PASTORS’ TRAINING INSTITUTE REACHES LOCAL PASTORS IN THE DR

by Karen Bradshaw | Jan 25, 2026

By:  Rob Mathis, Director of Pastors’ Training Institute

During our mission trip to the Dominican Republic last week, I had the privilege of teaching 27 local pastors in the first of a six-part pastoral training series.

Each evening, these pastors faithfully gathered to study The Message and the Messenger. Even on nights when the electricity went out, they continued learning by the light of their cell phones—a powerful testimony to their hunger for God’s Word and their commitment to faithfully serving their churches.

At the conclusion of the week, each pastor received a Thompson Chain-Reference Bible and a Certificate of Completion. These resources provide not only recognition for their hard work but also practical tools for biblical study, theology, and sermon preparation. Through this ongoing training, we are equipping Haitian and Dominican pastors to faithfully proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and shepherd their congregations with confidence and biblical truth.

A special thank you to Jefferson, our interpreter, whose outstanding work throughout the week made this training possible. His faithful service and clear communication were an incredible blessing to both the pastors and our teaching team.

DIORE RECEIVES LONG AWAITED SURGERY

by Bill Howard | Jan 8, 2026

Praise The Lord!  With multiple obstacles in their path, Karen Bradshaw and Dr. Mark A. Byard (both from Dothan, Alabama) persevered and with the Lord’s blessings, were able to successfully complete Diore’s surgery!  Three prior attempts for this surgery had failed – miserably.  But now, in God’s timing, the Lord made a way where there was no way.  When we were at our lowest point – God came through with a miracle; He lined up all the people; He opened all the doors; and even with satan raising obstacle after obstracle, The Lord did what only He could do and provided the blessing.

Special thanks to our Medical Director, Karen Bradshaw and her close friend, Dr. Mark Byard.  They stepped out in faith and into the darkness of Haiti and allowed God to use them in a great way.  They were the hands and feet of Jesus this week.  I have the deepest respect for both of them.

Added note:  Diore made a very quick and complete recovery and has a much better quality of life following surgery.  God is Good!