By Eliezer Brito-Semedo, Interim Regional Coordinator for Central America and Caribbean

On a recent trip to the Dominican Republic, I had the privilege of meeting Roberto Feliz. It didn’t take long for me to see his love for the Lord and the people around him. When he is not greeting folks, he is humming a worship tune or singing praises to God.

To this day, he vividly recalls when Sis. Choy, a Korean missionary, and her three daughters started a Sunday school class right across the street in the front yard of his neighbor Paulino. Although he did not have the courage to go join them, Roberto would listen intently from inside his house to the songs and Bible stories.

By 1994, a new Baptist congregation was being formed in his neighborhood under the leadership of Paulino. Shortly after their new building was completed, Bro. David Dickson was invited to preach at this congregation. Because of his work schedule, Roberto was not able to attend the special service, but his fiancee Scarlet attended, and God got a hold of her heart that evening.

From then on, Roberto and Scarlet started attending church regularly. In time, he surrendered his life to Christ and began his faith journey. David Dickson returned to baptize them and performed their wedding ceremony. Over the years, they were blessed with two daughters, Robscarleny and Melany.

Almost 30 years later, Roberto and Scarlet are still serving the Lord faithfully in different capacities. He has been instrumental in helping start the work in Nagua, Loyola, San Miguel, and Bienvenido. While juggling his time as a police officer, Roberto always finds time to teach Sunday school, lead the youth group, do street evangelism, and lead worship.

Recently, Roberto felt God calling him to start and lead a work at Haina, a community 30 minutes from his house. After months of building relationships and sharing God’s word in the streets, Roberto’s team has started weekly services in that location. By the end of the year, they hope to disciple some believers, baptize them, and help them grow in their faith.

After 18 years in the police force, Roberto is now looking into retirement. His plan is to transition into full-time ministry and be even more involved in church planting. Would you join me in praying for Roberto, his family, and their ministry? Would you pray for God to open more doors in Haina for evangelistic Bible studies to be held and people to be discipled? Would you consider partnering with Roberto and other ChangeMakers? Reach out to us to hear more about what God is doing in the Dominican Republic and how you can help.