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
Friday, March 4, 2016
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
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
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
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Sweating for Jesus
Tuesday started early with a 7am breakfast of bacon, eggs, Dominican oatmeal (don't know) and fruit. Dan led devotions continuing with 1 Cor. 12 where Paul left off and a short story from Esther.
The work crew of Paul, Dean, and Brian left for "the site" which we will now call AMI (Azua Mission International-more to come on this later). Working with Cesar and his crew they spent all day mixing, pouring, leveling, and troweling concrete for a 36'x78' floor. It was difficult work in the DR sun but thanks to the hard-working Dominican crew they were able to finish by 4pm.
The remainder of the team used the morning to assemble wheelchairs to bless the disabled. Last year's program was so successful that another 45 chairs were purchased in addition to crutches and walkers. It's so humbling to be able to help those that are not physically mobile. There is no ADA in the DR and the Azua streets are filled with holes and very poor sidewalks (not to mention the dangerous traffic). It's so bad that last year the team poured a ramp to access the disabled center with a wheelchair (which the director uses)! After the blessing of the wheelchairs Shawn gave a message and led a mini-devotion with the disabled. Then they stopped back at the house to pick up food for the construction site. Pablo had beans and gravy, rice, chicken, and salad prepared.
After lunch the construction crew went back to work, Kim and Kristi played with the mob of kids that had appeared through the morning, and Shawn, Chris, and Mary went witnessing to the area handing out tracts and praying with families. They came back to find the rest of the team in a vicious kickball game in the stony field that's part of AMI. Only one large American suffered a minor scrape.
After a quick supper of yucca and empanadas the team split again for the night. Everyone went to the Jesus Film site to set up and then Shawn, Chris, Mary, and Kristi went to a church service at Pastor Anderson's which the team helped build 2 years ago. Shawn gave the message at the church service on scriptural authority and Dan and Kim each gave a message at the Jesus Film.
Since being in town the team had to stop for ice-cream prior to the debrief back at the house which lasted until about 11.
While tired and with some excess sun the team is healthy and looking forward to the 2nd half of our journey. Continue to pray for protection, health, safety and doors to be opened in the name of Jesus. Pictures can be found on the team Facebook page.
The work crew of Paul, Dean, and Brian left for "the site" which we will now call AMI (Azua Mission International-more to come on this later). Working with Cesar and his crew they spent all day mixing, pouring, leveling, and troweling concrete for a 36'x78' floor. It was difficult work in the DR sun but thanks to the hard-working Dominican crew they were able to finish by 4pm.
The remainder of the team used the morning to assemble wheelchairs to bless the disabled. Last year's program was so successful that another 45 chairs were purchased in addition to crutches and walkers. It's so humbling to be able to help those that are not physically mobile. There is no ADA in the DR and the Azua streets are filled with holes and very poor sidewalks (not to mention the dangerous traffic). It's so bad that last year the team poured a ramp to access the disabled center with a wheelchair (which the director uses)! After the blessing of the wheelchairs Shawn gave a message and led a mini-devotion with the disabled. Then they stopped back at the house to pick up food for the construction site. Pablo had beans and gravy, rice, chicken, and salad prepared.
After lunch the construction crew went back to work, Kim and Kristi played with the mob of kids that had appeared through the morning, and Shawn, Chris, and Mary went witnessing to the area handing out tracts and praying with families. They came back to find the rest of the team in a vicious kickball game in the stony field that's part of AMI. Only one large American suffered a minor scrape.
After a quick supper of yucca and empanadas the team split again for the night. Everyone went to the Jesus Film site to set up and then Shawn, Chris, Mary, and Kristi went to a church service at Pastor Anderson's which the team helped build 2 years ago. Shawn gave the message at the church service on scriptural authority and Dan and Kim each gave a message at the Jesus Film.
Since being in town the team had to stop for ice-cream prior to the debrief back at the house which lasted until about 11.
While tired and with some excess sun the team is healthy and looking forward to the 2nd half of our journey. Continue to pray for protection, health, safety and doors to be opened in the name of Jesus. Pictures can be found on the team Facebook page.
Monday, February 29, 2016
Gifts
Morning devotions were led by Paul from 1 Cor. 12 focusing on spiritual gifts. Thanks to Mary it went down a path of spiritual journey in which the entire team benefited. Breakfast was pancakes, hot boiled eggs, and the ever-present fruit.
Monday's are always a visit to the marketplace. The team passed out about 500 gospel tracts while witnessing firsthand how most of Azua shops. These are small stands set up along the streets selling everything a person needs. There are no Walmarts in Azua. Tailors, cobblers, bags of grain, piles of produce of all colors, freshly caught fish, hanging meat, live chickens, stacks of clothes and piles of shoes all decorate the crowded street as people jostle and motor bikes try to squeeze through. The sights are both colorful and filthy, the sounds are noisy and chaotic and the smells are usually not pleasant; in other words a great Azua experience. Without details, the team was able to also touch some lives on a personal level on their walk.
The next stop was Estebania to visit Pastor Wilfredo and his village of fellow Haitians. This incredible servant of God makes his living as a dentist but works tirelessly for his poverty stricken people. The team has supported this ministry for many years because of Wilfredo's dedication to the Lord. The children were dressed in their best and greeted the team as they always do with song and dance. The team helped with feeding the kids, played with them, and discussed future plans with Wilfredo before having a lunch of chicken, beans, and rice in his humble living area. Wilfredo's wife made a special cake in honor of Dan's birthday last week.
While some of the team was enjoying Dan's cake at Wilfredo's, Dan and Nathaniel were purchasing household items for the family effected by the fire. The daughter will be released from the hospital tomorrow and they have no place to live and apparently the situation with the father is not good. It's a sad story but the team is using their people resources to help this family recover. Nathaniel was able to have a deep spiritual conversation with the mother which is a blessing.
About 5pm the team was invited for a meeting and supper by a well-known local pediatrician. The delicious meal consisted of beans and rice, goat, chicken, potatoes, yucca, avocado, tomato, and french fries. This woman has a heart for young women (girls, actually) and the incredible rate of pregnancies in Azua. She noted she once had a twelve year-old who was pregnant. The health, psychological, and social ramifications of this cultural statistic is very sad, to say the least. It's rare in this area for a girl to be married before having a child and most girls are pregnant by age 16 or 17. She would like to offer her services and resources to the new center being built by Nathaniel and the team. This will be an incredible gift to this impoverished area.
The evening was concluded with the Jesus film in a dusty ball field. Mostly kids but many young men were in the attendance of over 100. Dan, Paul, and Nataniel talked and praise music followed. It was a good day. The team is healthy, eager to serve, and working together well. One Spirit, one focus, many gifts.
Monday's are always a visit to the marketplace. The team passed out about 500 gospel tracts while witnessing firsthand how most of Azua shops. These are small stands set up along the streets selling everything a person needs. There are no Walmarts in Azua. Tailors, cobblers, bags of grain, piles of produce of all colors, freshly caught fish, hanging meat, live chickens, stacks of clothes and piles of shoes all decorate the crowded street as people jostle and motor bikes try to squeeze through. The sights are both colorful and filthy, the sounds are noisy and chaotic and the smells are usually not pleasant; in other words a great Azua experience. Without details, the team was able to also touch some lives on a personal level on their walk.
The next stop was Estebania to visit Pastor Wilfredo and his village of fellow Haitians. This incredible servant of God makes his living as a dentist but works tirelessly for his poverty stricken people. The team has supported this ministry for many years because of Wilfredo's dedication to the Lord. The children were dressed in their best and greeted the team as they always do with song and dance. The team helped with feeding the kids, played with them, and discussed future plans with Wilfredo before having a lunch of chicken, beans, and rice in his humble living area. Wilfredo's wife made a special cake in honor of Dan's birthday last week.
While some of the team was enjoying Dan's cake at Wilfredo's, Dan and Nathaniel were purchasing household items for the family effected by the fire. The daughter will be released from the hospital tomorrow and they have no place to live and apparently the situation with the father is not good. It's a sad story but the team is using their people resources to help this family recover. Nathaniel was able to have a deep spiritual conversation with the mother which is a blessing.
About 5pm the team was invited for a meeting and supper by a well-known local pediatrician. The delicious meal consisted of beans and rice, goat, chicken, potatoes, yucca, avocado, tomato, and french fries. This woman has a heart for young women (girls, actually) and the incredible rate of pregnancies in Azua. She noted she once had a twelve year-old who was pregnant. The health, psychological, and social ramifications of this cultural statistic is very sad, to say the least. It's rare in this area for a girl to be married before having a child and most girls are pregnant by age 16 or 17. She would like to offer her services and resources to the new center being built by Nathaniel and the team. This will be an incredible gift to this impoverished area.
The evening was concluded with the Jesus film in a dusty ball field. Mostly kids but many young men were in the attendance of over 100. Dan, Paul, and Nataniel talked and praise music followed. It was a good day. The team is healthy, eager to serve, and working together well. One Spirit, one focus, many gifts.
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