From: La Española, Santiago, Dominican Republic September 2009
We want to share with you a little bit about Luis Carlos, or as we know him, Monino.
Monino has grown up in a very Catholic home with pictures of saints, large photos of the Virgin Mary, rosaries and yet not attending church services. He dropped out of school because he was not happy with the way his classes were going and began to work at a carpentry shop as an aide. He had lots of friends and they enjoyed the party life and what the “street” had to offer.
Then one day, Anell invited him to H2O…what a strange name…Water? Anell explained that it was the group of youth that get together each Saturday night, playing games, hanging out and learning about the Bible. It sounded interesting but Monino was concerned about his hair. You see, Monino wears his long hair in tight corn row braids. Why is his worried about that? Most Christian churches in the D.R.do not allow certain people in based on how they are dressed. (Most gangsters have this hairstyle) How sad is that? Anell explained our church to Monino and he could be assured all would welcome him no matter what.
The first night Anell brought Monino to H2O he was quiet and reserved taking in what he saw…all these people laughing and having a good time and then later on quietly listening to God’s Word being shared. He was quite intrigued and surprised. A few weeks later a week called SPLASH was announced. It was to be a special week for the youth…nights of games, activities and special Bible teaching. Monino never missed a night! He intensely listened to the personal testimonies, watched dramas, heard songs and Bible teachings on Jesus and something called salvation.
Four weeks had gone by since Monino had first set foot in the church in Los Girasoles. Anell was thrilled with Monino’s interest, but wanted him to understand personal salvation through Jesus. So, one Monday night she laid it all out before him and asked what he was waiting for. Monino decided at that very moment he wanted to follow Christ, ask for salvation through Jesus and to become a new creature.
Anell was beside herself with excitement!
It was quite obvious to many that Monino was different. He no longer wanted to go out with his friends, because in his words “I have to get up for church in the morning and I don’t want to be late.” He took down the large picture of Mary in his bedroom and wanted to throw it away. His grandmother was not pleased, but his mother was so impressed with the changes she has seen, she allowed him to move the picture to another place in the house. Each evening Monino spends time at Anell’s house with her mother Mily and brother, Victor reading parts of the Bible and talking about what they mean.
Monino has now started having Bible studies with Richie. Richie is using some materials that deal with the basics of Christianity, how to grow in this relationship with Jesus and how to understand the Bible.
He is a baby Christian who has such a desire to leave behind his old self and take on the new joy that God has to offer.
Just a few days ago Monino asked about his hair, “Do I need to cut it now that I got saved?” Richie was holding back a few laughs, and said “God is more concerned about your heart, your inward being than what you look like on the outside and so do I.” Richie then explained the story of David when Samuel anointed him to be the next king. We want to allow the Holy Spirit to tug at hearts for ALL changes that need to be made. It is important as missionaries that we don’t ram a ton of rules down their throats just to make a point. It is way better to see how God moves and convicts them of changes that need to occur.
Stories like Monino’s have been happening throughout our youth group! We are thrilled to watch people like Anell growing so in their faith that they are leading others to Christ! There are still some attending who have not accepted Christ: Eddy, Myra, Argenis, Teuri. Pray for them!
We are so thankful for those of you who faithfully have supported us over the years, who have made it possible for people like Anell and Monino to hear the gospel. We have come to a point in our missions work where we are financially under-supported. If you or your church is interested in financially helping our family, please contact CrossWorld through their website at www.crossworld.org or by calling to 215-667-7660.

Serving an AWESOME God,

Richie, Holly, Kasandra and Jason Vallette