Dear Partners in Mission,

It has been over a year since we have last had contact through the newsletter. And what a year it has been! As many of you are aware, in September 1998 Hurricane Georges hit the Dominican Republic and other areas. It has been a year of natural disasters for so many people in different parts of the world. It is difficult to imagine what happened here just over a year ago, what continues to happen here, and what is happening all over the world, as people struggle to survive the challenges of nature.

An amazing number of groups have been to the Dominican Republic this year, many of you in response to the effects of Hurricane Georges. You have brought great hope and assurance to all of us that we are not alone in our struggles. God's accompanying mercies have been demonstrated here by God's people. Thank you for being among them.

We would like to update you on the progress of several of the hurricane-related projects that so many of you worked on throughout the year. Numerous churches and individuals responded to the call for immediate needs, such as food, water, medical supplies, household linens, clothing, and home repair materials. You and the Dominican Evangelical Church (DEC) demonstrated and continue to demonstrate that human need and recovery have priority over damaged church property. Lots of groups did not stop there though. They understood that the solace of a church family's place of worship is key to recovery.

In San Pedro de Marcois, where the church was completely destroyed, with only the front doors left standing—but standing open—after Georges, the rebuilt sanctuary was dedicated in August. The celebration was grand. There was much rejoicing that the church was completed in less than a year, in time for the church's anniversary. The church of the opened doors vowed to remain open to its community and open to the direction and for adoration of our Lord. Many thanks to the Western North Carolina United Methodists for their partnership and presence during this rebuilding. Prayers for their conference as they strive to minister to their fellow North Carolinians in the aftermath of Floyd.

Then there is the rebuilding of the church in La Romana, with its pastor Juan de Dios Caraballo and his remarkable family that inspired us all. For those of you who worked in La Romana this year, please know that after all the complications and hardships of his parents, Juan Daniel Caraballo was born at the end of March to the great delight of all. He and his mother are healthy and strong and glad to be living in their own house again. Juan's brother Estéban has been able to reclaim his room from all of the tools, relief supplies, and the endless string of volunteers and their belongings. Mami and Mary love taking care of us all, but are pleased to be tending their own families for now. The church building has progressed significantly, but is not yet complete. We all hope to finish this project as soon as possible and look forward to a grand and joyful dedication celebration in this church of open hearts. The construction still lacks windows, doors, floors, wiring, lights, and fans. As with so many projects, funding is the issue. The church could be complete within a matter of weeks if the resources were available. If you or your church can help, please contact us. We all want to see this church in full swing once again.

By the time you receive this letter, we will have arrived in the States. We'll be visiting many of your churches and enjoying your fellowship until mid-December. As we ask in every newsletter, please continue to pray with us that our Spanish will continue to progress so that we can be effective. There are many needs and opportunities for service here. Please pray for the Dominican Evangelical Church, for the groups from the United States, and for us, that we will all have wisdom, discernment, strength, and faithfulness to do what is pleasing to God.

Thank you for your interest and concern for us and the work in the Dominican Republic. Thank you for your prayers.

Peace, love, and joy,

Ben and Shannon Langley