One year has passed, presenting yet another chance for impactful local missions.
As we turn the calendar to 2024, we were once again blessed with the opportunity to engage in ministry within our local community. The faithfulness of God resonated throughout our experiences. Dunkin and I were invited to serve alongside our 11th-grade students at three locations, each with its own unique character.
Our first stop was Innovation Charter School, a familiar ground for us at this point. The children’s excited voices welcoming Dunkin were a joyous reminder of our previous visits. We ventured into 11 classrooms, spanning from Kindergarten to fourth grade, teaching the students about the various roles of Working Dogs—Service Dogs, Military and Police Dogs, and Therapy Dogs. “Dunkin’s job is to bring comfort to those who are sick or sad,” I explained. We concluded our presentation with the “Good News,” I shared, “God loves you,” while Dunkin, standing on his hind legs, embraced me and we recited John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him would not perish but have everlasting life.” We left behind cards adorned with Dunkin’s picture and that verse, guiding them on how to pray and receive Jesus as their Savior.
The following day, we felt right at home in the newly established Calvary Christian Academy North Miami. We had the opportunity to share the Gospel with three groups, a Kindergarten class, 3rd grade and 8th grade. The students on my prompting would find the verses and Dunkin did a trick after the student recited the scriptures. Even the Kindergarten class joined in unison as we recited John 3:16 together.
On our last day, we visited Hope South Florida, a ministry dedicated to helping those experiencing homelessness. While our high school students prepared food and sorted clothing, Dunkin brought light and joy to everyone he encountered. A poignant moment unfolded with a client in need. Dunkin, in a surprising display of sensitivity, sat beside the man and shared a heartfelt gaze. The man, a former dog trainer, revealed his story of homelessness and loss of purpose and grief. This encounter, beyond mere dog training skills, felt like a divine intervention. In our conversation, I had the privilege of praying over him, reminding him of God’s love and purpose for his life. I left him with a pocket-sized Book of John, “Steps to Peace with God,” and Dunkin’s card—a powerful moment for all of us.
It was a week filled with serving the Lord and extending love to our local community. We are grateful for the privilege of being part of such meaningful opportunities