Luz a Las Naciones

Attended a fundraising banquet at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 3819 Bloor Street West, Etobicoke for Luz a Las Naciones (Light to the Nations)Ministries in the Dominican Republic. A team of energetic volunteers had beautifully decorated the hall and set the tables for a delicious meal that started with a salad with strawberries and poppyseed dressing. As the evening continued there were door prizes, musical presentations, a raffle, crafts for sale, speeches and prayers.
Most impressive was the powerpoint presentation given by founder & director Canadian missionary Richard Brochu.
"Familiar with the Dominican from operating a travel agency business, Richard was well aware of the great needs of the poor in this country. He knew that although the Dominican is known as an exotic tourist destination with many beautiful resorts, that life for the poor in the barrios is full of extreme poverty and despair, sickness and oppression. So in faith, he sold his business and arrived in Puerto Plata, on the northern coast of the island, in April 1994.
With no initial support and only $300 in his pocket, he rented a small room in a boarding house in one of the barrios. His heart was for evangelism, and he began a daily walk through his new neighbourhood, telling children and their families about the love of the Lord. Four years later, the Lord impressed upon him that it was time to move from his rat-infested accommodations, and the present mission house was found available for rent. Gazing out of the bedroom window of his new home upon yet another sprawling barrio, Richard immediately felt compassion for the people living there and had a great desire to tell them about Jesus. He felt clear direction from the Lord, 'This is to be your new Jerusalem.'"
Read more here.