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Carlos & Sara Mora & family
By Carlos Mora
Having a part in the expansion of the
kingdom of God on earth is a privilege. It
is also a blessing that motivates one to grow
spiritually and live more purposely for God.

had never even heard the name Baptist. I
never thought that this was the place where
God would bring me six years later to start a
local church.

For three years my wife, Sara, and I had been
praying about where God wanted us to start a
new church in the Dominican Republic. We
were always certain that God wanted us in
the Dominican Republic, but we never had
peace about where He wanted us. We took
many trips to different parts of the country.

The Dominican Republic is a country with
many places in need of an independent
local church with sound doctrine.

In 2017, Mike Creed, a pastor from the
States, and a young man from his church
were visiting and had the desire to visit the
Samaná Peninsula and see that area. My
pastor asked me to go with them. Of course,
as a 17-year-old boy I said, “Yes.” On the
way I could see many needs and above all a
great need for the Gospel. At this time there
was not a single New Testament church in
the whole Province of Samaná. The people
In November 2022 Pastor Mike and Pastor
Steve Sidler (my pastor) organized a group
from different churches in the States with the
vision of evangelizing and giving Romans to
each person in the Samaná Peninsula. As a
result of nine days evangelizing, 3,866 people
confessed Christ as Savior and more than
45,000 people received a copy of Romans.

This was also the same week God began
to work in me about coming to Samaná
to start a church in the town of El Limón.

After moving in February 2023, we began
to have Bible studies with our neighbors,
and each time we had more people come
and join. I believe at first they came out
of curiosity, but God used that time to see
people come to know Him. We then had the
opportunity to rent an apartment where we
could meet formally as a church and have
services. Through evangelism God began
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adding more. We started a Bible Club for children
every Saturday, Bible Study on Wednesday, and
services on Sunday.

When starting a church, a pastor prays that the
people in his church will begin to see God work.

Each week we prayed for a need for the church.

One was for chairs. At first we did not have chairs
so we rented them. Each week we prayed, then
God answered. It was amazing to see their child-
like faith rejoice when we announced that God
provided to buy chairs for the church.

There were many times when we became
discouraged with different attacks from Satan, but
God reminded us that we were in the right place
and that kept our eyes on Him. Through some
of those trials, God allowed us to become closer
to the people on the Peninsula. They watched us
go through something very difficult and come
out the other side stronger. Only God can do
that. At first, we were the “new missionaries.”
We heard from several people that missionaries
would come and go. None would stay. Life outside
of the capital is quite different and can be hard.

At times, we do not have electricity or water for
several days. The closest store to buy groceries
is 40 minutes away, and they do not always have
what we need. These struggles of day-to-day life
are our open door to connecting with the people.

Making those connections is vital when the
people see we understand their lives. That makes
all the difference when planting a new church!
Above all, the greatest blessing in starting a
church is seeing children, teens, and adults go
from an old life to a new life. We get to observe
how they allow themselves to be changed by the
power of the Gospel. W
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