Day 8 - Thursday

Written February 26, 2010 8:00 am
Mission Complete

The team was up at 5am today to catch an 8:30 flight from Santo Domingo to Miami. The Wisconsin team and Raymond would be on the morning flight. Sonia and Alex stayed back at the hotel as their flight was in the afternoon. The team said their good-byes to Ricardo, Big Pablo and Noel after checking in.

After Miami and customs and saying good-bye to Raymond it was on to Chicago and then to Green Bay where we were met by our families. Flights were on-time and uneventful (unlike last year).

This is the time to be self-reflective. The time to cherish family, country, hot water, electricity, clean air, freedom and order. It is also time to reflect on the blessings God has given us and His demand that we go into the world to spread the gospel and care for the less fortunate. By walking out our own faith we are also given a boost that emboldens us to talk to others here at home.

It is also time to praise God. He gave us good health and safety throughout the trip. He put people into our lives unexpectedly and for a purpose. He used 7 simple people from Northeastern Wisconsin to proclaim the truth of Christianity: that Christians love others and will serve them to bring them to the knowledge that Christ died for everyone. And that through that knowledge and turning away from sin they may have a relationship with Jesus that lives in their hearts which we call faith.

We also praise God for using you. How else would those 7 simple people raise over $22,000 for our mission?

Our team saves no one; only the Holy Spirit can save. What our team does is love, serve and plant seed.

Thank you again for your prayers and support. Continue checking back at this site for pictures and videos from our trip.

Dan, Paul, Jim, Shawn, Eric, Duane, Jaimee (Wisconsin)

Raymond (California)

Sonia and Alex (Washington)

Day 7 - Wednesday

Written Thursday, February 25, 2010 11:30 am
Wrapping up and heading home.
Morning Devotion led by Sonia – various books/verses.

Today was a transition day to wrap up any loose ends and say our good-byes. The team started with a trip to purchase crutches and deliver them to some of the Haitian earthquake victims that are patients in the make-shift hospital that the team visited last week Thursday.

The next stop was to the rehab center to say so long to our good friends there. These young men and boys came to the rehab center with dependencies on drugs and alcohol and through the power of the Holy Spirit and leadership of Ricardo have become disciplined men who wholly credit Jesus with their salvation (both spiritually and physically). It is always a tearful occasion when the team and men share their thoughts and love. They serve us so well on these trips and their partnership is cherished. Carmen (Ricardo's wife) was especially moved as her “American Family” for the past week was now leaving.

We then drove out to the Haitian village to say farewell to Pastor Wilfredo. The team has worked closely with Pastor Wilfredo the last couple of years in building and food projects and showing the Jesus film. He is a dentist by trade and income (which is next to none) but is the spiritual leader to many people. He has suffered himself as family and friends were effected by the earthquake in his home Haiti and he lost his wife last year to cancer. A harder working pastor would be harder to find.

After leaving Pastor Wilfredo it was a 2 hour drive to the Dominican Capital Santo Domingo for some brief shopping and sightseeing. This is the DR, of course and anything can happen. Only 20 minutes into the trip traffic stopped dead. It seemed obvious that something significant such as an accident had happened in front but the DR way is to drive around everyone else thinking they can get through. Something significant did happen. A large truck and semi-truck loaded with beer collided head-on. Both were rolled over with beer and glass all over the road. A crane was being used to move the vehicles so the road was completely blocked. People also don't stay in their cars but instead walk right up to the accident and observe. So now you have 3 cars wide going in each direction backed up for miles on a two lane road that is completely blocked, people stealing beer and generally milling around in the 90 degree heat. Surprising it was only a little over an hour before we were able to get on the move again.

The delay shortened the team's shopping time but a beautiful night together for the last time was had in the city. They stayed in a hotel downtown near all of the old architecture. This city was founded by Christopher Columbus' brother in 1496. It has a great many beautiful forts and buildings from centuries ago. It was most likely the last time the team would ever be together in this form so quality time together was cherished.

Day 6 - Tuesday

Written February 23, 11:30 pm
Starting to wind down.
Morning devotions were led by Duane – Hebrews 11.

This morning was set aside for Compassion. Paul, Dan, Eric and Shawn each sponsor a child in Azua through Compassion International; a Christian organization that has schools throughout the world. The children meet a few hours each weekday and get a meal, medical check-ups and a Christian education. The sponsors and children also correspond throughout the year. The team bought ice-cream for the entire school and the men took the kids to their homes. They delivered presents, encouraged their child and talked and prayed with the family. They make it a point to do this every year. Less than 1% of the over 1 million Compassion kids throughout the world ever get to meet their sponsors. It's always a treat to spend that short time with these precious children that the Lord has put in their sponsor's lives.

One of the many side stories happened today while on the streets during the Compassion visits. Jim and Eric came across an old man who was wearing mismatched shoes carrying a gunnysack. They greeted the man and handed a track to him. It became obvious quickly that the man was blind as he did not look at the track and instead was feeling it. Young Pablo was called over to interpret. The old man said he was on his way to buy food. They helped him cross the street and Dan gave the man coins to buy what he wanted – a day's worth of food – his daily bread for about $1.30. For whatever reason the Lord allowed this man to come in contact with our team today. We just thank Him.

As the team will be heading to the capital tomorrow afternoon to begin the journey home, loose ends and final tasks need to be wrapped up. One such task was the purchase of 2 gas ranges. One for Ricardo and Carmen for their house and the second for the Rehab center. The previous stoves were hardly working and in terrible condition. Both Ricardo and Carmen were overjoyed as these gifts were not expected.

After a late lunch the team packed up and went to another of the many villages about 10 miles outside of the city which never seem to be touched by the modern world. The team did some relatively brief meet-and-greet with the villagers and left food with the pastor.
The group then went back into the city to the Center for the Blind which the Way-Mor Lion's club has been supporting. The center is run by a Christian couple who have a real heart to help the blind succeed in a culture where a disability can be a curse. The team was given an update on current and future projects.

Late in the day a visit was made to the “Home Church”. This is a church that the team built over the course of a couple of trips a few years ago. They listened to the children sing and Dan, Paul and Duane gave a message. Sweet rice was served to the kids and food was left with the pastor.

The evening ended like it typically does on the last night of the trips. Everyone involved with this mission gathered at Ricardo's for pizza and soda topped off with a cake baked by Sonia. Besides the American team, the rehab guys, Ricardo and Carmen, Both Pablo's and their wives, and various pastors and associates that had anything to do with this years' mission attended. It is such a highlight of the trip as so many Holy Spirit filled people gave testimony and shared their thoughts and thanks. The American team is humbled beyond words with the hospitality and love that these people have for us and especially Jesus. It ends up being a love fest of Jesus and His disciples working here in Azua and beyond. Many hugs, many tears.
Tomorrow we have a few more loose ends to secure and visits to make before leaving Azua for Santo Domingo in the afternoon.

While not home yet, the team would like to thank all of those who have supported them with prayers and donations. This trip would not have nearly the impact without them. We have been blessed with safety and good health throughout the week and most importantly have been able to spread the love of Jesus to those in need.

Day 5 - Monday

Written Tuesday, February 23, 2010 12:30 am

A day mostly for the kids.
Morning devotions were led by Paul – 1 Timothy 6

The first stop this morning was the marketplace. The marketplace is a few square blocks where vendors sell their wares in the streets. It's quite the experience for a beginner. The streets are packed with people buying and selling everything. Many times their goods are just laid out on the street. The sellers are barking as you walk buy and it seems like total chaos. Part of the fun is seeing what they are selling. Piles of old shoes (good luck finding a match) or hundreds of old tv remote controls. Otherwise all types of produce, food, clothes or anything else you could imagine. We didn't spend long there but were able to hand out many tracts.

Next stop was the school near the rehab center which is for special needs kids. They wear uniforms and are very polite and patient. They sang a number of songs for us. Each one of us (including Jaimee) gave a devotion or encouragement. We used their globe to show where Wisconsin is located. They sometimes don't seem to believe us when we tell them that we can walk on the lakes during the winter. We left them with children's bibles and the gift packets from Wayside and they served us a snack before leaving. Always hospitable, respectful and polite.

We then walked over to the rehab center and loaded up the small white rehab truck. I doubt you've ever seen a truck so small but it does the job. The entire team walked throughout the area around rehab for an hour or so blessing people with food, children's bibles for the kids and tracts. Like most of the area around Azua, this area is quite poor by anyone's standards.

The team then headed back for a late lunch at Ricardo's. What's newsworthy about this was part of the menu. In the DR nothing is wasted. And as chickens are everywhere, nearly everything is consumed. That includes the feet; cooked with sauce, of course. While Ricardo and his wife Carmen knew this wouldn't be typical American fare they offered us a sample. Paul, of course, had no problem accepting the challenge and Jim followed. Shawn reluctantly gave in not wanting Jim to get the best of him. Thank goodness seconds were not offered.

After lunch the team loaded up with equipment and supplies for the remainder of the day. The first stop was a school about 10 miles southwest of Azua. About 100 kids from about ages 3-8 were waiting for us on benches outside under their canopy behind the church. They were all beautifully dressed with all the girls wearing their typical beads and ribbons in their braided hair. They sang songs and answered the questions of the leader for us. We were very impressed with their patience and love for Jesus. Each of the team gave a brief message of encouragement. One continues to be amazed at how you can travel for miles on rough roads through rugged country and over narrow bridges, find a village that appears to be in need of everything needed to survive (by our standards) and come across such a beautiful group of kids waiting for our arrival. You need to ask: just who is supporting who? We gave every kid a children's bible and every family a package of food.

The night's activity was showing the Jesus film and the salvation sketch with worship, preaching and prayer. The area was not too far from the last stop near where Carmen's church is located. The team set things up in the park, got the music going and then set out to canvas the area. They passed out tracks and told people about the service. They had a good turnout. It's always difficult to judge and counts are not done but the park was full with no extra room. Many kids were there so we showed the children's version of the film again. Ray, Dan, Jim and Shawn gave a message.

The night in the park ended on an unexpected note. As a team the decision was made not to be specific in this blog. What will be said here is that the Wisconsin contingent of the team experienced something of note for the first time. Forces of evil are present and preaching the Word of God makes these forces angry. Spiritual warfare, while not always seen, is real. They would ask that you talk to one of the team members personally so they can tell the whole story. They would be glad to fill you in.

A late night snack of empanadas and juice and a team meeting ended the evening.

Day 4 - Sunday

Written Sunday, February 22 9:30 pm

Another good day in the Lord's kingdom.
The day began with devotions led by Eric – Romans 3.

After breakfast the team loaded up and visited the prison in Azua. This has been a yearly ritual. The girls stayed back; not so much for safety but to allow the men to talk to the men in the prison without distractions. The team is literally inside with the prisoners. Each team member gave testimony or a message always using scripture. They focused on the sins of men and this culture and how by turning away from their ways and allowing Christ into their lives they have the promise of salvation. The team was well received as usual. We always are amazed by the respect that these killers, rapists, thieves and drug dealers have for Christian Americans. Soap, bibles and tracts were left. It is always a powerful experience.

Around noon the entire team went to the main hospital in Azua. They wanted to concentrate primarily on the Haitian patients who were victims of the earthquake. It is always difficult to witness suffering and there was plenty of that here. This is a large four-story hospital with sometimes 8 patients in a room: not even a curtain or sheet for privacy. Try to imagine. Many broken limbs and amputations. Few photos are taken of visits such as this due to respect for the patients but the images will be burned into the minds of the team for some time.

We delivered the packages of personal hygiene products (in the DR you must bring your supplies with you to the hospital), handed out tracts, bibles, crosses and children's bibles. One room was exclusively children. We went from room to room and laid on hands and prayed. Sonia knows French, Ray and Pablo Junior Spanish and Pablo Junior's wife is Haitian so we have English, Spanish, Creole and French covered wherever our travels lead.

The desire to know God's mind is so refreshing at times during our mission. A few times today a nurse would find us asking for a bible and so excited when we would give her one. They don't have bookstores in Azua so having a bible is a truly a valuable item. In one particular hospital room we came across an English-speaking Haitian woman who was caring for her brother. She was a Christian and badly wanted a bible in English. Shawn reached into his pack and pulled out the bible he bought for the trip. A simple $10 purchase in a bookstore in Appleton, Wisconsin now became what appeared to be the greatest gift this Haitian woman has ever received. She gave Shawn such a hug. It will never cease to amaze us the people in this world that respect the Bible for what it is: the true and living Word of God.

After the hospital visit we went back to Ricardo's where Big Pablo was making us a special lunch. Coke, cheeseburgers and fries made for a great late lunch and diversion from the usual DR fare of beans, rice, fruit, chicken and fried plantain.

Usually the team plays a game of softball with the rehab guys but this year they wanted to dedicate the new concrete of their basketball court by playing the Americanos. In the end I think the games were evenly split. Who knew Dan had such moves?

The evening program was spent showing the Jesus film in a village about 5 miles southwest of Azua. It was a great night. Over 200 people showed up and were very attentive and enthusiastic and even applauded during some scenes. Tracts were passed out before the film, the “salvation sketch” was shown after the film and the local pastor, Raymond, Eric, Sonia and Paul gave a message. The team then laid hands and prayed for those who asked, which were many.

The team finished the night before 10 pm with ice-cream.

Day 3 - Saturday

Written Sat. Feb. 20, 11:30 pm

Haiti.

Like any other day doing mission work in the DR, you need to be prepared to adjust to the situation. This was one of those days. The original plan was to get an early start and travel a few hours to the west to get near the Haitian border and deliver food to earthquake refugees. Instead we went into Haiti and got within 25 miles of Port-Au-Prince.

We did get an early start. After a short breakfast at Ricardo's and a quick devotion from Dan we got underway with the team in Big Pablo's van following a rental truck with most of the food we packaged on Thursday.

The first stop was the city Barahona where Sonia's friend Pastor Jack lives (Haitian). His police officer brother gave us an escort to visit two homes that were filled with Haitians recovering from major surgeries and injuries. These were difficult scenes for the team to witness. No doctors, just caring Christian volunteers using donated money. Many amputations, broken limbs, a woman with a broken back and a mother of 6 that was paralyzed from the waist down. This isn't the U.S. It is difficult enough to survive in this part of the world when you are able-bodied. We laid hands and prayed for them for the healing power of Jesus – healing power for both body and the heart.

Our intentions were to stop at a refugee camp near the Dominican side of the border and deliver much of the food. The 15 passenger van is great for a people carrier and equipment carrier with the seats removed but it is not exactly new. Well, about 5 miles from our destination going up a very steep hill on a not so gentle corner the van decided to take a siesta. It puttered for about a minute and then just quit with what appeared to be no chance for immediate revival. Big Pablo didn't seem concerned but the rest of us were. This was a major route for supplies entering Haiti and we just blocked one lane on a dangerous portion with semis trying to pass from both directions. After roasting in the sun for 30 minutes we were able to call the supply truck back (it was in front and didn't realize our situation). The entire team then jumped on top of 3 tons of food and crossed over the mountain leaving Big Pablo, his wife and the resting van behind. About half-way down the other side we suddenly see this familiar vehicle racing behind us. Somehow he was able to start the van and it's been fine the rest of the day – the Lord truly does work in mysterious ways.

The first refugee camp was run by a team of doctors associated with US Aid. They had plenty of supplies and weren't too interested in our team of Christians. We blessed them and left. We then visited a nearby church being used by Haitian refugees. We did a short worship service and passed out food and children's bibles. It was here that we met a Haitian Christian woman who thought our team could do the best good over the border.

Crossing the border into Haiti during the current crises will be something the team members will not soon forget. The chaos of people and vehicles with the many sounds and smells is difficult to properly elaborate. We have become acclimated to the living conditions in the DR but the little time we spent in Haiti today shed a whole new light on what the definition of “need” really is. It is difficult to comprehend that this is the same planet that we live in back home. This is why we do this: the love of Jesus. God has blessed us and he expects us to use these blessings for those who have none.

We continued about 15 or 20 miles into Haiti with our new guide and stopped at a Christian refugee camp that was being well-run with many tents being used for shelter. The administrator was from Florida and was grateful for the offer but told us they were well supplied and the needs were greater elsewhere. As the border was to close in 90 minutes and we had some safety concerns if trying to deliver food, our guide suggested we turn back towards the DR. On the way back to the border we blessed a Haitian church with food and then our guide took us to her village in the DR where we were able to bless an orphanage with food, clothes and children's bibles.

We then dropped off Pastor Jack at his village outside of Barahona where we blessed his church with food and bibles.

After a day of many hours of hard travel (rough roads and much dust) we are coming back with some of the food we had intended on leaving in Haiti but it was not God's plan. There are so many needs all over this island so we will continue to do what we feel is His will: feed our Christians brothers physically, encourage them in their walk with the Lord and find those who are not walking in the light and share the Good News with them.

Day 2 - Friday

Written Sat. Feb. 20, 11:30 pm

Morning devotion was led by Shawn – James (Santiago) 4 and 5.

All day the entire team worked in and around or otherwise supported the construction work being done in the Haitian village. This community is located about 7 miles east of Azua and is filled with primarily Haitians who live in deplorable conditions. The youngest children do not always have clothes (never diapers) and the homes are built from any material they can find. They have been in this area for many years but find it better than their native Haiti. Most of the men work in the nearby banana and tomato fields.

Eric and most of the team labored in the hot sun nearly all day making an addition to the pavilion our team constructed last year. They poured a concrete floor and built much of the structure. Jaimee and Sonia entertained the children and women. Jim and Shawn used the day to witness in the area with tracts, wood crosses, children's bibles and poor attempts at Spanish and Creole. The hospitality they receive from strangers continues to amaze them. Would Americans, upon seeing a stranger, instantly pull out chairs and invite them into their homes?

After dark the team showed the Jesus film in the Dominican area near the Haitian village. As many kids were present the children's version of the film was shown. Pastor Wilfredo, Duane, Raymond and Shawn preached and witnessed afterwards. Food was left with Pastor Wilfredo to distribute to his members.

Day 1 - Thursday

Jim led morning devotion.

Trying to acclimate to the heat and humidity (mid 80's) and jet lag. Worked with the guys from Ricardo's Christian Rehab (Azua version of Rawhide Boys Ranch) to package food. Started with just over 6000 pounds (1500 last year) of beans, rice and cooking oil and measured it into individual bags which are then combined into family-sized packages that may last a week. It took many hours but approximately 950 packages were made. We will use this food throughout the week on our travels.

Visited the woman and her family where we built the house last year. She was so grateful for the blessings the Lord has provided for her. She now also has bunk beds for her kids donated by a couple from Florida. How powerful is our God to her! Her prayers were answered by total strangers!

Went to the old hospital in Azua which was reopened and is being used for overflow from the main hospital because of the earthquake in Haiti. Many people recovering from surgeries. Mostly leg injuries with quite a few amputations. No doctors in charge - just Ricardo and two other pastors. Gave them love gifts (mostly personal hygiene products) but most importantly prayed with each of them in their rooms. Incredible how these people somehow have hope when recovering in a strange place away from home with many with dead family members left back in Haiti. It breaks your heart - only the Holy Spirit can provide that hope. Major need for crutches which the team will address. At night we used the entrance area and filled it with chairs and hospital beds to show the Jesus Film (in Creole). Pastor Wilfred, Jim, Dan and Raymond preached/witnessed. Finished the late night back at Ricardo's with supper and ice-cream to celebrate Duane's birthday.

Plan on spending the entire day Friday in the Haitian village with construction projects, witnessing, food program and showing the Jesus Film after dark. God bless and take care until the next update.

Waiting

Miami Intl. Airport waiting for flight to Santo Domingo. Jaimee seems to have to survived her first time flying. Looking forward to getting to Azua tonight and starting work tomorrow.

Azua Update Created

Just created this quick blog so that friends and family can follow our trip in the DR from February 17th to the 25th. This trip has always been a rewarding adventure in sharing the Good News and serving the less fortunate but this year may have a special impact. Because of the earthquake we expect to be spending much more time with the Haitian refugees and trying to help with their needs. Less construction, more food programs and purchasing basic necessities of life is the current plan but we will let God decide once we are there. We will always witness and share Christ's love...probably just more in Creole and less in Spanish! I don't want to make too many promises with this blog as our days are busy and I may not always be able to get online but I would like to update it daily if I can. Pray for us, pray for the Dominicans and pray for the Haitians. I hope to file my next report on the 17th.