While Indiera’s wounds continue to improve for which God is to be praised, she was admitted to the hospital this week due to her platelets being very low. This is due to her sickle cell anemia.

Her blood work was terrible. In a nutshell, this means that the sticky, gummy sickle cells are destroying the red cells faster than the bone marrow can produce new ones. Even in the states, there is no cure for sickle cell. The sickle cells clog the arteries making it difficult for healthy blood to get to the limbs. Yet, God is doing a mighty work of healing on her legs. Oh- as soon as I saw her report I knew she must get a transfusion and was grateful that is what the doctor ordered.

After they had made x-rays of her legs to see the condition of her bones the surgeon said what is really needed to stop the seeping would be to go in and clean the bones. Once the surgeon took a look at the legs he changed the course of treatment for the next month. He said we had done an excellent job -I knew- of course that God is mighty at work. The surgeon told us to clean it with salt water solution -which I had taken a bottle with me- and then -get this- she has formed new skin there! Glory Hallelujah!!! We take her back next Thursday for more blood work. Please pray!

Now, let me tell you about our Bible Study last night! We had 25 women attend! Hallelujah!!! There must have been a dozen children – who listened as if the study were for them and I guess it was. What a blessing!

A lady prayed with us, Claudia leading, to receive Christ into her heart! This was her first visit to the church. She stated, “I am Catholic” and she was very receptive to the study of Mary. However, I make it very clear that we admire Mary, but we do not worship her. Worship is for God alone. I also make it clear that we do not pray to Mary. We have one mediator between us and God and that is our Lord Jesus Christ who died for our sins. Thank you, Jesus!

Blessings and love to all,

Joyce

Rejoicing as she continues… Adventuring with God

Greetings everyone! Things are going great here in the Dominican Republic on adventure with God – Our Great I AM! I am feeling wonderful physically, emotionally and growing spiritually. I am growing in my total dependence on God-learning more about living by faith, not by sight. That should be the life for all of us all the time, but in the States, we are so spoiled…everything at our fingertips.

I have had a wonderful week. Indiera continues to improve for which God is to be praised. We are using wound care bandages and they are working so well. She is no longer in agony when the bandages are removed. Continue your prayers for this beautiful young woman. God is doing a mighty work medically with her healing. We hope to start a Bible in their home this week or next. Please pray for her husband who needs work. I shared some scriptures with him and he showed me his well read Bible.

Last week at church, I had an awesome experience -truly a God moment and as Henry Blackaby says: a visitation from God. I had prayed and asked God to interpret for me on Sunday, however, I was going to worship Him even if I did not understand a word. We arrived at church and the singing had started and I sang along when they had the words on the screen – in Spanish. I can read it – I just can’t speak it!

When they introduced the speaker they announced he was from Fort Worth, Texas and he gave the message in English (He had an interpreter)! I was all smiles and thinking: how awesome is our God!!
As the speaker began he told us that the Holy Spirit had told him he was not to preach the same message he had preached at the early service, but he was to preach on Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Now, I was to start my Bible Studies with the women the next day and guess what? My first lesson was on Mary, the Mother of Jesus and what we can learn from her. I was moved and in awe of his message, part of which sounded as if he were reading from my lesson. How cool is that? His message spoke to my heart on Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her answer to God was: “Let it be done to me according to what you have said.” That has been my prayer many times and became a time of renewal for God to use me according to His plan. “Lead me, Lord, I will follow.”

After he finished his message, he said “Now we are going to pray for some people” and he just pointed out the ones he was going to pray for – one at a time. He had prayed for 5-6 people when he looked straight at me and said “The lady in green, we are going to pray for her.” I stood up and as he prayed…I wept. He prayed as if he knew me and the presence of God was so keen in my heart. What a confirmation of being in the place God has chosen for me at this time. Thank you, Jesus.

You are familiar with Prayer Walking, but how about Prayer Riding? As we were taking our trip to the Bible Study (the trip is an hour and a half) God burdened my heart to use that time to pray for all the people I could see and those I could not see- all those in the shops, in the homes, in the rice fields. I began to pray and as I did I became so burdened for their souls, I began to weep. I praise God for breaking my heart. Then He reminded me of all those back home in our churches across America who are lost, and I wept more. Oh, God, break our hearts for the lost wherever we encounter them. Break our hearts to pray without ceasing until we behold the harvest. I did the same on the return trip and since then I find I am praying for the people as we walk, ride the cycles or if I am sitting on the balcony overlooking the street below. I beheld large herds of cattle and thought I need to pray for the cattle too-to get fat, give lots of milk, good meat and produce more cattle. God is creator of all!

-Joyce

Adventuring with God

Last week we went to church where we held clinic with the Samford University team. We met with the pastor and his lovely wife to discuss the children’s center, the ladies Bible Study, and the Pastor’s conference which Brother Hollie Miller will be leading later this year. The pastor expressed so strongly his gratitude for the medical team that was here a few weeks ago. He had been praying that God would send someone to do medical work and to work with them at the church. God choose to use the Samford team to answer that prayer. Oh-what a lesson in humility. This pastor had been feeling alone in his work there. He was so moved that we came from the states to help them.

After meeting with the pastor, he took us to visit a patient that had visited the Samford clinic with a very bad wound of very long standing on both her legs and one hip. Her name is Indiera and she lives with her husband and children. We wanted to check on her and the progress of healing.

Getting to Indiera’s home would have been impossible except that Pastor has a four wheel drive. She lives in such a remote location-there are other houses up there as well, but it appears that she is at the end of the road-mud, rocks, and ruts. It had rained all day, so that did not help either. It also poured down while we were inside visiting.

I had not seen the wound last week, so I am not sure whether there had been any improvement or not. I just know it was like nothing I have ever seen before. I had her take part of the bandage off so I could see the condition of the wound. I did not take all of the bandages off because it was causing her so much pain. The wounds are much like a burn wound – completely void of skin.

We had taken more bandages for her and will return as soon as possible with more bandages, antibiotics and food. While I was working with her, Pastor went out to the jeep and brought back a very large bag of rice. After I finished and had prayed with them, Pastor told them the story of Jesus healing the cripple at the pool. He asked them if they know Jesus-it seemed very doubtful.

We went back to see Indiera on Friday to deliver the groceries, change bandages, share scripture, and pray. On this day we learned that they do have a Bible and her husband showed me places he has marked and was smiling as he did. Maybe they are believers. We will continue to share and Claudia has suggested we start a Bible Study in their home with the two of them. She also said we will do prayer walking in their little community. Oh-Yes!! Prayer breaks down the strongest barriers.

For me, it was a true experience in faith and grace to change those bandages. His grace got me through. She suffers more than extreme pain as the bandages are being removed. I kept thinking of Jesus and His touch, His tenderness and I prayed for that and for wisdom. God had told me to use antibiotic cream on the fresh bandages, so all I had was from my personal kit. Dear ones, I was truly sweating bullets as I did this. Claudia kept checking on me to make sure I was okay and I was. I can’t explain the calmness-in spite of sweating…and how smoothly it went. My heart was torn for this precious woman and to see her in sheer agony as I removed the old bandages.

We came home and I emailed Dr. Balentine and John Miller. Dr. Balentine had started treatment the week the team was here and he emphasized the importance of keeping the wounds clean and changed. The Holy Spirit led me to email my friend at St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis. I heard back within a very short time from Dr. Jon and he agreed with what we were doing, that the antibiotic cream was appropriate and that short of skin grafts it takes these kinds of wounds a very long time to heal. He noted that with our limited facilities, skin grafts are not an option. God is working in this situation and He is not the least bit limited! God is good and so faithful. He is working out His purpose in her life, mine and Claudia’s in this endeavor. Lest we forget! God is in control of all our circumstances!!

Dear Prayer Warriors, this is one that will not be healed unless God intervenes-oh, yes, He heals with or without medicine and He also chooses to heal ultimately by taking them to their eternal home-for the Christian- that home is heaven. Without Him, we are nothing and can do nothing. As Edgard said-when this lady’s legs are healed the community will all know and that will open the door for the gospel to be received. Prayer breaks down the evil influence of satanic practices and unbelief. Hold the ropes, dear ones, lest we crash!

Keep in mind, she has had this condition for 11 years! How long had the woman that Jesus healed had her blood condition? Again-He is the Great I AM and that means He is whatever I need. Hallelujah!!

-Joyce

Adventuring with God

Let me tell you a little about the people I have had the opportunity to meet. They pray-believing and they are obedient to the Lord even if He tells them to go and give what they have to someone else in need-even if it is all they have.

Last week we shopped for groceries for a family without work who have a 24 year old son who requires a lot of meds for Crohns Disease. Please pray for them – they are precious people. They are like family to Claudia and Edgard and go to the same church. They were very hospitable and you could see the glow of the Lord Jesus on their faces. Claudia had a short devotional, Edgard prayed and then Claudia asked if I would pray in regards to their work and Joshy’s health. They lost a lot of work due to their stand on what they would do and what they would not as Christians. I hear lots of stories here in the Dominican Republic about Christians truly living by faith-knowing what it really means to live by faith and not by sight. Oh-we need to learn that lesson in American churches.

Another elderly gentleman, one of my patients, who loves Jesus had callous and dark knees. We asked about his knees and his daughter said it is where he kneels to pray-stays on his knees. Brought tears to my eyes and shame to my prayer life. Oh-sure… I pray and pray diligently as you do, but do I have calluses anywhere? Are there calluses on my heart? I should hope not. Only God knows.

Last Sunday was a precious day of worship with Claudia and Edgard at their church. The music-very much like ours-lively choruses with instruments-and lots of amplification. Edgard quietly translated some of the songs to me and the entire message. That was so kind of him. The pastor preached from James about counting it all joy-a very good message. Again, I felt right at home. The people were very friendly and welcoming. After church we walked a short distance to the home of Edgard’s mother and sister. They are lovely people. Edgard’s dad died two years ago with a fast growing colon cancer. I could identify with his mom on losing her spouse.

I feel great and I am resting well at night. Thank you for your prayers. I love you guys! You play a huge part of what happens here!

-Joyce

Adventuring with God

Our God Reigns! That is the verse the Lord gave me as my precious John lay in the ICU-his spirit already flown into the arms of Jesus. I just opened my Bible randomly and that passage from Isaiah was there and by the markings, I had been there before. What a promise at such a time as that. What a promise for such a time as this here in the DR.

Today, January 13, 2012 marks a special day in our lives-we celebrated every Friday the 13th. That is because we had our first date on November, Friday the 13th – 58 years ago! I just wanted to share that little bit of personal info – some of you knew that already.

Greetings from La Vega of the Republic of Dominica. Let me tell you something of where I am living. I live with Claudia and her husband, Edgard. We live in an upstairs apartment which is very nice. I have a very nice room and own private bath. We have lots of windows, and there seems to always be a breeze, so without air conditioning, it is very pleasant. We sleep with the windows open and that makes it comfortable.

Yesterday and today, Claudia and I have walked here in the city to go to some stores and to the bank. There are five beautiful parks here in La Veda. They are all decorated with lights, so they are really pretty here at night. We are taking these days since the team left for R and R. Both Claudia and Edgard have come down with colds, congestion, what the people here call flu or “gripe.” Por favor pray for them. Edgard is better, but Claudia doesn’t feel at all well today.

I have been busy each day going over common or everyday words and phrases from Spanish to English and vice versa. I am writing out most commonly used medical phrases such as: Donde le duele? Where does it hurt? I will take this with me when we have another clinic.

I noticed I did not give a total number of patients seen by the last team. There were 620+ patients. Folks, we are all called to sow the seed. We know some falls on good ground and will bring forth fruit. According to Jesus parable, only 1/4 of the seed sown brought forth fruit-that would be 155 who will bring forth fruit! Hallelujah!! We must sow the seed at home and abroad. No sowing-no reaping.

Until next time, The Lord bless you and keep you and cause His face to shine upon you and give you peace.

-Joyce

Adventuring with God

You may remember Joyce Smith from a WVLT news story that aired March, 2011. Her story continues to inspire as she serves with us in the Dominican Republic over the next few months.

Here’s our first update from Joyce on the field:

“My time in the Dominican Republic started on the evening of January 4, 2012 at the Libana hotel in San Franciso de Macris. We made our way up 5-6 flights of stairs to our floor. One would think climbing the stairs would get easier as the week went on, but my legs did not bear testimony to that. Our rooms were nice and clean, small, but certainly adequate—after all—we only slept there. We got used to the showers being cold.

I have been with a wonderful team from Samford University. Under the direction of Dr. Jung (pronounced Young). I met Dr. Jung last January with another team of students. He really loves the Lord and has a most unique relationship with his students. The students were a great team to work with—anxious to serve and learn. He also brought Dr. Bryan Balentine with him, a young ER doctor. It was so good having a real live doctor with us. It is always a hoot working with John Miller—really folks—he is!  He does a super job with a team and is such an inspiration and always has that contagious smile. From me to you—keep the prayer support and financial support coming in for One Vision.

We started work on Thursday AM at a church about 30 minutes away from the hotel. The pastor Santiago and his wife, Anna, were precious to work with—hospitable, gracious, and humble and love the people. The facility is a very large room where the front doors opened like garage doors. This gave us good ventilation and a breeze. The people came—over 100 the first day. We saw many chronic things like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems and back aches—so many we can’t help which breaks my heart. They come in with these disorders and empty medicine bottles. I saw two women who were HIV positive and so were the children of one of the ladies. We could not treat them and it broke my heart.

We do treat such things as colds (they all say they have the “flu”), upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, wounds, worms, headaches, skin rashes, vanginitis, and we give vitamins to everyone. Many of the wounds are infected and not well cared for. We give them antibiotics and bandages to keep them clean. We had a chance to share Jesus with each patient, pray and weep with them.

One man was led to the Lord while he was there seeing the doctor. The group who were seeing him shared Jesus and that is what he most needed, of course. Oh-my…you could see the difference in his face! That is the way it is when we find Jesus!! One afternoon we went house to house and business to business for evangelism.

We divided into four teams and covered a lot of ground in the little community where the church is located. That was a special time. I had privilege to be with the team with Pastor Santiago. He has an awesome testimony of coming to Jesus from drugs, alcohol and jail. He is such a humble man. He is also bold in his message and witness. On Sunday morning, he had 7 people come to church who had never been as a result of coming to the clinic. Hallelujah! Another hallelujah for the man he won to the Lord that morning who had been to the clinic that Saturday.

I will be having a ladies Bible study starting next week, but first I have to get there. It’s no small task, but another great adventure with God and Claudia, the One Vision missionary with whom I am living with. (More about that and my room, etc. later.) We catch a mini bus, then get a car, then at the end of that line, we get a motorcycle. You read that right—I will be holding on to the driver very tightly. One friend is already calling me a “bike chick.” This is the way Claudia gets there. (If you are reading this, then God is speaking to you to make a donation to One Vision for a vehicle for Claudia and her husband, Edgard, who was a huge blessing to our team this week.)

I just want you to know I have absolutely no anxiety about this mode of transportation. God has given me the sweetest peace from the moment I knew He was speaking to me about this extended time. I am experiencing such an abiding peace and His precious presence.

Until next time, thank you for your prayers. God bless you and keep you. I love you, dear church family and friends and other family members.”

—Joyce

Adventuring with God, what a life!!

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

We’re pleased to send Joyce Smith to serve in the Dominican Republic over the next three months. One Vision strategically relies on indigenous partners and the expertise of our participants serving overseas. It’s our pleasure to start the year by having Joyce share in our ministry.

We want to show compassion to communities on a continual basis so that our efforts bring sustainability and win a hearing to present Jesus to their hearts. Please pray for Joyce Smith as she works in the Dominican Republic with our local missionary, Claudia Suarez. We are excited to see how God will use Joyce’s skills as a nurse, teacher and dedicated follower of Christ.

Joyce will journal about her journey. We look forward to sharing her entries with you. Please check back for updates.

One Vision International is partnering with Charter Foods in Morristown, TN to deliver a 44ft container filled with food and supplies to our home in Haiti.

We invite you to join with us as we collect necessary items that will benefit our children and staff most at this time. All donations will need to be collected by Wednesday, January 18.

Our Current List of Needs

New or gently used summer clothing:
Girls size 2-14
Boys size 2-12
Shoes
Underwear (must be new)

Sewing Materials:
Sewing Machine (Singer Simple 2263 – available at Walmart)
Lightweight Fabric
Patterns
Thread
Scissors
Straight Pins & Pin Cushion
Tape Measure
Gauge
Seam Ripper
Hand Sewing Needles
Cutting Pad
Fabric Markers
Iron

Other Items:
Lye Soap (used to make laundry detergent)
Towels (beach, bath, hand & wash cloths)
Plastic Plates and Cups (non disposable)
Flatware (forks & spoons)
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Hair accessories (wide ribbon & elastic or hair bobble ponytail holders)
Hammers
Drills
Tape Measures

Our Drop Off Location
One Vision International Office
3508 Maryville Pike, Knoxville, TN  37920

Questions? Please call the One Vision International office at (865) 579-3353 or email us.

Over the past few months, the presidential election process in Haiti has been met with political strife and civil unrest.  Due to the continued delay and uncertainty surrounding this process, we have been unable to make trips to our area of operations.  Fortunately, these events have had no impact on the children at the One Vision orphanage.  Their daily lives have not been interrupted by the country’s instability and our workers are conducting operations as usual.

Although we are unsure of when conditions in the country will get better, we are still continuing to plan and prepare for opportunities to take teams down. In the near future, we will begin to assemble teams, based on their individual skill sets and ability to travel on a moment’s notice. We are also looking to the possibility of increasing the number of trips to the Dominican Republic this year, in an attempt to channel our time, energy and resources towards other pressing projects in need of support. If you are interested in participating in one of these trips, please let us know and we will be happy to provide you with additional information.

Please continue to pray for the situation in Haiti and One Vision’s efforts in Arcahaie. We firmly believe God is going to do good things in this country in the months and years to come.

One year ago, January 12th became a day of utter tragedy for the people of Haiti. The earthquake devastated the country and claimed the lives of roughly 230,000 citizens.

Despite massive humanitarian efforts by the international community, the country is still in disarray. The Cholera epidemic, already responsible for the death of thousands, and the controversial results of last month’s presidential elections have both played a significant role in the continued despair of the Haitian people. However, we hold firm to the belief that there is still hope this country.

We would like to invite you to participate on Wednesday, January 12th, in an area wide day of prayer for the country of Haiti and its people. The purpose of this event is to honor the memory of those who lost their lives that day and also to pray for the future of the nation.

As firm believers in the power of prayer, we want to encourage others to remember the events of that day and pray for progress in the recovery efforts of the country. Over the past year, so many people have sacrificed time, efforts and money to help the Haitian people. Let’s continue our support by praying for their continued safety and security.

Join us as we pray for Haiti.

Please pray for:

• the cleanup and rebuilding efforts

• the Cholera epidemic

• the Presidential election

• violence against women living in tent cities

• prevalent child slavery

• the safety of aid workers

• the hope of Jesus to fill the country