Nearly Done

Day 6 – Tuesday

It's hard to believe that soon we will be back home. The team is now relying heavily on the power of the Holy Spirit to keep them going physically. Spirits are high but the physical and mental strain of the past week is starting to show in fatigue and some sickness. As we will start the journey back tomorrow afternoon, most are now looking forward to reuniting with their families.

With that in mind we should caution the families of the first time team members. Those that you sent will return changed. In the past week they have seen the hand of God many times. This has changed them emotionally and spiritually. Please be patient with them as they adjust to home life. This change is for the glory of God so you will benefit, rest assured.

This morning's devotions were led by Paul. He asked us to tell about a favorite bible verse and/or story. This led to many interesting discussions.

Breakfast of ham and cheese empinadas was brought to the house. Today was Compassion day. The day where those members who sponsor children through Compassion International in the Azua area see their children and spend a little time walking them home, giving them gifts, meeting their families and praying over them. Dan, Eric, Shawn, Paul and Duane each sponsor children. The kids were waiting for them with a poster. Of the 1 million children in Compassion schools worldwide less than 1% get visits from their sponsors. It's a joy to see first-hand how God's blessings to us can be leveraged for His kingdom.

Lunch (chicken and rice) was served at the El Bambu before the bus was loaded for a village near Carmen's church. Some of the team poured concrete for a floor in a house while the others walked the streets witnessing.

At 4pm the team met with the center for the blind which they do each year. This is a Christian organization that does not consider the lack of sight a disability. They inspire us through their perseverance and faith. Another “God thing” occurred as through a series of special events the team will hopefully be able to restore the sight to a 23 year old college student who is going blind.

The last night is always special and tonight was no different. We went into the hills to the house that we stayed in 2 years ago. It is a gorgeous and secluded setting under a large pavilion. Pizza and soda followed by Dominican coffee was the fare. Of course, as 2 years ago, the Lord allowed the lights to fail just after eating. Candles added a serene effect to the many speeches given by the team members.

Everyone was present to include all those support people who make this trip possible: the american team, Nataniel and Iris, Pablito and Dorcas, Pablo and Ruth, Carmen, Wilfredo and his wife, Genesis, Wilson and his wife, Cesar and his wife, Pedro and the rehab boys and others I'm forgetting. Rejoicing, prayers, thank-you's, singing and tears filled the half-lit pavilion. It's hard for this not to happen with so many like-minded and spirit-filled people involved. Another “God thing” night to cap the final day.

Good Night

Labor of Love

Day 5 – Monday

A note to the reader. This writer some times finds it difficult to put into words things that happen while doing mission work. We call it “God things”. Things that can't be explained any other way except to know that the Holy Spirit was at work. Things that may not be miracles but are far from coincidences. Things that are beyond chance and happen for a reason. These “God things” have been happening on a regular basis during this trip and it is incredibly humbling to realize that He is using us for His purpose. I ask that you talk to us upon our return and we will be happy to tell our stories.

Morning devotions were led by Shawn and included Proverbs 29 and Romans 12. Romans 12 was one of those “God things”; ask Lance.

Breakfast was then served at the El Bambu and consisted of fried cheese, eggs, ham and plantain. As today was a construction day, Eric and Paul went to the site to get the project going. The rest of the team took a trip through the marketplace as Monday is the busiest day. It's always quite an experience to walk through the Azua marketplace. Solid people for blocks with vendors selling everything imaginable. Piles of clothes, meat (not always so fresh), vegetables, grains, electronics, housewares, etc. It's a great place to hand out tracts and about 250 were delivered. Pictures never due justice to the chaos, sounds and smells.

The team then travelled to the construction site in El Quatto. We visited this village last year and were impressed with the pastor and his wife. A section of a thatched pavilion had collapsed so a concrete footing and slab were poured for a base to replace/improve it. Eric was in his prime and Paul, Duane, Betsy and Hank helped him all day. It was difficult work in the hot sun but much was accomplished. The rest of the team spent the day with the children and/or witnessing through the streets. Many miles were walked, many bibles were handed out and many lives were impacted. So many stories with all of those visits.

Around 5pm the job was done and most of the team headed back to the house to clean off the concrete and rest from a strenuous day. Dan and Betsy attended a local church service and each gave a message. The congregation was literally dancing in the aisles worshipping (including Dan & Betsy).

Paul, Mark, Shawn, Jim, Lance and Pablito stayed in El Quatto to show the Jesus film for the last time on this trip. After a few songs the crowd was only 4 older ladies and a small handful of kids. They started the film and within 15 minutes the crowd had grown to about 100 with many young adults. After the film Jim and Shawn gave a message followed by the pastor and his wife. The Holy Spirit was at work again as these people received the message with enthusiasm.

The men also held another men's meeting during the film and about 25 attended to hear raw testimony and hard-hitting truth about their role as men and what God expects. About half decided to give their lives to Christ tonight! God is great and faithful to those who heed his Word.

Another late night was finished off with ice-cream back at the house.

Jesus te ama (Jesus loves you)

Sand & Surf

Day 4 – Sunday

This morning's devotion was led by Eric and focused on the relationship of faith and works (Romans 4, James 2). After a quick breakfast of cereal and pb&j the men travelled to the prison for their yearly Sunday morning message.

Before entering the prison building our bus driver Genesis gave a great message to the prison guards. Genesis is a relatively new believer but has the heart of a pastor. It is evident that he has been annointed and baptized by the Holy Spirit and he has become an important part of the team. We have a strong feeling that one day soon Genesis will find his calling as a shepherd of his own flock.

While with the prisoners, nearly all of the men gave a message directed specifically to men and sin. Many talked of their own past ways. While it is a “captive” audience, many decided today that they wanted to give their lives to Christ. It is amazing to see how God works and even more amazing that he uses a bunch of sinners like us to do His will.

After stopping back at the house to collect the girls the entire team went out to the Haitian village. The area was canvassed to bring all of the children to the pavillion that the team built over the past 2 years. Here the children sang songs for us and Pastor Wilfredo and Genesis gave messages. After team introductions sweet rice was served. While living in deplorable conditions, these people are so beautiful and special to us. We only wish we could serve them more.

Returning to the rehab center the team took turns playing basketball with the rehab boys. While the rehab boys have youth on their side, the team has experience (a nice way of saying they are old). Laura and Pedro tended to dominate. At least no one hurt anything but their pride.

A quick stop at the house and then the team went to the beach (only about 3 miles south of the house) to enjoy an hour in the surf. A small team went with Pablito and passed out tracts along the beach. They couldn't stay long as Pablo was making his famous burgers and fries at the rehab center.

It was another typical night schedule with some of the team setting up the Jesus film and the other half helping with a church service. After some difficulties with the forces of evil the Jesus film was shown to about 100 people in a dusty field. The church service went well after Jim was able to borrow reading glasses from someone in the crowd.

The trip is going fast. It's hard to believe that the end is already in site. While we want to be back with our families in Wisconsin and Washington it will be hard to leave Azua. It seems too soon. These people need so much what God can offer using us.

Spirits, camaraderie, health and focus are high. This is a spiritually equipped group of men and women and each member serves the body well. It has become so obvious that God chose this team. Our love for these people is only surpassed by our love for Christ. We thank you so much for your prayers. It is apparent they are being said. Please continue until we arrive safely home.

Gracias Jesus (Thank You Jesus)

God is Good

Day 3 – Saturday

After morning devotions led by Mark, the team enjoyed another wonderful Dominican Breakfast. Some of the team was hoping to lose a few pounds on the trip but the abundance of good food is making that hard.

A small victory was had concerning this blog this morning. After walking up and down the street looking for free wifi Shawn was able to find a connection and get the password from the corner store.

The team is showing a little wear from the combination of long days, noisy sleeping conditions (traffic, dogs, and snoring by Betsy) and the emotional stress of witnessing but spirits are high and health is good. This is a very real blessing for a group this size. While about half of the team is new this year, they have gelled extrememely well for one purpose: showing God's glory.

The team split three ways in the morning. A purchasing team went with Dan and Paul to buy needed items. Witnessing teams led by Jim and Shawn went out from the El Bambu restaurant passing out tracts, children's bibles and witnessing to whoever they would come across. As Azua is a typical third-world city, the streets are very busy during the day so there is no end of people to talk about Jesus.

The team then loaded up and travelled to two villages outside of town. While things are poor and lives hard in town, life in the rural villages is more difficult yet. Sweet rice, toys, and crosses were given to the children and the women on the team spent time with the vilage girls painting their hands or faces.

It was really special at the second stop. The church was too small for the crowd we had so the work of the Holy Spirit quickly took over. In a matter of minutes a team was leading the children in the church, a team was leading the women in the yard of a bar and a team was leading a group of men. It's amazing how this village which appeared to be in the control of Satan was now cherishing new bibles. It was another example of how the Holy Spirit can work when His disciples step out in faith.

When the team arrived back to the house around 4pm a meal was served and then an hour or so of down-time to recoup. Around six we went out for the night's activities. It was another night of one group worshipping in a local church and a second group showing the Jesus film. The film was shown in an especially tough part of town but the Lord gave us who he wanted to. The church service again went very well with Hank & Laura making a special impact.

With a team this size it's impossible to report on everything that may happen during the day. So many individual stories are experienced by each of the 14 team members and all the people they come in contact with. Some of these will become special memories that I am sure they will be happy to share with you on their return.

The evening was finished on a celebratory note as the team enjoyed cake and ice-cream at Nathaniel's in-laws in celebration of Dan's and Lance's birthdays. Sonia presented Dan with a present from one of her travels. Another late night but the Holy Spirit is keeping everyone energized.

Until tomorrow, Dios te bendega (God Bless You)