Marriages, Miracles, and Revival

By Julie Stutler, an Alliance international worker who serves at Alianza, a church plant in the Dominican Republic

In late February, in the beautiful mountains of the Dominican Republic’s central region, 20 couples experienced an unforgettable weekend during Alianza’s marriage retreat.

Three couples from Puerto Rico came to help with music, drama, decorations, and logistics. The three-day event featured love, laughter, fun, food, and friendship, along with excellent biblical teaching from Dr. Luis Felipa of Puerto Rico. There was much romance and even tears—mostly of joy.

We believe that this event has impacted Alianza more than anything else we’ve done since its inauguration. Marriages were renewed and restored. Not only did couples receive wonderful tools to strengthen their relationships, but the Holy Spirit also was poured out on their lives. People committed anew to make Christ the center of their lives and marriages.

On the last day of the retreat, one woman embraced me and said with tears, “I got the miracle that you and I were praying for.”

Beyond just marriages, people’s lives were impacted on every level. One man expressed it was a weekend of miracles.

We Are Family

Even since returning to everyday life, we continue to hear more testimonies. There has been a deepening of relationships, new friendships among attendees, and a renewed commitment to the church.

This was evident on the Wednesday following the retreat. One couple who attended had a fire in their business. Various people who had gone to the retreat dropped what they were doing to help clean up.

Also, new people are coming to church. One Sunday we had 137 people (97 adults and 40 children) in the service celebrating the great things God is doing. It was standing room only (we have 120 chairs).

Since the retreat, we have seen more church members seek opportunities to serve the Lord, His Body, and the community of Punta Cana. They are eager to share His love with those around them. It seems like a revival has started, and it is incredible.

The entire Alliance family is an integral part of the amazing things God is doing here. Many who receive our prayer updates sent letters and notes, which were given to the couples during the retreat. It meant so much to them to know they are part of a loving, worldwide family that prays for them. Also, many Alliance people interceded for the retreat using the weekly Alliance Prayer Requests.

The incredible sacrificial giving of Alliance believers to the Great Commission Fund, the Punta Cana Approved Special, and our Work Special made this event possible. We thank God for all who give.

More than ever we need your partnership in prayer—which is vital to the work God is doing. We need wisdom to address the many ministry opportunities. Our facility is at capacity, and we believe God is going to continue to grow His church. The entire pastoral team and church family desire to reach out to families in the community with the love of Jesus. We are counting on your prayers and support as together we trust our Savior to do more miraculous things in Punta Cana.

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In 2013, Alianza hosted another life-changing couple’s conference, which drew record attendance to the church.