Family Spotlight June 2016 | Santiago, Dominican Republic

Osoky and his son Onerlene Meet Omelio, Charlene, and their son Onerlene (a combination of Omelio and Charlene). If you have been on a trip with us to the Dominican, there is a strong chance you have gotten to know our one and only Omelio, or as everyone likes to call him, Osoky. He is one of the group chauffeurs employed by Centro Cristiano. He is outgoing, fun, and takes great pride in helping our teams. Since the beginning, on top of driving our volunteer teams from point A to point B, Osoky has chosen to work right alongside our teams in the house building process. He considers it an honor and a privilege to help minister to his people while all along living in the same conditions as those he is helping.  Before Osoky became a God fearing leader in the community, he stood out in other ways. He was known for being the head of a local gang. In fact, at the house dedication, his mom claimed Osoky used to be one huge headache. Like many people in this world, he was only living for himself until God turned his life around. Osoky decided to begin chasing after the life God intended for him. Centro Cristiano chose to hire him because of his past and his knowledge of the local crime. What Satan once used for harm, God redeemed. Osoky now uses his past knowledge of crime to ensure the safety of our volunteer teams. Pastor Michell, Charlene, & Osoky When Osoky is not serving alongside groups, he works as a local motor taxi driver. His wife Charlene, on top of taking care of their son, is going to school to become a teacher for early childhood development. Onerlene is a ball of energy and, like his dad, is always the life of the party. When their family found out that they would be sponsored for a home, they were overjoyed. Charlene was so excited that she had their belongings packed in boxes two full weeks before Peace Lutheran Church of Eau Claire, Wisconsin arrived in February to build for them.  The entire build was a testimony to the man Osoky has become in Christ. The community rallied around their family, helping in any way possible. They helped pour concrete, level walls, nail siding, and even made sure Peace Church had their fill of fruit and coffee daily. This time, Osoky wasn't building for someone else. He was building a home for himself and for his family. At the dedication, he said, "I now understand in a completely new way what these families feel when receiving a home through Casas and how God is glorified in the process. I can now help share Christ and relate in a new and real way to the families that we will serve together."  Volunteer team from Peace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, WI

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