By Martha Ramirez Otáňez of Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic
These are portentous times. The lives of many are being sacrificed unnecessarily to the gods of war, greed, and avarice. The land is being desecrated by the thoughtless waste of vital resources. You must obey my commandments and be in the forefront of those who would mediate this needless destruction while there is yet day.
(shared as part of the International Leaders Meeting, June 2025)
This is my testimony of how God worked in my family during the pandemic and quarantine.
At the time, I was unemployed with two children paying for a house and juggling many responsibilities, but not being able to go out to work could make things difficult. But my faith never faltered.
God provided in incredible ways. My pantry was full of food, and I gave the food God sent me to neighbors and people in need. I gave little of what I had. I reached a point where God blessed, and what I had wasn’t just a little anymore; God provided, and I gave it to others.
In times when I thought I had nothing, God reminded me that I am the provider. I paid for the house on time, without incident. God opened so many doors that, in the midst of the pandemic, I moved houses. The one I currently live in is in better condition than the previous one. God always arrives on time, God always listens, and when we think everything is over, God acts at that moment.
I lacked nothing because God used whomever God needed to use to bless me. God knew that if I was blessed, I would share it. My children and I are very grateful for how God has acted in our lives.
Give thanks for what we have received by grace. May God bless you and keep you.
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.