Looking Back

     While a bit groggy after 18 hours of travel yesterday I felt it necessary to give a recap of the past 9 days while things are still relatively fresh in my mind. Not only is this important for followers of the team, it is an archive for future teams and an accountability for our financial supporters.
     Every team is different and some human element of concern can be present as to the final team makeup prior to the trip. This was the latest any team has been determined as "final" as Phil was only officially on board less than 3 weeks prior to departure. As was the devotion topic the first morning in the DR, we don't know why God chooses particular team members prior to going but when looking back every year it becomes apparent his hand was at work the entire time. Each member has a gift, that gift was used and the body would not perform as well as it did without each gift. The focus was on Christ and not on individual agendas. Pride was put aside and humility and service reigned.
     Not in any previous trip has as much been done during the 9 days the complete team was in Azua.  A relatively large budget that did not go towards wells was the primary factor but team efficiency and an extra half day in Azua also contributed. In 2013 half of our budget went into well drilling. While the team plans to continue with the wells and money was set aside for this in 2014, many things need to come together logistically for a well to actually be realized.
     This is the 10th year for this trip and the 8th year in which the focus has been as it is now; both evangelical and construction in nature. The number of local contacts continues to grow and our repeated presence in the community has brought with it much knowledge and respect at the local and even national level. This has allowed many doors to be opened that would have been closed in the past. In past trips we would be involved in maybe one or two building projects. This year multiple projects were ongoing concurrently.
     Building projects included:
        - concrete floor for church (our and DR labor)
        - concrete floor and roof for church (DR labor) - they were worshipping with only walls!
        - concrete floor for rooms in special needs home (our and DR labor)
        - concrete ramp for disalbed center (our and DR labor)
     In addition to the building projects these are the larger ticket items purchased/funded:
        - chairs for YWAM, various churches
        - food packages for 359 families (1125# rice, 400# beans, oil)
        - Bibles (500 adult, 1500 children's)
        - money for at least one well
        - yearly funding for feeding programs at multiple sites (nearly 1000 children!)
        - electric/solar inverter for special needs school
        - abacus' and scribes for blind (with help from Lion's club)
     As this trip is all about Christ and serving Him, much of our time and effort is spent evangelizing and spreading the gospel. For this team this takes different forms:
        - passing out 1400 tracts throughout Azua and neighboring villages
        - guests on Nathanial's daily Christian radio program
        - guests at local church services
        - visiting 2 jails and witnessing to prisoners
        - meeting with the blind and disabled
        - visiting special needs, Project Four, Compassion schools
        - 6 showings of the Jesus film with a message, call to prayer and worship afterwards
     Yes, we were busy. The day usually began with devotions at 7am and ended with a debrief around 11pm. Very few (and very short) siestas were enjoyed. There were no complaints, however. Having a singular purpose and limited time the team wanted to make the most out of it. They wanted to imagine their Lord saying to them when time had run out: "well done, good and faithful servant".
     It was a great trip any way you can imagine. Much was accomplished and the name of Jesus was spread to thousands of people. Each of the team members were strengthened in their faith. The evidence of God at work was very apparent and He revealed himself many times. It was a life changing experience for some. Others who have been on this team for some time grew greatly in using the gifts God gave them.
     We were on the mountain top while in the DR. When doing His work, surrounded by His people without the outside world distracting you tend to get a spiritual high. The faith muscle is strengthened by exercise and this trip is a workout. Emotions run high as you witness the combination of poverty and suffering but are shown greater faith.  It's also emotional when you witness firsthand the blessings, protection and doors being opened by God Himself. He is good indeed.
     Until next year….