Thursday's breakfast was pancakes, sweet rice, and fruit. It would be unfair to our chef not to mention the always present freshly brewed Dominican coffee. Devotions were led by Shawn focusing on the cropping parables in Matthew 13 (The Soils and The Wheat and the Tares). It was pointed out with some discussion that a parable does not exist that involves cows. Just saying.
The team loaded up and went to the blind center to show the Jesus Film indoors for the disabled. After the film Shawn gave a brief message and then the team opened the floor for discussion and prayer. This was a powerful time as we heard many testimonies, were able to witness ourselves (Dan and Jack), and prayed for them individually. They were fed sweet rice and juice at the conclusion.
When the disabled had gone, the team met with the director of the Blind Center and two of it's members. It's always humbling to hear what they have accomplished in spite of their impairment. Their membership includes a professor and lawyer. Their current project is raising up people to learn sign language to help the deaf. The blind helping the deaf! They were blessed with 50 folding walking sticks donated by the Lion's Club.
During the time at the blind, Brian and Kristi guest stared on the radio program hosted by Nathaniel and produced by Pastor Anderson. The topic was teenage Christian dating. They did a great job on an important topic and even got some positive public feedback that afternoon.
After returning to the house in the afternoon the team had meetings with Nathaniel and Wilfredo on various topics and needs. Because of our limited time here, the overwhelming needs, and both the human and spiritual elements, issues arise. One is of the family displaced by the fire with the injured
daughter. It's too complicated to write here but we needed to modify our plans and provide mainly for the girl and less for the family after finding out certain details. We have a stewardship responsibility with God's money and need to use discernment. You are welcome to ask a team member for further details.
Supper was rice with a bean and chickpea sauce, chicken, potatoes, and steamed vegetables.
The Jesus Film was shown at AMI (construction project) that night. A momentary heavy rain made it a bit of a mess as there is not a roof yet but the attendance was very good in spite of the weather. Dean made good use of his gifts of height and strength by lifting a ton or two of kids into the air. The team served the leftover juice and sweet rice from the afternoon prior to the showing and Kim and Shawn gave a message after. The mothers were given food, and Bibles were left with the pastor. It was a very nice evening for the last showing of the trip. This location will be a fixture of future trips so this was a very good start.
Also prior to the movie, Chris, Shawn, and Mary made a trip back to the Reyes family they met a few days before to present them with a present. As this is one large extended family living together in their own community (almost a compound) they had happily posed for a picture. Never did they expect that the Americans would come back with a framed personalized 8x10. They were all huddled together in a dark house out of the rain and when Shawn pulled it from his backpack and illuminated it with his flashlight the room erupted with applause. The grandpa nearly started to cry. Twenty-eight family members in one photo; something you don't see here. The family was also left with Bibles and a prayer. Lots of hugs and kind words from the Reyes'.
The team was back to the casa by 9:30pm and then the debrief. Health is good overall but a few members are operating at less than 100%. The heat, long days, and various foods can take a toll on an American body.
Glory to God
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