It
has been a very long time since we have sent a newsletter from the
foreign mission field. However, it is a great season to do so!
First of all, we want to send love and prayers for a blessed and prosperous Christmas and New Year to all who are reading this. You are in our hearts, and we think of you often.
You are no doubt aware of the fact that Vickie, Zachariah, and I have been living and working in the Dominican Republic. We love living in the DR! It is hard to believe that we have actually been here for 1½ years already. At the first of the year, we will begin taking language classes on a more consistent basis. For those of you who may think the Goodman family moved to the Dominican Republic to retire, please consider this: we are NOT retired; we are REFIRED!
We truly appreciate the love and support that is received from individuals and churches across the continents. Together, we are making a difference and seeing lives changed for the glory of God. Here is a small synopsis of the various areas of ministry in which we’ve been involved to include future plans.
Oceanside Christian Fellowship (OCF)
The church that we planted one year ago in Sosua, Dominican Republic, is doing quite well. The congregation includes folks from a variety of countries and backgrounds. This is an English-speaking group comprised of missionaries, ex-pats, and locals who have been here for years. It is a great blessing to provide a place of ministry, teaching, and fellowship for those who are serving on the frontlines in the field and the marketplace.
Local Outreach
We are becoming more and more involved with street outreach in the Sosua area; this includes prayer walking as well as one-on-one evangelism. As local Dominicans come to Christ, we make every effort to get them connected to a local fellowship where they can continue to grow.
We also started going to a Police Station in our area a few months ago. A dear friend had received dreams of simply handing out bread to offenders. As she shared this with Vickie, she was encouraged to be obedient as it sounded like a “God thing.” However, our friend was uneasy about undertaking this task by herself, and as a result, we told her we would go as well. This was the start of a great experience as we now take part every week and pass out doughnuts, coffee, and prayer to those who want it. The Commandant of Police has invited us to share and pray with the officers regularly. Things are changing in this town!
For years, many Dominicans have regarded Sosua as a “cesspool.” The sex trade is very prevalent as prostitution and debauchery are seen in the streets. However, through prayer and demonstrating the love of Christ, the situation is visibly transforming!
Ministry Training School (MTS)
MTS has been conducted at OceanSide for just about a year now. We average twenty or more participants each term. At present, this is for those who speak English and plans call for extending the program. You might be surprised if you knew how many folks enter the mission field with very little biblical training. Just like I did so many years ago, they simply stepped out in faith and obedience and went to a foreign land to serve God. MTS provides an opportunity to receive solid teaching while serving and working here. Those of you who have taken the course are aware of the benefits this provides.
We are also very excited that our Ministry Training School curriculum is being translated into yet another language! The people in the Philippines will soon have MTS in their own tongue, Tagalog. God is truly using this material as a discipleship tool, and we are so honored to simply be a part of what He is doing.
Cliffdale Christian Center (CCC)
As you may well know, I am now considered Pastor Emeritus of Cliffdale Christian Center, and our son, Joshua, is doing a fine job leading as Senior Pastor! It is very fulfilling to see God at work in that local body and how Cliffdale continues to be such a beacon of light and hope to so many. Vickie and I thank the Lord for the legacy of leadership that He has allowed.
Vision for the Future
In regard to the future, we have been praying about our ministry goals. This includes an INTERNSHIP PROGRAM for those who feel that they may be called to serve anywhere in the world. At present, we are considering various options and facilities to house the base of operations.
Students would be taught during morning sessions and have opportunity to connect with local mission organizations during the afternoon and evening. GTO is in relationship with a multitude of missionaries who are involved with various ministries to include: community development, children’s outreach, feeding programs, evangelism, etc.
Vickie and I have well over fifty years of combined ministry experience and feel a responsibility to make all of this available to anyone who might be interested. We would like to hear from you as soon as possible if you think that this might be something in which you’d want to be a part.
As you can see, we are still busy about the Father’s business! Again, we want to express our heart-felt appreciation to those who support us through prayer and financial partnership.
All financial support can be sent to our stateside address or donated online through Gospel Team Outreach and is tax-deductible per IRS code.
First of all, we want to send love and prayers for a blessed and prosperous Christmas and New Year to all who are reading this. You are in our hearts, and we think of you often.
You are no doubt aware of the fact that Vickie, Zachariah, and I have been living and working in the Dominican Republic. We love living in the DR! It is hard to believe that we have actually been here for 1½ years already. At the first of the year, we will begin taking language classes on a more consistent basis. For those of you who may think the Goodman family moved to the Dominican Republic to retire, please consider this: we are NOT retired; we are REFIRED!
We truly appreciate the love and support that is received from individuals and churches across the continents. Together, we are making a difference and seeing lives changed for the glory of God. Here is a small synopsis of the various areas of ministry in which we’ve been involved to include future plans.
Oceanside Christian Fellowship (OCF)
The church that we planted one year ago in Sosua, Dominican Republic, is doing quite well. The congregation includes folks from a variety of countries and backgrounds. This is an English-speaking group comprised of missionaries, ex-pats, and locals who have been here for years. It is a great blessing to provide a place of ministry, teaching, and fellowship for those who are serving on the frontlines in the field and the marketplace.
Local Outreach
We are becoming more and more involved with street outreach in the Sosua area; this includes prayer walking as well as one-on-one evangelism. As local Dominicans come to Christ, we make every effort to get them connected to a local fellowship where they can continue to grow.
We also started going to a Police Station in our area a few months ago. A dear friend had received dreams of simply handing out bread to offenders. As she shared this with Vickie, she was encouraged to be obedient as it sounded like a “God thing.” However, our friend was uneasy about undertaking this task by herself, and as a result, we told her we would go as well. This was the start of a great experience as we now take part every week and pass out doughnuts, coffee, and prayer to those who want it. The Commandant of Police has invited us to share and pray with the officers regularly. Things are changing in this town!
For years, many Dominicans have regarded Sosua as a “cesspool.” The sex trade is very prevalent as prostitution and debauchery are seen in the streets. However, through prayer and demonstrating the love of Christ, the situation is visibly transforming!
Ministry Training School (MTS)
MTS has been conducted at OceanSide for just about a year now. We average twenty or more participants each term. At present, this is for those who speak English and plans call for extending the program. You might be surprised if you knew how many folks enter the mission field with very little biblical training. Just like I did so many years ago, they simply stepped out in faith and obedience and went to a foreign land to serve God. MTS provides an opportunity to receive solid teaching while serving and working here. Those of you who have taken the course are aware of the benefits this provides.
We are also very excited that our Ministry Training School curriculum is being translated into yet another language! The people in the Philippines will soon have MTS in their own tongue, Tagalog. God is truly using this material as a discipleship tool, and we are so honored to simply be a part of what He is doing.
Cliffdale Christian Center (CCC)
As you may well know, I am now considered Pastor Emeritus of Cliffdale Christian Center, and our son, Joshua, is doing a fine job leading as Senior Pastor! It is very fulfilling to see God at work in that local body and how Cliffdale continues to be such a beacon of light and hope to so many. Vickie and I thank the Lord for the legacy of leadership that He has allowed.
Vision for the Future
In regard to the future, we have been praying about our ministry goals. This includes an INTERNSHIP PROGRAM for those who feel that they may be called to serve anywhere in the world. At present, we are considering various options and facilities to house the base of operations.
Students would be taught during morning sessions and have opportunity to connect with local mission organizations during the afternoon and evening. GTO is in relationship with a multitude of missionaries who are involved with various ministries to include: community development, children’s outreach, feeding programs, evangelism, etc.
Vickie and I have well over fifty years of combined ministry experience and feel a responsibility to make all of this available to anyone who might be interested. We would like to hear from you as soon as possible if you think that this might be something in which you’d want to be a part.
As you can see, we are still busy about the Father’s business! Again, we want to express our heart-felt appreciation to those who support us through prayer and financial partnership.
All financial support can be sent to our stateside address or donated online through Gospel Team Outreach and is tax-deductible per IRS code.
Gospel Team Outreach International Ministries (or) GTO
PO Box 25355
Fayetteville, NC 28314
May God continue to abundantly bless each of you!
Grace & Peace,
The Goodman Family
3 John 2
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