Kathryn Scott
October-November updates
We are invited into something greater
October looked like getting to share in churches, at ABW groups, and other events about how God is at work in the DR. November looked like some time with family, heading back to the DR, and getting back into the rhythm of ministry here.
It is a privilege to share how God is at work in the Dominican Republic with the churches in Canada. I was so encouraged as I shared how IBAREDO, our partner in the DR, is giving hope a home in their churches and communities. This is something we are all invited into, whether we live in Canada or around the world. We get to play a role in bringing hope to those around us and what a joy that is.
October looked like Sunday mornings in different churches, mid-week events at ABW groups, a multi-church evening of sharing, meeting a couple SENT teams that will come in 2026, speaking at one of Crandall University’s chapels, sharing at a women’s retreat, and more. It was also nice to be seeing colleagues in Atlantic Canada when possible. For example, one of the photos is with Byron Velasquez, who is the Global staff in Guatemala. Our paths crossed in New Brunswick and it was neat to see him in Canada on his first trip there.
Thank you to all the churches, ABW groups, and others who allowed me to be sharing about this ministry. Thank you to every person who showed up to listen, asked questions, and prayed during that time.
One of the many blessings of being in New Brunswick during October meant that I was able to spend time with my friends and family. It can be hard to see everyone as I travel around sharing, but luckily I was able to see almost everyone I wanted to. This time together was a blessings.
As I transitioned back into the DR, I quickly got involved again in the Academic Reinforcement program at the church closest to me. It was great to see the kids after being away and to see how they had been continue to learn and grow. It was also neat to see how the volunteer teachers continue to grow in their abilities and feel more confident about their work in this ministry.
One Saturday, we also had a workshop for the parents, grandparents, or guardians of the children in the community about Positive Parenting. Having a better connection with the guardians (who don’t always have a relationship to the church) is one of the areas this program would like to continue to grow in. It in a goal to have parent meetings and workshops throughout the year to be equipping these families and journeying with them. Please be praying for these relationships and that there would be increased interest to be a part of these meetings and workshops.
One Sunday this month, I had the privilege to be teaching the Sunday school class for the 10-15 year olds. This month they were learning about self-control. After that morning, I sent the following message in our kids ministry group:
“Today, with the older children, we talked about self-control, the power of our words, and how “the tongue has the power of life and death.” At the end, I asked them to write a short note to someone to encourage them.
I encourage each of you to say something encouraging to the children you see over the next few weeks (and beyond, but especially this month). Something positive that you see in them. Perhaps you could think of a particular child, or a small group, whom you would like to encourage to write a note. I would love for you to see the power and vitality that words of encouragement have in real life.”
As I was thinking about this monthly update, I thought I would encourage all of you to think about who you have encouraged lately? Have you taken time lately to tell someone about a gift or ability you see in them? To thank them for a way they have shown up for you?
If you have, that’s great! Keep encouraging those around you. In our world, we need more encouragement. People need to know that they are seen and valued. And this isn’t just about kids. Kids need to be encouraged, but so do youth, young adults, adults, coworkers, your neighbours, etc.
If you haven’t encouraged anyone lately (and it doesn’t need to be complicated… a small text, a note, a call, encouraging them in person when you see them, etc), would you think of 3 people who you can reach out to and speak life over them. I think you could be amazed at how God shows up in these seemingly small acts.
One weekend, JUBAREDO (the youth board) headed to the eastern region of the country to host a workshop for the youth there. The goal was that those in attendance would be learning about how to lead a youth group or a youth service. There are so many ways, but this was helping to give them a structure to be able to start a youth service.
I was able to teach a bit about thinking about why behind our activities and focusing on sharing the 3 big questions that youth have which are:
– Who am I? The question of identity. This is about our view of ourselves
– Where do I fit? The question of belonging. Which is about our connection with others.
– What difference can I make? The question of purpose. This is about our contribution to the world.
And how we get to walk with others in these questions and help guide them to see that they are enough because of Jesus, that they belong with God and God’s people, and how their story finds it’s greatest meaning and purpose in the midsts of God’s greater story and how they are invited to be a part of it.
You can be praying for these churches in the east as now is the time to take what they have learnt and put it into practice.
We also visited one of IBAREDO’s churches in Batey Guajabo. I don’t often get a chance to visit this church but I love every opportunity I get. I spent some time with these 2 girls who you see pictured with me, and it was so fun to connect with them, especially because I have many photos with these girls from the last time I visited. It’s fun to continue to build on connections (however brief they might seem) and continue to see people grow.
Prayer Requests
– Be praying for the academic reinforcement that takes place in several churches within IBAREDO. Pray for them as they make plans for 2026 for this program.
– Pray for the churches in the eastern regions and they seek to start youth groups.
– Be praying for the churches, the leaders, pastors, and volunteers within IBAREDO as we head into the Christmas season. May they be encouraged and experience the presence of Immanuel, God with us.
– Be praying for plans that are being made for the new year and how IBAREDO continues to look for ways to grow and impact their communities.
