Friday, March 18, 2011

Rio Vista has been Found!

The last few days has been a whirlwind of activity for NCMS...we finalized details of the incorporation process for our Non-Profit Dominican Corporation and entered into working agreements with missionaries here on the island.  We have been negotiating with a Dominican who owns a large property with two large buildings which have 20 bedrooms/20 bathrooms, large gathering areas, a pool, a gazebo for outdoor meals and a large empty lot for development as well.  Today the owner accepted our final offer and we will close on the property in June.  We must complete several renovations and upgrades to make the property work for NCMS but we should be ready to receive our first guests by August or September of 2011!  We have a conditional agreement on this property and we could close earlier on the deal (if we get all our funding in place).  We have only been on the island for three weeks and God has truly showed His hand.  All of the mission groups have rallied around us committing resources of time and support for the successful launch of Rio Vista GuestHouse!  Laura and I want to thank all who have been committed to prayer and financial support for God's mission for us here in the Dominican Republic.  Much work is still to be done and continued prayer and additional finances still have to be raised.
We will require set-up donations for the first mission team to bring once we have established a final close date for the property.  We are past the first step...and the second will continue to test our faith as we walk this journey out with God.
I will forward a list of required donated items which we need for the Guest House to the Mission Team leaders and Directors within the company.  If you have any questions or require more information please reply directly to this email or comment on the blog.  Financial contributions can be made through Bridges of Hope in Lethbridge with complete Canadian Tax receipts.
The Lord is Great and Greatly to be praised!!!!

Monday, March 14, 2011

Today I feel good, having endured the first cold in years and of course, as I'm sure you will all agree, summer colds tend to be worse!  Both Laura and I are adjusting to the climate and the colds we have both suffered are just another bump in the road.  We have been actively searching a variety of properties and several options have been presented through our contacts here in the D.R.  While we have not made a decision as yet, we both feel the Lord guiding us along a patient path...the calming presence of His spirit.  It is obvious to us that His will for us to continue to seek Him and trust He will provide the place and situation through His people is profound.  God has surrounded us with good, caring people who wish, above anything else, to serve the Lord.  Several Mission groups who operate here and bring teams of people here to work, have committed support for our operation once we are established.  Truly a blessing and more confirmation of our calling to be here.  This week we are asking for prayer support in particular with the location confirmation.  We are near a decision and trust that God has directed us to the right place and time.

Laura and I appreciate all of your prayers, please write us back as the Lord directs you if you have any questions or words for us as we continue our journey.  Once we have chosen our base we will put together a mission team to come to the island and help us get set up.  The options we have on our short list (we have four options right now) will all require substantial upgrading and in some cases complete rebuilding!

We miss you all very much especially our home group bunch!

Dios te bendigas!
Mike