Terrill 'Mario' Kucera

This summer, I spoke with many of you about specific prayer requests for this upcoming year. They may have varied slightly from person to person, but I am confident that practically everyone heard about our desire to have some men come alongside us in ministry. I definitely didn't know what that would look like or who it would be, but I knew for sure it was a necessity.

Enter Terrill Kucera, a.k.a. Mario here in the D.R.

(Having a treat at a little bakery we found)

Over the past while, God has been doing some CrAzY-awesome things in Terrill's life and has led him to a deeper understanding of what it means to 'deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow.' Just what does that look like for him? 

Oh...ya know...just...forsaking everything he's known in his 24 years, moving down to the DR indefinitely, and raising 4 Dominican teenage boys...no biggie :o)

You can click here or here to read more of his new perspective on life, but to give you a quick summary... he worked for the same organization that I first came down here to volunteer for, developed a life-wrecking love for the kids at the orphanage, finished his time with said organization, found out some of the boys needed to leave the orphange but didn't have family who could properly care for them, felt the Lord urging him to become their guardian, and moved his whole life down here to take care of them.

(Leading the boys in devotional)

They live in San Pedro de Marcoris, the birthplace of homerun legend, Sammy Sosa. This unfortunately means they live on the completely opposite side of the island, but thanks to technology and fairly direct bus routes, we're able to stay in frequent contact. Here's a little map to give you an idea of their location vs. ours.

I share this with you first of all to let you know how the Lord is continuing His good work here in the Dominican by using one of His children to love those whom some have incorrectly deemed 'unloveable.'

I share this with you second of all to let you know that, after receiving the 'thumbs-up' from my Financial Manager (a.k.a. my ridiculously awesome Mama) , half of the monthly budget we have set aside for Ministry ($50) will be going to help off-set the costs of feeding/clothing/raising the boys. 

I share this with you third of all to ask you to pray about how you can be involved in both Terrill's and the boys' lives. He needs people to walk beside him, encourage him, offer advice, and even support him financially. His monthly requirements come to $650, so if you'd like to give, you can go to his blog by clicking here and donate through Paypal. If you'd like more information, you can either email him at tkucera.mario@gmail.com or me at ckitts3@gmail.com.

(Hanging out in our living room)

Terrill, having you in the picture this year has been an absolute answer to prayer and we are continuously blessed and encouraged by your friendship. Thank you for challenging us to think deeper and love harder and for keeping it real with a touch of sarcasm. :o)