It's been too long since we posted an update! Currently, Hurricane Emily is showering us with an abundance of rain. The streets are flooded and thus, driving is very nice. We appreciate your prayers in this matter and should anything change we will let you know.
Well, if you have looked at our countdown you have probably noticed a change. We are so excited! Our family has pulled their money together and purchased tickets for us to come back home for a month. The kids are pumped! Grandparents will get to see baby Adelyn for the first time in almost a year and a half. So much has changed with baby Adelyn. She is walking, talking, screaming and filling our lives with joy 24/7. She has her siblings completely wrapped around her little fingers. It is so cute to watch each of them nurture and care for her.
DeNiel has been very busy starting homeschool with Jacob. My wife is truly incredible! She is doing such a fantastic job with our kids. They are truly blessed to have a mother that walks with the Lord and longs to teach her kids a biblical worldview and how to walk with Him. The girls started school this week. Kylie is in the 6th grade and Brooklin is in the 4th grade. They are both little ladies and learning to love the Lord.
I have been very busy with property issues, teams, discipleship and personal study. The office is getting closer and closer every day to being organized. We almost have all the titles for every IMB owned property in order with the local government. I have been working on this for about 7 months. My goal was to be done by October 1st. I don't know that we will make this deadline. However, I am so thankful for the Christian lawyers that God has put in my life. When we meet it's a time to work but it also a time of mentoring. As my language increases, the level of discipleship that I am able to offer also increases.
The Lord has blessed me this year with my language acquisition. Last week I was asked to preach on a Wednesday night. The lesson was great! Everyone was involved and we didn't finish until 10pm. We started the teaching time at 7:30pm. Granted, my Spanish is NOT perfect but it is so much better than before. I thoroughly enjoyed engaging my Dominican brothers and sisters in an in depth study of the Word.
Recently, I was able to work with a team for a week in Santiago and the Lord really used this time to solidify how to properly share the Gospel. Now, I know this sounds weird but if you would be interested in discussing this more with me please, let me know and we can Skype about it. It would take me 10-15 pages to lay it all out for you.
One last thing, it was a blessing to have Kolby with us for three weeks during the month of July. I believe the Lord used that time to show Kolby God's sovereignty. Pray for him as he begins college and seeks the Lord for God's will in his life.
In closing, please continue to pray. We are always so thankful for the prayers that you offer on our and the Dominican's behalf. I will be preaching Sunday, August 7th. We also have a fellow missionary friend that will be living with us for two weeks. We look forward to seeing many of you in the States!
In Him,
The Gillens
