, and support. I ask that you continue to lift me up in prayer, praying specifically for the children and families I will be working with, my own continued spiritual growth, and the logistics of my new life in the Dominican Republic, including finances. I also ask that you prayerfully consider being a part of my financial support team. Kids Alive has projected a budget for me that includes $1,200 a month for housing, medical insurance, ministry funds, and living expenses. It also includes $3,800 in start up costs that will enable me to attend Missionary Training Institute, travel to the Dominican Republic, and start my life there. I need to have 100% of my funding raised before I leave. I am counting on friends and family like you to come alongside me, believing in this vision, to support me as a monthly financial sponsor and with special gifts.

Thank you for considering a prayer and/or financial partnership with me as I continue moving forward in this exciting adventure to which God has called me. I would love to speak with you on the phone or in person about how you can support our ministry! Please feel free to give me a call or email me anytime! In 2011, as I fell asleep one night in the Dominican Republic, I wrote these words in my journal: “I don’t know exactly what God is saying to me yet about my life as a missionary – but I know I’m listening.” Almost two years later, I am now sure of where God is leading me and am thankful for His faithfulness to continue completing and perfecting the good work that He has begun (Philippians 1:6). I hope that you, too, are also listening to His voice as He calls, leads, and stretches you. Thank you for partnering with me as He leads.

In Christ,
Kristin
Missionary Teacher
Kids Alive ® International