Updated 4/7/2010

First Things First

By:  Paula Hodges

Think for a minute about any significant ministry in the United States; all of them have one thing in common - they started as a vision. In these early days, often the lack of resources and personnel presented challenging times, even to the point of endangering the survival of some of these ministries. Yet, as all will attest, God worked miracles through people that He raised up for “such a time as this.”

The purpose of this article is to update you on a special ministry which you have so faithfully prayed for and supported over the years. Additionally, I want to share an important prayer request and ask you to consider joining our family in meeting this need. With so many good ministries needing help in these days, I believe this is worthy of your consideration.

Seven years ago, Doug and I, along with our daughter and son-in-law, came to San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic in order to start what would later become known as the DR Vision, a significant ministry impacting the country for Christ. In August 2003, the church (IBEM) was started. IBEM continues to mature and expand, not only impacting San Pedro but is supporting missions projects around the world. Recently, the church voted on buying its first building – a much larger and visible building for the future growth of the congregation.

In addition to the church, the DR Vision includes the Lifehouse Rescue Ministry – homes for at-risk children and women, a sports ministry, the Palms Christian School, and a Bible Institute, that will one day become a Christian college. All of these ministries are important to reaching the culture with the gospel and training up future leaders.

• First Things First Donate

One Time Gift To

First Things First - Building the Wall

Enter amount and click the button below:

Enter the amount of gift:

All donations are processed by Daystar Baptist Missions, which is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization. All donations are tax deductible. A donor receipt will be provided for each donation transaction and will be sent to the mailing address you provide during your Paypal transaction.

We rejoice that all of the ministries in the DR Vision have been started and are currently growing in various phases. We are also excited that the ministry has 46 acres of land outside of town which has been purchased for the future expansion. There are several groups and donors that have expressed an interest in helping us build the complex. In fact, the first professional baseball field and first building could be built by the end of this year. However, there is one problem which prevents us from advancing in construction – an eight foot concrete wall has to be completed around all the property.

Recently, the Lord impressed upon my heart the urgency and necessity of the completion of the wall. Due to theft, vandalism, and government regulations, the wall must be completed before we begin any construction on the inside of the wall. We began building the wall nearly three years ago and it is nearly complete, but it must be finished! We presently lack $45,000 to complete the wall.

I have started a campaign entitled “First Things First” to raise the needed $45,000 to complete the wall. Will you pray about this need with me? We have been told that the hardest part of this project is raising the money for the wall. No one wants to help build a wall. However, when you consider the legal and security importance, the wall is a necessary first step in the property’s development.

If you need more information, please do not hesitate to call me or email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Additionally, if you would like to see the progress of the DR Vision and see pictures of the property and wall, you can find check back here on drvision.org. Underneath the “support” tab you can find a link to this page dedicated to the First Things First campaign and a convenient, secure way of donating online.

Thank you for your prayers and consideration. May the Lord be glorified in how He provides for this need.