January Update

Dear Partners in Mission,

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven,” Ecclesiastes 3:1.  The season has come to be back in the Dominican Republic and for that I am grateful, to God and to you, for making it possible. 

The start of the new term is always a bit hectic and this term has been no exception.  My efforts to alleviate some of the stress around that week failed.  Early in December I tried to communicate via email with the seminary, about housing possibilities, and the university, about possible class schedules.  Receiving no replies compounded by the holidays through 3 Kings Day, left everything to the last minute.  With classes at the university starting on Thursday, I met with the dean of the seminary that same day with the news that there is not room for me to stay there with any regularity.  Going to the university to retrieve the materials I’d left for the other professors and get my class assignments later was unsuccessful, given the crush of students in the office who were overwhelming Pamela.  A text Friday morning confirmed that I had neuro that afternoon.  Not until arriving at the registrar’s office and requesting a copy of the student rosters for the two classes did I learn that I only have neuro this term.  With that, the need for weekly overnight housing disappeared.  I texted the other professor that she has the class she’d covered for me in the fall, about 4 hours before her class started.  Last minute scramble, absolutely.  God meeting my perceived needs, again, absolutely.  God teaching me to trust in God’s provision rather than my own efforts is an ongoing process.  Please keep praying!

In Christ,

Cathy Donahoe

Home Ministry Assignment

Home Ministry Assignment

Cathy Donahoe is a missionary with SAMS, the Society of Anglican Missionaries and Senders, formerly known as the South American Missionary Society.  She is serving in the Dominican Republic as a physical therapist in San Pedro de Macoris and Santo Domingo.  Currently she is on Home Ministry Assignment based in Grand Junction, Colorado.  E-mail:cathyd@turbonet.com Snail mail (through Dec 15th): 1155 Lakeside Dr. #304, Grand Junction, CO  81506.

Dear Partners in Mission,

Thank you for your prayers in helping this home ministry time come together.  One of the amazing blessings I’ve received is the use of a vehicle for the entire time I am here in Colorado.  Transportation is something critical in each of our lives.  For the last seven years I have been using public transportation in the DR in the shape of various sizes of buses, motorcycle taxis (like the above photo), regular taxis and ‘publicos’ which are small cars with up to 6 passengers.  With the university work, I find myself carrying a lot of stuff back and forth between cities.  I have resisted owning a vehicle both for cost reasons and for driving aspects.  In the past couple of years I’ve had some practice with a rental car during a friend’s visit to alleviate some of my driving concerns.  I have been praying about this and feel the time has come to purchase a vehicle to assist with this ministry.  Thankfully God has already brought about half of the cost for a car together for me.  If you would like to join in this particular aspect of the ministry, you can send a check to SAMS, with Cathy Donahoe and VEHICLE in the memo line.  (SAMS, PO Box 399, Ambridge, PA  15003)  SAMS will not take the usual 15% from these gifts.  Please pray that God provides the funds and a safe vehicle for me upon return to the DR.

In Christ,

Cathy Donahoe

Reflection

Reflection

One day, as I sat in my home in Santa Fe, this reflection came to me in response to a bible study.

Oh Lord, Almighty and Gracious King,
Words don’t begin to describe your glory.
Music from the heart is a sweet sound to you
Yet it fails to portray your splendor.
With thanks for the blessings bestowed upon me,
I start my days with praise to God.
For the amazing creation all around
I give thanks and tribute.
The open windows bring sounds of life:
Crowing roosters, motorcycles, barking dogs, Laughter, television, music and blaring bass, singing birds, Vendors, tooting bus horns, playing children.

The view from the porch shows some of your glorious creation:
Palms, flowers, children walking to school
Dogs, occasionally pigs or horses or cows, chickens,
Trees of mango, guava, banana, cherry and orange.

Riches abound for some in this town.
Not gold, silver or the latest gadget
Not the best cars, grand homes or large salaries
But the spiritual connection with God’s peace.
Christ is living in the hearts of some
Giving hope of God’s love and mercy.
These beacons of God’s light are
Shining God’s love to the community.
Oh Lord, Almighty and Gracious King,
Words don’t begin to describe your glory.
Music from the heart is a sweet sound to you
Yet it fails to portray your splendor.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support!  Please join me in giving thanks for God’s amazing creation and blessings in our lives.  I pray that you feel God’s peace in your heart!

In Christ,
Cathy