The Senica 7

We share stories of people who are transforming, restoring, redeeming and Blessing their communities out of the overflow of Jesus in their lives.

Listen on:

Reflecting Today

This afternoon, for some strange reason, time has seemed to slow. We returned to the DR on January 9th from vacation and have gone literally nonstop since that moment. There has not been a chance to catch our breath. Kids school, Kristi and I Masters classes, sports, school activities, baby Elsie waking up at night and everything that goes along with a 6-month-old, teams arriving, teams going, exhaustion, meetings, home repairs, car repairs, middle schoolers emotions, family talks, emails, projects, finances, Dr. appointments, birthdays, etc, etc etc.

All these things contribute to the limited amount of time we have.

It’s been a roller coaster this month and a half in our lives.

I am asking myself. How much time have I spent reading the Word? Praying? Listening. I find myself asking this question of myself. And the answer - not enough. I need more.

It’s one thing to check off the Bible reading plan for the day, but it’s another to consume and eat the Word. Let the words be digested and reflected upon is a different and an important next step.

This next comment is not a knock against devotionals, or someone else’s words, Study Bibles, etc. Please don’t hear that. I always use them for guides; they are great additional resources. We need other vantage points, perspectives etc.

But this strange, slowing time right now this afternoon has me thinking; I am wondering what would happen if we truly let the words of the bible soak into our hearts and minds prior to reading another person's words on the topic. Before reading the study bible part. Before reading the devotional part. Instead of adding to it from the get go, what if we take it for what it is and let Jesus speak to us through it. What if we allowed Jesus to disciple us through the Word?

After all, the words on the page are breathed by the Creator. They are spoke into existence by our Heavenly Father and embodied by Jesus.

And they can be used to speak into us today and right now. To motivate, encourage, challenge, guide and push us out into the world and at the same time, pull us in closer to Him.

One disclaimer I have is we cannot take scriptures out of context and use them as stand alone. We must take the scriptures as the entirety word of God. An entire story of interrelated stories.

What do you think? Will you allow Jesus to disciple you through the reading and reflecting of scripture?

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

¹⁶All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Hurricane Fiona Relief Trip

On September 19^th, 2022 the eye of Hurricane Fiona made landfall and wreaked havoc across the eastern Dominican Republic, bringing with it damaging winds and flooding. This was the first hurricane to make landfall in the Dominican Republic in 18 years. The DR was not the only place impacted. The Hurricane stretched from Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico, the DR, to Canada.

The aftermath of the storm left many people without power and without water. Immediately plans were in place through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) and Work and Witness DR to assist in providing relief to the affected areas. NCM coordinated Food distributions, mattresses, cooking stoves, and gas were all distributed to help those in need. Nazarene churches from all over the country collected clothing and other items to distribute to those who needed it most. Our children’s school also collected many items, such as diapers, baby formula, and clothing.

After the initial help, our Work and Witness team communicated with the District Superintendent on how best our ministry could assist with rebuilding. He informed us that he had several churches with roofs completely missing from the winds and other damages, so our team visited the affected areas and put together plans to help.

Through some very generous supporters, we were able to collect enough funds to distribute to multiple churches to help them in the rebuilding process. Before the funds ever reached the DR, however, the churches were already collecting offerings within their churches and communities and starting the reconstruction of their buildings. By the time our small team arrived in January, the church and local community members were doing the work!

From January 15^th through January 20^th, we hosted three gentlemen from the United States, one local volunteer, our team, and two additional workers who were interested in serving on a short-term work trip that we advertised for disaster relief. All these people came alongside the work already in process, and we all joined forces for these few days to continue and advance the work that was already being done. This team worked very hard alongside their Dominican and Haitian brothers and sisters. It was a great group participation and effort! The work continues by the local churches that were affected. May God bless each participant, and may God bless the local Nazarene church's work, both here in the Dominican Republic and around the world!

--Sam Senica – Work and Witness Coordinator in the Dominican Republic

Episodes

Friday Dec 15, 2023

Episode 19 - Dr Desmond Barrett / Blessing our Community

Friday Dec 15, 2023

In this episode, we're honored to have Dr. Desmond Barrett, an authority on church revitalization within the Church of the Nazarene. With a wealth of knowledge, Desmond shares insightful strategies and provides a glimpse into the remarkable journey of his current church, Winter Haven Church of the Nazarene. Join us as he delves into the rich history of the church, explores the dynamics of the community it serves, and narrates the inspiring achievements stemming from their intentional efforts in Blessing the Community. Get ready for practical insights and the impact a church can have when 'we believe' in what God can do through us as a people.

Tuesday Nov 14, 2023

Episode 18 - Pastor Gaby Rodriguez - Blessing our Community

Tuesday Nov 14, 2023

In this episode, join us as Pastora Gaby Rodriguez unfolds the compelling narrative of her personal journey and her church's pursuit of becoming a transformative force in their community. Delve into the challenges, unexpected turns, and triumphs that have shaped their path toward blessing others. Discover the profound impact of embracing discomfort, reaching out to those who differ from us, and defying societal norms to extend care and friendship to those deemed unworthy by conventional standards. Pastora Gaby reveals the incredible transformations that have unfolded in people's lives, highlighting the power of the Holy Spirit, working through the selfless service of the people of the church.

Wednesday Oct 18, 2023

Episode 17 - Blessing our Community Assignment

Wednesday Oct 18, 2023

In this episode Sam and Kristi provide more insight into their roles as missionaries working for the Church of the Nazarene USA/Canada Region and the Bless our Community Initiative.