Dominican Report #1

As found on the Haiti Page the following words introduce the beginning of this report.

Then, on Monday we took on the massive tasks associated with our trip to the DR. It was our intention to introduce the Haitian brethren into the DR so that those who speak Spanish might assist in evangelizing that nation. We had a contact with a pastor who was supposedly preaching the Message there and we made arrangements to meet him. Br. Guy Lamoth provided for our transportation, offering us the mission vehicle of the Jarden assembly and a driver. Bro. Levael Eugene, my constant friend and helper in whose home I live while in Port Au Prince, made arrangements to travel with me to translate and otherwise assist.

Bro. Levael and his family are my own family in Haiti. I am a part of that household as much as any other and we are one heart and one accord, he and I. Of all the men in Haiti with whom I have communication, none has more depth of understanding or faith in the Word of the Day. Bro. Levael is wonderfully gifted and, though not a preacher, is an outstanding witness and apt to teach speaking not only Kreyole, but also French and Spanish fluently....reading and writing in all three languages. Without this gifted and dedicated servant of the Lord none of our work there would have been possible. I cannot applaud him enough for his faith and his loyalty to Jesus Christ, the Word and his service to that One and the saints of God there. Nor can I describe his importance to this bumbling Arkansas preacher. God bless him.

Also joining our team was another of my favorite friends and an outstanding man of God, Bro. Pierre Fritze. This is the "Bro Peter" who has figured so prominently in the past missions. He has a marvelous revelation of the Word and he has the mighty Spirit of Christ anointing his ministry. I have complete confidence in him and recommend him to all as a true servant of Jesus Christ.

Bro. Osmos Cherry was another member of this marvelous team. Bro. Cherry is a wonderful Christian and a man of understanding and grace. He, like Bro. Levael, is multilingual, speaking Spanish as well as French and Kreyole. He works in the same field of agricultural science that Bro. Levael does and they are often found together. He has been a blessing to me in times past and proved an even greater one on this trip. With these men and the others at my side I was assured that the Word would go forth in power and demonstration and that we would certainly be able to discern the Will of God throughout.

It was necessary to purchase visas for these brothers. Bro. Levael and Bro. Cherry were able to purchase their own but the rest required assistance. Bro. Levael and myself agreed that whatever the expense we would do the mission. I inquired of my church at home and was told to proceed wisely but certainly. Also there were some other needs, such as last minute repairs and maintenance on the vehicle, which the church at Jarden met. Finally, after Satan had made more than one attempt to cause us to abandon the mission, we were on our way. The results would exceed all our expectations and prove the Word of the Lord that says He will do "abundantly above all that you can ask or think".

Now, before I begin I need to lay in some background so that you might understand why some things were done as they were and that you might understand my thinking and attitudes. Those of you who are familiar with us will remember that we were receiving reports formerly from another brother in the Dominican. This brother proved to be unable to receive the full truth and it was necessary to break off our relationship. I certainly do not mean to imply any scandal but think it best to say as little of this as necessary. However, since some may have seen these earlier reports, and because there was information in them which would color my thinking from the start, I may need to refer to them occasionally in order to make the report run to continuity. As for the relationship of this brother to the Word of the Day we shall say only, with Amos, the prophet, "Can two walk together except they agree?" The Apostle Paul separated from John Mark in the work of the Lord and both continued on in the grace of the Lord ministering faithfully as they were ordained to do.

The reports that we had received had led us to think that we would encounter much the same environment as we were familiar with in Haiti. But, this was certainly not the case. As the photos will testify, they are two different worlds.

Haiti is one of the most impoverished nations economically, spiritually, and politically in the world. Since its revolution and formation in 1804 it has been governed by one ruthless and self-effacing despot after another. The latest one, Jean-Bertrand Aristide was deposed five months ago after an uprising that cost hundreds of lives and claimed the attention of the world.

There are no highways, as we would view them, in Haiti. There are three partially paved roads called highways with what I call Haitian Highway Interstate 1 being the best. This is the road we took north to Port de Paix shown in the Haiti report photos. As you travel north the road turns from narrow, broken pavement to rocky dirt path. We actually drove through the river on five different occasions on the way. Photos of this "highway" can be seen on the Haitian Photos page but here is an example.

The city of Port Au Prince is home for two and one-half million of Haiti's eight million people. Houses are built one upon another and scattered helter-skelter on the hillsides. There is almost no electricity. The municipal electrical authority distributes its precious current erratically and unpredictably, and the result is 12 hours or more a day without city-supplied power. Port Au Prince, before the revolt had partial electricity, a situation that is improving somewhat. But only in Port Au Prince. Elsewhere, there is none. Only in Jacmel, and Cap Haitian have I seen electricity available without the ownership of a private generator.

The average ANNUAL income is US according to information obtained from the Consul Website. The main fuel is charcoal...a sad waste of the remaining timber. Poverty is most evident in Haiti, to say the least. "Crowded" is the next word that comes to mind. Bear this in mind as we speak of our work in these two countries which share the same island in the Caribbean.

The Dominican Republic, by comparison is prosperous. This is not to imply that Dominicans themselves are more prosperous, though most are when compared with Haitians...if for no other reason than that they have supportive government. Throughout the DR we traveled on clean and well constructed highways....even 'superhighways'. We encountered 'toll roads' identical to those in Oklahoma which cross Indian land. These are designed to pay for themselves and bring in tons of revenue each year.

Everywhere, even in the smallest out of the way towns we saw electric poles and lines. I photographed the main power towers crossing the hills and valleys throughout the country to show how the country is supplied. In every town we found restaurants, night clubs, cyber cafes, etc; and most homes had televisions...many had computers. The streets and towns were clean and well cared for..........it was a lovely place by comparison with the streets and villages of Haiti. In Santo Domingo we found Wendy's, fried chicken places similar to the Colonel's or Church's, and malls and shopping plaza's as well supplied as at home. I was able to purchase a number of needed items unavailable anywhere in Haiti.

Most of the homes were simple...humble dwellings of wood and tin roofs or concrete block and tin roofs. Rarely did I see a mud hut similar to those encountered so often in my travels in Haiti. Now, most people in this nation are not nearly as well off as are those in the poorest parts of the U.S., but they are much better off than most Haitians.

It was this that shocked and insulted my spirit as we traveled nearer our goal of the capital, Santo Domingo. Since all I had heard from our former reporter were reports of extreme poverty and despair...cries for economic assistance, I certainly did not expect to find conditions so adversely converse to those in Haiti. The only way we could describe the difference, the expression used by all of us, was "C'est un monde different"; "This is a different world!"

My reason for saying all of this will become apparent as we go along. It will help to explain both my actions and those of my companions...all of whom were Haitian.

For all their poverty, crowding, lack, and deprivations Haitians are a marvelous people. Independent inspite of their dependency, helpful and courteous to one another, I love them and admire them...both Christian and pagan. Though Haiti has its beggars and you often encounter a child or elderly person holding out their hand and staring pitifully at you, most Haitians are self sufficient. And, as I have often pointed out, of the thousands of Haitian Christians, men with whom I have shook hands, I have yet to hear one appeal to me for either money or goods. And, so far as I have known, they all have jobs. In a country where the unemployment rate is as high as 79% (perhaps even higher in Port Au Prince) that is an incredible witness to the power of faith and the care of a loving God for His children.

Yet, as we traveled throughout the DR I got the impression they were all beggars. This is not the case as we would later learn, but it was certainly our first impression. And the 'pastor' who invited us there proved to be the worst of them all.

Now, I do not intend to reveal this man's name. Nor am I interested in defaming or harming him in anyway. (I have often left out accounts of spiritual events to protect other brothers who behaved adversely to the Word of God) But, in this case, some of this must be related in order that the leadership and workings of the Holy Spirit be shown. Without relating at least the basics of our interactions with this individual this report would be mostly a blank page. So, for the purpose of reporting we shall give him a name. Not his own name, certainly. Not even close, so as not to expose him. We shall call him Sr. Gomez...since I know no one of that name in the DR. (If you live in the Dominican Republic, are a preacher named Gomez, and claim to recognize William Branham as the end time prophet............Please, please, forgive me for using your name. It is purely accidental.)

And now we commence our glorious tale...the true report of the Acts of the Holy Spirit in the Dominican Republic as witnessed by myself and others.

After much trouble getting started we were off. The drive was long and rough as we moved steadily north and the road grew more primitive. However, loving Haiti as I do, I was thrilled by the opportunity to see more of the country and its people. Also, my companions were of the most excellent sort and our fellowship was joyous. We munched on 'rape de cocoe' which is the Haitian version of a 'trail mix'. It is made from: 'lait', (milk) banane, (plantain) and coco (coconut) (If you thought you recognized a word in there, banane, and thought it was 'banana' that is a common error. Actually the banana we know is called, in Kreyole, 'fig'. Really!) And I snapped pictures as we rejoiced in the Lord and anticipated His wondrous works.

Any driving distance seems insignificant to me. I have driven, or ridden over 1,000,000 miles preaching the gospel in my 33 years in the ministry and I drive 3000 miles each month just traveling back and forth between my home and my church. So, though the going was slow, it seemed we arrived at the border in a reasonable enough time...to me. There we found a simple building and a chain across the road. And, hundreds of beggars and crooks. Let me back up just a few yards.

Just before we reached this border 'gate', as we passed out of Haiti, we went through a section of road with a wall on each side...sort of an open tunnel. Passing through this, as we were forced to do by the arrangement of it, we drove through a dip filled with water. This, we would learn, was to wash the Haitian soil off our tires. It was the first indication of the fierce bigotry and rivalry between the Haitians and the Dominicans...but not the last. And, it was also an example of the greed prevalent in that area. For having our tires washed, which we could not have avoided, we were charged ten dollars American. An armed guard demanded that we pay for this service. And that was only the beginning.

Now, as I have said, the Haitian brethren were required to have visas for which they each paid American. That is a lot of money in Haiti with an exchange rate of nearly 40 to 1. In the Dominican, the Peso was valued at 38 to 1 at this time, I think. So, you can see that American was a whopping 380 pesos. ( Not bad for a tire wash that you never asked for. And collected by the government for you. Whoever built that contraption was a real entrepreneur.) I had inquired concerning a visa and had been told here in the US that all I would need were my US Passport and a 'tourist license'. Then, wanting to make sure there would be no problems at the border, I had enquired also at the Dominican Embassy where the brothers got their visas. Here I was told I would need only my passport and American dollars. Ok. I was ready for them. I thought.

Even before the tire wash was collected for I was made to shell out for something or other. I never learned what that was for, only that it went to this official looking guy behind a desk in the building that housed the 'entry service'. Then, I was told I would need to pay a 'tourist fee'. Ok. Did that. Then, Bro. Levael said, "Insurance. We got to buy insurance." We were walked across the border, past the chain guard and over to a little booth where we were charged American for automobile insurance. The Haitian insurance we carried was no good in the DR and we had no choice in the matter. We were still being escorted by these armed 'vaqueros'. They never actually threatened us but they surely were intimidating. Then, back to the 'entry service' where I paid a total of more dollars...for something. Each one, it seemed, got something...mostly in incremits. Finally, we had paid off our responsibility and were told "pasa". But, just as we passed through the chain barrier we were stopped again. More rapid Spanish, more heated talk, and another exchanged. Also, Bro. Levael, inspite of the visas, had passed out more than a few "Diez dollas" to clear himself and the brothers. At last we were through and on the road again.

Now those who are familiar with our ministry will know, but some won't, that we have a small congregation with huge hearts but meager resources. They are working people: truck drivers, office workers, bank workers, salesmen...and a few technicians and nurses. I have, on several occasions sold possessions to make these trips. I had, some years back, a successful roofing and siding business and a fleet of trucks. This is now gone in the service of the Lord. I now live on about one third of what I did then. But, somehow, we always manage to get the work done. Let me stop right here and testify.

Recently, I made a trip to Florida to an ordination service. (This trip may be described in the Haiti Report) In the airport at Atlanta, Ga. I met a business man, a non-believer. He was not a 'churchgoer', he did not call himself a Christian. He was traveling to his home in Ft Lauderdale from his business dealings in Atlanta. I had missed my connecting flight ( which turned out to be the Hand of the Lord dealing for me ) and was forced to layover for several hours. This man and I struck up conversation. I told him I was a minister...'missionary', I said to him. "Preacher? You're a preacher?" he said with surprise. "You don't look like a preacher." (I was dressed as I do in Haiti. Jeans, bright western shirt, moccasins, and a blue western hat. Yeah, I said 'blue'...and I have been kidded about it before.) I said, "What does a preacher look like?" That stopped him for a minute, after which he replied; "Well, I guess I don't really know always, but I didn't think they looked like you." I had to grin. And so we talked. He asked where I was going and what I would do there...such as that. Then he said, "I went to church once". Again, I smiled, as he went on. "Friend asked me to. I said, 'Church! You never been to church in your life. Why now?' Turns out he was meeting a girl there. But, I went with him." Then he described how this was a huge auditorium, 'a stadium' he called it. He told me how that there were thousands of people there and about thirty or forty ushers that passed through the crowd with large green 'trash baskets' collecting the offering. He said, "Man, them things were full and flowing. That guy really took up the money." I asked him about the sermon...he couldn't remember. Said the guy told some jokes, though, that were funny at the time. He said, "You ought to go there. The guy is famous. He had some kind of mission work going, too. Can't remember his name, but you would probably know him. He is on television and all." (Of course, I haven't owned a television in over thirty years.) "Yep. Real fancy church. You should go there if you are ever in Dallas", he concluded.

We talked some more and then I mentioned our Website. He surprised me good then. "Really?" he said. "What's the URL?" I told him as he reached into his pocket and took out a computer. He punched up the site while I stared at the thing...."Hey, this is really something. Now, I got something to do on the plane and in the motel. I'll check out your site." Soon after that we parted. That was on Friday afternoon.

The following Tuesday I was returning home...routed through Atlanta and...Guess who? Yes, sir. There was the same man at the counter. Both of us were surprised. He had told me he was going home for the weekend because he had no more meetings until Monday. Said he would fly back but wanted some time with his family. This was Tuesday and here he was still in Ft. Lauderdale.

He was just as surprised. We talked briefly before the flight...we were both on the same plane but he was in First Class while I was in Coach. He said, "Man, I checked out that site. You are all over the world. Man, you got a lot going. How do you afford all that? Must have some big baskets....hahaha!" I said, "You remember the guy in Dallas you told me about?" He said, "Sure, you like that?" I said, "Friend, that guy has more ushers than I got members." He said, "You're kidding!" "Nope". I said.

He said, "Well, how do you do all that?" I felt the Spirit of the Lord move on me and I was saying, "You know what? Honestly, I don't know. I can't say how that is done...who pays for it. We send tapes around the globe and I don't know who pays for them. That's the truth. I don't think anybody knows week to week." The guy was listening to me. He never acted like he doubted my words. Then I said, "But it ain't nothing for a God Who could feed five thousand with two fishes and five loaves." I was preaching. See? But, I was preaching for myself...to me. "Remember", I said, "they took up twelve baskets of fragments?" Well, he didn't remember 'cause he never heard it...didn't know what I was talking about. But, God was speaking to me. I heard myself say, "Mister, that's how we do it. We pay for those tapes with the fragments that He leaves over." And, friends, that is exactly the Truth.

God doesn't need much. God doesn't need anything. He created the entire world from nothing. I still don't know how those tapes get sent out...but, I know Who sends them. Hallelujah!

As I was saying before, we are a small church so when I go out I am quite limited on funds. I usually carry about a hundred or so dollars with me...as my needs are supplied by my friends. Food, lodging, etc; The families open their homes...you can read about that on the other pages. My 'families'. So, all this extra expense was getting deep into me and we still had the entire mission to go. I had a couple of credit cards with access to a few hundred dollars...no more than five hundred at best, but, I was not pleased with these folks.

So, as we began to discover the Dominican I grew more indignant. Here there were fine roads, restaurants, electricity everywhere. I saw television antennas on the houses, even a window air conditioner. I saw clean streets which meant they had garbage services and street cleaners. I saw wells and pumps and we drank the water safely. We stopped and had dinner.

In a pristine setting, clean and polished...yet, a road side cafe, we ate rice and beans, chicken, tortillas, chilies, a huge fresh vegetable salad. We drank ice water and cold Coca Cola. (In Haiti I never drink with ice in the glass. I drink only distilled bottled water. I nearly died on one trip from drinking bad water. Typhus. It is recorded on the page, one of the trips.)

Back on the road as I watched the houses go by and saw the towns through which we passed...I was honest with Bro. Levael when I said; "Brother Levael, I love Haiti...you know that. Everyone is so poor...no roads, no electricity, no safe water. Yet, everyone is so noble to what we have seen here. Brother Ray was always writing about how the people begged him for money...he was always pulling for money in his reports. This is a land of beggars. I fell instantly in love with Haiti and it's people. I will need to 'learn' to love this place." I was getting more and more unsettled.

Now, as I have said, my thinking was somewhat colored by the tone and texture of those reports we had received from that other man. We had found that money was a primary part of all his dealings and missions. We had heard so much about how the people begged and whined about the government, the 'faulty' electric lines, the economy. But what we were seeing was 'heaven' to these men. Even those, like Bro. Levael and Bro. Cherry with science degrees and major International organizations funding them suffered to pay for their children's school and support their large extended families. Others were much worse off. Bro. Peter had no regular source of income, trusting the Lord for support while he traveled by bus and cab, by boat, and on foot from one small church to the other...from island to island and place to place to preach the gospel. And he, too, had a wife and children. The others were mechanics and shopkeepers...but all paid tithes and offerings and sacrificed to spread the Word of the Day. Bro. Levael had built a fine home, excellent by Haitian standards, but even there we had electricity only four hours a day most of the time. In the capital city of Port Au Prince. Here in the DR, it seemed that everyone had electricity...and 24/7 we would learn as we watched the Dominicans, like in most Latin American countries, 'party' into the wee hours of the morning. (Radios blaring and lights agleam.) And everywhere we turned there was someone scheming, it seemed, to get our money.

This was not as true as it seemed to me at the time, perhaps, but I was really growing prejudiced in my spirit. We were also made aware of the prejudice of the Dominicans toward the brothers who were all of black African heritage. And, when we finally arrived in Santo Domingo and met Sr. Gomez things went from bad to worse.

Arriving in the city we telephoned to say that we were here and ask for instructions. This cost us ...you guessed it. American. (We borrowed a mobile phone from one of the station attendants where we gassed up as we could not locate a public phone. He charged us this exorbitant sum for a local call.) We were told that we would be met soon. We went into a DR version of KFC to eat and wait. It was four or five o'clock on a Friday afternoon. I began to think about what I should preach...thinking we would probably have service right away. We would have in Haiti.

Let me now speak of Sr. Gomez. This man had been brought to my attention by Bro. Levael. Sr. Gomez had made contact with the church at Jarden arriving by bus in Port Au Prince. Brother Levael, being who he is, had taken the man into his home and met all his needs. He told him of my ministry ( I had just returned back to the US ) and of the Lord's grace toward us all. He spoke to him of the Word of the Day. Sr. Gomez had told him he was a pastor in Santo Domingo...THE pastor, the only one in the Dominican Republic that preached the Message. He said he had a small church, which wasn't surprising, and that he would be most happy to have me come to the DR and his church. He asked Bro. Levael for my phone number...which he was given. He then asked for money to return home saying he could not afford the bus. (This Bro. Levael never told anyone, so far as I know, until much later...after the man had shown his colors.) Bro. Levael went to the bank and got money for his return trip and an offering to assist him.

In email, Bro. Levael told me of the man and it seemed that this was an opening into the DR...for which we were praying. It was...but not at all as we anticipated. God used it to get me there knowing I would not go without an invitation. I was an evangelist for 25 years and NEVER went anywhere without an invitation. I believed then, as now, that God knew where I was and would arrange where I should go. He knew where I was and He knew where His people were who would want me. (I never called and said, "I am passing through.."etc. I always waited for an invite.) So, when Sr. Gomez called me I was excited by the prospect of going to the DR.

A rather comical thing happened the day he first called. I was translating a letter sent by Bro. Wilner in Iraq from English into French in order that his wife, who was now with us here, could read his words. This is a laborious process for me. Until I went to Haiti three years ago, I spoke only Arky English, though I could read and write Spanish. Since then I have become conversant in Kreyole (Creole is the English spelling) and am bumbling along at the task of learning French. (I had never even heard Kreyole and all I knew of French were words like 'automobile', 'telephone', and 'soufle') So, I was laboring over this French translation when the phone rang and a brother from New Orleans began a conversation with me in Kreyole. After I had hung up and returned to the French, complimenting myself on my success at Kreyole, Sr. Gomez called. He began to speak and I realized I was hearing Spanish. I answered him in what I thought was the same...but it was Kreyole. My aged brain wasn't able to make the changes, but I thought I was speaking Spanish. He asked If I were Bro. Paul and told me who he was. I answered, "Bein, koman tuit bagay ye?" (Good, how is everything with you.) I thought at the time I was saying, Bueno, como estas, Usted? See? A few more exchanges like that. and Sr. Gomez hung up. (He must have thought the International wires were crossed. Haha!) After he hung up I reviewed our conversation and realized what had happened. I felt really stupid. But, it was funny then...still is now. I chuckled at myself.

After while he called back and I gave him my address and asked him to write me explaining that I would better understand written Spanish. He did. I have his letter somewhere in my files, but the gist of it was that he wanted me to come to Santo Domingo and hold some meetings and evangelize his nation. Then there was an appeal for money...to help his struggling church. I felt bad about that.

Now, I am not adverse to sending money to those in need. We are certainly missionary minded at the Word of the Day. And, I have made it a practice throughout my life to attempt always to match my tithes with a missionary offering. (I haven't always been able to do this...but I did pay the tithe, of course.) But, we also get mail from around the world. And, many ask for money. There is a spirit in those letters...every letter. You may disagree with me on this, but I believe you can discern a man's spirit from his letters just as you do when you shake hands. It happens that way for me...and I don't know that it has ever been wrong, but know for certain of times when it was right. Something in that letter warned me in the spirit...something felt wrong about it. I put it away in my thinking and hid it in my heart.

Later, when it came time to go to Haiti, I remembered that little 'nudge' in the spirit. When I arrived in Haiti I called Sr. Gomez. He said, "Oh, send me the money and I will come there." I said, "No, brother...we are coming there." "Oh", was all he said, then the phone went dead. (Now that happens all the time in Haiti. One expects that he will be cut off any second...and that is usually what happens.) After a few moments Sr. Gomez called back. "How many of you are there?" I said, "Five or more, maybe." "Oh"...a dead line. After while, it was, "Ok. I have rented a camp for you to stay...at great expense." " My, that was fast work", I thought.

Several days later, as it began to look like we could not go there, I phoned to tell him of our difficulties and to see if he still wanted to come to Port Au Prince. Our main goal at this point was to get the door open for future ministry. I could only spare a few days on this visit. So, if I couldn't go there, we would bring him here, let him travel around with us, hear the doctrine and find out if he could receive it...and us. But, he said, "Oh, I have spent 20,000 Pesos for your campgrounds." (That is over American) I said, "Why? We don't need that? What made you do that?" "Oh! Es muy necessario, hermano." I couldn't see why it was so necessary, but I listened to him try to explain how he had spent so much money that we had to come there. So, I said, "Ok, we will keep trying." About ten minutes later he called back. "Hermano, if you will send me the 20,000 Pesos to repay the church, and the money for the bus...I will come to you." Bro. Levael had the phone and was relaying the message. I said, "No...I ain't gonna send him five hundred dollars for a camp we knew nothing about...that we never asked for. Hey, we sleep on the ground in the Haitian jungle. What is going on here...who is this guy?" Levael never said a word about having financed him before. He is so kind...so respectful of God's children, he probably never saw a link. I would have....but God never let me know at that time. I would have probably chuked the whole thing. So, we agreed to try to come...and we did.

Now we were sitting in the chicken place waiting. Waiting, and waiting and waiting. Finally, after nearly two hours I said, "Call this guy and see what in the world is going on. If we are going to church tonight we better get something happening." (In Haiti we start church at five pm, the latest.) We borrowed..or rented, rather, another mobile. (This time it was only five bucks.) Imagine my response when I was told that "He is sleeping...I would not want to wake him."

My Irish ancestors crossed with native Americans two generations back. That did not produce a 'mild mannered reporter'. "He is WHAT?" I was not gentle. Bro. Levael talked to him. He said, finally, "He is coming. He was asleep." He shrugged. I sat down and sweetened my spirit with prayer.

Twenty minutes later Sr. Gomez arrived. A short, balding, gentle looking man he spoke softly but very dignified. He came in and said quietly, "May I eat, too?" Bro. Levael went with him to order...and paid the bill. I sat steaming. Who was this innocent looking fella who cared so little about us as to go to sleep and keep us waiting in a strange land for two hours having known for weeks we were arriving at this time? What would happen next? When would we get to preach? I really didn't feel much like preaching for him...but I knew God would meet me there and calm me, anoint me, if I did. He always does. No matter where or when.

Introductions were made all around and Sr. Gomez wolfed down his chicken like he was starved. But, he didn't look lean and hungry. He appeared well fed and appareled. Then he said, "Bro. Paul, I am honored to have you here...God's servant. If I were a rich man I would purchase all that you need. But, alas, I am a very poor man. I have only 20 Pesos in my pocket. I cannot afford gasoline for my 'scooter'........." (Everyone in the DR prefers those little motorbikes. We have a photo of a man moving furniture on one.) "I will need some money to feed you. I know I should take care of you...and that is the right way. But, I am so poor...."

I didn't like it. Here it was again. But, we gave him some money...I don't remember how much. And, we left.

I have forgotten to tell you that we had a flat tire on the way into Santo Domingo and Bro. Peter had changed it in the middle of the street....cars whizzing by just missing us at the last minute. These were Haitians. They just took care of things as they came up...wherever they occurred. "But", as the Apostle Paul once wrote, "I spare you.........."

Because of that, though, it would be necessary to replace or repair the tire as soon as possible. Bro. Levael told him that, since we would not be having a service this evening, we would need to locate a tire shop right away. Sr. Gomez was insisting that we go to the "camp" which was another 45 kilometers away. And the brothers did not want to travel without a spare. Arrangements were made. We would follow him to his 'place'...I'm not sure if this was where he held church or where he lived. Perhaps, both. Then we would go to a tire shop. And then to the 'camp'. Off we went.

After winding around and around through the streets of Santo Domingo...Sr. Gomez seemed to be meandering around like he couldn't make up his mind where to go...we finally drew up before a concrete block building across from a thriving 'honky tonk'. We were escorted in where we were introduced to his wife...a frail little sister in a tight bun and a shabby dress I felt sorry for her and repented of my attitude toward Sr. Gomez. After all, this was a new country, a different people.....I decided to be more thoughtful of them and their poverty. But, it was short-lived. Sr. Gomez led us over and excitedly pointed out an ancient printing press where he produced his books. He gave us each a copy of them both to examine while he fired up the press to demonstrate what he seemed to think was a most important ministry.

I looked over the book. It didn't take long to see that Sr. Gomez thought himself to be one of the two witnesses in Revelation 11. And, his picture superimposed on one of Bro. Branham looked like a bad toupee on a bald head. My Spanish is not the best but I read enough to know that this guy was either crazy or deceived...maybe both. It did not occur to me, as it has since, that he might just be senile, also. Anyway, he pitched me for money to support his publishing scheme. He showed us a "Pillar of Fire" photo on the wall. It showed him standing on a platform with a halo light....another bad toupee. I was getting badly disgusted...but I still hoped for a chance to meet some Christians and share the Word. And, at this point we had nowhere to go except with him.

He declared that he would need some money for the women to shop with. And, we would need to wait while he exchanged it on the street for Pesos...even though, it would cost him dearly, he feared. The exchange rate being what it was on the street. Br. Levael translated. I said, "How much does he want?" "Fifty dollars American" was the reply. That is nearly 2000 Pesos at a fair exchange. (1900) I looked in my pocket. I had two twenty's left. I had a hundred dollar bill tucked in the passport pocket of my laptop case,...for emergency. I said, "Look, Levael, I got forty bucks left. Tell him he will have to make it do. Tell him he can eat my portion." I handed over the money. Out the door he went.

A young girl, teenager, in tight jeans came in the front door behind him and was introduced by Sr. Gomez's wife as their daughter. Then, the lady asked if we would like some water. We were all parched in the heat and said, "Si, gracias" The daughter served us each a glass after an interminable wait while they whispered in the other room. When we had finished our glass she asked, "Mas?" One or two of the brothers replied, "Si, por favor." Then the girl said, "I will need some money to purchase it." I groaned. We all decided we were satisfied...to their disappointment it seemed.

Later on we discussed this humorously. Someone said, "The Bible said , if you give someone a glass of water in His name you receive a reward. Wonder if that applies if you purchase him one with his own money?" We all laughed together and then sighed.

Sr. Gomez returned. We then went to the tire shop. Sr. Gomez insisted we should eat. He took us to a restaurant while the man mounted the tire for us. Levael paid the bill...at the tire shop and the restaurant. Sr. Gomez ordered a full meal...we snacked. We weren't hungry and we were cost conscious...though no one said so. We were all running out of funds. Finally we left for the 'camp'.

The 'camp' turned out to be the former home of one of the DR's most notable past politicians. It was a plush 'castle on a hill' hidden way back in the 'boonies'. It was a marvel...a spectacular place even in this age in the DR, it must have been a wonder, indeed, in its day. (We would also learn later that he had 'borrowed' the place from the caretaker who was friend of his. He did not pay 20,000 Pesos.) We were shown all the comforts and we turned in after Sr. Gomez had left and we had sang praises and prayed together.

Sr. Gomez explained that he would be bringing the sisters out to prepare breakfast. That was why he had needed the money. But, on the way to the camp, though he stopped to shop in a store and took a good bit of time, he bought only a tube of toothpaste and a flashlight. He handed me the light and said, "You will need this." I did...to get us through the wire fence gates that led to the 'camp'.

But, next morning, no sisters. Sr. Gomez said, "The sisters won't be here. We will need to buy breakfast." Then he took me out on the porch and tried to sell me some land. "See all this?" he asked pointing. "You could build a fine church on that hill and you could put in cottages for the ministers and so forth in that meadow..." Like that. I was getting tired of all this. "I can get this land for you for a fabulous price...." I said, "Sr. Gomez, I did not come here to buy land. It is far too late in the hour for such plans. Do you not believe that we are in the closing moments of history and that this is the endtime? Don't you believe the Message?" He saw then that I wasn't going to bite, so he changed the subject and led me back into the house. He never did answer my question.

Now at this point you are probably asking "what kind of testimony is this? Where is the glory of God in all this nonsense?" And, I don't blame you for that. Nonsense it was, and is. But, God was using all this "nonsense' to prepare us for His glory. Here is how.

Before turning in the night before, after we had prayed, Bro. Peter came to me and said, "Bro. Paul, I attended a meeting last year where there were some brothers from the Dominican. They said they were from Santo Domingo. One of them was a pastor." I said, "What? Not Sr. Gomez?" Peter replied, "No, brother." (Of course, Bro. Peter was speaking Kreyole for that is his only tongue. Bro. Levael was interpreting for me and all of us were really curious about these brothers.) "You got a name, address, phone number? Anything?" Bro. Peter said, "I wrote down the pastors phone number, but I don't have it with me." I groaned again. "But, Bro. (Somebody) also got it. And, I know his number in Haiti. We can call him in the morning on Sr. Gomez's mobile." We agreed on it and went to bed. Now, we intended to make this contact. We borrowed Sr. Gomez phone and Bro. Peter and Bro. Levael started making calls.

Before long they had the information they needed. Sr. Gomez saw the name they were writing down...not understanding their speech, of course. He started in fussing then. That gentle, soft spoken little guy, changed quickly. He told us we should not speak to this person. That he would only take our money, that he was a hypocrite, that he was in gross doctrinal error, that he was.....nearly the devil, himself, by the time he was finished. And, the more he talked, the better I felt about this new man. "Call him, now", I said to Bro. Levael. He did so, while Sr. Gomez lodged more complaints.

Now, we would learn before long that this man was more wary of us than we were of him. We were anxious to meet him...he was not so anxious to meet us. Here is why. (Now, please proceed with caution and listen to me carefully here lest I be misunderstood. I must tell something that reflects upon my dear friends and brethren. Do not fail to comprehend what I am saying and do not condemn anyone beforehand.)

When this pastor, Bro. Tony, came to Haiti he came seeking the very thing we desired to offer. Having sat under Sr. Gomez for some six or seven years, I believe it was, this young man had been led by the Holy Spirit to separate himself from him. He was now pastoring a group, as you will soon learn, and had a strong desire to evangelize his nation for Christ, the Message. He had, therefore, come to a Convention held in one of the churches in Haiti. The pastor of this church that held the Convention is a faithful brother, and a good friend of mine. He believes what I do and preaches it. He was the one to stand by my side at the National Convention when I withstood the "message" denominationals. He had been the one who courageously preached the Word of the Day to back up that stance. And, the brethren who had preached his Convention are also friends and fellowlabourers with us in this Message we preach. But, some of the younger brothers, preaching grace, and by enthusiasm, perhaps, more than inspiration, had said some things which I, too, would have disagreed with. Bro. Tony had done so and had left soured by their response and lack of knowledge as to the correct teaching on these things. And, since I am associated with these brethren by reputation around the globe, he had heard my name and assumed that I was in full accord with them and the things which had stumbled him. So, when he learned that these brethren now calling him were with me he was not much inclined to have me minister among them.

But, the brother was a genuine believer, a real Christian. God knew us both and was directing our paths, though we did not know that at this point. Indeed, I was wondering if I had missed His leadership altogether in coming to the DR. Bro. Tony, being, as I have said, a Christian, would not refuse to fellowship a brother even if he disagreed with me. He did not want me to preach to his people at that point, but he would not refuse me the right hand of fellowship. So, he invited me to visit him in his home.

Not knowing any of this, but anxious to meet a genuine brother, a fellow pastor, I set out immediately for his home. Sr. Gomez, seeing we were determined, and, perhaps realizing that we were growing wary of him, changed again and agreed to escort us to the brothers residence. Now, here is where I missed the Lord.

As we prepared to leave I felt definitely led to pack up everything and take it along with us. I walked into the room shared by Bro. Peter and Bro. Levael to tell them to "load up". But, as I entered the room I saw that Bro. Levael was hanging his shirts in the closet to 'let the wrinkles fall out' as we travelers do. So, I thought, "Let it go. We'll be back. You always want to pack everything with you. Let them brethren alone. Just go do your mission." ( Now that was not the Lord speaking at all. He had already instructed me in my heart to "load up".) I turned and went out. I carried my Bible and laptop case down to the car...I would need that. Then, standing there in the yard, He told me again. I went up and got my own bag....but I did not warn my brethren as I knew I should. I put it off as my own 'paranoia'. That was a mistake. I was sorry later.

We went then to meet Bro. Tony. And what a meeting it was! From the moment I entered the house I was filled with love and assurance that this was the place where God had sent us. That these were His people and the ones who would receive the Word of the Day which He had sent us to declare. I never doubted that we were, from that moment on, in the absolute perfect will of God for this trip. But, it didn't start off smoothly.

But, first let me tell you what I would learn about this pastor and his people. Bro. Tony, after much patient suffering had separated from Sr. Gomez, the man who had first told him about Bro. Branham. Later on he met another man and fellowshipped with him for a while. Bro. Tony lived with his wife and son in a 'lean-to' shed on the back of another house. Poor? My! (I saw the place...he showed it to me.) Unemployed and struggling to feed his family he nevertheless obeyed a call in his heart to preach. He started doing so on the streets near his home. Then he found a job. A very good job with a telephone company. He said to me, "Brother Paul, my pockets filled up, and when I emptied them they filled up again. When I put my hand out God filled it. I bought this land"....just yards away from his former 'lean-to'..."and intended to build a home for my family." (Every man's dream for his loved ones.) "But then", he continued, "God said, 'Build me a house first.' So, I did." Bro. Tony had gathered his handful and they had proceeded to build a church building. Small, simple, but a work of faith and love for the Lord. As he worked, he preached, and God multiplied his flock...and his income. By the time the church was finished it was filled up with saints. Amen! (I feel the Holy Spirit witness as I write) Glory!

Then, Bro. Tony and his flock, built a home for his family. Right next door to the church. {See the pictures on the photo page}

When we entered the house I received a witness, as I have said, that this was where God wanted me. And, Sr. Gomez was already filled with anger and bitterness toward me. This was due to the 'final straw' which occurred on our way to Bro. Tony's place.

Driving down the road, Sr Gomez made conversation with Levael. He seemed to be trying to singularly impress this particular brother. Of course, Bro. Levael was, in some ways, the most important member of the team. He spoke, not only Spanish, but also French and Kreyole so he could interpret for us all whereas we had trouble communicating with one another. It would have been impossible to do so, in fact, without him. (Now, Bro. Cherry, also, spoke all three languages but his English was poor...not nearly as good as Bro. Levael's. And, for this mission it was crucial that he understand both English and Spanish equally well. And, especially English because I was the preacher...you see?)

Then Levael said, "Brother Paul, Sr. Gomez wants something. He said he needs to move some furniture into town and wants us to help him since we have the vehicle for it."

Well, that got my Irish up good. I said slowly and deliberately, "Bro. Levael, I understood some of that. I also have understood that you have been politely altering my words so as to soften my sayings to this guy. We have moddy-coddled the devil long enough."

Raising my voice a bit, I said, "Levael, I want you to say to him EXACTLY what I say to you. I know that the word for 'no' is the same in English and Spanish, so he will understand that. But you tell him word for word the rest of it."

Then I said, "NO! NO! NO! I did not come here to move furniture. I did not come here to pay his bills. I came here to PREACH! We have not seen the church. We have not even heard if there will be a service. I CAME HERE TO PREACH. I WANT TO SPEAK OF JESUS! JESUS! JESUS!" By now I was pounding on the window frame with my fist. "I WONT SPEAK OF ANYTHING BUT JESUS! Tell Sr. Gomez THAT!" He did. Word for word! And Sr. Gomez was quiet from then on.

So, now as we began to fellowship around the precious Word of God, Sr, Gomez was restless and flitting about the room. I ignored him, but the brethren were intimidated. Bro. Tony, too, ignored him. (He knew him much better than we did.) I told Bro. Tony that I understood he had been at the Convention in Bro.......'s church. Bro. Tony came clean right away. I loved him for it, later. But, I saw trouble at the first.

"Yes, Bro. Paul, I was there. I was reluctant to meet you because of that...because you represent (certain brothers) (They) are not welcome in my pulpit. I cannot believe in loose living and worldliness...." (Now, neither do these precious brethren believe in such. But some of the things that the younger brothers had said had made it sound like it.)

I felt the Holy Spirit move and heard, "Bro. Tony. Those men are my brethren. I may not agree with all that they say, either, but they are my brethren and I will stand up for them. However, I did not come here to speak to you of (the brother's names). I came to speak with you about Jesus Christ. He is Who I represent. He is Who sent me. I have come to you in the name of Jesus Christ." And the Spirit of the Lord fell upon us all........until we were shaking in His Presence.

From that moment unto this we are brethren in one accord. I began to speak the Word of the Lord. He, too, then preached back to me. Bro. Levael interpreted quickly and efficiently as the Holy Spirit anointed him likewise. Brotherly love like a cloud settled over us all. It was an incredible experience. Never have I felt such love...such bonding with power. Within minutes we were rejoicing, exalting in His Presence and in the union of fellowship. Then Sr. Gomez came on the scene again.

Somehow, even in that atmosphere, Sr. Gomez remained untouched. He demanded that we take him home. I refused him. I ordered him to sit down telling him we were speaking of Jesus Christ, the Word, and that he was completely out of order and fellowship with the brethren. He sat down. But, soon, he was up again. Storming over to me he put a paper in my hand and fled the house through the front entrance. Some of the brethren, Bro. Levael also, who was interpreting, rose to go after him. I said, "Let him go!" They sat back down. I continued to speak with Bro Tony concerning the Message. I do not know what I said, but It was Him.

Bro. Tony said, "Bro. Paul, I carefully guard my pulpit. I do not allow others to disturb my flock. But, if you will do so...if you are not committed elsewhere...I want you to preach for me here in the morning service. Can you do it?"

I thought, "Yes! Yes! Yes!"

But I said, "Well, brother Tony, I am not committed to Sr. Gomez. He invited me here, true. But, he has not asked me to preach. He has not even spoken to me of his church, his faith....he has not even once spoken the name of Jesus Christ. Yes, brother Tony, I would be honored to stand in your pulpit and preach the Word of God! Thank you for your words of confidence. Yes, brother. Yes!"

That agreed upon we continued to fellowship around the Word and to become acquainted with one another. I looked down at the paper thrust into my hand by Sr. Gomez. It had only my name and phone number. It was the paper on which Sr. Gomez had copied these after having been given them by Bro. Levael. Sr. Gomez was saying, "I'm done with you." I suddenly realized why I felt so strongly about bringing everything with us. All of the brethrens luggage was still at the camp. But, Bro. Tony was speaking to me so I shook off the thought for the moment. I felt really bad, though, for having missed the Lord's warning.

After some time, however, Sr. Gomez appeared again. He wanted someone to take him to his church...wherever that was. A brother had appeared who was introduced around. He spoke English. This brother was in Bro. Tony's church. Then others appeared. Soon several of the brethren from this church were gathered in and the women were preparing food.

As Sr. Gomez was making such a fuss the brethren decided to leave and take him where he wanted to go. I, myself, had had enough of Sr. Gomez. Bro. Cherry remained with me to assist in translation and Bro. Levael and Bro. Fritze took Sr. Gomez away.

Here I will break the normal sequence of events to remove Sr. Gomez from our report once and for all. Since I never again saw, nor heard, from the man (although we attempted to make contact with him several times afterwards...to extend Christian love and grace) this is the best time to finish off telling of his part in this.

Much, much later on in the afternoon the brothers returned having been required to deliver him to several places and then to drive to the camp for their things. Had I listened to the Lord in my heart at the first this long and unpleasant trip would have been unnecessary. As I have said so often to others, and now repeat even to my own self, "Always, always, listen to your heart".

The brethren were concerned about offending Sr. Gomez. They did not want to have to explain to the deacons in Haiti why he had been mistreated should he complain to the churches. Haitians are very serious about Christianity and very strictly adhere to the leadership in the churches. Coming out of the Voodoo they recognize the power of that other dimension. Most have witnessed or experienced the supernatural, and from the wrong side, even from early childhood. So they take both the devil and Christ seriously.

It is said that Haitians are 90% Catholic and 100% Voodoo. Of course, that is not true for the Bride of Christ is in there. But Catholicism is everywhere apparent. Spiritualism prevails. Symbolism is everywhere displayed...on the cars, on the buildings, in the graveyards and even the churches. Throughout the land dark forces are invoked and believed on. These people understand the power in symbolism and in words. They realize that they are not unseen. They believe in the supernatural.

Catholicism is the highest form of 'spiritualism' there is, and Voodoo is but a darker Catholicism...not as subtle. And, in Haiti even the Protestant denominational so-called Christians practice the Voodoo. I know of a Pentecostal pastor who hired a voodoo priest to perform a ceremony to boost his attendance...and thus his finances. He paid handsomely for it thinking it worth the cost. True!

Bro. Wilner's uncle is a Voodoo priest. He told Wilner, "I know who is a real Christian and who is not. If I want to get one, I can. Let him just have one doubt or manifest one worldly trait and I can have him. They're nearly all in my hands."

In the Bible the demons knew who was real and who was not. They identified Jesus and Paul when the religious leaders did not. Friend, if you are a Christian the devil knows you by name and fears you. If you are not, he knows that, too.

So, Haitians take seriously the things of God, the supernatural. They believe in some form of the supernatural and call it god.

Most do not comprehend that God is the Word...but neither do most Christians.

God is not a man, but God dwells in men. God is a Spirit, the Holy Spirit, Christ. He declared Himself in Jesus. That Holy Spirit God, became flesh though a supernatural act of creation in a virgin womb which produced a man...Jesus Christ.

And, in This Day, our day, that same Holy Spirit God is made flesh again...by a supernatural act in the earthly Body of the Lord, His Church. Jesus Christ is back on earth in a divinely formed Body...formed by the supernatural. Not by intellectual conception. By supernatural birth. A Supernatural race performing His supernatural acts. The same as in the Book of Acts.

God is the Word! To obey God we must obey the Word. To believe God we must believe the Word. To have God we must have the Word. To know God we must know the Word. God is the Word. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." He still is..."Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."

And, that Word is supernatural. That is something to take very, very seriously. Too bad so many in America don't.

So, while the brethren knew the way would be hard, they left to appease and assist Sr. Gomez. They would not mistreat anyone...especially one who claimed to be a brother in Christ. Christianity is living for others as our Lord did.

Bro. Levael told how that as soon as they were out of sight of us Sr. Gomez had proceeded to warn him against me. He had said that I was surely a 'devil' and that no Christian would have said "NO! NO! NO!" to his simple requests. (He was at that time holding some more American cash that he had asked for and received from Bro. Levael...which he chose not return although he put them out and therefore did not use it for the purpose he had requested it.) He warned that Bro. Levael would certainly suffer greatly if he should remain with me as I was a 'cursed person' a 'diablo'. Bro. Levael had tried to calm him and reassure him that I was a man of God...which caused him to rage more. He then demanded that they get their belongings out of the camp and accompanied them there to see that nothing was left of the "diablo". This man said many other very strong things against the brethren for which I can only hope that he will repent. We attempted, all of us, to offer him mercy and grace. Bro. Tony was aware of what the Bro. had said about him in past time (such as what he had said to us) and had always shown mercy and love toward the man regardless of his attitude. But Bro. Tony, like myself, had seen that the only way to avoid trouble with Sr. Gomez was to separate from him.

The throne of Christ is in the heart of the believer. The mercy seat is in us and we showed mercy always. Bro. Branham said: "Where's the throne at now? In the heart. In the heart of who? The members of the Seven Church Ages, Christ. "Speak a word against their action, you're condemned." You'll answer for it in the day of judgment."

So, we leave it with God. I do not judge Sr. Gomez. He, like us all, is already judged by the Word. May God have mercy on him as we have shown mercy toward him. So let God judge between us.

The fellowship at Bro. Tony's house had grown sweeter and sweeter with each passing moment. As more and more of his people came in I was reminded of our own special Fellowship Services at home. As I have told you before we do not have 'church' on Saturday. Instead we have a Fellowship. We gather in the early evening ( 6:30 pm) and have a meal together.

Bro. Branham said: "And we notice eating is implied in fellowship. What do we have a breakfast? Why, don't we just meet and talk? But there's something about eating that brings a fellowship.
And now did you notice Jesus in the--the closing of His life's Journey? He wanted a little time of fellowship with the disciples, so He called them apart, and set a table, and broke bread, and--and--and blessed it, and had eating". FELLOWSHIP_ MIDDLETOWN.OH

After this meal, we sit around and visit with one another as the sisters clear away the dishes and things. Then we have Fellowship around the Word as we eat spiritual food. Sometimes we sing or play instruments; other times we don't. Sometimes we see gifts operating in prophecy and discernment and other manifestations; sometimes we don't. Almost always, though, some one of the ministers will teach from the Word. Sometimes we have "Question and Answers". Other times we choose a particular doctrine or subject. Other times we don't. At this Saturday Fellowship God is our Leader and the Holy Spirit has complete sway. Many, many people have come to this Saturday Fellowship, and from all over the world, and always we hear the same thing spoken..."We never seen such before". We thank God for His direction in these things.

As we gathered around the table and 'feasted' on the marvelous fare that late Saturday afternoon at Bro. Tony's home, we continued to share the 'spiritual food' that the Holy Spirit served up. Afterward, as we sat around in comfort, we sang together, prayed together, preached and taught together...and God had His way. The Holy Spirit moved from one to the other as He had His way with each of us. There was no confusion as one would preach, another sing, another pray...the others quietly receiving from Him through the ministry of the Body to its parts. It was a wonderful time. Afterward, speaking to the brethren, they all agreed..."We never seen such before." They, of course, have never been to a Saturday Fellowship at the Word of the Day Tabernacle.

Eventually we had to part for the night. Bro. Tony sent a brother with us who escorted us to a nearby hotel. There the brother paid for our accommodations. The rooms were crude and without electricity and running water, but it was a marvelous gesture to we who had so far been drained and drawn by greedy and deceitful men...one of whom called himself our brother. I am certain that Bro. Tony had no idea the effect this had on us, he was only doing as a Christian would for others. We fully expected to pay for our own rooms and would have done so without reluctance or feeling in anyway mistreated. We know full well the poverty of the people in these Third World nations and for that reason we always make provision to pay our own expenses. When we go to such places we go to give and not to receive, but Christians everywhere are givers. Poor as they are in Haiti, I am never in need and usually the only money that I spend other than for travel is what I place in the offering plates and give of my own choosing. I usually take money specifically for this as it is hard to see the need and not respond. As you know, on my first trip to Haiti I gave away all my clothes as well as all my money so that when I arrived in OKC on a Friday it was necessary for Dale and I to make a trip to Wal-Mart to purchase a fresh set of clothes for me to wear on Saturday. And now, here in the Dominican Republic, once we had located God's children, we were taken care of with abundant generosity and love. Throughout the remainder of our stay we were fed and housed and otherwise cared for and, no doubt, at great sacrifice. Yet, we did not refuse this kindness for great will be their reward in heaven.

There in that humble motel we joined once again in prayer and praise and thanksgiving. Our wonderful Guide, the Lord Jesus, had brought us to the place where He would have us. I realized that had it not been for Sr. Gomez's invitation I would never have arrived at the door of Bro. Juan Antonio Roso. God knew him and He knew me. God knew that he would never invite me because of misunderstanding, and He knew, also, that I would not go without invitation. He used Sr. Gomez to bring me here and He had even warned me to be prepared not to return to the camp. Despite my ignorance and stubborn heart He had made the way straight. And, even as I had foreseen, these my precious companions had, indeed, discerned the Will of the Lord and following His leadership in them brought on this marvelous discovery. God was working in His Body to perform His Will. How grateful we were in our happy hearts that night. How anxiously we looked forward to the dawn and the celebration of His resurrection in the company of His elect. I was a long time in falling asleep that night as I prayed earnestly to receive the Message for this lovely people. Finally, I slept.

The first day of the week, Resurrection morning (the Eighth Day), dawned bright. We were all up early...even Bro. Fritze. Gathering into one room we sang, "Adora li, le Dieu de gloria" then offered prayer to our blessed Lord. Once more we thanked Him for guiding us here and requested His divine leadership in the morning service. We then prepared for church and left in expectations.

The church building reminded me of the Word of the Day Tabernacle. Inside were the familiar curtains behind the pulpit..these red as the "blood" while ours were "purple" for the royalty of the King. Just about the same in size and space and even more crowded. I felt so much at home. The service began and we soon witnessed the love and devotion these saints had for Christ. My! the chorus of song that rose up. Singing in three languages. The melody was familiar and each sang the words in his or her own way. The same words to the same tune, yet in different 'tongues'. Spanish, Kreyole, English...............but all saying the same thing at the same time. The Scripture rang in my heart. "Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion."

Isaiah 52:8. "...with THE Voice together shall they sing...see(ing) eye to eye." This would be my text. I would declare the Day...the Lord's Day...when He hath brought again Zion, the Church. A time for the watchmen ( preachers ) to lift THE Voice...ONE VOICE, the Voice of God, the Word...and sing together seeing eye to eye. A time when when we could all cry "Thus Saith the Lord" having received the perfect and complete Revelation of Jesus Christ through His infallible Voice in a prophet. I would yeild myself to His Spirit and he would speak His doctrine to this people and join us in one heart and one accord in this Day.

The Spirit of the Lord was on the people. Many were dancing in the aisles...made larger by the deacons who were quickly gathering the chairs out of the way of those who were caught up in the joy of thanksgiving. What an excitement as the cry came over and over from the pulpit to the portal, "Lava mi con Fuego! Con feugo, con fuego...lava mi con fuego." "Wash me with Fire, Lord...wash me with fire!" The power of God swept across the building and the saints praised God.....screaming and shouting and dancing in the Spirit. After while, it calmed down and grew quiet. The anointing was on me and I watched as some trembled under the power of the Lord. Then I was preaching.

It was necessary to use two interpreters as their were three languages being spoken. I would preach in English, one would interpret into Spanish, then one would translate from Spanish into Kreyole. I read my text and began to preach. The Word went out from one man to another...English to Spanish to Kreyole. The saints began to respond with "Amen" and "Amen". Then Satan made his play.

The Bible tells us that whenever the sons of God gather together before the Lord Satan comes among them. "Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them". {Job 1:6} The enemy is always working, trying to steal the hearts of men. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" said Peter.

As I preached the Word all worked smoothly for a time. Then, the young man who was interpreting me into Spanish began to falter. It was necessary for him to speak first, after me, for the man interpreting into Kreyole did not speak English. He had to wait for the English to be repeated in Spanish in order to interpret into Kreyole. So, Satan chose this young man to go after. He began to falter, he stopped..."Say again?" I repeated the phrase. He just looked at me. He seemed unable to comprehend my words. I rephrased the statement. He tried. I thought the situation was corrected. My Arky English had been the fault. I went on.

Again, he said, "Repeat, please." I did. He floundered in confusion. Then, I saw the enemy. Now, I have attempted to describe supernatural things before and have been criticized. Brother Branham had trouble with that. So, I will not say much about it. I will tell you that there was a dark shadow and I knew the young man was in trouble. He was still faltering in his words and stared at me confused. I said, "Just a minute" to the congregation and turned directly to the man and said, "Satan, you are exposed. Come away from the man!"

Suddenly the man fell to the floor in a violent motion. He shook and twisted and shrieked. Everyone stared at him as he convulsed on the floor. Then, just as suddenly, he was recovered. He stood to his feet. I said, "Are you alright, brother?" He turned and spoke in Spanish to the congregation...I do not know what he said. Then he turned to me and said, "Alright." And I began again to preach.

The interpretation flowed smoothly from that moment on and as I reached the climax of the message the Holy Ghost fell out upon the people. It was as though a great cloud settled down...there was a mist all over the building. The people began to praise the Lord and there was a mighty move of God as we closed out the service with singing and praise. Amen!

I do not know how to explain what happened, I can only report it as it was. But, that young man interpreted for me throughout the afternoon and into the evening service and so far as I can tell it was perfect. Bro. Levael, who speaks all three languages said that after that he was better than before. I don't believe the young man was sinful or anything...do not take that meaning. I believe the devil tried to take hold of him and disrupt the service. So far as I could learn that man is a Christian. It was an interference with a gift that Satan attempted....and failed.

Following the service we took photographs of the group gathered there which appear on the photos page. During the evening service photos were taken inside the church building and outside afterwards. I am told there are supernatural appearances in some of these, but at the request of Bro. Tony they are not shown. When he wondered, as I have many times, if such photos should be shown, I said, "Bro. Tony, did they edify the church there?"

Of course, he said, "Si!" This conversation was going on in the MSN Messenger on the computer. I copied it.

"Then" I typed, "they served the purpose for which God let them be made. If God was vindicating the Word preached, and that is how you understand it, then they have served the purpose. Until you are certain in your heart that they should be made public keep them in the church. They were for you."

We all went next door to Bro. Tony's house and ate. The sisters had put together a marvelous spread of good things. I filled up on rice and beans, tortillas, and chicken, and beef, and salad, and..........good things. Everyone in the church...or most all of them, anyway, were fed. There was also dessert for later. Those sisters, like our sisters everywhere, could really feed you. Brother!

After we had eaten, Bro, Tony asked if I would like to meet some more believers. I wondered what he meant. Were there others besides these? Why had they not been in church? "Certainly", I said. "I would love to". Grabbing my Bible up, I followed him out the door and into the street. Of course, the brethren fell right into step with us.

Bro. Tony led us down the block, onto the main street, then on down and across. We halted in a sort of courtyard in front of a humble but rather large house. Bro. Tony went right in and I followed. In there I saw a sister...evident by her dress, her appearance. Brother, you can tell the difference between a Christian and the world. Not because they wear a T-shirt that says 'I Love Jesus' but because they are clean and holy in appearance. When you see a Message believer, one who has received Christ the Word, you know it. There were others there who looked like the rest of the world but that sister stood out among them like a candle in the dark. Amen! And that is just what she was...a light to the world. Bro. Tony introduced her by name. I do not remember the sister's Spanish name, but I will always remember that 'candlelight'. Praise the Lord!

Before long it became apparent, and I was able to understand enough of what was said to learn, that this was what was left of a large extended family of a believing brother and sister. We went back out into the courtyard and Bro. Tony said, "Bro. Paul, you want to preach?" I looked. Coming out onto the porch and from around the house were a dozen or so people. Then chairs were being placed in the yard and out came the sister with a large elderly man who appeared to be infirm. He was placed in a chair directly in front of me and looked at me expectantly.

Well, that question, "You want to preach?" is to me like "sic em", to a bulldog. Of course, I want to preach. I'm a preacher. I came here to preach. The first man, the one I came to preach for had not even presented me with the opportunity. This man, Bro. Tony, had given me his pulpit, now he was presenting me with a new audience...and asking, "You want to preach?" I preached.

And, I preached, and I preached, and I preached. That handsome old man lit up like a holiday lantern and I heard many an "Amen". Bro. Levael was interpreting for me. God gave me the words and I can't say what they were...but, I preached! And they hung onto every word of it. After a while I felt the anointing lifting and I wound down. Bro. Tony introduced me to the gentleman in the chair and I found out that he, too, was a preacher. He had, at one time, been Bro. Tony's pastor...after he had left Sr. Gomez. He was old and infirm now but still held his little clan together best he could. Some had drifted into the world or married into it...but he was holding on like Simeon awaiting the Lord's Christ. It was a pleasure and an honor to meet him and to shake his hand...and to discern his spirit. He was a brother. And, I honor him here giving honor where honor is due. We shook hands all around and left. It was getting on towards time for the evening service...and I was asked to preach again.

Now, I do not know what the results are of that meeting in that yard...but God had a purpose in it. When I get to glory I will know. Of that I am certain. God's Word will not return unto Him void. So be it!

The evening service was as exciting as the morning one was. Everyone was in great expectations having seen what God had done before. Some had been with us all day hearing the Word and seeing how God was leading. I preached a cornucopia of doctrine....the Holy Spirit revealing the deeper things of the Message to bring the New Birth...a "clear understanding". At times it was nearly impossible to preach for the excitement of the people. I would have to wait while they shouted out the joy of the revelation. And again, as before, the climax of the message brought a manifestation of God in power and demonstration.

Bro. Branham said: "The Word is Light when It's vindicated. Until the Word, it--that's promised for the day is a-vindicated, then it is not Light. It cannot be. If God said, "Let there be light," and no sun come in existence, there's no sign of light. But when God said, "Let there be light," and there was light... When God promised a Messiah, Messiah come, then His Word was fulfilled and He was the Light of the hour. When He promised Noah, and He promised the others, and on down, they was the light of the hour.

And there's a Light of the hour today; that's Jesus Christ in the power of His resurrection, His Word that's promised for this day. "The works that I do, shall you also; greater than this will you do, for I go to the Father." Greater works, greater things than He did? You believe it? I believe it. It seems humble. It seems like it goes over the top of people's head. Look when He was here on earth. How could you do greater works? I've translated that, many times, "more," but the same thing. "Greater," He said in St. John 14:12, "greater works than this shall you do." SHALOM

"Christ in the True Church", Bro. Branham said, is " a continuation of the Book of Acts." He said, Satan "knows that if the people get the TRUE REVELATION of the TRUE CHURCH and what she is, what she stands for and that SHE CAN DO THE GREATER WORKS, she will be an invincible army. If they get a true revelation of the two spirits within the framework of the Christian church, and by God's Spirit discern and withstand the antichrist spirit, Satan will be powerless before her."

Wherever the Christ, Who is the Word, is revealed in His True Church you will see Him vindicate Himself.

"Come back here and see those great mysteries hidden in the Bible, opened up to us on a new field that we never knowed before, and perfectly blends in to the coming of the Lord Jesus.

Then at the end of the messages, see the action of the great Holy Spirit; see Him come down visible before people, even take pictures of It; see It working and showing that it's not a man; it's not just a preacher; it's not a certain congregation; It's the Holy Spirit showing the same thing It did when It was embodied in the body of Jesus Christ. Now, It's embodied in the Body of His Bride." DESPERATION_ JEFF.IN 63

That is the Word of the Day...this day! We expect that God will do so...and He always does. Amen.

As it always does in this life, the time came when we were forced to depart. When this time came we were all, without exception overcome with emotion. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I have met brethren, thousands of them, and I have been in countless fellowships and church meetings in over thirty years of preaching, but rarely have I been so overcome by the partings. All of them are difficult for fellowship is grand, but this was the finest of all. It was literally and truly a Godsend to have been there. The Spirit of the Lord hovered over us the while. The brotherly love was beyond description. As I said, we were overwhelmed. We were all pretty choked up and we were slow about leaving. How wonderful it will be when there are no more partings. But leave we did, finally. We returned to the motel for another night. After praise and prayer we turned in our hearts still heavy with partings.

We were slower to rise the next morning and we teased brother Fritze unmercifully.........well, I did. But, we had completed this mission and it was now time to return to Haiti and continue on. Of course, we all determined to return if possible. We were assured that there would now be an exchange between the brethren of the two nations. The Spanish speaking brothers from the Haitian churches would be welcomed here as would the Dominicans there. And the Word of the Day was received with joy and gladness. Once again we sang His praises and offered up prayers of thanksgiving and guidance. Then we loaded up.

Now, I am certain that Bro. Tony paid our bill. I am positive that the brother did so on the first night. And, though I did not see an exchange on the second night, I feel certain there was one. But, as we prepared to leave in the morning the attendant refused to open the gate. Another Dominican scheme, I suppose. He demanded payment for two nights. Brother Levael was inclined to pay, I was not. I felt it was an insult to the brothers sacrifice. Bro. Levael and I rarely disagree but this time we did. We talked it over. I soon realized, however, that to settle it we would have to bring Bro. Tony into it and that did not seem right, either. So.....we paid the guy. The attendant pocketed the money and unlocked the gate. That is the way it is in the Dominican Republic.

On the way home we stopped at a shopping mall to see what we might find. And, was I surprised! They had everything. And, I mean everything. I cannot think of a single item purchasable anywhere I have ever been that was not available there. Anything you would find in America was found there. And more. Items from Europe and Asia that I have never seen in Wal-Mart or in any shopping mall in the US. That is the truth. The brothers all purchased some things for their wives....mirrors were one of the main items, I noticed. And, wind up clocks, I think. Anyway, they shopped for their families and I purchased some items that cannot be found anywhere in Haiti. Supplies that I had depleted. From now on I would need my credit cards. "C'est un monde different"

The drive home gave me opportunity for photographs and I used it. We have many, many of them...far too many to post. But, we will offer a panorama of them. There will be a page for that, I suppose.

Before closing this report I wish to say once more that without doubt God led us to the door of Bro. Juan Antonio Roso. This marvelous brother was unknown to us, to others of like faith...perhaps known only to God. This work of his had gone on in faith and humility unheralded. He had asked nothing of man but had received of God. The men and women who attend his church are blessed to have this man for their pastor. He is a God-called man. May God continually bless him and all of his, is our prayer.

Keep watching for future reports on the Acts of the Holy Spirit in the Dominican Republic. Please continue to pray for this ministry.

Word of the Day Tabernacle

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Oklahoma City, Okla. 73107

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