The Franklins Field Video Report

A big thanks to Randy Wehner and Glendale Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri for taking the time, caring and puting this together for us. Enjoy!

June's Interactive Missionary Letter

Los Prados Project

Since March we have been working hard to purchase a piece of property. Recently, Bienvenido (the man we have been dealing with) came down $30,0000 on this piece of property (Aprox. 1 Acre) which represents by far the best price and location we have found in Santiago. It has great access and several large housing developments (Los Prados). We need your help. Will you pray and help us raise the 194,554 needed?

Blessings

Psa. 127:5 says - Happy is the man that hath his quiver full. . . - Tis True - Smile - We are expecting our fourth child in January. How exciting! Ministry wise, I have been preaching both morning and evening services at Congregación Bautista. Recently two surrendered for full time service. Sadly, I had to do a funeral for Luis’s (March letter) family; however, happily, we are now discipling him.

Proceedings

Upon arrival last August, Regina and I began jumping through the hoops to become residents of the Dominican. We are happy to report that on May 17th we became legal residents, which means we can now begin our quest to form a non-profit association for the new church. Please pray we can finish this before the end of the year. If you desire more information on this, please see our blog.

Pray Pray Pray

Tuesday morning Regina and I are going to be at the Mayors office and hope to meet with Jose Enrique Sued. The goal is to obtain one of the city's green areas. We are asking for 1 Acre of land and while "we are not counting our chickens until they hatch" we definitely need your prayers. Two weeks ago our residency papers were given to us which allows us to begin work on forming a non-profit Dominican association. We have decided to name the association Familia Avance: Iglesias del Compañerismo Biblico Bautista Internacional. This will save us lots of money on taxes ect. Please keep in prayer the members of the board. Each board member is saved and will hold their position until a pastor that we have trained can substitute for them adequately. You will also notice that both independent Baptist pastors here in Santiago have joined the board to whom we are very grateful. Tom Franklin President Missionary of the Baptist Bible Fellowship International Victor Uraca Vice-President Pastor of Christian Baptist Congregation John Webb Administrator Pastor and Missionary of New Life Baptist Church Regina Franklin Treasurer Missionary of the Baptist Bible Fellowship International Janeiro Pelaez Secretary Lawyer Luis Regalado Vocal Contractor Lorenza Parra Vocal Domestic Worker

Inspiration

June of last year we reported that Arturo and his wife Noris, while starting a new work in Cojimar Cuba, lost there two year old daughter Zulaymi to infection and there six month old (Zamaria) had been hospitalized. Many have requested an update in regards to Arturo and Noris and we are happy to report that Zamaria is doing well and the family is sharing God's word with approximately 80 people and are in the process of organizing a Sunday School. While at every turn they have faced governmental opposition, Zulaymi's memory inspires them to continue on in their work.

March's Interactive Missionary Letter

WATER AND ELECTRIC STORM RISING A tropical storm hit us very hard this month and we had water coming in from every window and vent imaginable. We could not figure it out until we took out the windows and found out that the caulking job was faked! In addition a transformer in our neighborhood was damaged which led the electric company to boost the Wattage to 270. Needless to say several things went BOOM - literally - but thankfully we got a transformer, generator and inverter installed. Through it all our relationship with Luis has really blossomed and he wants to help us look for property and build a church. Please pray with us for all of Luis’s family to be saved.
MK'S ARE SPECIAL Tiffany enjoyed her first birthday last month and we all had a BLAST watching her eat cake and open presents. Tyler and Jordan are preparing to leave this weekend for their first Dominican camp with the local Baptist church we are attending and Tom will take over the preaching duties while the pastor is at camp. We sure are going to miss the boys - they are a BIG help! Please pray for each of our children as they adapt to a new school and culture.
AGAPE MISSIONARY FLIGHTS Recently we were A.P.P.R.O.V.E.D with A.M.F. - Agapeflights.com This means we now can receive just about any box (we just received a 550Lb generator) for ministry or family via a special airplane that comes into Santiago. It is very economical (about 1$ a Lb.) and in the future if you think we could use it please send it to us at: Agape # - SGO 18867 100 Airport Ave Venice, Florida 34285
ENROLL AT WWW.DR4CHRIST.COM In April we have a very special E-mail update planned for Cuba. The only way to receive this for security reasons is to click on Enroll Now on www.DR4Christ.com or E-mail us at Tom@DR4Christ.com

Frequently Asked Questions (Take 2)

Isagani Magbaleta in Cebu City asks the following: Why did you choose (originally) Cuba as your mission field? God called me. A “call” is crucial for anybody in full-time Christian service! It is definitely necessary to have a “call” if you are going to serve Him in a place like Cuba. Paul states that he is an “apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God…”(Eph.1.1); he also said, I am “called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God (Rom.1.1). Moses, Isaiah and many others were able to stay strong and carry on the work because they knew they “were called” for that specific ministry. I strongly believe that when things get difficult, the assurance that you are called by God for that specific ministry and that specific place will be a rock of hope. What burdened you most? Souls Isagani. C.T. Studd sums it up great - “Some wish to live within the sound of a chapel bell; I wish to run a rescue mission within a yard of hell.” How did you win the souls, how did you bring them to Christ and can you please state some differences between here and there? I don't know the differences from where you are - never been to the Philippians. However I can't imagine that they would be that different. We used evangelization cubes, tracts, personal testimonies and videos to bring people to Christ. Most presentations used some form of the Romans Road or variant. I believe if you pray that God will honor your effort (this is the key) and you will see many people accept Christ (this was our experience in Cuba) with any method that honor and glorifies Him. What did you do in the first year of your work? Start 2 Churches - The core of this being National Leadership Training. If I will be a missionary in Cuba . What are the things I should do? If God has called you to Cuba then prepare everyday for that ministry - He will provide the way as long as you stay close to Him through Prayer, Study, Mediation, Memorization and Living His word.

Frequently Asked Questions

Priscilla Hoang an eleventh grader from Bethel Baptist Schools asks the following: 1) Do you ever wish that you could go back and continue your work in Cuba? Smile - All the Time. But God has us here (in the Dominican Republic) now and we must complete this task of starting a church before we can turn and look at that door - no matter how closed or open it may be. The Bible says: A good soldier endures hardness - we are obedient. (2) How many churches are there [on average (in a city)] - any independent or fundamental] churches? In Cuba? We now number 6 (from those we organized) and it looks like we may have 7 very soon. In the Dominican there are very few independent fundamental Baptist churches in Santiago - in the entire city of 1 million I know of only 2. Neither are very big and both need to re-locate. But that is the decision of there local church - not mine. I must go about starting a different type of church than has been seen here. One that is large enough to support a full time couple and strong enough spiritually to reproduce itself expediently because there are many cities around Santiago with no Baptist church. There are obstacles - property is expensive, people are focused on money, ect. But God can care for every expense and need. (3) Do your kids go to school there, or are they home schooled? We are testing a Christian school here - only there are not many Christians. Thats O.K. - we are working on fixing that - however there are many factors to prayerfully consider before committing all the children. Tyler is the oldest and has been there now 4 months - it hasn't been easy making new friends but he now has 3. He also has enemies. These enemies have quite a reputation - pretty much - they don't like Christians. This of course is an interesting problem at - a Christian School. Please pray for him. Jordan is still in home school. (4) Does it scare you to be in a place so unlike America? No - we are used to living in politically charged places - The Bible teaches us not to fear - our family has peace knowing we are doing what He has sent us to do. (5) Does it sometimes get hard to rely solely on God and other churches to provide every need you have? These are great questions Patricia - this is one I've rarely answered. The truth is no it is not hard. Thats good and bad in a way. Its good because it testifies to the fact that God has used your church and many other churches to take care of us to such an extent - it is humbling. Its bad only when we take it for granite and rely on what you send us rather than God. Thats not so hard for us because of what God taught us while in prison. No amount of money could help me in that deep dark hole - no navy seals came to pull me out and there was no escape. The only thing you can do is rely on him and know that He is a God of the impossible and has everything under control. While I'd never ever want to go back there - I would if He so desired - without hesitation - to repeat that special time with Him would be awesome - in the words of our generation - it will always be - unforgettable.

Decembers Interactive Missionary Letter

CONTAINER ARRIVES IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS It truly is amazing how just a few things from home will make you feel. Our container actually arrived late October but it wasn’t until December the 6th until the government allowed us to pick it up. How wonderful that day was, we have been celebrating ever since! We have gone from Ice Cold Showers to Toasty Hot Baths. Processed Cheese Spread to Home Cooked Meals. Air Mattress’s to Fluffy Beds from Heaven. We could go on and on. The home we are renting literally changed over night. The van and car also made it unscathed and - OH - I forgot to mention - we paid no taxes, which saved us over $20,000. Thank you for praying. God is good all the time. REGINA SINGS ANTHEM! In 2002 we began the lengthy process of becoming dual citizens of Costa Rica. Of course the plan was to enter Cuba as Costa Ricans. It was a good plan and we believe will still bear fruit. Regina was awarded dual citizenship on November 17 2006. God’s timing is always perfect. CUBA BLESSINGS! Last month trips were made into Cuba to encourage, supply and train the leaders of the fellowship. The reports, pictures and testimonies we received were AMAZING. Many have been saved, baptized and missions conferences are under way. What a tremendous Christmas gift!! BOSTON BOUND! During furlough David Melton at Boston Baptist College asked if I would teach a blitz course Jan. 8-19th entitled Philosophy of Missions and Ministry. My desire is to instruct the students in “What the Bible Says” about missions and how to have the power of God in their lives, which is the secret to effectual ministry that lasts. Please pray that I will be a blessing.

Waiting in Santo Domingo

Things are going well, I'm in a convenience store here in Santo Domingo (2 hours south of Santiago) waiting for our lawyer to meet me (once again) to go to the dock. It is going to be about a week long process (I hope) to get everything out of Dominican Customs and we are praying that we don't suffer any loss or have to pay any taxes. That may sound unrealistic but our lawyer believes that it is possible due to our brief time in the country. He is a elderly Christian man and is always next to me helping me "get through" the maze of red tape. Two weeks ago we made arrangements to bring in a 2005 Sienna Van through a government organization that helps Missionaries get established here - just this move saved us more than 10,000$ in taxes. Needless to say I'm one happy missionary right now but having been in places like Cuba and Costa Rica - I'm not counting my chickens - until they hatch. Last weekend we were attending a Dominican cultural seminar that is designed to help foreigners understand and deal with the Dominican culture and the boys stayed with some missionaries in Santiago. Keep us in your prayers.

Pneumonia Battle

Tiffany has recovered from a bout with Pneumonia. It has been a up hill battle. At one point Tiffany was in the hospital for 5 days severely dehydrated. This of course in combination with a new culture, new doctor, new hospital, got pretty tough but we circled the wagons, prayed and God sent us some help. Mrs. Barnes came from Costa Rica and took over at the house and took care of Jordan's home schooling which allowed us to concentrate on getting Tiffany over the hump. Praise the Lord for family. Several things went on hold during that time but I am happy to report that everything is "back on track" and we are anxiously awaiting our 20 foot container filled with all kinds of goodies as well as two vehicles that should arrive within the week. Please pray as we move into our new home that our belongings will arrive safe and sound and that we will not have to pay customs any taxes.

October's Interactive Missionary Letter

THE TIES THAT BIND Reflecting on all that has happened during our first furlough this last year, one thing makes it worth it all – relationships. Spending time and growing closer together with those who pray and give so that we might go has affected us deeply and given us a greater sense of humility and responsibility. We have been encouraged and blessed by so many that it is impossible to mention just one. We are literally tied together and we are thankful for each and every one that prays and supports our ministry. We left August 21 and have begun the process once again of “hitting the beach”. We have encountered difficulties and trials but we are excited, prepared and ready to start another church. We need your prayers so that our family will finish getting settled in by the end of the year so that we can begin looking for property for the Church. PRAYERS THAT TIE While reporting, we asked everyone to pray that God would supply a place for us to stay upon arriving in the D.R., and obviously people were praying. In one of the last churches we were in, we met a wonderful couple. “Coincidently” they happen to have a house in the Dominican, “coincidently” it happens to be 30 min. from Santiago and “coincidently” they happen to have a car. Coincidence or Providence? We believe it was providence and we praise the Lord that God laid it on their hearts to allow us to stay here as well as use their car. We have plans on moving, by the end of this month, into a new home that we are going to rent in Santiago. We know that this transition would not have been as smooth if it had not been for Brothers and Sisters who were so willing to let God use them. Thank you for praying; truly your prayers tie us together. PRAYERS THAT BIND Reflecting upon the work we did in Cuba and the challenges that lie ahead with our new ministry here in the D.R., we are reminded of one of Grandpa’s famous prayers, which makes more sense to us now then ever before, “Please pray that God will bless us, bind us and stick us in a crack where the devil won’t find us”.

First Family Photos from the D.R.

TIFFANY - EXPLORING OUR TEMPORARY HOME IN VILLA GONZALEZ OUR HOUSE (BELIEVE IT OR NOT) STILL NEEDS MORE BARS - LOL JORDAN CELEBRATED HIS NINTH BIRTHDAY HERE IN THE D.R.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Regina and I are in the Airport - WHEW - thought we would never make it.  LOL  Furlough has been great - relationships really make it worth it all.   We have been encouraged and blessed by so many of you I wanted to write in this evening and personally say thank you and Goodbye for awhile.  Really we are still tied together through the blog - what a blessing - really makes keeping in touch easier.   We will hit the beach late tonight (our first night insertion - SMILE - Plane Delayed out of D.C.)  and we will begin that process once again of setting up, getting the family settled as quickly as possible so that we can start another church.  Truly, we are excited.  We are both very optimistic and know the coming weeks are important and we covet your prayers. 

Departure Set For August

Hope you and yours are having a great summer and trust you are experiencing His richest blessings. Regina and I are currently in Boise, ID and are headed out this morning to California before heading back to Lubbock for a Garage Sale Extravaganza (oh what fun). We wanted to make this official by letting everybody know that we just purchased our tickets for the Dominican and will make it to Santigo, Dominican Republic in August as planned. We are very excited about starting our new ministry there and need your prayers for traveling mercies.

Prayers Answered

First and foremost I want to thank you for your prayers. It is humbling to be a part of a large group of prayer partners, who when they pray, impact lives in such obvious ways. 1.) The baby is doing much better and on the 28th was allowed to go home briefly to be with her family. Praise the Lord! She is still on antibiotics in the hospital but we understand from the pastor that she is on the road to recovery. The doctors and nurses will continue to run a few more tests before releasing her next week. Thank you for praying. 2.) The pastor reported that he decided to preach his daughters funeral and did a fine job. Several times one pastor thought he would have to take over but each time he regained his composure. He was a blessing both to the saved and the unsaved but most importantly he really encouraged his entire family that were in attendance both at the funeral and at the graveside. They made it clear to us that they have no plans on abandoning their new work and will continue for His honor and glory winning people to the Lord and building His church. Thank you for praying. 3.) The pastor and pastors wife that stayed with them as you can imagine are exhausted and report that this has been one the most difficult times they have had to confront as leaders since our imprisonment in 2005. Several other things “popped up” during this crisis, which always seems to be the case, but the Lord has been good to their church and the Sunday before the funeral they had publicly baptized 8 new believers. They are proud of their church and their leadership team and told me to thank everyone for praying. 4.) The Cuban fellowships response to the sudden death of this pastors daughter as been excellent. Many members in Cuba have been a huge blessing and more than 28 people visted them yesterday representing believers as far has Pinar del Rio. Several here have asked how they could be a blessing to this couple. The pastor and his wife listed several expenses that they have had due to the funeral as well as there daughters hospitalization which is very normal. If you would like to participate in that then please send that to our account in the Missions Office marked specifically for this couple. Any extra received will go to help their new church get off the ground. Thank you for everything, especially the prayers. Keep praying that God will continue to sustain and protect those who serve Him in Cuba.

Prayer Needed

On May 31st of this year Regina and I sent out an update documenting the plans that were being laid to start a sixth church in Cuba. Sadly, the couple that was sent to start this new work lost their two year old daughter to a bacterial infection on June 22. What makes things even more difficult is that their six month old baby is currently in the hospital. One pastor and his wife, have literally not left their side for almost three days. We have also received reports that this has hit all the churches very hard. Regina and I are currently in prayer for this whole family and we invite you to join us, especially for the little one. In addition we invite you to pray for the leaders that are ministering at this time as well as the believers that surround them to uplift and encourage everyone.

It’s Better to Soar with Eagles than Hang out with Turkeys!

We almost made it through all of furlough without a accident and then BAAMM!! For about 5 miles we were trying to figure out what the noise was all about when we started seeing feathers fly up the windshield. So I pulled over and found that “silly turkey” had cracked the front of our vehicle. A few feet higher and I would have been soaring to glory. Please continue to pray for traveling mercies for us while we are on the road.

In Other News

Regina and I have been from sea to shining sea on furlough. Regina spoke to several hundred ladies for Mother’s day at the Marriott Convention Center in Providence RI. She shared how she witnessed to her interrogators in Cuba and was able to give a clear presentation of the gospel - it went GREAT. I have been preaching up a storm in churches, high schools, men’s meetings, you name it and the Lord has been blessing. Eight received Christ and four were called into full time service just this last month. Congratulations to our friends and family at Noble Hill Baptist Church, our sending church, for calling Pastor Mark Conn as there first full-time pastor. We are excited about dedicating Tiffany to the Lord at Noble Hill on June the 12th. God is good!

Our Friends are Blowing and Going

We are very excited about what is happening in Cuba. As you know the four churches we organized turned into five churches last November. All the churches are growing both spiritually and numerically. MANNA Worldwide, approved our fifth feeding center for children last month. All this activity has generated a lot of communications and it is our understanding that we are going to have another “birth” very soon. It has been our experience that when opportunity comes opposition normally follows it, so we ask that you be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and pray for the pastors and there wives as the Lord leads you. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Time Flies when your Having Fun

Wow - has it been two months already!! The family and I have been having a great time visiting our churches and have even got in a few new ones to boot. Tiffany is growing like a weed and is as cute as they come - everybody just adores her. Currently we are in Perryton, Texas doing a conference and head out to Oklahoma tomorrow. Please pray for traveling mercies and that God would use us these last few months in the States to be a blessing to the churches that have been so faithful in supporting us. BBFI has launched a new sight at www.connectionpoint.net and we have been blessed by the encouraging dailies that they send via e-mail. All you have to do is enroll! Regina and I shall endeavor to be more faithful to this blog and appreciate your patience. Hasta Luego until next week.