Servant Pablo

Wednesday morning began with ham & cheese omelets and fruit. Chris then led a devotion from various scripture passages about developing a passion to share the gospel. Her emotions showed as this topic is close to her heart.

The first order of business was to finish packaging the remaining beans and rice. The team then packed up for the day as we were not coming back to the house until late evening.

Oregano Grande was the first stop of the day (after a roadside break for coconuts). This village is some distance from Azua and was last visited by the team six years ago. At that time access to the village was only by crossing a river on foot but a bridge now exists to drive over. This community of about 450 is a very poor farming area and always welcomes us warmly. We didn't have a lot of time but we played with the kids, Paul, Kim and Nathaniel shared a message with them, tracts were handed out, and food and Bibles were left with the local pastor.  The DR is poor in financial wealth but rich in scenic wealth; it was a picturesque ride in the hills Northwest of Azua.

Next stop was Project Four where the Nelson's pastor. We were planning on a feeding program but the timing didn't work out. Most importantly was a surprise party for Pablo who led the construction of the Project Hannah School there. This is a unique internationally funded school in the middle of a typical poor locale that greatly blesses the area. The place was decorated for the occasion, they had a wall full of pictures of Pablo, the kids did skits and sang songs, and a video was shown. Our friend from previous trips and the guiding force behind the school, Sonia Ranta, was also in attendance. It was good to see her and we tried to catch up as best we could with the short time we had.

At Project Four the team spent a lot of time playing with the kids. The school building roof is flat with a thatched roof above which makes a great shaded area to play basketball, jump rope, face painting, and plenty of piggyback rides. We were served a lunch of mango juice, cheese finger sandwiches, a delicious ham and cheese salad, something like a mini-empanada, and some kind of vegetable thing that was not the most attractive but was actually quite good. Before leaving the team left food and Bibles with the Nelsons.

Our fourth showing of the Jesus Film was our final stop of the day. We were in an area we have not been before that only has the early beginnings of a church; no building as of yet. Maybe 70-80 people were in attendance and it was evident early that this was a heavily dominant Haitian village. Many young men were present so Shawn gave a message of Biblical Manhood.

The team was home at 10pm for debrief. Looking forward to another busy day tomorrow.

God Bless