Final 2013 Update

    It's been just over two weeks since our return. While the memories are still relatively fresh in our mind, the week spent serving the Lord in Azua seems so far away. Even for those of us who have made numerous trips to the DR, coming back to the U.S. can seem bittersweet. The trip gives us a renewed energy for Christ but that feeling is difficult to duplicate here at home. In the DR we do nothing but serve Jesus through our actions and words without the distractions of everyday life and the complacency in faith common in the U.S.

     This final update is meant to wrap-up this year's trip to include being accountable to our benefactors.  Purchases included 1125# of rice, 400# of beans and cooking oil packaged into 350 family-sized bags. Materials were purchased and much of the labor provided for a 20'x30' pavilion to be used by Pastor Alberto's church. Materials were also purchased for the addition to a house of a Christian lady who was especially in need. 1500 New Testaments were handed out along with 1300 gospel tracts.

     A departure from year's past was the wells project. With a joint venture from the DR government, our team purchased 800' of casing and provided some funds for labor. As of this writing two wells were drilled and a third was beginning with the possibility of two or three more depending on the amount of casing needed. God's hand was in this project all the way.

     While we may have personal or team goals, ultimately our sole goal is to faithfully carry out God's will. We felt His presence all along on the trip and the Holy Spirit protected and carried us in all our endeavors. In a large part this is because of your faithfulness in prayer. They were answered! We would also be neglectful in not thanking you for your financial support. We can teach and preach with minimal funds but the reality is that without money we are limited in our scope. Bibles, wells and food need funding. Thousands of people have been and will continue to be touched by your generosity.

     This trip is all about Jesus and we would like to think that upon completion of our week He was telling us "well done, good and faithful servant".

     God bless you in your support

2013 Video Done

    The video from this year's trip was uploaded to youtube with the link on the right. We hope you enjoy it. There will be one last entry in the next week or two detailing some of our expenditures so our financial partners have a better idea on how their (God's) money was allocated.

    I have talked to some of the team and hope that the rest were able to catch up with family and sleep over the weekend. I also pray that this experience does not diminish in importance and has filled everyone's spiritual tank for some time.

Saying Good-bye

    After breakfast, morning devotions were led by Tom. Tom felt the Spirit calling him to use the story of Elijah.

    Many last errands always need to be done before leaving. After packing suitcases and picking up the house the team went different ways: to deliver the purchased mattresses to needy families, the banker, to purchase funded items, etc.

    After a final inspection of the completed pavilion the entire team met at Pastor Nelson's village to help serve food as part of the feeding program the team funds. Over 120 children were in attendance. More prayers and thanksgivings before going back to the house in Azua.

    After a team photo in front of the house and final good-byes to Pablito, Dorcas, Palbo and Ruth, Genesis and the team arrived in the capitol about 4pm. Many stores and restaurants were closed due to the DR holiday (Independence) so they checked into the hotel, freshened up and found a restaurant on the square which is within walking distance.

    A final debrief took place in the hotel courtyard. It was the wrap-up for the week focusing on what went right, what could be improved on and final thoughts and thank-you's. The team went to their rooms around 11 for a 3:30 wake-up to make the long journey home.

Nearing the End

    Another delicious breakfast was followed by morning devotions led by Eric. As the Jesus Film is based on Luke's description, we went through in detail some of the stories depicted.

    Tuesday is always "Compassion Day". This is the morning that we visit the school operated by Compassion International in Azua where Dan, Shawn, Paul and Eric each sponsor a Compassion child. We spend time playing with the kids, serve them ice cream and then walk our sponsor kids to their homes where we visit with the families. Gifts and prayers follow. It's always encouraging to see them grow in their faith through the years. It also gives the team another opportunity to walk the streets and pass out tracks.

    After a quick stop at the house the team did their yearly visit to the blind to bless with funds from the local Lion's club and to encourage. They end up being the ones blessing us in their dedication to serving Jesus with no hint of discouragement due to their disability. It's quite humbling.

    The team then took a trip to well #1 where the barrio (neighborhood) leaders had a planned meeting. They presented us with a certificate thanking the team for the well. More prayers and thanking Jesus.

    A team meeting took place back at the house to go over finances. Decisions were made as to love offerings and the many projects that had been taking place or come up during the week.

    The final night in Azua is always special. We invite all those that have supported our ministry locally. They come in their best clothes (putting the Americano's to shame). We serve pizza and soda followed by birthday cake and ice-cream for Dan and Tom. Including the team, about 50 people were in attendance. The best part is after the meal as everybody introduces themselves with many giving a short message. It is a very spiritual evening filled with prayer and thanksgivings. Warm embraces of good-bye ended the night at about 11.