What Our Missionaries Are Planning In South Dakota, The Dominican Republic, and International Training
Sherman’s – South Dakota
As we look around us, we see so much brokenness! Take the young lady that was kicked out of her mom’s house because of some issues her boyfriend had caused. The two of them were drinking all their money up and she wanted help to get a hotel room. Then there was the grandma at our Bible study, tearfully sharing the struggles she is having raising her teenage grandchildren alone.
When we look at ourselves, we can’t help but question, “What makes us any different from all of the shattered wrecks of miserable human existence around us?”
What remedy can we offer to heal these fractured lives?
What is our fix for 2026?
We hope to continue building relationships with young people at our weekly youth nights. Some are just recently starting to feel comfortable coming to our house for activities. Before, they would back out unless it was at a public place. Now, while taking them home, they often open up about things going on in their families, giving us a chance to speak into their lives.
Reaching men has been my special ongoing burden. Men Arise will be held in Rapid City again this May. I plan to be a part of this event and am earnestly praying and working with connections to see men from our community willing to attend. Christian manhood is a huge need among the Native communities. I long to see men experience God’s victory.
Our vision has also been to see solid Christian individuals grow into leadership. This is a long-term process. It may involve the 8-year-old who is tender right now, or the teen that wants to do right but needs a lot of guidance. We are praying that God will give us effective pathways into people’s lives. Please join in asking God’s direction to the areas where He wants us to come along side and collaborate with His Kingdom work.
Leiva’s – The Dominican Republic
As we close out 2025, we lift our hearts in gratitude to the Lord for all that He has done in His work in the Dominican Republic. This has been a time of spiritual renewal, new beginnings, and abundant fruit in the four Holiness churches we serve in Galá, Km 32, Hato Viejo, and Km 25. God has guided every step, reminding us that His work continues to advance with power and grace.
During this period, we witnessed conversions, spiritual growth, and a greater openness of the communities to the Gospel. In the evangelistic campaigns at Km 32 and Km 25, nine people surrendered their lives to Christ, and several more made decisions of reconciliation. In addition, in Hato Viejo and Galá we continued to strengthen discipleship and Bible study with tangible results in the lives of believers.
One of the most significant events was the Three Cultures Service, organized by the women’s union. It was a special service where brothers and sisters representing the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Guatemala participated, as part of the fundraising efforts for the completion of the church building at Km 32. During this service, young Cintia Figueroa gave her heart to Christ. Her testimony has deeply impacted everyone: she comes from a non-Christian home, and in just a few months her life has been transformed. Her way of life, her modesty, her desire to learn doctrine, and her participation in the church have been a living example of the power of the Gospel. She will soon take the step of baptism.
In August, my wife Gloria and I held a doctrinal orientation and standards meeting for new believers in Galá. This effort has borne visible fruit, as several sisters have shown remarkable growth in their relationship with God and in their understanding of the Christian life of holiness.
That same month we held an open-air evangelistic campaign on the main street of Km 32. It was striking to see how the neighbors brought out their chairs to listen to the Word of God from their homes. Although many still don’t dare to come to the temple, these services have touched lives, and we continue to organize them more frequently to reach new hearts.
The women’s seminar brought together more than 60 women, who received spiritual teaching, medical guidance, and psychological support. It was a transformative and uplifting day for all.
In the area of infrastructure, we joyfully celebrated the completion of the roof of the temple at Km 32. We are currently working on the floor and other details, with the goal of soon beginning to use this sanctuary for the glory of God.
The youth ministry has also grown. The young people have been meeting to pray, study the Bible, participate in activities, and share with other young people who do not yet know Christ, serving as a bridge to bring new lives to the Lord.
The children of Galá had a beautiful end-of-year celebration for Sunday School, where many received awards for their consistent attendance. Children’s attendance this year exceeded that of the previous year, and we thank God for the growth of this new generation.
Looking ahead to 2026, we feel that God is renewing our vision and extending our hands toward new beginnings. We want to further strengthen biblical training, prepare new local teachers, expand community evangelism, and consolidate the churches in Galá, Hato Viejo, Km 25, and Km 32. We long to see more baptisms, more restored families, more children getting to know Jesus, and more young people responding to God’s call.
Thank you for joining us with your prayers and support. Every step forward in this work bears the imprint of your love, your generosity, and your commitment to the Great Commission. We invite you to continue praying with us so that this new year may be marked by the power, grace, and guidance of the Lord.
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
To Him be all the glory.
The Judson’s – Ministry Training
In our roles as EFM International Trainers we are highly privileged to assist third world pastors in their desire to know the Bible better. Instructing them in sermon development is an assignment we cherish. Teaching courses offered not only to pastors but to key church leaders is gratifying and rewarding.
Third world countries are being inundated by many cults and false religions. Because of this, the “Christian Beliefs” course by Shepherds Global Classroom (SGC) is especially important for all leaders in Christian service. It systematically explains why the Bible is the most important religious book, thus providing an apologetic which supports our faith. Being able to strongly defend our beliefs against criticism is necessary to answer false religions saturating these countries.
As it has since its founding, Evangelistic Faith Missions (EFM) continues to advance holiness in experience and lifestyle. Gratefully, we partner with her commitment to teaching and leading converts into a deeper relationship with Jesus. An added plus is preaching in churches, villages, and even on house tops, where those tops are flat, thus making a good place to congregate.
In some fields, Gladys and I have also been asked to lead marriage seminars. When couples experience a deeper commitment to their mate and learn how to express appreciation, their relationship with the Lord also advances. We anticipate continued opportunities for strengthening both types of connections.
Right now, we don’t know specifically what assignments will be forthcoming, which countries we might serve in, nor when that may be. But we are excited to follow God’s leading as the doors open. Your prayers, support, and concern are vitally important to us.