The time has gone by so fast. Here I am, sitting here, for my last night in the Dominican Republic. I have moved out of my house, and I'm staying with the missionaries for my last night. When I first felt God call me to come to this country I thought it was for maybe five months at the most. When I was told that it had to be 10 months I was nervous. I had never spent 10 months out of the US. Maybe a one week mission trip, but 10 months?? That is so long!! Can I be away from my family that long? I will miss the entire summer! All of these things plus more made me question the call to missions. After much prayer I finally made the commitment. I spent five weeks in Guatemala learning Spanish, then another ten months here in the DR.
I couldn't have been more blessed with my time here. I was paired up with the most amazing missionaries, Mitch and Debbie Martinez. I learned so much from them, and they felt like parents away from home. I had two great American friends. They are both English teaches at the school with me and are also missionary volunteers, Rayven and Jerry. I also made many other friends, and I can't list them all. I was also blessed to be a part in many ministry events. We held sports camps, worship services, United for Him, painting, constructing schools, giving out Bibles, helping flood victims, and much more. I started a baseball ministry and youth ministry. All of these things are what I did on the side. I spent 40 hours a week teaching English to 5th-10th graders. I had five classes every morning and one English intensive in the afternoon. Keeping busy is what made the time fly by so fast.
While I am home in the US I am really going to miss it here. However, I have made another 10 month commitment for next year. Yes! I am coming back to the Dominican Republic! Many things are going to be changing in my next year here. I will not be returning with the Assemblies of God World Mission. I am in the process of forming my own non-profit. I have created Transition Ministry. It will be a ministry where people can donate, as well as send funds to help with different projects. My main project for my next year will be to grow the baseball ministry. Right now I am helping coach a small group of kids. When I return in August my goal will be to begin Bible studies each week with the players. I will still be teaching English at La Vega Christian School, helping with short term teams, and trying to grow a youth group.
During these next few months I want to ask you for prayer. There is so much that I am trying to get done in a very short amount of time. I have to fundraise for another 10 months overseas. I am building a website and setting up my non-profit ministry. I am trying to make contacts in the US. I will be preaching at churches, meeting with pastors, youth, and spending time with family. I will also be trying to organize a short-term missions team for people to come down to the DR from Ft. Collins. If you would like to donate, or would like more information please email me. My new email is ryan.pauly@transitionministry.com. Go to my Transition Ministry facebook page for pictures and updates. That page is facebook.com/paulymissions. Thank you for the love, support, and prayer. God bless you all.
