By Arianny Yasiris Rodriguez of Sanchez, Dominican Republic
I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(shared as part of the International Leaders Meeting, June 2025)
I remember when Richard Jiménez, my husband, became concerned about a group of teenagers in the community, some of whom had behavioral problems that were causing their parents a lot of trouble. He felt called to do something for them that would help them change their situation.
Richard visited their homes individually and spoke with their parents. Once he understood the family situation and had their consent, he started a project where the teenagers could express their talents through the arts (music, theater). This initiative helped keep them occupied and away from negative influences.
As time went on, the parents began to notice a change in their behavior. They were no longer involved in fights. Now they were memorizing scripts for a play. When rehearsal days arrived, they all went to church in a disciplined manner, they worked hard, and they attended their schools.
Sometimes people choose the wrong path because they feel unimportant or unloved, as some expressed. But when we take an interest in them and offer them a different option, their lives are transformed.
Our congregation welcomed them, embraced them, treated them as part of the body of Christ, showed them God’s love, and supported their performances and plays. Their parents were also present, and what great joy this brought them!
In the congregation, they had a place where they were special, a place that restored their hope!
It is precisely this sense of valuing all people and welcoming them without distinction that sets us apart in the community, where people from the surrounding area are attentive to and participate in our outdoor activities and services.
This is a story of open doors for everyone, where we foster communities of joy, hope, love, and peace.
Prayer Phrase
“For in him all things…were created…” (Colossians 1:16).
The International Community
Find (or imagine) a globe or map of the world. Look at all the nations and find a country other than your own. Notice the geographic distance between your homeland and this one. Picture a person living there. Pray for this person. Sense God’s love connecting you just as the oceans connect the continents. Thank God for the spiritual connection you have with all of God’s people around the globe. Ask a blessing on the church as a community sharing Christ’s peace, drawing all into the family of God.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.