Final 2013 Update
It's been just over two weeks since our return. While the memories are still relatively fresh in our mind, the week spent serving the Lord in Azua seems so far away. Even for those of us who have made numerous trips to the DR, coming back to the U.S. can seem bittersweet. The trip gives us a renewed energy for Christ but that feeling is difficult to duplicate here at home. In the DR we do nothing but serve Jesus through our actions and words without the distractions of everyday life and the complacency in faith common in the U.S.
This final update is meant to wrap-up this year's trip to include being accountable to our benefactors. Purchases included 1125# of rice, 400# of beans and cooking oil packaged into 350 family-sized bags. Materials were purchased and much of the labor provided for a 20'x30' pavilion to be used by Pastor Alberto's church. Materials were also purchased for the addition to a house of a Christian lady who was especially in need. 1500 New Testaments were handed out along with 1300 gospel tracts.
A departure from year's past was the wells project. With a joint venture from the DR government, our team purchased 800' of casing and provided some funds for labor. As of this writing two wells were drilled and a third was beginning with the possibility of two or three more depending on the amount of casing needed. God's hand was in this project all the way.
While we may have personal or team goals, ultimately our sole goal is to faithfully carry out God's will. We felt His presence all along on the trip and the Holy Spirit protected and carried us in all our endeavors. In a large part this is because of your faithfulness in prayer. They were answered! We would also be neglectful in not thanking you for your financial support. We can teach and preach with minimal funds but the reality is that without money we are limited in our scope. Bibles, wells and food need funding. Thousands of people have been and will continue to be touched by your generosity.
This trip is all about Jesus and we would like to think that upon completion of our week He was telling us "well done, good and faithful servant".
God bless you in your support
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Monday, March 4, 2013
2013 Video Done
The video from this year's trip was uploaded to youtube with the link on the right. We hope you enjoy it. There will be one last entry in the next week or two detailing some of our expenditures so our financial partners have a better idea on how their (God's) money was allocated.
I have talked to some of the team and hope that the rest were able to catch up with family and sleep over the weekend. I also pray that this experience does not diminish in importance and has filled everyone's spiritual tank for some time.
The video from this year's trip was uploaded to youtube with the link on the right. We hope you enjoy it. There will be one last entry in the next week or two detailing some of our expenditures so our financial partners have a better idea on how their (God's) money was allocated.
I have talked to some of the team and hope that the rest were able to catch up with family and sleep over the weekend. I also pray that this experience does not diminish in importance and has filled everyone's spiritual tank for some time.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Saying Good-bye
After breakfast, morning devotions were led by Tom. Tom felt the Spirit calling him to use the story of Elijah.
Many last errands always need to be done before leaving. After packing suitcases and picking up the house the team went different ways: to deliver the purchased mattresses to needy families, the banker, to purchase funded items, etc.
After a final inspection of the completed pavilion the entire team met at Pastor Nelson's village to help serve food as part of the feeding program the team funds. Over 120 children were in attendance. More prayers and thanksgivings before going back to the house in Azua.
After a team photo in front of the house and final good-byes to Pablito, Dorcas, Palbo and Ruth, Genesis and the team arrived in the capitol about 4pm. Many stores and restaurants were closed due to the DR holiday (Independence) so they checked into the hotel, freshened up and found a restaurant on the square which is within walking distance.
A final debrief took place in the hotel courtyard. It was the wrap-up for the week focusing on what went right, what could be improved on and final thoughts and thank-you's. The team went to their rooms around 11 for a 3:30 wake-up to make the long journey home.
After breakfast, morning devotions were led by Tom. Tom felt the Spirit calling him to use the story of Elijah.
Many last errands always need to be done before leaving. After packing suitcases and picking up the house the team went different ways: to deliver the purchased mattresses to needy families, the banker, to purchase funded items, etc.
After a final inspection of the completed pavilion the entire team met at Pastor Nelson's village to help serve food as part of the feeding program the team funds. Over 120 children were in attendance. More prayers and thanksgivings before going back to the house in Azua.
After a team photo in front of the house and final good-byes to Pablito, Dorcas, Palbo and Ruth, Genesis and the team arrived in the capitol about 4pm. Many stores and restaurants were closed due to the DR holiday (Independence) so they checked into the hotel, freshened up and found a restaurant on the square which is within walking distance.
A final debrief took place in the hotel courtyard. It was the wrap-up for the week focusing on what went right, what could be improved on and final thoughts and thank-you's. The team went to their rooms around 11 for a 3:30 wake-up to make the long journey home.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Nearing the End
Another delicious breakfast was followed by morning devotions led by Eric. As the Jesus Film is based on Luke's description, we went through in detail some of the stories depicted.
Tuesday is always "Compassion Day". This is the morning that we visit the school operated by Compassion International in Azua where Dan, Shawn, Paul and Eric each sponsor a Compassion child. We spend time playing with the kids, serve them ice cream and then walk our sponsor kids to their homes where we visit with the families. Gifts and prayers follow. It's always encouraging to see them grow in their faith through the years. It also gives the team another opportunity to walk the streets and pass out tracks.
After a quick stop at the house the team did their yearly visit to the blind to bless with funds from the local Lion's club and to encourage. They end up being the ones blessing us in their dedication to serving Jesus with no hint of discouragement due to their disability. It's quite humbling.
The team then took a trip to well #1 where the barrio (neighborhood) leaders had a planned meeting. They presented us with a certificate thanking the team for the well. More prayers and thanking Jesus.
A team meeting took place back at the house to go over finances. Decisions were made as to love offerings and the many projects that had been taking place or come up during the week.
The final night in Azua is always special. We invite all those that have supported our ministry locally. They come in their best clothes (putting the Americano's to shame). We serve pizza and soda followed by birthday cake and ice-cream for Dan and Tom. Including the team, about 50 people were in attendance. The best part is after the meal as everybody introduces themselves with many giving a short message. It is a very spiritual evening filled with prayer and thanksgivings. Warm embraces of good-bye ended the night at about 11.
Another delicious breakfast was followed by morning devotions led by Eric. As the Jesus Film is based on Luke's description, we went through in detail some of the stories depicted.
Tuesday is always "Compassion Day". This is the morning that we visit the school operated by Compassion International in Azua where Dan, Shawn, Paul and Eric each sponsor a Compassion child. We spend time playing with the kids, serve them ice cream and then walk our sponsor kids to their homes where we visit with the families. Gifts and prayers follow. It's always encouraging to see them grow in their faith through the years. It also gives the team another opportunity to walk the streets and pass out tracks.
After a quick stop at the house the team did their yearly visit to the blind to bless with funds from the local Lion's club and to encourage. They end up being the ones blessing us in their dedication to serving Jesus with no hint of discouragement due to their disability. It's quite humbling.
The team then took a trip to well #1 where the barrio (neighborhood) leaders had a planned meeting. They presented us with a certificate thanking the team for the well. More prayers and thanking Jesus.
A team meeting took place back at the house to go over finances. Decisions were made as to love offerings and the many projects that had been taking place or come up during the week.
The final night in Azua is always special. We invite all those that have supported our ministry locally. They come in their best clothes (putting the Americano's to shame). We serve pizza and soda followed by birthday cake and ice-cream for Dan and Tom. Including the team, about 50 people were in attendance. The best part is after the meal as everybody introduces themselves with many giving a short message. It is a very spiritual evening filled with prayer and thanksgivings. Warm embraces of good-bye ended the night at about 11.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Finishing Strong
After breakfast Chris led today's devotion centered on the parable of the sower. It was very appropriate for us planting seed in the DR but also for us in discussing this trip and our faith to people back home that do not have Jesus as their savior.
A trip to the marketplace was the first stop this morning. We love the marketplace as it's a chaotic mix of sights, sounds and smells. It's also a great way to pass out tracks and over 400 were hand delivered with the message of Jesus te ama (Jesus loves you).
The team then went to visit Pastor Wilfrido in the Haitian village. We have helped support this Godly man for a number of years and the children sang for us before we visited with and fed them. Many of these children are orphans living in deplorable conditions. The kids always have a great time playing with the Americanos.
After the Haitian village, all the girls along with Tom and Dan visited the disable women and gave powerful personal testimony and a message of hope. During this time Eric, Erik, Shawn and Paul visited the well sites with Pablito and Cesar to check on the progress.
After a supper of rice and beef we took a trip to Pastor Nelson's village. This is where Pablo constructed a building for our friend Sonia and her ministry which will be used as a Christian school. We showed the Jesus film here for a wonderful and nice-sized crowd and then Shawn gave the message and Pastor Nelson the call to faith. It was concluded with music and dancing - a powerful last showing of this trip.
Dan treated for ice-cream on the way back to the house and a debrief was held at about 11 pm. The team may be sunburnt and a bit tired but are on a "God high" and are focused on finishing strong.
Goodnight and God bless
After breakfast Chris led today's devotion centered on the parable of the sower. It was very appropriate for us planting seed in the DR but also for us in discussing this trip and our faith to people back home that do not have Jesus as their savior.
A trip to the marketplace was the first stop this morning. We love the marketplace as it's a chaotic mix of sights, sounds and smells. It's also a great way to pass out tracks and over 400 were hand delivered with the message of Jesus te ama (Jesus loves you).
The team then went to visit Pastor Wilfrido in the Haitian village. We have helped support this Godly man for a number of years and the children sang for us before we visited with and fed them. Many of these children are orphans living in deplorable conditions. The kids always have a great time playing with the Americanos.
After the Haitian village, all the girls along with Tom and Dan visited the disable women and gave powerful personal testimony and a message of hope. During this time Eric, Erik, Shawn and Paul visited the well sites with Pablito and Cesar to check on the progress.
After a supper of rice and beef we took a trip to Pastor Nelson's village. This is where Pablo constructed a building for our friend Sonia and her ministry which will be used as a Christian school. We showed the Jesus film here for a wonderful and nice-sized crowd and then Shawn gave the message and Pastor Nelson the call to faith. It was concluded with music and dancing - a powerful last showing of this trip.
Dan treated for ice-cream on the way back to the house and a debrief was held at about 11 pm. The team may be sunburnt and a bit tired but are on a "God high" and are focused on finishing strong.
Goodnight and God bless
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Another Day For God
Today's message will be short. Long days, the heat, little sleep and emotional events cause this writer to get some needed sleep tonight.
Breakfast was followed by devotions led by Paul. The men then left for the prison. Each of them had an opportunity to speak. They then visited the first well site to thank and pray with the workers.
Sunday is beach day so after a bit of a hike the team enjoyed some fun time in the warm waters of the Caribbean. A visit to the local YWAM (Youth With A Mission) followed.
Pablo grilled burgers for late lunch prior to the team heading out for the usual night activities. Both the church service and movie went great with Dan speaking at the church and Shawn and Eric giving a message at the movie. It was attended well with an estimated 250 people. It's very humbling to serve the creator of the universe and feel His presence.
Love to all
Today's message will be short. Long days, the heat, little sleep and emotional events cause this writer to get some needed sleep tonight.
Breakfast was followed by devotions led by Paul. The men then left for the prison. Each of them had an opportunity to speak. They then visited the first well site to thank and pray with the workers.
Sunday is beach day so after a bit of a hike the team enjoyed some fun time in the warm waters of the Caribbean. A visit to the local YWAM (Youth With A Mission) followed.
Pablo grilled burgers for late lunch prior to the team heading out for the usual night activities. Both the church service and movie went great with Dan speaking at the church and Shawn and Eric giving a message at the movie. It was attended well with an estimated 250 people. It's very humbling to serve the creator of the universe and feel His presence.
Love to all
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Construction Day 2
The day was started with Dan leading devotions. The first hour of each day is special as we spend it in God's Word. It creates a deeper bond among the team and a greater understanding of God. We believe our success has been due to a large part to the team having their hearts focused on serving Jesus and the time spent in prayer and scripture.
Pablo spoiled the team (as always) with pancakes for breakfast.
Most of the day was spent again at the construction site. It was a long and hot day of pouring concrete and everyone pitched in where needed. Blisters, sunburn and concrete splattered clothes was the norm but the job was done by late afternoon.
Before noon some of the team visited an area not far from the construction site to witness. They handed out tracks, face painted the kids, played the salvation sketch on an iPad, and gave a short message and prayer.
Good news from the well drillers as they hit water! Well #2 will start soon. God's hand is surely in this!
A quick supper of fish and vegetables was enjoyed before the team again split up for the night's activities. Amother church service and the Jesus film in the street. A good turnout was enjoyed at the film with a very attentive audience. Shawn delivered the message. It was once again a spirit-filled day and the team returned for debrief by 10:30.
The days have been hot and long with much work but the Holy Spirit is keeping us healthy and invigorated. In fact, as of this writing at 12:02 am five girls are playing a very energetic game of spoons. Fun times late at night in Azua.
adios beloved
The day was started with Dan leading devotions. The first hour of each day is special as we spend it in God's Word. It creates a deeper bond among the team and a greater understanding of God. We believe our success has been due to a large part to the team having their hearts focused on serving Jesus and the time spent in prayer and scripture.
Pablo spoiled the team (as always) with pancakes for breakfast.
Most of the day was spent again at the construction site. It was a long and hot day of pouring concrete and everyone pitched in where needed. Blisters, sunburn and concrete splattered clothes was the norm but the job was done by late afternoon.
Before noon some of the team visited an area not far from the construction site to witness. They handed out tracks, face painted the kids, played the salvation sketch on an iPad, and gave a short message and prayer.
Good news from the well drillers as they hit water! Well #2 will start soon. God's hand is surely in this!
A quick supper of fish and vegetables was enjoyed before the team again split up for the night's activities. Amother church service and the Jesus film in the street. A good turnout was enjoyed at the film with a very attentive audience. Shawn delivered the message. It was once again a spirit-filled day and the team returned for debrief by 10:30.
The days have been hot and long with much work but the Holy Spirit is keeping us healthy and invigorated. In fact, as of this writing at 12:02 am five girls are playing a very energetic game of spoons. Fun times late at night in Azua.
adios beloved
Friday, February 22, 2013
Construction Day
The morning started with breakfast of eggs and the always present fresh fruit. There is nothing like the sweetness of naturally ripened pineapple. Liz (and Alyssa, kinda) led devotions based on wealth blessings and the comparisons of the DR (which is how most of the world lives) and the U.S. What Jesus says about the rich (all of us) should be taken seriously.
Eric and Paul left early to start the construction site going. It's located about 15 miles outside of town in a poorer area called San Francisco. The others followed soon after.the project is a pavilion for a local church. It will be fairly large with a 20'x30' footprint.
Because this is the DR, things always take longer with much more human effort than the states. Most of the team helped with hauling water, shoveling, picking stones and whatever else was required. Liz received her first lesson in concrete troweling and passed Eric's inspection.the footing was poured and first row of block set. Others on the team spent time with the people in the area playing ball or frisbee with the kids, face painting, blessing kids with cross necklaces, handing out tracks and witnessing.
A few members went back to the house get the spaghetti and meatballs and fried plantain Pablo had made to bring to the construction site. Dan, Tom, Chloe, Liz and Alyssa stayed back to attend a church service me the rest set up the Jesus film with a message and testimony near the construction site. Everyone made it back for a debrief at 10:30 with most in bed by 11:30.
Other notes: the new members were able to experience their first rice and beans for lunch. It was served with stewed chicken and eggplant. The well is now at 60' and drilling is going well. God's hand is clearly in this as it usually takes over a year for the government to drill a well and ours started in 48 hours! It was 91 degrees today and most of the group got toasted a bit.
Until tomorrow, God bless
The morning started with breakfast of eggs and the always present fresh fruit. There is nothing like the sweetness of naturally ripened pineapple. Liz (and Alyssa, kinda) led devotions based on wealth blessings and the comparisons of the DR (which is how most of the world lives) and the U.S. What Jesus says about the rich (all of us) should be taken seriously.
Eric and Paul left early to start the construction site going. It's located about 15 miles outside of town in a poorer area called San Francisco. The others followed soon after.the project is a pavilion for a local church. It will be fairly large with a 20'x30' footprint.
Because this is the DR, things always take longer with much more human effort than the states. Most of the team helped with hauling water, shoveling, picking stones and whatever else was required. Liz received her first lesson in concrete troweling and passed Eric's inspection.the footing was poured and first row of block set. Others on the team spent time with the people in the area playing ball or frisbee with the kids, face painting, blessing kids with cross necklaces, handing out tracks and witnessing.
A few members went back to the house get the spaghetti and meatballs and fried plantain Pablo had made to bring to the construction site. Dan, Tom, Chloe, Liz and Alyssa stayed back to attend a church service me the rest set up the Jesus film with a message and testimony near the construction site. Everyone made it back for a debrief at 10:30 with most in bed by 11:30.
Other notes: the new members were able to experience their first rice and beans for lunch. It was served with stewed chicken and eggplant. The well is now at 60' and drilling is going well. God's hand is clearly in this as it usually takes over a year for the government to drill a well and ours started in 48 hours! It was 91 degrees today and most of the group got toasted a bit.
Until tomorrow, God bless
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Great Start
The first day in the DR started with fresh fruit, cereal and pb&j sandwiches. Shawn led devotions concentrating on what it takes to be a disciple of Jesus and our focus in the DR serving others.
Eric, Dan and Paul spent most of the day looking at and preparing for this week's construction projects. The rest of the team strung cross necklaces and packaged food for about 350 families.
After a good "Pablo meal" most of the team went to the area where one of the wells is being drilled to interact with the locals prior to showing the Jesus film. A very good turnout enjoyed the film, worship, and witness ending with a call to Christ. The remaining team members enjoyed a church service.
Everyone was back to the house by 9:30 for a late snack, debrief and celebrating the anniversary of Pablito and Dorcas. The team is bonding well, is focused on our mission and in good spirits after a great day serving Jesus in the DR.
Eric, Dan and Paul spent most of the day looking at and preparing for this week's construction projects. The rest of the team strung cross necklaces and packaged food for about 350 families.
After a good "Pablo meal" most of the team went to the area where one of the wells is being drilled to interact with the locals prior to showing the Jesus film. A very good turnout enjoyed the film, worship, and witness ending with a call to Christ. The remaining team members enjoyed a church service.
Everyone was back to the house by 9:30 for a late snack, debrief and celebrating the anniversary of Pablito and Dorcas. The team is bonding well, is focused on our mission and in good spirits after a great day serving Jesus in the DR.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Last Minute Details
The team met at the farm for the final time today before departure. Last minute details were discussed and hearts were prepared. So many things to pray for. Sadly, Duane will not be able to make the trip due to needed priorities at home. Shawn and Chloe also created a Facebook page called Azua Mission Team. It is still being added to but currently has pictures and videos from the past years and will be another way to utilize social media to get our message out.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Preparing
Our 2013 trip is approaching quickly. We've had two meetings with one more to follow before we leave Feb. 20th. As has been the custom the last few years, this year will have new members and new opportunities.
Dan, Paul, Shawn, Eric, Duane, Jaimee, Erik and Chris are returning with 35 years of combined mission experience in the DR. Chloe Eckstein, Colleen Connell, Alyssa Rae, Liz Muniz, Tom Smits and Cathy Kaster will be joining this trip for the first time. Some have never been on a mission trip and others (like Liz) have extensive experience.
Our focus will be similar to past trips spending some of our time evangelizing and some of our time with projects. This year we plan on getting involved with well drilling which will be new for us. We will not be involved with a Crusade as this year that is a separate and later trip.
As we prepare both physically and spiritually we ask for your prayers. Prayers for safety and good health, prayers for effective witnessing and prayers to shine the light of the Gospel on the people of the DR.
Dan, Paul, Shawn, Eric, Duane, Jaimee, Erik and Chris are returning with 35 years of combined mission experience in the DR. Chloe Eckstein, Colleen Connell, Alyssa Rae, Liz Muniz, Tom Smits and Cathy Kaster will be joining this trip for the first time. Some have never been on a mission trip and others (like Liz) have extensive experience.
Our focus will be similar to past trips spending some of our time evangelizing and some of our time with projects. This year we plan on getting involved with well drilling which will be new for us. We will not be involved with a Crusade as this year that is a separate and later trip.
As we prepare both physically and spiritually we ask for your prayers. Prayers for safety and good health, prayers for effective witnessing and prayers to shine the light of the Gospel on the people of the DR.
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