March 26

 March 26

Well, the trip is winding down to just a few hours and soon enough we will be boarding our plane and headed home! Wow, what a trip! Words can not explain how much we have seen God’s hands at work here in the Dominican Republic, not only in the work we have done in laying down block, mixing mortar or even in shoveling endless dirt, but in the lives of our young people! I could take up a few pages in ways God has been revealed, but allow me to share just a few.

The goal of this mission trip was to make sure we finished what we set out to do in our construction, but our main goal and focus was to have a re-encounter with Jesus.

Our worships this year revolved around a pursuing God who wants to be with us no matter where we may be found and no matter what we may have to or not to offer.

We had an awesome time watching our youth leading out in VBS in songs, skits, activities and engaging with the local kids. It is amazing what can happen when you let young people lead!

We had an opportunity to go out in groups to the town of Quisquella and pass out the Bibles that were sponsored. What an amazing thing it is to see our young people engage with the locals even though the language was a barrier. We have stories about our encounters that will blow your mind. From a young lady who chased us down begging for a Bible, only to tell us that she had been praying for a year for someone to show up and give her a Bible, to going into a family’s home and pray over a sobbing mother who asked us to pray for her son, to a family who brought us a young girl who had been suffering from fever for the last couple of days and asking to pray over her. I can go on, but I think if you ask a young person for their perspective, you will hear amazing stories.

Today was a culmination of Jesus’ work! We drove to the beach and 2 of our young people were baptized! Praise God! We challenged and appealed all of our young people to a closer walk with Jesus and will continue to ray that many accept that call.

Well, I can say that I too have been changed by this trip. My faith has grown in God as I have seen Him at work. I am particularly satisfied in knowing I was able to bring my whole family with me to share in this experience. It was nice to see my daughter Briana interact with the local children and my wife Jeannie coming back to the country we both came on a mission trip 21 years ago.

In closing, if you are reading this, I challenge you to a re-encounter with Jesus tonight. I ask you to please have a re-encounter with your child. I challenge you to take the time to listen to the wonderful stories and encourage them to continue serving God.

See you all in just a few hours!

Blessings,

Ed Garcia

Final day in DR!

 

March 24

So sorry for 2 days without posts!  The city where the internet source we use has been without power for a couple of days.  Makes it rough!

Joel

Dear Mom  Dad and Nanny,

            The trip is going really well, I haven’t blogged because I figured you wouldn’t check, but since everyone else was I decided to. The weather isn’t that bad, but this is nothing like that mission trip to South Carolina. We have been working on building two schools , the group is split into two and we do vbs every night at each of the locations. The kids here treat us like we are superstars and they want our autographs and pictures with us. The food we eat is pretty much the same on a day to day basis, but since it’s the only food we have I had to learn to not be to picky. Today was the day we went to the island, and believe it or not I actually went into the ocean. At first there was a lot of confusion and they said they were stopping in the middle of ocean to snorkel, so of course I said I wasn’t getting in. we stopped like a mile away from the shore and they said go ahead and jump from the top of the boat. Everyone was going but Adam, Caleb and I just wouldn’t go. After peer pressure we finally did and it was fun! Later when we go to the island I had to learn how to snorkel and then we went back into the boat and we went a ways out and we had to swim half a mile to the reef. Every ten seconds while Adam and I were swimming we were looking for sharks. Once we got to the reef it was so cool to see all the fish and things that lived down there. Things are good , glad I came.

            Love,

                        Ryan

Dear Mom, Dad, Jason, Granny, and anyone else who reads this blog,

            I am doing really well.  The weather is so nice here,  I wish you guys could be here.  Dad, the skies are so clear every night! I wish you could see all the constellations.  It’s a lot clearer than at home.  Life is a lot different here.  We get up really early, drive and eat most of the same foods, and get to work.  Yesterday I got to work at Sendaro.  It’s a lot nicer building than Quisqaya but it is in a worse environment.  I liked it a lot better just because there are less people.  Making more work available for me.  I have learned how to lay brick, though I’m really bad at it. My knee was causing me troubles, so I was also water girl, dirt crew, and my favorite…PAINT CREW! I was so happy to be able to paint the other day.  I’ve been writing in my journal so you will read more in detail then.  Today was the best day of the trip!  We rode in a really nice coach bus that made me feel like we were on a plane.  Then we went on a glass floored boat.  That was cool.  We stopped on the way to this island to go swimming, but mainly jump off the top level of the boat.  I was really scared at first, but Kelcie made me go and I’m glad she did! It was soooo much fun!  We got to the island and it was so nice.  It looked like that resort Sandals.  It was really beautiful.  The water was crystal clear and we were welcomed.  I got a couple things and swam.  We went snorkeling and that was really fun.  WE saw a school of Dori’s and coral.  This one piece looked like it had like queso smeared on it; I could’ve been halusinating.  It was really nice and I wish I could have stayed there a lot longer than we did.  I am so glad I got to come!  I am fine and am so excited to see you guys soon!  I love you guys with all my heart!   143!

            Love,           

                                    Amanda

March 25, 2011

Hello to all family and friends.  We are one the home stretch.  This is our last day of work, which seems more challenging coming off of yesterday (our play day at Isla Catalina).  We are so close to completing the projects but we will have to come back next year to bring both schools to finished quality.

Tomorrow is Sabbath and we are all looking forward to it!  We have two baptisms planned for Sabbath afternoon at the beach.  The spiritual climate of this trip has been phenomenal.  The students this year seem to be growing closer to God and reforming their lives to align with His will.  Praise the Lord!  That is the primary purpose of a youth mission trip.  Building schools is secondary.

All my love to Michelle, Julianne, and Stephanie, I can’t wait to see you Monday morning.

Pastor Shawn

Oi mae! Eu tou bem, tou bem cansada e vermelha J. Manda um beijo pra tudo mundo (os cabidos, castros). Hoje e nosso ultimo dia de trabalho.

 We went to an island yesterday (for our day off) and it was beautiful! It was amazing! I loved all of it (except for the sunburn that I got). The only part of me that isn’t burnt is my midsection. We went snorkeling and it was sooooo much fun! But today we are back to work. We have a lot to get done today, hopefully we can reach our goal. There are a lot of people who are sick but they are holding up pretty well. I’m thankful that I didn’t get TOO sick. Anywho, I really want to eat breakfast, I just wanted to let you know that I’m ok. I love you! Miss you! Beijos! Bye! (oh and tell lucas I love him too!)

Carly P.

Dear Mom, Dad, and Scott,

It has been a very long however many days we’ve been here.  It actually feels like we’ve been down here forever. But I really like it. The weather is nice, some of the scenery is pretty, and the work isn’t too bad. But I think I’m ready to go home soon. It’s freezing cold at night here (for me) and yet we still sleep with the fans on.  And the showers are so cold; I don’t think I remember what a hot shower feels like. My withdrawals from my phone and internet aren’t actually too bad. I haven’t gotten any sunburn and I haven’t been sick at all. Yesterday was our day off and we went to an island and did some snorkeling and hanging out. It was really nice to relax in the sun instead of working in it. I just finished breakfast now and we’re about to start our last work day. We’ve done so much already and I kinda don’t wanna leave. But we’ll be home on Sunday. And yes, I will call you when we land in Miami. Miss you all lots.

Love,

Michelle Kelchner

Hi Everyone! =]

Mom and dad, sorry I didn’t write in the blog sooner. I’ve tried, but someone always has the computer whenever I want to. These past few days have been so much fun. It’s been a lot of hard work, so I was so happy that we got to have our fun day yesterday. We got to go snorkeling. I didn’t go for too long though, because it was so hard to breathe. But, it was really great to hang out on the beach and go shopping and stuff. Mom, I got two paintings for my room. =] They’re really pretty. One is for over my bed and the other one is little. They’re of the beach. Today is our last day of work though, so I really hope we can get a lot done. They’re yelling at us to go to work now, but I’ll see you all Sunday!! =D

Love, Ashley

March 25, 2011

Hey guys!

Wow I can’t believe that its already the last day of construction we have been working hard laying block, painting, moving dirt, and mixing mortar. We all had an awesome day at the beach yesterday. The island we went to was so pretty the water was see through blue and the sand was really white.  One of the things I miss the most is definitely the food at home mom please have a veggie burger and fries ready for me when I get off the plane. I miss you all at home and can’t wait to get back. Mom, also tell grandma and grandpa I’m doing fine and will be glad to get home. Now from the other end I am going to definitely miss the kids here they are so cute and I love to have them around , and I will also miss the fruit here after Dominican pineapple the ones at home are not going to be that good. Can’t wait to see you all again talk to you later!

Love Amber

March 25, 2011

Hey friends and family!

First of all, I’m so sorry that I didn’t blog earlier but apparently more people blog than I thought. Anyways this trip I tried to do every job on the sites I could so I got the full feel of the trip and some of the jobs can be pretty intense, but as for meh, I took every job as if it was the hardest so I know I could get my part done. The weather here is so much nicer here than in Maryland, but I’m sure all of you will love seeing your lobster again ;) I have had the most wonderful time here and I even made a new friend here in Quisqueya. His name is Israel and he helped me with all the crafts for other kids and moms in vbs. I believe one time we had 189 kids in that tiny church and he helped e so much in our “organized chaos”. I love all you! Dad, Mom, Nick, Alex, Grandma, Grandpa, Yapper, Gema, and Jetblack. And yes dad I miss your bird too. ;P

Love Sasha (SMG)

Beach day was so awesome! We all had the opportunity to try new things, such as snorkeling, jumping off of the top deck of a ship, and get badly swindled. I have to admit that I wasn’t sure if I really wanted to jump off the boat or snorkel at first, but after I got past the initial fear, it was an opportunity that I am glad I didn’t miss out on. The whole day was quite relaxing and it reenergized us for the work that we have to do today. Today the “dirt crew” has to finish moving two more dumps of dirt into some of the rooms, but with hard work im sure we can get it done today. Can’t wait to see my family again!

Sincerely, Geoff Morgan

March 25, 2011

Yesterday we all took the day off and spent the whole day on a very beautiful island. It all started by going on tourist bus that finally had air conditioner to a glass-bottomed boat. When we were very near the island, we anchored in 18foot deep water and everyone jumped  off the top of the boat in the water. Now this was a big move to me because I cant swim and I am deeply scared of water, but I finally conquered my fear after Joel and Ed waited for me in the water to jump. The island was filled with gift shops and everyone was trying to sell us stuff which went out pretty well. I finally had chicken! Cant wait to go back home though and see my family.

Love Reevan

march 22

 03-22-11

Having a lot of fun in DR.  Meeting a lot of interesting kids.  The Sendero school is basically done we just have to put a roof on it.  The food is amazing and good.  Having fun!  Pastor Sean says if we can finish the requirements he will shave his hair of, and Ed shave his go-tee off.  Now we are going to work extra hard!

Sincerely

Jared Stoia

P.S.  Grandma if you read this don’t blame dad for the pics.

I almost regretted going on this trip but I am so glad I gave a chance. I have so many Dominican friends that help me buy soda and stuff like that. I have been seriously working really hard and have never drinken so much water in my life! The weather here is really hot, and at night it can get really cold but I always keep myself warm. On Sabbath we went around the city and gave out bibles. I had no idea how many people wanted bibles here. Every one wanted one, but we only had so much to give. VBS can sometimes be boring but still fun. Its all really hectic. The showers are also sooo cold. Buts it not a big deal. Anyways Im having a lot of fun. -Victor

Hay EVERYONE!!

Its been AWESOME here at DR but I think about you everyday! Im trying not to call because in going to get home sick lol but I miss your cooking mom, I miss talking on the phone with my fav. Person and everything but not the weather! Lol its too Hot but thank God I haven’t gotten sick or nothing! I sneaked into the kitchen to cook wit my fav. DR people and drinking SOOO much water if not ill get in trouble with the staff lol ive also met this new local guy and we have been working together junto con Sr. Silie and we call ourself the 10 min crew since were so fast ^_^ but its all been great I hope Tony and Daesy are behaving and not giving mom trouble. A nd Eva…ohh gezz idk what to say but that I miss going to school with you and rushing me in the morning! Lol Nancy and Luis hope you guys been going to gym and lose 50 pounds lol just kidding..my best friend…I MISS YOU!! Tell your mama I said hello and that I hope all is well!! Im counting the days to come back home!! Even though ive been having a great time so far but I MISS and LOVE each and everyone of you!!

Con Mucho amor!

            Maria Galeas

This is the third mission trip I have been on and it’s been just as amazing as the first two. I’ve had a couple of new experiences, writing on the blog being just one of those many new experiences. I have been pretty healthy so far, but accidentally swallowing salt water and mortar water have given me a few close calls. I have mainly spent my work days pushing wheel barrows for either the dirt or mortar crew, but today I was also able to try my hand at painting, which was actually a lot more fun than I had originally thought it would be. VBS has also been a fun experience, because each time I have about 15 or so kids in my group and a few moms too. I’m glad I have my aunt Jeanie, uncle Eddy, and cousins Gabi, Bri, and Paige, but I also really miss my family back home, too. This mission trip has been a blessing so far and I hope I can make a further impact before we come home.

– sincerely Geoff Morgan

Hey mom, dad, Erin, Jamie, and Crackin,

I love you all and cant wait to get home to c u guys and I also cant wait to do some dishes and see you guys. I love everyone of you and cant wait to tell you all about this wonderful trip. Erin I have some stuff to tell you and mom and dad you gave a “lost” boy to this mission trip and you will be getting a young man who will be starting on a journey that takes a life to full fill and that is that I will be starting baptismal classes with pastor Shawn soon and we will be working around my schedule so I can finish it. I love the lord and cant wait to let know how it happened.

Love you all see ya soon,

Will Davidson

Moms, Dads, Grandparents, Church Family

You should be VERY proud of your young people.  We took down a bunch of kids and they have become young adults!  To watch the transformation in them physically and mentally is exciting.  BUT to watch the change spiritually is amazing.  The worships here are truly inspired, Pst Shawn and Ed need a huge thank you for that.  Just before we left on this trip I heard a sermon by Pst Dwight Nelson.  He read where the Bible says in the end days the Lord will form up an army of young people who will take His mission to the whole world.  Family, I believe He is calling recruits now and from our young people here.  It is time that we as a church embrace these young people, accept them into our church family and let them practice their participation in our churches today.  They are no longer content to be sitting quietly like an audience.  They want to be up front and leading.  And if we don’t give them the chance, they will do like the hundreds of youth before them and leave our church.  The data on this is indisputable.  After graduation from academy, our retention of our young men and women is abysmal!  It is TIME we change that data!  I know their music and worship style is not “traditional.”  But I don’t remember reading anywhere in the Bible or the writings of Ms White that our traditional way is “THE” way.  It is just the way we have always done it.  But you know what?  The traditional way ISN’T WORKING!  Our young people are leaving our church by the hundreds!  Maybe it is because we won’t change the way we do things?  The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over yet expecting different results!  It is time we work to retain our youth by the hundreds! With prayer and counsel from Jesus we can make that happen!!!  Please join me in praying that we as a family can find Jesus’ plan for our young people in our church.  From this day forward I pray we will be known as the church that retains the HIGHEST percentage of youth in the world!  Please join me in making this a subject of earnest prayer!

Joel

3.23.11

We have mixed over 60 bags of mortar with Carly, and my back is about to give out. But the smiles on the children’s’ faces is what bring me through the day. Throughout the hard days of work, I have managed to make a new friends, Abner, a young native boy that hangs around the work site in Quiseya until school begins for him. Today, I gave him my camera to take pictures for me. Turns out that he is a really good photographer. Along with Abner, about 190 children joined us for VBS in the nearby SDA church. I have done VBS many years before, but never had I seen organized chaos in such a way as I had today. Children were jumping up and down along with student leaders who tried to pronounce the lyrics from the Spanish songs the best they could. As it was the last day of VBS It was sad to say goodbye to the kids. But I’m looking forward to our vacation day tomorrow. After all the hard work under the scorching sun, a vacation is exactly what all of us need. But I’m sure after snorkeling, and sleeping on the beach, we should be ready to get back to work on Friday. Well, its off to the shower for me now to wash off all the mortar stains. To be honest, the cold shower is a perfect way to end my days here in DR. Hope all is going well in America. Its sad to think we are leaving in a few days, but I miss my mom’s Indian food. J

Goodnight,

Brandon

march 21

I don’t know where to start. This trip has been amazing for the short time we have been here. The weather is amazing. Very hot, a small breeze and a wonderful cloud every once in a while to cool everybody down.  But the weather is just a small detail about the whole trip. The people here are the nicest people you could think of. They take so much care of us and everybody wants to help out. The local kids are taking out tools and just work for the fun of it. It always breaks my heart to tell them that we are supposed to work and not them. On Saturday we handed out bibles and it was an amazing experience. We walked into the village and just gave out one bible. All of the sudden we were surrounded by people who wanted bibles and followed us around the neighborhood to make sure we don’t forget them. Saturday night we had a beach vespers and that was such a beautiful wonderful time. We just relaxed, didn’t have to worry about mortar or bricks or anything else related to work at the school.  We went swimming, did some acro and everybody just had fun with each other. When the sun went down we shared our thoughts about handing out the bibles. On the work site its a lot of fun because we all work as a team and help each other out whenever somebody needs help. When people need block somebody yells out: “BLOCKLINE!” or when the mortar is running low people yell across the whole site: “MORTAR!” and the people who mix then ask if they were calling for mortar or water since they sounds so much alike when yelled out randomly and people are not really paying attention to what people are yelling. The best thing is the freezing cold showers after a long, hot, sweaty, and dirty day. You feel so fresh and reenergized and super clean after and feel like you can take over the world. And let’s not forget the amazing food. Its a lot different than the American food, but it’s very yummy. And the fruit juice is to die for. So fresh and fruity that you cant get enough of it. That’s it for me for right now. This trip is AWESOME! – Cedric

3,21.2011

So far this trip has been a lot of hard work, but at the same time a lot of fun. This is my first time out of the country and I have really enjoyed learning about another culture. Everyone here is so friendly, and the kids are always really glad to see us. The weather is almost perfect. And the food (not to mention the  juice) is really good too! I have been working a lot over at Sendero, where we have been mixing mortar and laying block. The children outside of the school always come and look over the wall to see what we are doing, so we go over and talk with them and give them a beanie baby or stuffed animal. I actually surprised myself with just how much Spanish I was able to speak and understand. Also, when a group of us would go see them, and we didn’t know how to say something, the kids would teach us what the word was and help us pronounce it. Yesterday (Sunday) we had our first VBS after a hard day of work. The kids kept coming in the small church. I started out with three kids, and by the end of the VBS, ten more were added to my group. We all sang, colored, and made a craft. One of the girls, named Katherine, wrote me a note in English saying that I was her new friend. I wrote her one back, in Spanish, saying she was my new friend too. That was one of those really cool moments that makes all the hard work worthwhile. The day before, on Saturday, I was able to experience another one of those awesome moments as we passed out Bibles. We went to one house and a teenage boy answered. We talked with him for a little bit (Mr. Silie was translating for us) and we asked him if he would like a Bible. He gladly accepted it, and went on to tell us that he had always wanted a Bible and was so glad he could finally have one. He then told us how glad he was we were out here on our mission trip sharing God’s Word with others, because he knows that as soon as everyone has received the Message, Jesus will return. Then, after we prayed for him, and before we continued on our way, he asked us to do one more thing for him – tell him what was written on his shirt, because it was in English and he had always wondered what it said. Those two moments were some of the best ones I’ve had so far on this trip, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the week has in store for us. ~ Rachel Mack

Hi everyone! This place is tons of fun and Shannon says tell Steve I said hi. It’s so hot here but for some reason I’m always cold and I fried my ears in the sun. That happened last year too so I guess I didn’t learn my lesson. The trip is halfway over today and it’s very sad. Can’t wait to see my friends again though! –Kate F

AM March 20

Pictures to follow later today.  VERY pushed for time today!
joel

March 19, 2011

Today was very eventful even though we weren’t laying brick. I am still as tired as if I was mixing mortar all day! But even though I’m tired today was very fun. We were able to sleep in which was amazing, and I’m sorry but we have a trio in the boy’s bedroom between Silie, Ralph, and Chris talk about all night snoring!! I even had to get up, and shake Silie’s bed to wake him up enough to stop just to fall back asleep. Anyway back to our day after we slept in we had. Breakfast was pretty good I guess, then when we went to church the whole group had to split up because we have so many. I went to Sendero, one of the sites we have been building. To be honest I didn’t understand a thing the pastor was saying, but I heard the pastor gave a good sermon. He was a very good singer too. The only good singer there actually. After church those of us that went to Sendero went back to Quisqueya the second site that we have been building to eat lunch. After we ate lunch we had bibles to hand out to the area around Quisqueya  and I was amazed to see how many people knew about bibles, and even more they all wanted one. One of the ladies called Reevan “Pretty Michael Jackson” we all laughed at him. One of the ladies was so thankful she said I have been praying for a bible for a long time. After we came back to the camp we got ready and went to the beach that was a lot of fun we all got in the water. After awhile just getting in the water and swimming wasn’t enough we started dragging in others who didn’t feel like getting in. The best part about the beach was dragging in the adults although I ended up getting scratched on the neck by Ralph, but its ok we got all of them real good. And of course we had to do some gymnastics too. After all the fun we had worship on the beach and then went home we had dinner then arm wrestling although most of the adults beat us guys its ok though. And that’s about it they are all practicing for the VBS that starts tomorrow, and I’m watching while writing this. And to my mom and dad I’m doing good doing a lot of hard work! Miss you all.

Sincerely,

Matthew Oh

The past day and a half have been very eventful for me. It all started when a small group of us went to work at Sendero while the rest stayed at Quisqueya. Everyone was working really hard, we had a block line going and I ended up getting a cinder block dropped on my foot. At first I was like “oww this really hurts”, and I was going to pass more block. But I sat down and took off my shoe. There was a huge bump and I was carried inside the church. Later the two nurses that were there said I was going into shock and that I was pale. I didn’t faint. Soon Mr. Silie and Pastor Shawn arrived and we went to the hospital so we could get it X-Rayed (as a precaution of course). I have never been to a hospital before so it was really weird being wheeled through a hospital in a foreign country no less. We got it X-Rayed and after my stomach stopped hurting I was smiling for the camera. =]  They told me I had a hairline fracture in two of my toes and they put a cast on from my toes to the middle of my shin. I had crutches and everyone was so nice wanting to help.

This all happened yesterday (Friday) so today I woke up and my foot didn’t hurt at all so I did not feel the need to have a ball and chain on my leg. Joel looked at the X-Ray and didn’t see a thing wrong. And the pain is completely gone.  YAY! So after lunch we cut the cast off! There is a pretty nasty bruise but other than that I’m fine. I was able to go pass out Bibles and be apart of the activities.

So mom I’m okay!

Michelle

Hello blog readers, it’s Jasmine! I’m loving the mission trip and almost everything about it. Just some of the downsides are the sunburns, getting sick (which I haven’t gotten either of, Mom), and the bathrooms getting backed up. But, mostly things are bareable, and I’m glad I’m not as high maintenance as I thought. It’s cool taking a big trip to a foreign country which of bunch of people from home, so we can all experience it together. The children here are so cute and excited to see us. We’re working right next to the current school, and a little girl stuck her hand through the window and asked a friend to give me a handmade bracelet. Dogs just roam around near our worksite and they’re extremely cute. Worship every morning (at 7 am) and evening is nice, and the evening ones are especially spiritual and we look at the stars and moon. For Sabbath, we went to a local church and after that, we went into the neighborhoods and passed out Bibles. It’s amazing how accepting and open the local people are. We ask to come into their homes and they quickly and happily open their doors and arrange their chairs for us. When we say we’re from the local SDA church, they respond with how their spiritual lives at the moment are, and when we ask to pray for them, they act like we’re giving them a gift. I wouldn’t think everyone out here would want a Bible so much, some have been praying for one for a while and are so grateful. My group met a local Jehovah’s witness and though he didn’t want to pray with us, he encouraged what we were doing and respected our efforts. For the evening, we went to the beach it was perfect! The weather was just right, the water a little cool, a little breeze, and soft sand. On the first day, my first attempt at laying block was awful, but I’ve got the hang of it now thankfully. Well we’re on the site and I need to start working now, so please forgive me for any typos and other mistakes.

P.S. Happy Birthday to Jovian, Edeny, and Ellen! Thinking of you all, sorry I can’t be there. Hi Mom and Dad! I’m healthy and fine, no bug bites yet surprisingly. Hope you’re well at home! Hey Crystal and Jovian, hope you had a great party. Hey Jenny F., miss you! And to everyone else back home, I miss and love you! I’ll try to post another update in a couple of days.

Jasmine

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March 19, 2011

Hello to everyone.  I made a commitment to myself that I would post at least one blog this year.  Here it is.  I have to say that this trip has seen its share of challenges but morale amongst staff and students is still high.  The devil is working extremely hard to chase us out of the Dominican Republic or to at least discourage us to the point that we become ineffective in our efforts here.  Praise the Lord, the students are determined to battle the devil in the Lord’s strength and not their own!  I am convinced that great things are in store for our work down here simply because of the amount of frustration he is throwing our way.

One thing I am noticing is that the group we have this year, by and large, is more spiritually inclined and earnest in their desire to be used by God on this trip.  This afternoon I saw several guys, which I would label as extremely shy, come out of their shells to do street evangelism in the form of handing out Bibles.  After we ran out of the 30 Bibles that our group had to pass out, these shy young men came to me and asked if they could get a few more Bibles and pass them out to the couple of houses that we couldn’t get to on our street.  They insisted that we needed to get the Bibles to these homes the next day, as if they were concerned that these homes not miss a single day of Bible reading.

We continue to covet your prayers.  Please remember to hold us up as we are definitely involved in spiritual warfare.  Continue to pray that each student’s faith grows as a result of their time on this trip and the evidence He has shown them of His mighty power.

Pastor Shawn

 

Friday March 18

 March 18

Today the group split up for the first time. It was a late start but none of us really minded because we were having lots of fun. I was chosen to be part of the group that went to Sundero de Amor. I was so excited to go because last year that’s where I spent most of my time, and I wanted to see all of the friends I made there. I was really cool…until we go there and realized that we had very little block, no sand, and no cement! It was a little frustrating.

Unfortunately we weren’t able to get any work done at that site for the day. But, that didn’t stop us from coming away with an injury. Michelle F. has injured her foot.  Brian brought out the positive by saying in a prayer that it God may have been protecting her from a worse injury had he not allowed her foot to be broken, so we can be thankful for that.

Today I read Romans chapter 5. I encourage anyone who reads this to read it as soon as they can, because it, like the rest of Romans, is a very powerful book, one of the most powerful in the whole Bible, from my point of view. I find myself reading that particular chapter over and over again. It’s telling me something, but I’m not sure yet. I do know this. That while we were STILL sinners, Christ demonstrated His love for us in this way; that He GAVE his own life for the very sin that I have done, the very reason we must have mission trips. He gave his life for me, one of who should be held responsible for the nails that pierced His skin. And for that, I love Him with all my heart. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us for the rest of our time here! Feliz Sabado!

Wendell “WD” Phipps

March 18, 2011

            Third day of the mission trip, and it has been absolutely AMAZING!!!!! I love the people, the food and the culture. It has been quite hot but we’ve gotten through it. The first evening after we got here the children from Quisqueya and Sandero De Amor came and welcomed us with a little program. They were so adorable and we all enjoyed their warm welcome along with the sugar cane, oranges and small bananas. We got to work yesterday, mixing mortar, passing blocks along the block line and laying block. We all have worked hard, but it’s absolutely worth it. Today, while we were working the students in the elementary school were looking out the window and shouting, “Amiricana, Americana, Americana”. The bathrooms are very interesting…

            Hi mom, hi dad, hi Ryan. Mom, Kayla says thank you for all of the cleaning supplies because she doesn’t like germs. Dad, I haven’t been late to worship yet, so I haven’t had to clean the bathroom! Ryan, how’s life without anna and I? Kayla says she can’t wait to come over and mess up your hair.

            I’ve been having so much fun, and I’m not sick yet! (Knock on wood) We’ve been swimming and tomorrow we’ll be going to the beach. It’s Sabbath tomorrow, we get a day to relax and spend time with God and friends. I hope the rest of the mission trip is tons of fun!!

Shan

March 18, 2011

            Third day of the mission trip, and I’m having such a good time. At first we started out slow but by today we sped up the work and really got down and dirty. I’m so sore now because all I did was shovel and move wheel barrels of dirt. It feels good though! I’m so glad we are here to help these people. They’re so grateful and helpful, its crazy to think no one would be willing to help them as much as we have.

            The food here is so fresh! I love having home cooked meals every time we sit down to each. Actually, the only thing that I’ve had trouble with so far is the language barrier. Mom and Dad if you’re reading this… Shannon’s mom has saved my life. She made her pack so many cleaning supplies and snacks… and she loves to share! If there was a next time for me, I would say that that’s how I would pack. But I can’t come back!

            I hope you guys are having a fun time without me and not just sitting around all day. I’m enjoying myself so much, I think I want to be a student missionary next year!

Anyways…

Adios

Kay