After 6 1/2 years, it’s time to close our chapter with Makarios. And goodness...what a journey this has been. When we started sponsoring children in 2006, never in our wildest dreams did we think that decision would lead to us moving to the Dominican Republic in 2012 and then in 2019 starting a non-profit ministry. Our journey is like any other journey...it’s been filled with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, but God’s presence has been tangible at every twist and turn.
If you’ve followed our blog, you know we have lived and served as missionaries in the Dominican Republic since 2012. We first came to the D.R. in 2011 on a short-term mission trip and during that visit, we felt God’s call on us to come and serve Him and the people of this great country. We served as Group Ministry Directors with Makarios, hosting over 2000 people in our home during our 6 1/2 years. We have met amazing people and formed many relationships over that time that we highly value, and we saw the Lord do amazing things which confirmed our calling here.
Now, we are transitioning to the next chapter in our life and ministry ...Levanta Ministries! In the fall of 2018, we took a sabbatical for some much needed rest and refreshment. During that time, God confirmed His call on our life here in the DR and laid new ideas on oour hearts and minds, while giving us direction for our next steps. Over the past several months, we have been praying, learning, meeting with other non-profits, researching and planning for what lies ahead.
One of the inspirations for LEVANTA MINISTRIES is a girl named Silvia. If you have been to the DR, you know what a joy she was to be around, and you were able to see and experience the kind of impact her life had on countless people. Silvia is very special to us personally, and although we have no children of our own, we loved her like she was our daughter. Sadly, in March of 2018, she became ill and the Lord suddenly took her home. During the time we knew her, we learned so much from her young life and the way she persevered with joy through the many challenges she faced.
One of Silvia’’s favorite Bible verses was Psalm 121:1-2
“I lift my eyes up to the mountains- Where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD,
Maker of heaven and earth.”
...and thus was birthed the name of our ministry- Levanta. In Spanish, “levanta” means “raise or lift up.” Our desire is to help inspire and encourage others to be lifted up out of our their current situation, and give them hope, just as Christ has raised us up and given us new life in Him.
The purpose of Levanta Ministries is to share the gospel and love of Christ with people living in developing countries by investing in personal relationships and helping others to meet their physical, spiritual and educational needs. Levanta Ministries will attempt to accomplish this by creating, finding and developing lasting solutions to help empower families in the developing world. Our desire is to see lives transformed and create hope for the future.
We are thrilled to be able to share this news with you! We are thankful for so many who have prayed for us, supported us, or helped us along the way. We continue to lean on the Lord for His wisdom and strength, and are excited to see the body of Christ join together to accomplish His purposes in the Dominican Republic. Stay tuned for more updates coming soon.
Thanks for joining us on the journey. We are beyond grateful.
Love,
Margaret and Doug
***We could not do what God has called us to do in the DR without the prayers and financial support of others. If you wish to contribute financially, all gifts are tax deductible through our Fiscal Sponsor, Allegro Solutions.
