Shalom and Charis made new friends during the Capitol Outreach
Merry Christmas from the Rineholts!
Barahona, Dominican Republic
This year has been filled with so many great and wonderful things as
well as many sad and tragic things. We had a very eventful trip back to
the Dominican Republic filled with overflowing emotions of leaving our
family and friends behind and the excitement and anticipation of being
reunited with our friends and partners in ministry in the Dominican
Republic and Haiti. As we settled back into the daily grind here it
seems that we would be routinely interrupted with things that may have
been designed by the Enemy for discouragement or for a setback, we have
been praying that God will use all of these things for the furtherance
of the gospel. Philippians 1:12-14 " But I want you to know, brethren,
that the things whichhappened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and
most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains,
are much more bold to speak the word without fear." This is our prayer.
I was in Haiti working on the Saint Marc Radio station when I got word
that my mother passed away. My family made a quick one week trip back to
the United States to take care of the services for my mother, Bertha
Rineholt, and celebrate her going home to be with the Lord.
Sue Bartholme, Bertha Rineholt(mom), Chris Bartholme
My mom just a few weeks before she went Home.
Also we have been concerned about the armed robbery at the school which
took Christina's Motorcycle and telephone, we are so thankful for God's protection during this scary time. Because of this we have been presented with
an opportunity to be a bold witness in this community who expects us to
pack up and leave. Please pray with us that God would give us wisdom to
reach this community. We had a meeting with the Assistant to the Chief of Police for Barahona who arranged for a meeting with the "Commander". At this meeting they offered the support and even agreed to come to a community meeting we are planning to address the area where the school is located.
Johanny helped with the school
Jen teaching her class
A visit from the Police to the School
They need the love of Jesus. As our friend Pastor
Darren Truel a seasoned 30+ year veteran missionary who is fluent in
English, Creole, and Spanish and has lived in the area for the past 15
years just this week was robbed at gunpoint in the daytime! Pray that we
do not lose heart and can continue with the boldness from God, and the
love He has shown us. We pray for tough skin, but a soft heart. We do
not want to be operating in fear or in a state of apethy thinking that
everyone here is againt us. In fact I have seen God's love magnified in
our hearts towards the people here.
We will resume school again after Christmas break on January 9th. We will have a guard at the school during classes for the safety of the teachers and for the safety of the children or we will wait until one is in place before classes resume, but we know Who our real protection comes from.
We had a Christmas party December 23rd for the children in the school and gave them each a backpack provided by MTVchurch.com, a Bible,
pencils, an orange, Candy Cane, a bag of popcorn, and homemade cupcakes
as we celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus. We had a great time
sharing with them the story of Christmas and singing worship songs to
our Lord.
We had a visit to the Capitol (Santo Domingo) where we had the
opportunity to share in a community dinner that fed over 500 people a
Christmas Dinner of Chicken, Rice, Potatoe Salad, and Eggplant as well
as giving the opportunity to hear that Jesus the Lord came to forgive
them of their sin and offer the best Christmas gift ever that of
everlasting life and a relationship right now that brings peace and joy,
the true meaning of Christmas. The Iglesia Cristiana de la Communidad
hosted the outreach and we were so blessed to be a part of it!
Setting up to feed 500 people from the City
At the Christmas Dinner Outreach
While in the Capitol , I (Shawn Rineholt) was
seen by an Orthopedic Surgeon who after reviewing new X-rays released me
from wearing the cast on my ankle, stating that it looks perfect, he
also after reviewing the new X-ray on my knee determined that surgery is
not necessary to repair the meniscus and that the rest and
rehabilitation has done that which was intended and has relaesed me to
use the knee but to continue to take it easy. He gave me a shot of
Cortisone in the knee to help with the pain. Praise God for His healing
and for His faithfulness!.
Right after the Accident
I have a meeting this week with our lawyer to continue the paperwork for
the new Radio station in Barahona, and for the starting of paperwork
for my family to have residency in the Dominican Republic. Please pray
for this meeting that God would go before us.
We celebrated Christian and Kylie's birthday December 22nd and it is
really hard to believe we will have two more teenagers in the house!
While we were in the United States our WiFi receiver mounted on the roof
of our house (Nano Station 2) was stolen. We were notifed while we were
still in the United States, so I took advantage of having access to
Craigslist and found an eight camera security system that was used and
when we got back to the Dominican Republic our discipleship group took
an afternoon and installed the system on the radio station with three
cameras pointed at the house and 5 on the radio station. Once we get
internet established this will also allow a link that our family and
friends can check in on the happenings (live) at our house and the
station as well as deter future theives.
Setting a New Logo in the Studio
The Logo After install.
Ricardo sitting at the controls
We Installed an 8 camera security system at the station.
The Studio with its new Spanish Logo!
Infrared Security Cameras
Many things have been happening physically at the station as well, we
have been working on getting the studio together. Please pray for God's
provision as we work on bringing these things together over the next
month.
We installed two batteries and an invertor
Shalom painting the ETH Studio
The Station in St.Marc, Haiti has been approved and accepted as a
partnership project of Galcom International. This is a huge answer to
prayer as they are thones who make the equipment we need to replace at
the station in Haiti. Please pray as I put together the budget and
undoubtedly will need at least one more trip into Haiti before we begin
installing any new equipment.
There are many things to pray for as God continues to build
relationships for Ears To Hear. I have been praying God will open doors
for stations in Pedernales, Jimani, Polo and San Juan, These places are
all within an hour or so from Barahona. Please pray as we continue to
get the radio content available. We have launched a 24 hour radio stream
that is being broadcast on Shoutcast. If you have an iPhone you can
download an appyou can also stream it from the browser by visiting this sitehere.
The Station in Haiti as I pulled in.
At the station in Haiti
This board needs replaced
The computer is outdated
The tower is good but needs some work
My visit with the 102.3 crew
Please pray for God to continue to open doors of opportunity and to
strengthen the relationships we have within this community and the
partnerships with other ministries.
There is so much more to share, but I will save it for another update in a few weeks.
OUR GOD IS GOOD, and His mercy endures forever.
We love you and thank you for keeping our family in prayer.
We pray you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
The Rineholts
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.
Mailing Address for The Rineholts for
packages or letters: The Rineholts c/o Missionary Flights International
Unit 4021 HMMBH 3170 Airmans Drive Fort Pierce, FL 34946
Support Address: payable to Ears To Hear Ministries P.O. Box 367 Parkton, MD 21120-0367 with "The Rineholts" in memo field
So we just got back to the Dominican Republic after a one week visit to the United States. I was in St.Marc Haiti working on the radio station 102.3 FM when I received a Skype phone call from Jen letting me know that my mother,Bertha Rineholt, had just passed away due to a heart attack. A very difficult conversation to say the least. I had just finished sharing at a Haitian Baptist Church about seeing God's providence and sovereignty through difficulty and how those who endure will partake in the Harvest, and the pastor taught on being baptized by fire. He spoke of Abraham when he had worshipped God by willingly offering Isaac, He spoke of Daniel in the Lions den who had purposed in his heart not to defile himself against God. He then spoke of Shadrach,Meshack, and Abednego and how the Lord Himself met them in the midst of the flame. Although this message was preached in Haitian Creole(of which I know very little) the message spoke to me all day and even in to the week where I had been forced to discover Jesus there with me in my little fiery time as well.
Psalm 34:18 "the Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit."
God met me in my time of need and He comforted me with His word. I praise God for the life of my mother and also for the love poured out to us during this difficult time.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read our updates and also for lifting this work up to our Heavenly Father in prayer! We are so grateful for the team of prayer warriors that God has assembled who have expressed concern in this challenging time. We have been so encouraged by God's faithfulness to speak through our friends. As I send out updates if there is something that peaks your interest and you would like more detailed information please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Sincerely,
Shawn Rineholt Ears To Hear Radio
Medical Update God is Faithful
Shawn after the fall.
I went to the Orthopedic surgeon today. They removed my cast on the left ankle and are pleased with how it is healing. The doctor confirmed the break and said that the break is healing clean and there is no need for pins or surgery for the ankle. He replaced the cast with a "walking cast" that is a removable "fracture walker" that is much more comfortable and will need to stay on for 6-8 more weeks.
My right leg knee cap was set properly and with the new X-rays taken today was released from having to wear a cast or brace on the right leg. There was no evident break on todays X-rays! However the knee is extremely swollen still and I am unable to move it. The doctor believes I may have a torn meniscus so I am to come back in two weeks. If there is little or no change in the condition of the knee I may need orthopedic surgery on the knee to repair the meniscus. Please continue to pray for Jen and the children as they have all taken on many more responsibilities to make the daily routines continue to happen. Please also pray for the safety for my family as we wait to hear on November 8th if I have to have the surgery. If I need the surgery I would like to bring the family to the US for two months for the surgery, recovery, and possible physical therapy. Please pray for all of these things AND thank you guys so much for your prayers and help with everything.
Psalm 121 (NKJV)
1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills- From whence comes my help? 2 My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. 6 The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. 8 The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.
About Ears To Hear Radio
Ears To Hear is a 501c3 non profit organization dedicated to seeing the good news of the gospel shared with anyone who has "ears to hear". We desire to see God use Radio, Education, and the process of making disciples to train and equip the Indigenous Church to become self propagating, self governing, and self supporting in developing countries, beginning in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Welcome to the email update from the Rineholts Missions DR/Haiti. I am so glad to have the opportunity to share with all of you what God has been doing in and through us the past two months as we have been back settling in here inBarahona, Dominican Republic. When we got back here the first order of business was to get the house back in order so we would be able to focus on the ministry opportunities God has around us without being distracted with the issues at home. Of course we had major problems with our water and electricity. One of the batteries exploded in our garage from the battery backup system we use and God protected us while we were working on these issues. This was a very difficult time for us as we had to readjust to not having all of the things that we had so quickly became accustomed to back in the US. I (Shawn) began teaching aTuesday nightDiscipleship class with 7-8 young men. This class is going well please keep this in prayer as we study through the books of 1 and 2nd Timothy. Jen and the kids have began homeschooling and are looking forward to a fulfilling year with new curriculum and a new perspective as they study "My Fathers' World" whichis a oneroom schoolhouse approach for Bible, History, Science, and Literature. God has blessed our family with answered prayer in the form of a 1989 Chevy Suburban. This truck was provided by a gift froma family from Conley's United Methodist Church. We will keep them anonymousso as to not spoil their heavenly reward, but we do want to express our gratitude for this loving Church family whohave adopted us in to their fold and have played a vital partin reaching the lost here due to their selflessness and willingness to participate. To God be the glory! This truck belonged to another missionary family here and had been converted to run on propane gas. This vehicle is not in good enough condition for trips to the capitol but it has been used almost daily to buy groceries and run supplies and even carry patients to the hospital. One of the major projects we have started here is a new school for the Haitian children in Batey Central. When we left last time we were able to getthe footers dug and while we were back in the states over the summer a team from Mt Vernon Church came to construct the walls. These walls were standing to meet us when we returned and we have been hustling to get the roof constructed, windows and doors installed, security bars installed on windows and doors and also to build a latrine. All of these things needed to be complete byTuesday October 18thso Christina Froman, Wilkyns Chal, Karen Shaffer, July, Jonathan and my wife Jennifer could begin teaching the 50+ childrenfor the first day of school! We were blessed to have a local church Polo Baptist Church (Iglesia Bautista Gethsemene de Polo) with indigenous believers sacrifice their time to come build the roof with us! What a blessing! In thehaste to get finished I (Shawn) fell off a ladder to the concrete floor, breaking my leg and my ankle resulting in having both legs in casts. Please keepmy family in prayer for all of the decisions that have to be made over the next few weeks. School has begun and the children are doing a great job. The teachers are doing awesome,please pray for them as they desire to teach these children to honor God and live for Jesus . I had the opportunity to go to the Capitol to meet with our lawyer in regards to the registration of Ears To Hear Radio as a non governmental organization and have received a copy of the certificate recognizing us as a legal entity here in the Dominican Republic! The next step is to receive our RNC number. Please pray this will happenquickly as this is needed for the licensing process with Indotel for the new station here inBarahona. If you would like more detailed information on anything mentioned here please check out our blog at www.missionsDR.com Please continue to pray for God to lead and guide our family and most of all that He alone would get the honor and the glory.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1 NKJV)
Specific prayer concerns: 1. Good time management with balancing homeschool, household tasks and teaching at the school 3 days a week for Jen. 2.Our children as they live here and adjust. Pray for godly friends for each of our children and that God would keep them safe. 3.Please pray for us as we study Spanish and desire to be fluent. 4.Pray God alone will be magnified as we seek to bring attention to Him alone here. 5.Pray for Gods protection for our family and for the family structures to be strengthen here in the DR that God would use our family to reach other families and point them to Christ
6. The Body as a whole here as we fellowship at several different churches and desire to see God plant His body here that is rooted and grounded in the truth of God's word. Please pray for unity among His body. 7. Radio Barahona Project: a. Radio license to broadcast b. equipment c. purchase of building d. God to raise up workers 8. Radio Haiti Project: a. funding for new equipment b.growing relationships in Haiti c.the station to be back on the air ASAP this station is fully licensed and ready to broadcast again it just needs the new equipment 9. Children Full of Christ's Love School: continued success with the students b. salvation for those who are lost c. the parents to know the Lord d. direction from the Holy Spirit to lead 10. Future Childrens Village: a.Gods leading b.plan development c. water and power d. Gods leading
Because of Jesus,
Shawn Rineholt
Field Address: The Rineholts Ears To Hear Radio c/o Missionary Flights International Unit 4021 HMMBH 3170 Airmans Drive Fort Pierce, FL 34946 Financial Support: Ears To Hear Radio P.O. Box 367 Parkton, MD 21120-0367 please indicate RINEHOLTS in memo Ears To Hear Ministries is a 501c3 non profit organization
So the family finally got packed up into a 53' trailer provided by Zion Transport that we used the first 12-15' with the remaining things we own that would now be headed to Florida to eventually make it in to the Dominican Republic. The truck pulled out and we were to be leaving with our overnight bags and remaining school supplies that would be on one of the flights as well. Our last day in PA was the 31st of August. We will miss the friends we gained through Calvary Monument Bible Church while staying in one of the missionary residence's hosted by them. We will also miss the sound of horse shoes hitting the road pulling the Amish buggies up the hill by our house in Paradise, PA knowing all too well that the sounds will soon be replaced with barking dogs and the constant hum of the hundreds of 2 cycle motos gasping to make it up and down the mountain where we live in Barahona.
Stalled along I-95
Leaving Paradise, PA
Visiting South Carolina
Normally when we leave DE to head to FL we stop in Wilmington, NC for an overnight or two with the Hodges, they have since moved back to Washington State and back to Delaware so we have planned to do one of those long drive through marathons where we exchange drivers and drive right through to Florida. However Christina Froman a teacher/friend who will be staying with us in Barahona has a relative who offered us a place to stay over in South Carolina. During our drive to South Carolina our car (2002 Chevy Suburban with 200,000 miles) would stall every 45 minutes or so and for no apparent reason. We were pulling a trailer and sometimes it would stall at the most inconvenient difficult places. Thank God for His protection we had no major incidents because of this stalling. When we went through Richmond VA there was an accident that had a chemical clean-up involved on 95 South. They closed the 95 southbound lane and the traffic was stopped for 3 hours. We detoured through the city of Richmond and with my excellent sense of direction and driving skills I was successful at getting us lost and further delayed by an additional hour. We did however finally make it to South Carolina where we were greeted with that famous Southern Hospitality and had a great time of fellowship with Wayne Spear and Anna Spear his daughter who sacrificed sleep and cooked a killer breakfast for all of us. We were truly blessed and reminded that even though we face temporary setbacks that as a good friend of mine always says "a setback is just a setup for a comeback-hotdog!!"
So as we left for Florida we were encouraged by how God had been so faithful in seeing us through the 5 months in the States, by providing affordable housing, work for Shawn while were back on furlough and brought our monthly prayer support and financial support up to the point of us being able to return. Praise God for He is truly worthy of our praise.
Psalm 147:1-6
"1Praise the LORD!
Forit isgood to sing praises to our God; Forit ispleasant,andpraise is beautiful. 2The LORD builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel. 3He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds. 4He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. 5Greatisour Lord, and mighty in power; His understandingisinfinite. 6The LORD lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground."
