Planning Nearly Complete

Thirty-two. Those are the days remaining until the 2014 team gets up early to make the trip to Milwaukee to catch a 6am flight that will eventually lead to Azua, Dominican Republic 2060 miles away. The advance team of Dan & Paul will leave in 28 days.

Of course every year is similar, but still different. Similar contacts but not always the same. Similar team members but not always the same. Similar plans but always with some variation depending on finances and need. There is one constant, though: the mission. That is to proclaim the saving message and gospel of Jesus Christ through actions and words.

Today was our final team meeting at the farm office. After a devotion led by Shawn on trusting God we went over last minute preparations, needs, and travel information needed. We talked about plans for this year's trip. We got a chance to look at photos of some of the completed wells from last year being used. We talked about finances and some early expenditures (2000 bibles!).

Even though some of us have been on this trip a number of years we don't take what we do for granted. We are disciples of Jesus which means we have a responsibility which we take seriously; out of love and devotion to Him, mind you, not of guilt or necessity. We have the opportunity to serve our Lord by showing and telling others about him.

As we get closer to departure keep the team and our mission in prayer. Pray for protection and safety but also pray for those in the DR to have open hearts and minds. Pray that God's will is done and we do everything for His glory.

This year's team: Dan Natzke, Paul Flunker, Shawn Eckstein, Duane Popp, Chris Robokoff, Tom Smits, Chloe Eckstein, Jaimie Fletcher, Jim Lenz, Katrina Pickard.

Until February…God Bless