"Dominica," a poem by Pat Butler

On March the second in 2007 a group of singers left for Atlanta.

Our mission was to share the love of Jesus in Dominica.

After a quick night's rest we rushed to the airport for a flight.

Thank the Lord, security, customs, bag weight, and plastic containers were all alright.

A night was spent in Barbados to change to a smaller, less luxurious-size plane,

And we learned that island time is a little more laid back and not always the same.

But arrival in Dominica happened without much alarm.

With a fast trip to Deliverance Church in a setting filled with charm.

The church ladies provided a typical Dominican menu

With chicken, juice, fruit, vegetables, and choices were many, not few.

After eating our fill, preparations were made for the church meeting.

With handchimes ringing, the choir singing, and Steve evangicube leading.

The church had planned for our visit as well

With a skit by the youth on God's way or hell.

The entire service was energizing and a blessing,

With testimonies, rhythmic music and the pastor teaching.

As the week unfolded blessings did abound

As the group sang, witnessed, and walked throughout the town.

Opportunities were abundant through many avenues

With music as the vehicle to open doors to choose.

Faith, salvation and Jesus' love for eternity,

Or rejection, non-belief, and soul poverty.

Singing in markets, radio stations, churches, hospitals-what a joy!

In airports, hotel, in the medical center, and on streets-oh boy!

Using evangicubes to relate God's gift to all,

Lives were changed when many answered God's call,

By praying the sinners' prayer and feeling anew

Many new Christians were added - Hallelu!

Changes happened often as each day progressed,

But joy filled our hearts through the entire process.

Because as the song we sang states loud and clear

We are never alone-so what should we fear?

Whether elevators work or airplanes have seats

Whether luggage is missing or there is no food to eat.

Whether roads are one and half lanes and curved

Whether fishermen listen to hear God's word.

Whether tired or weary after a very long day

Whether eating food fixed in a brand new way.

Whether resting in Olivette before the next event

Whether smelling sulfur or passing cars without a dent.

The one thing remained positive and true

We shared the gospel all day through.

God bound our spirits to one another

To touch the lives of our Dominican brothers.

As another song relates for all to review

God rescued sinners like me and you.

By filling us up with God's spirit and love

To glorify our Father as he watched from above.

To you First Baptist, "Hats off," we say.

Thanks for your prayers and support each day.

Glory be to the Father for all that transpired.

We thank him for using us during those hours.

- by Pat Butler