By Zac and Julie Stutler, an Alliance international worker couple serving in the Dominican Republic
We are blessed to live in a world-renowned tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches where many people vacation. But we are here for a different purpose. In His Great Commission, Jesus calls us to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” (see Matthew 28:18). That is why we are here. It is why you so faithfully pray for us and give to the Great Commission Fund, which supports us financially. We are so grateful for your partnership in this ministry.
Authentic Relationship with Christ
We moved to Punta Cana in 2009 for the purpose of making disciples. In addition to being a prime vacation spot, this area has a steadily growing population who live and work in this community year round. They have established homes and are raising their families here. Alianza, the church where we minister, was established in 2011 through the prayer and financial support of Alliance people. It was planted to motivate and equip the families of Punta Cana to live in an authentic relationship with Christ and reflect His love to others—in other words, to complete the Great Commission.
This resort community has always been quite international in its composition. And, as increasing numbers of families from around the world are moving here to find work and better opportunities for their families, Alianza has an even greater opportunity to make disciples of the nations. This was especially evident in a baptism celebration earlier this summer.
Transformed through the Power of Jesus
Under the beautifully sunny Punta Cana sky, five people publicly proclaimed their faith in Jesus in a baptism service on the beach. It was quite international in tone. Miguel and Keren Rodriguez, Alliance international workers from Puerto Rico, joined us in leading the service, where people from Venezuela, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic were baptized. There were also Argentines, Cubans, Colombians, and Mexicans as well as Dominicans in the congregation that day.
It was a day of powerful testimonies. A former soccer player shared how a devastating event in his life led him to find meaning in a relationship with Christ. A young woman, who had recently left her home due to a crisis in her country, testified to the security and sense of belonging she now has in Jesus. Another woman said that after the death of her adult son, she found peace through a relationship with her Savior.
One man emphasized his dramatic transformation from someone with a very “disorderly life” who didn’t believe in God to a family man who loves Christ and delights in serving in the children’s ministry. Each testimony contained the common thread of peace, joy, and a sense being part of His family.
God is bringing the nations to our doorstep in Punta Cana. We are blessed to have the opportunity to be here making disciples of many different nationalities.
You are such an important part of this ministry—when you pray for us and give to the Great Commission Fund, you are making disciples of the nations here in Punta Cana. We are eternally grateful.
Please continue to pray for these believers and for the rest of the Alianza church family as we seek to be disciples and make disciples in this diverse community. Pray we will reflect Christ’s love in tangible ways and that many more will follow Him.