Well we're coming towards the end of our 3rd and final week of ministry before we have a few days to rest up from next Monday.  We have really gotten into the routine of it all and have begun to see the fruits of our labours. 

There are 2 meetings for field service each day, one at 8.45am and the other at 4pm.  A couple of hours after each one is really all one can do before feeling completely exhausted and in need of a shower, some shade and a sit-down. 

The english ministry is by no means as instantly gratifying or productive as the Spanish, Creole or Sign but we've tried to stick at it and have been encouraged by our fair share of success.  We've met a number of English speaking people and have made some return visits to the point of starting a couple of studies - one of whom (Angelica) came to the meeting the next day and even answered up in the Watchtower.  She's a comparatively wealthy Dominican who used to study with Witnesses years ago but lost contact and was very glad to have met us again.  The Baptist and Pentecostal churches have a really strong grip on people here and many are held captive by false religious teachings like hellfire torment.  Angelica was also visibly disturbed when we explained that those taking the lead in the congregation (the elders etc) don't earn any money - she felt she was sinning against her own church by questioning why her church pastors demanded a 10th of her earnings. 

We also began a study with a young devout Christian named Abigail who was impressed to learn that the Kingdom she has been praying for all her life, is actually a government that will rule over the earth.  We're hoping she'll be able to continue her studies once we leave though her dad is a strict Evangelical and may not take kindly to the idea of her studying with Witnesses.

We've also tried preaching informally in the town park which is a little square with lots of benches and some much coveted shade.  There is a good mix of locals and a few foreigners who mingle about and welcome conversations on scriptural topics.  I met a nice young Dominican who, due to his privileged education, spoke very good English.  He's studying medicine but nonetheless agreed that Gods Kingdom is the only permanent solution and could understand why I chose a career in preaching rather than in medicine.  Nothing at all to do with me not being clever enough to be a doctor.  Hopefully he'll come to the English meeting very soon. 

We also met a chatty old Italian man from Florida who seemed in no way reluctant to hide his obsession with young Dominican women.  He confessed to having lost lots of money in the past to various women who eventually showed much greater regard for his dollars than for his companionship.  A sad but unfortunate reality of life in many of the more touristy places in the country.  He didn't seem particularly keen to delve into the bible, but was grateful for a chat, so who knows…maybe next time.

The Haitian congregation is having their District Convention this weekend in the capital, so Rachael who is not satisfied to preach in just English, Spanish and Sign…has also managed to wrangle some Creole invites off a local sister and has been inviting local Haitians to attend.  Its heartbreaking to witness the horrible discrimination Haitians have to endure here.  It is only the severest of poverty and deprivation that makes crossing the border advantageous for some.  However, for many of the shy street boys who will happily shine your dusty shoes for a mere 5 pence (10 cents), given the choice between what they earn here and the destitution of Haiti; many would prefer being reunited with their families.