It seems strange writing this post at home, having a steady supply of power, and sipping on an ice cold glass of tap water. Somehow it's not quite the same as the guesthouse. Nonetheless, it seems important that I write down the happenings of the teams last 36 hours in the Republica Dominicana.
The last day and a half seemed to fly by so quickly. On Saturday morning breakfast was delayed until 8:00 and we were all blessed with an extra hour of sleep. We were actually supposed to have Saturday off as a rest day but God had something else in store for us. Around 9:00 most of the team loaded up for the last time into the pick-up truck and taxi, setting out for one last outreach organized by "Manager Frank." A couple team members stayed back at the guesthouse to tie up loose ends and Bob helped finish the construction of the wall. We were told the the village in which we would be presenting was 17 Km away. Well, after an hour of driving (most on unpaved dirt roads), lots of pot holes, and one forged river we arrived at the schoolhouse where we would be presenting the puppets and mimes. The town/village was located in the foothills of the mountains and was quite rural. Once we unloaded and got set up, Tammy and Frank suggested that we go out and spread the word to the people; inviting them to join us at the school.
The school was one room about 50ft X 25ft and was still being constructed. It was incredible to see how God filled the room with well over 100 children. It reminded me of the passage in Matthew where Jesus says: "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." God provided! What a blessing. The mimes and puppets both went very well but it was sad knowing that it was our last outreach at which we would share. I couldn't think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning.
We returned to the guesthouse in time for lunch and then sent off the mime and puppet teams to present a training seminar for local church leaders who wanted to use mimes and puppets in their local ministry. In typical Dominican fashion we started 45 minutes late and had only 25 people registered when we started. However, by the end of the seminar there were well of 50 people in attendance. The mime team shared first and performed all three mimes. Then the puppet team spent the rest of the afternoon helping teach puppets to the local leaders. It was incredible to see Jim and the puppet team so passionately sharing their puppet skills with those in attendance. It was also a huge praise to see the translator, Hector, spend 3 1/2 hours translating non-stop (no easy task). Hector was such a blessing throughout the week as well. He spent most of his time working side by side with the puppet team, translating, and even playing thee different voices in one puppet skit. What an encouragement Hector was to our team!
Departure from the guesthouse came all to soon. Before we left we had to say our good-byes or as Tammy called it spend some time on the "trail of tears." Before we left the whole team gathered around Hector and thanked him for his dedication to God and the ministry. Then we all laid hands on Hector and spent several mosquito infested moments in prayer. After many tears we sent Hector on his way, knowing that we would indeed meet again. We are so blessed to share in the Hope of eternal life that God has promised us! Then it came time to say good-bye to Frank, Juanita, and Nieves. Juanita translated for Frank as we all spoke of what a blessing the two of them had been in our lives. In typical Frank fashion he told us that they were truly the ones who had been blessed by our time and efforts, to which we all said: Gloria A Dios! Again we all gathered around Frank and Jaunita a prayed for them. After saying goodbye to the guesthouse staff we loaded up the trucks and headed to a hotel in San Jaun. Needless to say, many more tears of joy and sadness were shed at the hotel. On a small but meaningful note, when we arrived at the hotel we were excited to find that the rooms cost less than we had been quoted and that we would have AC in our rooms (we weren't supposed to have AC). This was a small but exciting blessing for a very tired and worn out group.
Sunday morning we were up and on the road for Santo Domingo by 5:30. After I (Peter) shared a brief devotional from 1Cor 9:18-27 we spent the rest of the bus ride trying to catch a couple minute of rest. Once in the capital we spent two hours exploring and shopping around in the old Spanish section of Santo Domingo. Then we all set off for the airport and said goodbye to Tammy. After several delays we arrived home early Monday morning around 1:00am. That's it for now. Much more to come as God continues to work, transforming our lives, one moment at a time.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
The Delayed Friday Post
What an incredible trip! God has blessed our team so richly in so many ways! Last night as I was about to begin the blog post the guesthouse lost electricity (this isn't anything new; it happens ALL the time). So, today I'll update you on yesterdays activities.
Yesterday (as always) was an early and long day. At 7:30 we loaded up left in two taxis and headed out to a village about an hour away from the Haitian boarder. Along the way we stopped in the city of El Cercado to see one of the other clinics and church Solid Rock Ministries supports. It was especially exciting for Phil, Tammy, Glen and Josiah because they helped construct the church two years ago when they lived here. The clinic sits right next to the church and school. From El Cercado we enjoyed the rest of our 1 1/2 hr ride through the mountains. The country is so beautiful!
Once we arrived at the village (the name escapes me) the team broke up into two groups. One team for an out-patient medical clinic and another prepared for puppets, games, and bubbles. The medical team set up the clinic in a schoolhouse and immediately began work. Each patient was given a red piece of paper with a number on it; this was their ticket. When their number was called they were taken to Becky who operated the triage section of the clinic. After triage the patients were seen by either Mike or Dr. Canario (one of the clinics doctors). Once the patients received a diagnosis they took their "script" to the pharmacy where Jin, Peter, Claire, and Sarah were stationed. It was a long and hard day of work but we ended up treating over 100 patients.
Meanwhile the rest of the team traveled down the road a little further to another school were they set up their puppet stage. The team did 5 puppets, sang songs, played games, blew bubbles, colored, and gave a gospel presentation. But one of the most important things the group accomplished was displaying and showing the love of Christ to the children through action. So many of the kids just wanted someone to love them. The kids are taught from a young age to watch out for each other and sometimes act like their own mom and dads rather than children. The group had to be reminded that these children are still kids who want to be played with and loved. Just holding the kids hands and playing was an eye opening experience of what it means to love. More to come...
Yesterday (as always) was an early and long day. At 7:30 we loaded up left in two taxis and headed out to a village about an hour away from the Haitian boarder. Along the way we stopped in the city of El Cercado to see one of the other clinics and church Solid Rock Ministries supports. It was especially exciting for Phil, Tammy, Glen and Josiah because they helped construct the church two years ago when they lived here. The clinic sits right next to the church and school. From El Cercado we enjoyed the rest of our 1 1/2 hr ride through the mountains. The country is so beautiful!
Once we arrived at the village (the name escapes me) the team broke up into two groups. One team for an out-patient medical clinic and another prepared for puppets, games, and bubbles. The medical team set up the clinic in a schoolhouse and immediately began work. Each patient was given a red piece of paper with a number on it; this was their ticket. When their number was called they were taken to Becky who operated the triage section of the clinic. After triage the patients were seen by either Mike or Dr. Canario (one of the clinics doctors). Once the patients received a diagnosis they took their "script" to the pharmacy where Jin, Peter, Claire, and Sarah were stationed. It was a long and hard day of work but we ended up treating over 100 patients.
Meanwhile the rest of the team traveled down the road a little further to another school were they set up their puppet stage. The team did 5 puppets, sang songs, played games, blew bubbles, colored, and gave a gospel presentation. But one of the most important things the group accomplished was displaying and showing the love of Christ to the children through action. So many of the kids just wanted someone to love them. The kids are taught from a young age to watch out for each other and sometimes act like their own mom and dads rather than children. The group had to be reminded that these children are still kids who want to be played with and loved. Just holding the kids hands and playing was an eye opening experience of what it means to love. More to come...
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Usual morning and breakfast routine. Loaded into two trucks and headed out for shoe shine boys camp. For those of you who don't know the shoe shine boys are the street "riffraff"of the Dominican republic. They are usually homeless boys or poor boys who ranges from the age of 6-18. Most of them either grow up involved with drugs, sexual immorality, and drunkenness. The boys aren't help accountable by anyone and are therefore their own little business managers at very young ages.
On the way to the camp Peter, Jin, and Daniel were dropped off at the local park where we loaded the boys onto a bus, helped with crowd control, and travel to the camp.Once we had all 140 people (including us) aboard we set out for camp Bethel and unloaded all the boys. We divided the boy into four groups ( by physical height and size not age), pinned name on their name tags, and collected their shoe shine equipment. Once we had everyone accounted for we went to the opening session were we performed a mime, two puppet shows, and music. Following the opening session we rotated each group between 5 stations: Games, puppet creation, crafts, medical (and bubbles while they waited). After the activities we ate a homemade lunch of rice, beans, and beef.
Shortly after lunch we went back to the main meeting room and gathered for the closing session where we clearly laid out the message of the Gospel. Once the closing was complete we gave out bags of donated goods, shoe polish, and clothes to the boys. It was incredible to see the genuine excitement in these tough street boys. Finally we loaded everyone into the bus and dropped the boys off at the park. What a crazy day! It was encouraging to hear Frank, one of the native missionaries describe how he lived on the streets. He told us that he went to many such events only for the food (such as these kids) but that every time there was something nagging at his heart. He told us that many of the followers of Jesus followed him just because of his ability to provide food but that good came through the circumstances. How encouraging!
Tonight we had to say good-bye to Nieves, Katy, and Abbey. Katy and Abbey traveled here from Maryland by themselves and have been apart of our team for the last week. What a blessing and encouragement they have been to all on the team. Nieves is a local Dominican who is pen pals with the girls when they are back in the States. Nieves has become very involved with our group and is helping with the Spanish translating. All three will be missed greatly!
PRAISE:
On the way to the camp Peter, Jin, and Daniel were dropped off at the local park where we loaded the boys onto a bus, helped with crowd control, and travel to the camp.Once we had all 140 people (including us) aboard we set out for camp Bethel and unloaded all the boys. We divided the boy into four groups ( by physical height and size not age), pinned name on their name tags, and collected their shoe shine equipment. Once we had everyone accounted for we went to the opening session were we performed a mime, two puppet shows, and music. Following the opening session we rotated each group between 5 stations: Games, puppet creation, crafts, medical (and bubbles while they waited). After the activities we ate a homemade lunch of rice, beans, and beef.
Shortly after lunch we went back to the main meeting room and gathered for the closing session where we clearly laid out the message of the Gospel. Once the closing was complete we gave out bags of donated goods, shoe polish, and clothes to the boys. It was incredible to see the genuine excitement in these tough street boys. Finally we loaded everyone into the bus and dropped the boys off at the park. What a crazy day! It was encouraging to hear Frank, one of the native missionaries describe how he lived on the streets. He told us that he went to many such events only for the food (such as these kids) but that every time there was something nagging at his heart. He told us that many of the followers of Jesus followed him just because of his ability to provide food but that good came through the circumstances. How encouraging!
Tonight we had to say good-bye to Nieves, Katy, and Abbey. Katy and Abbey traveled here from Maryland by themselves and have been apart of our team for the last week. What a blessing and encouragement they have been to all on the team. Nieves is a local Dominican who is pen pals with the girls when they are back in the States. Nieves has become very involved with our group and is helping with the Spanish translating. All three will be missed greatly!
PRAISE:
- Good Health
- 127 shoe shine boys
- Shoe shine boys behaved fantastically
- Teams passion and concern for shoe shine boys
- Great food and fellowship at guesthouse
- Safe travel
PRAY:
- Medical clinic in village tomorrow
- Games, mimes, medical, and outreach are effective
- Energy and strength to make it through the day (some of us are getting really worn down)
- Flexibility and creativity with problem solving
- Proper team wrap up of planned ministry opportunities
- Jin's throat and Tammy's energy level
- Preparations for home
- Patience with EVERYONE in the team
- persistence in accomplishing our goal and that we would finish the race strong
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Gloria A Dios!
Wow, what a whirlwind of a day! In case you haven't figure out by now all of our days have started very early (6:30am) and ended very late (12:00pm). Every morning we meet for breakfast at 7:00, get an agenda for the days projects, and then clean up from breakfast. The team is divided up into four rotating groups of people who clean up after breakfast. This morning, after breakfast, we met for a brief time to talk about our experiences we'd had the previous day visiting the Dominican homes. So many different stories! I'm sure everyone can't wait to tell you about them when we get back. While we were gathered together we shared a quick devotional about perservering and finishing the race Jesus marked out for us. How according to Galatians 6:9 we shouldn't become weary in doing good, because at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
After devotionals we gathered in the dining area to assemble bags of donated items for the shoe shine boys camp tomorrow. The team worked so well and efficiently! We packed over 150 bags in less than 45 minutes. During this time some of the team worked on filling the cinder block wall with cement; while others helped Becky prepare medical supplies for the camp tomorrow.
Once lunch was finished majority of the team loaded into the bus and traveled to boys orphanage 30 minutes outside of town. When they arrived the children met the team at the bus with smiles on their faces. For the first 1/2 hr the puppet team performed for the kids. The children absolutely loved the puppets and didn't want them to leave. After the puppets were done the orphanage team split into two groups: One for crafts, and one for games. The games ended up turning into a mad free for all with any sort of ball or sports equipment but the team and the kids had a great time. Shortly before the team left the they spent some time reading books to the kids, making bubbles, and then prayed before leaving. Then the team walked across the street and visited a girls orphanage. Interestingly, the boys orphanage had 56 children while the girls had 7.
Meanwhile, the rest of the team that didn't go to the orphanage stayed back at the medical clinic to observe surgeries. We were able to see a total thyroidectomy and a circumcision. The surgeons where very nice and allowed us to get up pretty close and ask questions. This was a special moment for those of us who either work, are students, or have an interest in the medical field. I think each one who watched the surgeries wanted to drop whatever was going on in their life and join the clinic staff ;) It was especially inspiring to watch the compassion that Mrs. Leinbch showed to each of the patients. What an opportunity to share your Spiritual life with someone who is physically ill.
The team rejoined for diner and everyone ate out at a local restaurant in downtown San Juan. Then we piled into the trucks and headed back to the guesthouse to collect our items we would need for the evenings outreach. We held an outreach in a local neighborhood and invited people to come join us for the evenings activities. It was a huge blessing that Frank ( a Dominican missionary) arranged for us to use a generator, speakers, and lights (there was no power in that section of town). The Jugglers (Josiah and Nathan) started off the evening juggling to "the flight of the bumble bee," followed by puppets, songs, and mimes. Praise God we had over 130 plus people in attendance and many were moved by the dramas. At the end of the outreach there was an alter call and several people asked Jesus to be their Lord!
PRAISES:
After devotionals we gathered in the dining area to assemble bags of donated items for the shoe shine boys camp tomorrow. The team worked so well and efficiently! We packed over 150 bags in less than 45 minutes. During this time some of the team worked on filling the cinder block wall with cement; while others helped Becky prepare medical supplies for the camp tomorrow.
Once lunch was finished majority of the team loaded into the bus and traveled to boys orphanage 30 minutes outside of town. When they arrived the children met the team at the bus with smiles on their faces. For the first 1/2 hr the puppet team performed for the kids. The children absolutely loved the puppets and didn't want them to leave. After the puppets were done the orphanage team split into two groups: One for crafts, and one for games. The games ended up turning into a mad free for all with any sort of ball or sports equipment but the team and the kids had a great time. Shortly before the team left the they spent some time reading books to the kids, making bubbles, and then prayed before leaving. Then the team walked across the street and visited a girls orphanage. Interestingly, the boys orphanage had 56 children while the girls had 7.
Meanwhile, the rest of the team that didn't go to the orphanage stayed back at the medical clinic to observe surgeries. We were able to see a total thyroidectomy and a circumcision. The surgeons where very nice and allowed us to get up pretty close and ask questions. This was a special moment for those of us who either work, are students, or have an interest in the medical field. I think each one who watched the surgeries wanted to drop whatever was going on in their life and join the clinic staff ;) It was especially inspiring to watch the compassion that Mrs. Leinbch showed to each of the patients. What an opportunity to share your Spiritual life with someone who is physically ill.
The team rejoined for diner and everyone ate out at a local restaurant in downtown San Juan. Then we piled into the trucks and headed back to the guesthouse to collect our items we would need for the evenings outreach. We held an outreach in a local neighborhood and invited people to come join us for the evenings activities. It was a huge blessing that Frank ( a Dominican missionary) arranged for us to use a generator, speakers, and lights (there was no power in that section of town). The Jugglers (Josiah and Nathan) started off the evening juggling to "the flight of the bumble bee," followed by puppets, songs, and mimes. Praise God we had over 130 plus people in attendance and many were moved by the dramas. At the end of the outreach there was an alter call and several people asked Jesus to be their Lord!
PRAISES:
- Good weather for outreach!
- Good overall health
- Discipling and fellowship amongst team members
- Generator, lighting, and sound system for outreach
- Safe travel around town
- Over 130 people at outreach
- Powerful gospel presentation at outreach
PRAY:
- Shoe shine boys camp
-Enough people and hands to help
-Good crowd control by team
-Energy to keep up with kids
-Flexibility
- Continues health
- Not to get caught up in doing "good" but to place God before "good"
- Safe travel around town
- Trucks clutch would be fixed/ wouldn't give out
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Eli And Jim
Busy day again today. Left for tour of local hospital around eight. Very interesting experience. The health care system here is run completely by the government. We were guided through the different units of the hospital by the assistant director, Dr. Cruz Travarez. The facilities where clean but very small and dated compared to hospitals back home.
After the hospital we were dropped off at the local market and divided into teams of four or five to search for items in a scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt was fun because it forced us to use the Spanish we knew while also allowing us to interact with the culture. The market here is nothing like the grocery stores we have at home. Here the market is laid out over about five blocks with fruits, vegetables, grains, spices, and juices for sale. Once we had finished our cultural experience of shopping in the market we were told we would be performing our mime dramas in the market. So, we headed back to the bus, unloaded our sound equipment, and set up in the middle of the open air market. The mimes were a challenge due to the very tight space were were confined to for a stage (8ft x 8ft). Praise God, we did have lot of people stop to watch and here the dramas.
Once we finished the dramas in the market we loaded everything back into the bus and traveled back to the guest house. After lunch we worked on the projects we'd started yesterday. The brick wall around the guesthouse is now about 1/4of the way done! Around 4:30 we loaded everyone into the bus and set out across the town dropping off teams of 4-5 at Dominican homes. This was a real fun time to see what a middle class home looks like on the inside and observe how Dominican families function. My team was dropped of at an apartment building and we spent the evening conversing with a family (who Paul Krueger stayed with two years ago). They'd prepared a meal for us and we spent several hours talking to them.
After diner we went out into one of the local parks and put on an outreach. Josiah and Nathan juggled to some music to draw people in. However, right as we started it began to rain so quite a few of the people left. The team handled this challenge great and invited people to come and stand under the gazebo where where were performing our puppets and dramas. We were still able to perform all the puppet skits and mimes without and serious problems. Praise God for the people who stayed and heard the gospel message.
PRAISES:
After the hospital we were dropped off at the local market and divided into teams of four or five to search for items in a scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt was fun because it forced us to use the Spanish we knew while also allowing us to interact with the culture. The market here is nothing like the grocery stores we have at home. Here the market is laid out over about five blocks with fruits, vegetables, grains, spices, and juices for sale. Once we had finished our cultural experience of shopping in the market we were told we would be performing our mime dramas in the market. So, we headed back to the bus, unloaded our sound equipment, and set up in the middle of the open air market. The mimes were a challenge due to the very tight space were were confined to for a stage (8ft x 8ft). Praise God, we did have lot of people stop to watch and here the dramas.
Once we finished the dramas in the market we loaded everything back into the bus and traveled back to the guest house. After lunch we worked on the projects we'd started yesterday. The brick wall around the guesthouse is now about 1/4of the way done! Around 4:30 we loaded everyone into the bus and set out across the town dropping off teams of 4-5 at Dominican homes. This was a real fun time to see what a middle class home looks like on the inside and observe how Dominican families function. My team was dropped of at an apartment building and we spent the evening conversing with a family (who Paul Krueger stayed with two years ago). They'd prepared a meal for us and we spent several hours talking to them.
After diner we went out into one of the local parks and put on an outreach. Josiah and Nathan juggled to some music to draw people in. However, right as we started it began to rain so quite a few of the people left. The team handled this challenge great and invited people to come and stand under the gazebo where where were performing our puppets and dramas. We were still able to perform all the puppet skits and mimes without and serious problems. Praise God for the people who stayed and heard the gospel message.
PRAISES:
- Apart from a few minor bugs and injuries the team remains in good health
- Safe travel around town (no small task with 25 people)
- Opportunities to meet and talk to local families
- Drama and puppet teams were flexible with heat, stage size, and rain
- Rest and siesta this afternoon
- Those who heard the gospel presentation during the mimes and puppets
PRAYER:
- Weather would be suitable for our planned work (It's still raining as I right this)
- Those we ministered to today and those who we'll come into contact with tomorrow
- Compassion as we work with orphans tomorrow
- Flexibility due to weather and other circumstances
- Energy and strength to accomplish our goals
- That the team would stay spiritually hydrated and allow quiet time in the midst of the bustle
- Continued health
Monday, July 20, 2009
Day three and everybody is still accounted for (including Kim). Early breakfast this morning at 7:00 followed by team devotional. After devotionals the team broke off into different sections for the morning and afternoon. Becky, Kim, and Mary K. were given the task of organizing the clinics pharmaceutical room (it was in shambles). Jin, Becky, and Tammy worked in the medical clinic helping with general consults and health issues. Glen, Will, Bob, Mike, Dan, Josiah, Nathan, and Phil worked on adding another five layers of cement block onto the guesthouse wall. Mary E. and Peter were sent to the market to help buy fresh produce for the guesthouse. Felicia, Crystal, Jacki, Tonia, Stephanie, Sarah and Barb all helped prepare vitamin packets and organize the donated clothing items. Claire was overseer of organizing the medical supply attic, along with Crystal, Felicia, Dan, Mary, Peter, Sarah and Mike. Finally, Jim coordinated puppet skits with the translators.
Around 4:30 the team piled into the back of two pick-up trucks and headed out for the "old peoples home" which was like a third world nursing home. While there we sang songs, mingled, performed puppets & mimes, and handed out gifts to the residents. Before we left we were able to lay hands on each of the residents and pray for them in English. What a blessing! While we were at the home one of the local Dominican missionary couples who had organized the trip to the home expressed how moved they were through the mimes and dramas. They told us that they would love to see us perform our mimes and puppets throughout the week.
We loaded up the whole team into one pick-up truck (17 people) and one car (7 people) and headed back to the guesthouse. We arrived at the guesthouse around 8:00 and ate diner. As we were finishing diner we received a phone call from the missionary couple explaining that there was a church assembly meeting that evening and they wanted to have us share the mimes. During the same time Jim and Will were taken to a near by church to present puppets. After scurrying to collect our props the mime team headed out 15 minutes later to the church. When we arrived there were over 250 young people attending the service. The leaders escorted us to the front of the church and explained that they wanted us to wrap up their service with our three mimes. During the performance the audience was enthralled by the mimes and absolutely captivated. Later, after the performance eight people came to the front of the church and asked Christ to be their Savior. Gloria a Dios (Glory to God)! Looking out into the audience many of the young people were moved to tears and deeply touched. many people came forward and thanked us for our efforts with the mimes and explained how it impacted them.
We arrived back at the guest house around 10:00 and spent an 1 & 1/2 hours talking, sharing stories of the evening, and praising God. What an encouraging time! Jim and Will told us about their adventure with the church they attended. How they were able to fellowship in two Dominican homes and how they were asked to share during the church service. The whole team noted how passionate the Christians in the DR are toward fellowship and evangelism. They don't just practice religious traditions and obligations but have a deep desire to learn and grow in their faith. What an attitude!
PRAISES:
Around 4:30 the team piled into the back of two pick-up trucks and headed out for the "old peoples home" which was like a third world nursing home. While there we sang songs, mingled, performed puppets & mimes, and handed out gifts to the residents. Before we left we were able to lay hands on each of the residents and pray for them in English. What a blessing! While we were at the home one of the local Dominican missionary couples who had organized the trip to the home expressed how moved they were through the mimes and dramas. They told us that they would love to see us perform our mimes and puppets throughout the week.
We loaded up the whole team into one pick-up truck (17 people) and one car (7 people) and headed back to the guesthouse. We arrived at the guesthouse around 8:00 and ate diner. As we were finishing diner we received a phone call from the missionary couple explaining that there was a church assembly meeting that evening and they wanted to have us share the mimes. During the same time Jim and Will were taken to a near by church to present puppets. After scurrying to collect our props the mime team headed out 15 minutes later to the church. When we arrived there were over 250 young people attending the service. The leaders escorted us to the front of the church and explained that they wanted us to wrap up their service with our three mimes. During the performance the audience was enthralled by the mimes and absolutely captivated. Later, after the performance eight people came to the front of the church and asked Christ to be their Savior. Gloria a Dios (Glory to God)! Looking out into the audience many of the young people were moved to tears and deeply touched. many people came forward and thanked us for our efforts with the mimes and explained how it impacted them.
We arrived back at the guest house around 10:00 and spent an 1 & 1/2 hours talking, sharing stories of the evening, and praising God. What an encouraging time! Jim and Will told us about their adventure with the church they attended. How they were able to fellowship in two Dominican homes and how they were asked to share during the church service. The whole team noted how passionate the Christians in the DR are toward fellowship and evangelism. They don't just practice religious traditions and obligations but have a deep desire to learn and grow in their faith. What an attitude!
PRAISES:
- Good health
- Great weather
- Genuine servant-like attitude amongst team members during work projects
- Team strengthened and gown closer through the last minute events of the evening
- Translators arrived at the clinic
- Fantastic response from the nursing home residents and church congregation
PRAYER:
- Tammy has lost her voice somewhere
- Claire twisted her ankle during a mime
- Safe travel around town tomorrow
- Continued energy, strength, and a renewed spirit
- Successful outreach in marketplace, hospital and park
- Continue to grow and emerge ourselves in the Dominican culture
- God would be glorified in all we say and do
More to come later. I'll try to post some photos tomorrow.
Blessings,
Peter (for the whole team)
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Well, we successfully completed our first full day in the Dominican Republic! We ate breakfast this morning at 7:30 a.m. and headed off to church at 8:30. Afetr breakfast, Tammy announced that we would be spending the rest of our day on "Dominican Time" - meaning nobody on the team could wear a watch. What a different perspective on time! Some of the team rode to the church in the back of a pick-up truck while others walked. The church had just moved to a new building withing the last year. The service was a celebration of a vacation bible school that the local youth had just had finished Saturday. There were over 60 children in a congretion of about 150! Lots of cute smiling faces! We had no translators during the service which was about 4 hours long (note: this is not prescise since we did not have our watches ;). During the church service, the team presented a puppet show which really captivated the children. We also performed two mime dramas. Later, after the service, we heard from many in the congregation explaining how moved they were by the message in the Mimes. Gloria a Dios (glory to God)!
On a funny note: just before the first mime, we realized that Kim Cousino had been missing for quite some time. So, one of the team members went out searching for Kim but could not find her. Meanwhile Phil stalled the audience while team members scattered, looking for Kim. Finally, after searching high and low we postponed the first skit and performed out second skit: "The Chair". As we were starting the first skit, Kim appeared with a frazzled expression on her face. Later, we asked Kim where she had been. She explained that when she went to change into her drama clothes she pulled the bathroom door too tight behind her and it wouldn't budge! Kim frantically tried to shove the door open but wasn't successful. After much contemplation she yelled for help but he effors had no avail. Finally, someone heard Kim's cry for help and rescued her from the clutches of the bathroom door!
After church we returned to the guest house and relax for the afternoon catching up on sleep we'd missed from Saturday's travel. Around 2:00 some of the team members went out walking around town; mingling with the locals and practicing Spanish. We had originally planned to put on an outreach that evening in the local park but got rained out. So, we spent the rest of the evening preparing crafts, evangelism books, and games for the rest of the week. It was a great time of fellowship! Tammy even broke out her guitar and we sang Spanish songs while we worked. Enough for now...more to come!
PRAISES:
- Everyone remains in good health!
- The geust house had electricity most of the day (no loud expensive generator)
- Relaxing afternoon of Ciesta and fellowship
- Gusthouse staff have been incredibly hospitible (they seemingly work all day preparing meals)
- Mimes and puppets went very well during the service and the Holy Spirit's presence was clearly evident
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Weather would be compliable for work we have planned and we would be flexible with the weather
- Continued health
- Construction of Clinic wall would be successful tomorrow
- Possitive attitudes and continued patience with team members
- Physical energy and restful sleep
- Efectively reach/cross of cultural barriers in mimes and puppets (Dominican culture generaly doesn't use symbolism)
- Our team would practice servanthood with the Jr. High group satying with us
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Arrival and Day One
<--- Team orientation
<---Sunset
<--Mountains
Becky's Coke Lite... "this looks normal"
Typical mountainside in the capital
90 degrees and 100% humidity
Full bus from Santo Doming to San Jaun
Loading up in the rain
<--Mountains
Becky's Coke Lite... "this looks normal"
Typical mountainside in the capital
90 degrees and 100% humidity
Full bus from Santo Doming to San Jaun
Loading up in the rainYeah! We've arrived in the Dominican Republic! All the team members are present and accounted for; arriving safely without any complications (except Stephanie who was bumped up to first class :) We landed in Santo Domingo at 2:30 p.m., traveled through immigration, and we're immediatly waved through customs without any hesitation or questioning. Praise the Lord! We exited the airport with our 50+ bags of luggage only to be met by a lovely 90 degree tropic rain shower. After loading our belongings into a small bus we traveled 3 1/2 hours accross the island to San Jaun de Manguana. On our ride up country it was eye-opening and humbling to observe the stark contrast of the contry's rich beauty to the poverty stricken homes and families. Halfway we stopped to get food at a local food court and got to practice out rusty Spanish skills. It was incredible to see what a difference there can be between two cultures and the lifestyles of other people.
PRAISES:
- No flight complications
- All 40 checked bags arrived and were passed through customs safely
- The team has so far been able to practice patience with each other even on minimal amounts of sleep
- We safely arrived at the guest house by bus...EVEN in the midst alarmingly crazy driving
- Everybody made it safely in good health
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Renewed energy for the team members (as we will be starting our day at 7 a.m. tomorrow)
- Everyone remains healthy
- All team members will be able to cope with the extreme humidity and high temperature
- Successful presentation of puppet and mime ministry during morning church service
- That the team would continue to serve wholeheartedly without complaint or discouragement
- Successful outreach tomorrow evening at the local park
- The team might be able to practice flexibility and spontaneity keeping God first in all we do and say.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Dear Prayer Warriors,
In less than 27 hours our team will be leaving for the Dominican Republic. Please join with us in prayer as we make last minute preparations for our departure. Our group of 24 will be leaving for Detroit Metro Airport around 4:00 a.m. Saturday morning and boarding our flight to Miami at 7:20 a.m. We will travel directly from Miami to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, arriving Saturday afternoon, and traveling by vehicle to San Juan later that evening.
Please join us in praying for the following:
- Last minute packing & preparation. There are still many loose ends in "home life" that need to be tied up and last minute loads of laundry that need washing (especially for me).
- Safe travel from Detroit to Santo Domingo. Pray that there are no complications with connecting flights and lost luggage. We will be taking roughly 50+ bags into the country so pray that we don't have any problems with customs and immigration. Also, we will have several first time fliers in the group so pray that they will be comfortable with air travel.
- Travel from Santo Domingo to San Jaun and the guest house. We will be traveling from the Santo Domingo airport to San Juan late Saturday afternoon. Pray that we will have no issues transporting 26 people and luggage to the guest house in San Juan. Pray for vehicular cooperation.
- Energy and joy to serve. We ask that God would renew our spirits on this trip and that His name would be magnified. Please pray that the joy of the Lord will be our strength. We will have a long day of travel with little sleep so, please pray that we will practice peace and patience amongst our teammates.
- Final ministry preparations. We will be pulling together all the loose pieces for our games, medical work, mimes, puppets, balloons, and other ministry tools over the next 36 hours. Please pray that God would give us His Grace as we work to complete these tasks.
From the whole team,
Peter Krueger
Peter Krueger
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