Saturday, March 3, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Final Day in the DR
Devotions were led by Mike from the book of Hebrews. It was a truly fitting final study as we prepared to leave Azua.
After a quick breakfast, the house was cleaned and bags were packed. Items not needed by the team were loaded on Pablo's truck to be donoted. A number of final errands were done around town, some of the team visited the lady who the team built a house for 3 years ago and the entire team had a final lunch together before visiting the construction project by Carmen's church that Eric had been leading earlier in the week.
On the way to Santo Domingo a detour was made near the coast south of Bani. Pastor wilfredo has a contact with a Haitian village which recently had a fire that displaced 11 families. Upon our arrival we found out that they had been expecting us. The church was packed with children that sang their hearts out for us and the Lord. What incredible faith in such a poor and hurting community. Mike gave a brief message and we prayed for them before blessing them with clothes. They circled us and prayed for us before leaving. What a fitting way to end our trip.
Upon arriving in the Capital, the team did some brief shopping, checked into the hotel and ate a last meal together. Local cuisine was enjoyed by all with a short devotion led by Dan at a small restaurant in the Colonial area by the hotel. A last "God" experience for the trip was had when Chris was able to witness to the Catholic restaurant owner and later deliver a Spanish Bible (one that Paul had with him for no earlier apparent reason).
The team was in bed by 11pm ready for the 4am wakeup to make their morning flight.
Thank you so much for the prayer and financial support. Approximately $24,000 was used to help those in need (more details to come). The team especially wants to thank our families during this time away. This would not be possible without you.
Many lives were changed during our 8 days in the DR: Dominican, Haitian and American. We witnessed the Holy Spirit work in so many ways. The power of the name of Jesus was used for His glory and the team members will be eager to share their experiences.
This will be the final "trip" entry for 2012 but one more posting will be made in the coming days that will look back at how God worked through the team and the things He did.
Dios te bendega (God is Great)
After a quick breakfast, the house was cleaned and bags were packed. Items not needed by the team were loaded on Pablo's truck to be donoted. A number of final errands were done around town, some of the team visited the lady who the team built a house for 3 years ago and the entire team had a final lunch together before visiting the construction project by Carmen's church that Eric had been leading earlier in the week.
On the way to Santo Domingo a detour was made near the coast south of Bani. Pastor wilfredo has a contact with a Haitian village which recently had a fire that displaced 11 families. Upon our arrival we found out that they had been expecting us. The church was packed with children that sang their hearts out for us and the Lord. What incredible faith in such a poor and hurting community. Mike gave a brief message and we prayed for them before blessing them with clothes. They circled us and prayed for us before leaving. What a fitting way to end our trip.
Upon arriving in the Capital, the team did some brief shopping, checked into the hotel and ate a last meal together. Local cuisine was enjoyed by all with a short devotion led by Dan at a small restaurant in the Colonial area by the hotel. A last "God" experience for the trip was had when Chris was able to witness to the Catholic restaurant owner and later deliver a Spanish Bible (one that Paul had with him for no earlier apparent reason).
The team was in bed by 11pm ready for the 4am wakeup to make their morning flight.
Thank you so much for the prayer and financial support. Approximately $24,000 was used to help those in need (more details to come). The team especially wants to thank our families during this time away. This would not be possible without you.
Many lives were changed during our 8 days in the DR: Dominican, Haitian and American. We witnessed the Holy Spirit work in so many ways. The power of the name of Jesus was used for His glory and the team members will be eager to share their experiences.
This will be the final "trip" entry for 2012 but one more posting will be made in the coming days that will look back at how God worked through the team and the things He did.
Dios te bendega (God is Great)
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Almost Done
Morning devotions were led by Pat. We went through a number of books/chapters relating to how when God/Jesus emphasizes a point we really need to respond. Breakfast was cereal, toast, yogurt and pineapple.
The morning was spent with the Compassion school in town. Dan, Eric, Duane, Paul and Shawn all sponsor Compassion kids in Azua. It's always a treat to see them grow both physically and spiritually each year. They play with them, bring them gifts and visit the families.
After lunch at Compassion the team headed to a village north of town that they have spent time at before. It's poor even to DR standards. A Veggie Tales video was shown, a brief message given and they were left food.
Later in the afternoon the team made a trip to the blind organization in Azua (which is also Christian). People with disabilities in the DR have an especially hard time as there are no real services available for assistance. Dan blesses them with money from the Wayside Lions Club.
The nighttime activity was pizza at the house for the team and the DR supporters. The team then spent some time debriefing and reflecting from the past week.
The morning was spent with the Compassion school in town. Dan, Eric, Duane, Paul and Shawn all sponsor Compassion kids in Azua. It's always a treat to see them grow both physically and spiritually each year. They play with them, bring them gifts and visit the families.
After lunch at Compassion the team headed to a village north of town that they have spent time at before. It's poor even to DR standards. A Veggie Tales video was shown, a brief message given and they were left food.
Later in the afternoon the team made a trip to the blind organization in Azua (which is also Christian). People with disabilities in the DR have an especially hard time as there are no real services available for assistance. Dan blesses them with money from the Wayside Lions Club.
The nighttime activity was pizza at the house for the team and the DR supporters. The team then spent some time debriefing and reflecting from the past week.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Lord's Work Continues
Morning devotions were led by Eric. The team was able to really get into some deep and "stretching" discussion. Breakfast consisted of bacon, eggs and fruit.
Today the team went in various directions. A work project team of Eric, Pat, Mike and Paul laid block at the construction site. The others travelled into town to go through the marketplace and pass out tracts. About 400 tracts were given out amongst the chaos of people, scooters, and every imaginable item for sale. The sights, sounds and smells are "unique".
Those that went to the marketplace then travelled to Pastor Wilfredo's to listen to a children's service, feed them sweet rice, do face painting and play games. The team has a special relationship with this mix of Haitian and Dominican kids.
Dan and the girls visited a Christian woman's group in the afternoon and Chris gave her testimony. Most of the team then visited a church led by Dorcas' brother and blessed them with bibles.
The night activities were as last night. Some of the team visited and preached at a church service and the others showed the Jesus film in a nearby town. The gospel was definitely spread. The night ended with ice-cream and smoothies for the film team who returned by 11pm (the church team hasn't gotten back as of this writing).
The team is in good health and spirits overall but some have experienced various minor ills. Most were able to catch short siestas at some point in the afternoon which not only helped any ills but also the general fatigue that usually occurs on this trip. The combination of heat, activity, lack of sleep, different food, sanitary conditions and spiritual stress can easily wear a person down.
God's blessings until tomorrow
Today the team went in various directions. A work project team of Eric, Pat, Mike and Paul laid block at the construction site. The others travelled into town to go through the marketplace and pass out tracts. About 400 tracts were given out amongst the chaos of people, scooters, and every imaginable item for sale. The sights, sounds and smells are "unique".
Those that went to the marketplace then travelled to Pastor Wilfredo's to listen to a children's service, feed them sweet rice, do face painting and play games. The team has a special relationship with this mix of Haitian and Dominican kids.
Dan and the girls visited a Christian woman's group in the afternoon and Chris gave her testimony. Most of the team then visited a church led by Dorcas' brother and blessed them with bibles.
The night activities were as last night. Some of the team visited and preached at a church service and the others showed the Jesus film in a nearby town. The gospel was definitely spread. The night ended with ice-cream and smoothies for the film team who returned by 11pm (the church team hasn't gotten back as of this writing).
The team is in good health and spirits overall but some have experienced various minor ills. Most were able to catch short siestas at some point in the afternoon which not only helped any ills but also the general fatigue that usually occurs on this trip. The combination of heat, activity, lack of sleep, different food, sanitary conditions and spiritual stress can easily wear a person down.
God's blessings until tomorrow
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Back Together
Today the Crusade team was picked up early to make morning devotions back in Azua at the main house. It was bittersweet as we grew to love Peralta but were excited to continue God's work with the main team.
The normal Sunday morning prison visit did not happen due to a scheduling and security mix-up. The team did spend some time with the pastor blessing and encouraging him. We realized later that God had a greater plan for us that morning.
A relaxing afternoon was held by the beach. The team met up with Raymond's California team at the YWAM (Youth With A Mission) house overlooking the ocean. Pablo grilled his famous burgers and a cake was made to celebrate Dan's 60th birthday so the afternoon was filled with good food and good company. We then went down to the beach and some swam while others explored and passed out tracts.
The night activities began with supper at Pastor Wilfredo's (the Haitian village of Estabania). Wilfredo and his wife went to great trouble to give us a wonderful meal in their backyard.
A few team members stayed at Wilfredo's to help with a church service. The others went up into the hills northeast of the Haitian village to show the Jesus film to a very poor village. The only electricity in that town tonight was our generator. We were warmly welcomed.
Good night and may God bless you all
The normal Sunday morning prison visit did not happen due to a scheduling and security mix-up. The team did spend some time with the pastor blessing and encouraging him. We realized later that God had a greater plan for us that morning.
A relaxing afternoon was held by the beach. The team met up with Raymond's California team at the YWAM (Youth With A Mission) house overlooking the ocean. Pablo grilled his famous burgers and a cake was made to celebrate Dan's 60th birthday so the afternoon was filled with good food and good company. We then went down to the beach and some swam while others explored and passed out tracts.
The night activities began with supper at Pastor Wilfredo's (the Haitian village of Estabania). Wilfredo and his wife went to great trouble to give us a wonderful meal in their backyard.
A few team members stayed at Wilfredo's to help with a church service. The others went up into the hills northeast of the Haitian village to show the Jesus film to a very poor village. The only electricity in that town tonight was our generator. We were warmly welcomed.
Good night and may God bless you all
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Crusada 3
The third day in the mountains started with devotions led by Mike. We then went into town for breakfast (pancakes!) at Pastor Francisco's. Mike, Pat and Shawn had prepared lessons for a leadership meeting at the church later that morning. They were warmly received.
As this was the last day of the Crusade the children marched in a parade celebrating Jesus through town. Approximately 500 children dressed in various costumes with a small band was a real sight to see. Supper that night was held at the mountain house with the Azua group in attendance. This was the first time the whole group had been together since the beginning of the trip. It was nice to reconnect and share stories from the past few days.
The last night of the Crusade was the largest with over 2500 people in attendance. Various musical acts and a drama highlighted the evening before a prayer by Shawn and messages again by Jim and Mark.
As this was the last day of the Crusade the children marched in a parade celebrating Jesus through town. Approximately 500 children dressed in various costumes with a small band was a real sight to see. Supper that night was held at the mountain house with the Azua group in attendance. This was the first time the whole group had been together since the beginning of the trip. It was nice to reconnect and share stories from the past few days.
The last night of the Crusade was the largest with over 2500 people in attendance. Various musical acts and a drama highlighted the evening before a prayer by Shawn and messages again by Jim and Mark.
Crusada 2
Day 2 in Peralta started again with breakfast at Pastor Francisco's. We are treated like royalty by people who are true servants of the Lord – people who we should be serving. We then walked up the hill (a little over a mile) back to the house passing out tracts and witnessing. A great devotion was had afterwards. It was supposedly led by Pat from Luke 13 but as is often the case with like-minded and spiritual people Luke was not the only book used in this lively study.
The original plan was for Shawn and Mike to give a message at the church but as is often the case, plans changed. A servant project in association with the Crusade was being held that people could attend to learn about hurricane safety and get all types of medical attention from denstistry work, eye exams, prescriptions, pediatrics and other healthcare provided with funds from CTR in DePere.
The team spent the next few hours walking the streets of Peralta witnessing, handing out tracts, praying for families and inviting them to the Crusade that night.
The Crusade was another wonderful night of local worship music, prayer, messages and a call to Christ. Mike gave the prayer followed by another rousing message from Jim on Noah and if we are on the ark, or watching him build it. Mark followed with the call to Christ. While exact numbers are difficult to determine, we estimated that over 2000 people attended tonights celebration; a modest increase over last night.
The night ended again at Pastor Franciscos.
The original plan was for Shawn and Mike to give a message at the church but as is often the case, plans changed. A servant project in association with the Crusade was being held that people could attend to learn about hurricane safety and get all types of medical attention from denstistry work, eye exams, prescriptions, pediatrics and other healthcare provided with funds from CTR in DePere.
The team spent the next few hours walking the streets of Peralta witnessing, handing out tracts, praying for families and inviting them to the Crusade that night.
The Crusade was another wonderful night of local worship music, prayer, messages and a call to Christ. Mike gave the prayer followed by another rousing message from Jim on Noah and if we are on the ark, or watching him build it. Mark followed with the call to Christ. While exact numbers are difficult to determine, we estimated that over 2000 people attended tonights celebration; a modest increase over last night.
The night ended again at Pastor Franciscos.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Crusada
The team arrived safe in Azua around 11pm Wednesday and after emptying the bus filled with a week's worth of food and hundreds of bibles, rooms were assigned, beds made, and showers taken before getting to sleep about midnight.
Jim led morning devotions based on 2 Corinthians 4 and 5. Breakfast of fresh hard-boiled eggs, cereal, peanut butter sandwiches and the ever present (and delicious) fruit was served.
The morning was spent doing some errands, packaging food and getting ready for the week ahead. The Crusade team of Mark, Jim, Shawn, Mike and Pat left mid-morning for the mountain village of Peralta where the first night of the Crusade is held. The Crusade team is staying in Peralta until Sunday so this writer needs to apologize to the blog readers interested in the main group as we do not have any details as to their activities due to the busy schedules, limited contact and distance. I'm sure they are changing hearts for Christ.
The Crusade team spent the afternoon getting to know Peralta by witnessing and spending time at the ball field where the Crusade takes place and the house preparing hearts. The event went very well with a very good turnout, great music, preaching and witnessing. Pat led with a prayer and Jim and Mark each gave messages. It was a truly moving event and we thank God for the opportunity to serve him.
It's late (11:30) and we need to head back to the house. The team sends love to those back home. Please continue to pray for us and most importantly that hearts are moved here in the DR.
God Bless
Jim led morning devotions based on 2 Corinthians 4 and 5. Breakfast of fresh hard-boiled eggs, cereal, peanut butter sandwiches and the ever present (and delicious) fruit was served.
The morning was spent doing some errands, packaging food and getting ready for the week ahead. The Crusade team of Mark, Jim, Shawn, Mike and Pat left mid-morning for the mountain village of Peralta where the first night of the Crusade is held. The Crusade team is staying in Peralta until Sunday so this writer needs to apologize to the blog readers interested in the main group as we do not have any details as to their activities due to the busy schedules, limited contact and distance. I'm sure they are changing hearts for Christ.
The Crusade team spent the afternoon getting to know Peralta by witnessing and spending time at the ball field where the Crusade takes place and the house preparing hearts. The event went very well with a very good turnout, great music, preaching and witnessing. Pat led with a prayer and Jim and Mark each gave messages. It was a truly moving event and we thank God for the opportunity to serve him.
It's late (11:30) and we need to head back to the house. The team sends love to those back home. Please continue to pray for us and most importantly that hearts are moved here in the DR.
God Bless
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
Praying and Planning
Recently had our 2nd "official" meeting with one more planned before departure about 5 weeks from now. The time approaches so quickly. Much work has been done individually by team members the last few weeks to make our trip a success. Mark and Jim travelled to the DR last fall and Dan about a month ago doing advance work. Mark has spent a great deal of time in preparation for the "Crusade" and is leaving again on Feb. 2nd. This Crusade has the potential to be a tremendous event for God's people near Azua: 3 nights of music, preaching, witnessing and videos with baptisms the following days in the local river for those accepting Christ. Old-time-revival - can hardly wait to see what God has in store!
This year's team includes new members Pat Nate, Chris Robokoff, Mike Mader and Erik Asplund. Pat worships at Faith Free in Manitowoc and the others are from Christ the Rock, DePere. Chris will add a special blessing as she is a retired Spanish teacher (the first translator part of the Wisconsin team).
Returning members include Dan, Paul, Jim, Eric, Shawn, Duane, Jaimee, Mark (Wisconsin) and Sonia (Washington).
Our DR team will be similar to last year: Primarily Nataniel & Pablito with Pastors Nelson, Wilfredo, Francisco also part of the team.
Accommodations are never the same but whatever God has planned will be fine (it's always quite the experience). We will again be witnessing and preaching, showing the Jesus film, visiting the prison and schools, doing construction work and handing out food, bibles and basic living necessities. Our primary task is to fulfill the Great Commission in however the spirit leads us.
If you feel called join with us, we ask for your prayers but also accept monetary donations. The team is self-funded so all donations go directly to the ministry. Zero overhead. Contact whoever you may know on the team, leave a response on this blog or send checks to: Zion Lutheran Church, Attn. DR fund, 8378 Cty. Rd. W, Greenleaf, WI 54126.
God Bless
This year's team includes new members Pat Nate, Chris Robokoff, Mike Mader and Erik Asplund. Pat worships at Faith Free in Manitowoc and the others are from Christ the Rock, DePere. Chris will add a special blessing as she is a retired Spanish teacher (the first translator part of the Wisconsin team).
Returning members include Dan, Paul, Jim, Eric, Shawn, Duane, Jaimee, Mark (Wisconsin) and Sonia (Washington).
Our DR team will be similar to last year: Primarily Nataniel & Pablito with Pastors Nelson, Wilfredo, Francisco also part of the team.
Accommodations are never the same but whatever God has planned will be fine (it's always quite the experience). We will again be witnessing and preaching, showing the Jesus film, visiting the prison and schools, doing construction work and handing out food, bibles and basic living necessities. Our primary task is to fulfill the Great Commission in however the spirit leads us.
If you feel called join with us, we ask for your prayers but also accept monetary donations. The team is self-funded so all donations go directly to the ministry. Zero overhead. Contact whoever you may know on the team, leave a response on this blog or send checks to: Zion Lutheran Church, Attn. DR fund, 8378 Cty. Rd. W, Greenleaf, WI 54126.
God Bless
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)