Sunday, December 12, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Seeing Clearly
The trip home was a long and somewhat tedious one, punctuated by a long lay-over in Philadelphia and a slow drive home over treacherous snow and ice covered roads. Only 27 hours after we got up in the Dominican Republic did we arrive back at our homes. But this extended time gave us plenty of opportunity to reevaluate our time in Sierra Prieta and to appreciate the blessings God has bestowed upon us. Blessings of hope, knowledge of him, available jobs, healthy families and nearby medical care.
Having been back home for a few days now I have heard from a number of folks who had followed the blog. The most noticeable response I've received is that this year seemed not as positive an experience as last year. So I thought I'd address my perspective on this issue and maybe shed some more light on how I saw God working.
From the beginning this was a very different trip some of us were returning and some were new to the whole world of short-term missions. The community is a year advanced and even our physical location there had changed. We talked much about suppressing expectations as much as possible but it was a challenge to give up the spacious living quarters at the church in lieu of the somewhat cramped former medical clinic. Though we came to appreciate the option to have services and VBS inside the church building.
In think that the biggest thing this year was that for those of us who had been here before the shock wasn't there. I think that God opened our eyes even more to the real situation of these people. We saw kids with some behavior problems and were able to discern that due to the lack of jobs near-by that they don't have regular parental supervision. So in our partnership with Food for the Hungry we'll(really they will do the mother load of the work) seek ways to develop cottage industries and provide technical training. In this way parents can work closer to home or at home, and have the time and energy to raise and love and discipline their children.
In the home repair we were exposed more clearly to the poverty that exists even in this already poor community. There is a distinction between financial situations seen very clearly in Sierra Prieta. There are a few with very finished homes, bearing stucco walls outside and filled with what we'd consider regular furniture, refrigerators, and even washing machines. On the other end there are places I wouldn't allow as a storage shed next to my house. Places built of limbs and discarded tin with no electricity and a door that hardly closes let alone locks. Homes with discarded shirts covering the windows and holes in the roofs.
Teachers who didn't have a notion that multiple sexual partners might be a bad idea, Kids who had never heard of abstinence or stable families, teens with no place to go but the bar and little hope for life beyond what they saw in their parents, fathers who had abandon their family to simply go and start another, people who are lost with no concept that there is a personal God who desires to know them and loves them, people who rely on a couple of sticks made into a cross planted in their yard, people who wear charms to ward off evil spirits. This is what we saw and I think we saw it more clearly. Sierra Prieta needs some help, that's why we are there. We came to help make a difference where a difference is needed, even welcomed.
We saw Sierra Prieta even more for what it is. It is a poor community filled with people working hard to survive. A few have prospered but many are almost desperate. We saw hope in those same situations. Edward, the FH community liaison is already formulating plans to train people to make yogurt and cheese in their homes so they don't have to travel so far for jobs. In the school we were able to speak clearly about God's plan for one woman and one man to be together for life. In home visits we were able to share with a number of people that we came because of the love God has shown to us and we wanted to share that with others. We had evening services where a family that we've been building a relationship with from the first time we set foot in the community showed up and heard a clear presentation of the Gospel. We saw a man who none of us could ever remember seeing before get up early to see us off on Saturday morning, he seemed to be a little choked up that we were leaving. We saw sponsored children venture out up to a mile on a dark night to bring drawings and hugs and greetings to their sponsors on the evening before we left.
God is at work in this place and we are honored and blessed to be a part of it. Join us, in praying, sponsoring children and giving. It is a dark place but the light has already begun to shine and it will not be held back! (1 John 2:8)
Having been back home for a few days now I have heard from a number of folks who had followed the blog. The most noticeable response I've received is that this year seemed not as positive an experience as last year. So I thought I'd address my perspective on this issue and maybe shed some more light on how I saw God working.
From the beginning this was a very different trip some of us were returning and some were new to the whole world of short-term missions. The community is a year advanced and even our physical location there had changed. We talked much about suppressing expectations as much as possible but it was a challenge to give up the spacious living quarters at the church in lieu of the somewhat cramped former medical clinic. Though we came to appreciate the option to have services and VBS inside the church building.
In think that the biggest thing this year was that for those of us who had been here before the shock wasn't there. I think that God opened our eyes even more to the real situation of these people. We saw kids with some behavior problems and were able to discern that due to the lack of jobs near-by that they don't have regular parental supervision. So in our partnership with Food for the Hungry we'll(really they will do the mother load of the work) seek ways to develop cottage industries and provide technical training. In this way parents can work closer to home or at home, and have the time and energy to raise and love and discipline their children.
In the home repair we were exposed more clearly to the poverty that exists even in this already poor community. There is a distinction between financial situations seen very clearly in Sierra Prieta. There are a few with very finished homes, bearing stucco walls outside and filled with what we'd consider regular furniture, refrigerators, and even washing machines. On the other end there are places I wouldn't allow as a storage shed next to my house. Places built of limbs and discarded tin with no electricity and a door that hardly closes let alone locks. Homes with discarded shirts covering the windows and holes in the roofs.
Teachers who didn't have a notion that multiple sexual partners might be a bad idea, Kids who had never heard of abstinence or stable families, teens with no place to go but the bar and little hope for life beyond what they saw in their parents, fathers who had abandon their family to simply go and start another, people who are lost with no concept that there is a personal God who desires to know them and loves them, people who rely on a couple of sticks made into a cross planted in their yard, people who wear charms to ward off evil spirits. This is what we saw and I think we saw it more clearly. Sierra Prieta needs some help, that's why we are there. We came to help make a difference where a difference is needed, even welcomed.
We saw Sierra Prieta even more for what it is. It is a poor community filled with people working hard to survive. A few have prospered but many are almost desperate. We saw hope in those same situations. Edward, the FH community liaison is already formulating plans to train people to make yogurt and cheese in their homes so they don't have to travel so far for jobs. In the school we were able to speak clearly about God's plan for one woman and one man to be together for life. In home visits we were able to share with a number of people that we came because of the love God has shown to us and we wanted to share that with others. We had evening services where a family that we've been building a relationship with from the first time we set foot in the community showed up and heard a clear presentation of the Gospel. We saw a man who none of us could ever remember seeing before get up early to see us off on Saturday morning, he seemed to be a little choked up that we were leaving. We saw sponsored children venture out up to a mile on a dark night to bring drawings and hugs and greetings to their sponsors on the evening before we left.
God is at work in this place and we are honored and blessed to be a part of it. Join us, in praying, sponsoring children and giving. It is a dark place but the light has already begun to shine and it will not be held back! (1 John 2:8)
Final Services
11-26a
The farewell was very touching but somewhat rushed, as it was getting dark and at this time of the evening the community did not have electricity. A number of the community leaders spoke of the blessing this project had been to the entire community. It was touching to see the unity they have, as this year our work project was only in one location but all of them enjoyed the success. The youth spoke and thanked us for being there and seem to be taking ownership of improving the community as well. We also were able to thank them for their great hospitality and continual care.
This week had been challenging and wonderful and the unity we have had as a team has been a blessing from God. Though we all miss our families at home immensely, everyone has spoken of how much we will miss each other and the relationships we have built over this last week. It has been our hope and prayer that “they will know you are my disciples by the love you have for one another”.
The evening service followed the farewell ceremony and was well attended. It was especially encouraging to see a family that we have built a relationship with over the last 2 visits attend, as well as a number of young men and a number of sponsored children we had not seen before outside of their homes. The message focused on coming out of the darkness and into the light. As an illustration we passed out glow sticks, which they had never seen before, and then turned out the lights. As Greg preached about how following Jesus results in never walking in darkness the lights were activated, much to the surprise and wonder of all in attendance. Also in speaking of hiding in the darkness an illustration of a rat hiding in corners was used. At just this time a rat showed itself hiding in the rafters. After the service one young man of about 11 years old came forward to accept Christ and spent some time with the pastor.
We spent some great time together that evening and many turned in a little early in anticipation of an early departure.
We leave missing our friends both old and new and with great anticipation of what God is doing here. We are just on the ground floor of what is happening here. It will be very exciting to see where he takes this community.
The farewell was very touching but somewhat rushed, as it was getting dark and at this time of the evening the community did not have electricity. A number of the community leaders spoke of the blessing this project had been to the entire community. It was touching to see the unity they have, as this year our work project was only in one location but all of them enjoyed the success. The youth spoke and thanked us for being there and seem to be taking ownership of improving the community as well. We also were able to thank them for their great hospitality and continual care.
This week had been challenging and wonderful and the unity we have had as a team has been a blessing from God. Though we all miss our families at home immensely, everyone has spoken of how much we will miss each other and the relationships we have built over this last week. It has been our hope and prayer that “they will know you are my disciples by the love you have for one another”.
The evening service followed the farewell ceremony and was well attended. It was especially encouraging to see a family that we have built a relationship with over the last 2 visits attend, as well as a number of young men and a number of sponsored children we had not seen before outside of their homes. The message focused on coming out of the darkness and into the light. As an illustration we passed out glow sticks, which they had never seen before, and then turned out the lights. As Greg preached about how following Jesus results in never walking in darkness the lights were activated, much to the surprise and wonder of all in attendance. Also in speaking of hiding in the darkness an illustration of a rat hiding in corners was used. At just this time a rat showed itself hiding in the rafters. After the service one young man of about 11 years old came forward to accept Christ and spent some time with the pastor.
We spent some great time together that evening and many turned in a little early in anticipation of an early departure.
We leave missing our friends both old and new and with great anticipation of what God is doing here. We are just on the ground floor of what is happening here. It will be very exciting to see where he takes this community.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Friday Farewells
11-26
Friday, it always seems to be a special day. Although it is still 3 days before we will see our loved ones at home it is already the beginning of the farewell. We have completed the VBS and normally don’t work on the construction project and often don’t even do home visits.
This morning we had scheduled a softball game with the young men of the community, however there was a problem. When the activities of the week were being planned before we had arrived, the ball players had requested the game to be in the morning. However the field required a lot of work to be ready for a game. Part of the deal is that they prepare the field. When we arrived for the game they had barely begun to mow the weeds and grasses. It is done with machetes and is very labor intensive. We had already been warned by the Food for the Hungry staff that this problem was coming. Seeing that the preparation had not been completed the game was called off. It was difficult but very much a tough love situation. At the farewell meeting this evening the youth shared with us that they will be sure to prepare the field well in advance of our visit next time and apologized for the inconvenience and embarrassment they had caused. It was truly a good opportunity to teach them to be accountable.
Since the game was called off we returned to the house repair project to complete the few tasks there. The last door was hung and the barrel bolts were put in place. All that remained was a time of prayer for the house and the family and a few pictures. We all gathered in a circle around the house holding hands and prayed out loud together for the protection of the house and the family there. It was really great to see the huge smiles of the woman of the house and her children. The carpenter will continue to complete the final details of the house and the local FH workers have promised to send us some pictures. They will be dividing the bedroom into two rooms, adding new interior doors, some more internal structure, and some rain diversion and painting the outside to help preserve it. At this point it is so much better than what was there when we arrived. Praise God!
This trip has given us the opportunity to see that even in this very poor community there are levels of poverty. When we arrived some of us commented that it would be difficult to pick which house should have repairs done to them as we saw all the structures as inferior. However, our familiarity has opened our eyes and sharpened our sensitivity. We have seen houses with dirt floors and barely a window as well as those with tile floors, electric appliances and very nice furniture. We clearly see the needs here. During a walk through the community we was another of the houses that will be almost completely rebuilt as a result of the funds our trip as provided. What a blessing to share in this ministry.
In the afternoon a few final home visits to sponsored children were accomplished. And the ladies once again took the time to bless those who had cooked for us with pedicures. It was a very fun and informal time for all.
I had the opportunity to speak at length with Edward, the community liaison for Sierra Prieta from Food for the Hungry. He shared the many ideas he has for working in this community. One of the problems we have observed this trip is the increased violence and lack of respect among the children. This problem is due in large part to the lack of men in the community and the scarcity of work nearby that causes parents to need to travel far and leave children unsupervised. We talked of strategies that have worked in other communities to develop job creation and encourage family values. It is exciting to get to be in on the ground floor of God’s work in the community.
The afternoon brought farewells with the community and especially fond farewells for our fellow team members our translators and local Food for the Hungry workers. We will miss them all and are so glad for the relationships that have grown from being here.
The evening brought the farewell service from the community and another church service where we were able to share our songs, testimonies and a sermon.
More on this to come. It’s getting late and I am accompanied here by only candle light and snoring.
Friday, it always seems to be a special day. Although it is still 3 days before we will see our loved ones at home it is already the beginning of the farewell. We have completed the VBS and normally don’t work on the construction project and often don’t even do home visits.
This morning we had scheduled a softball game with the young men of the community, however there was a problem. When the activities of the week were being planned before we had arrived, the ball players had requested the game to be in the morning. However the field required a lot of work to be ready for a game. Part of the deal is that they prepare the field. When we arrived for the game they had barely begun to mow the weeds and grasses. It is done with machetes and is very labor intensive. We had already been warned by the Food for the Hungry staff that this problem was coming. Seeing that the preparation had not been completed the game was called off. It was difficult but very much a tough love situation. At the farewell meeting this evening the youth shared with us that they will be sure to prepare the field well in advance of our visit next time and apologized for the inconvenience and embarrassment they had caused. It was truly a good opportunity to teach them to be accountable.
Since the game was called off we returned to the house repair project to complete the few tasks there. The last door was hung and the barrel bolts were put in place. All that remained was a time of prayer for the house and the family and a few pictures. We all gathered in a circle around the house holding hands and prayed out loud together for the protection of the house and the family there. It was really great to see the huge smiles of the woman of the house and her children. The carpenter will continue to complete the final details of the house and the local FH workers have promised to send us some pictures. They will be dividing the bedroom into two rooms, adding new interior doors, some more internal structure, and some rain diversion and painting the outside to help preserve it. At this point it is so much better than what was there when we arrived. Praise God!
This trip has given us the opportunity to see that even in this very poor community there are levels of poverty. When we arrived some of us commented that it would be difficult to pick which house should have repairs done to them as we saw all the structures as inferior. However, our familiarity has opened our eyes and sharpened our sensitivity. We have seen houses with dirt floors and barely a window as well as those with tile floors, electric appliances and very nice furniture. We clearly see the needs here. During a walk through the community we was another of the houses that will be almost completely rebuilt as a result of the funds our trip as provided. What a blessing to share in this ministry.
In the afternoon a few final home visits to sponsored children were accomplished. And the ladies once again took the time to bless those who had cooked for us with pedicures. It was a very fun and informal time for all.
I had the opportunity to speak at length with Edward, the community liaison for Sierra Prieta from Food for the Hungry. He shared the many ideas he has for working in this community. One of the problems we have observed this trip is the increased violence and lack of respect among the children. This problem is due in large part to the lack of men in the community and the scarcity of work nearby that causes parents to need to travel far and leave children unsupervised. We talked of strategies that have worked in other communities to develop job creation and encourage family values. It is exciting to get to be in on the ground floor of God’s work in the community.
The afternoon brought farewells with the community and especially fond farewells for our fellow team members our translators and local Food for the Hungry workers. We will miss them all and are so glad for the relationships that have grown from being here.
The evening brought the farewell service from the community and another church service where we were able to share our songs, testimonies and a sermon.
More on this to come. It’s getting late and I am accompanied here by only candle light and snoring.
Feliz Dia de Action de Gracia
11-25
Thanksgiving Day, 2010 is certainly the most original any of us have ever had. In terms of the trip, today has been relatively normal, if there is such a thing here. Breakfast this morning was pancakes, a welcome familiarity. They were prepared by our cooking team lead by Issa, a pastor who works for food for the Hungry during some team visit. She leads the women from the community in preparing our meals. They have all been a blessing to us, especially the care that they take to make sure we have no health problems.
Since I’m on the subject of food and this is Thanksgiving, I’ll share with you what we had for Thanksgiving dinner. As is the Dominican custom, the biggest meal of the day is at noon. Today the cooking team prepared Fried chicken, Rice and beans w/ sauce, a salad of fresh avocado, local squashes, cucumber, peppers, and onions. For desert we had fresh mango and pineapple. It was truly a meal to be very thankful for.
Morning activities consisted of more sponsored child visits, a crew to the house we are repairing, and a group of folks put on a VBS in the area of the building project, just in gathering the kids in a few houses they had 20 in the impromptu VBS.
The home repair project has turned out to be bigger than anticipated. As I related earlier, the home was constructed out of what amounts to large sticks or branches. They are very hard and have been planted in concrete. It is a post and beam home with palm wood siding. There was a barely operable door some tin siding in a few places and a barely holding together tin door. We have torn off the rusted tin siding, replaced it with clapboard type siding of pine. Then we added a small room to the existing one room house. The project has also produced wooden shutters that the family can close and lock as well as sturdy doors that will lock. There are six of them living there, the parents and 3 girls and a boy of about 17. Anevil, the son, has been a constant help all week working alongside us while his father works at a local farm.
The building project has been a great blessing to us and we are sure to the family. As there are a limited number of tools, and at times many of us trying to use them, even the mother, a kindly yet worn looking woman, hurries to find a tool as a need for it is called out. They look to haggard and worn out but at the slightest smile or encouragement beam back with a huge sonrisa, or smile.
Our hearts have broken of the poor conditions these people live in. 2 things in particular have struck different team members in different ways. The first thing is the smell, I’m sure it comes from the beds that are barely worthy of being taken to the dump, and I know many people who wouldn’t let even their dog sleep on such a thing. Yet this family of six shares 2 of them all together. It is clear that all manner of bugs and probably some rats have taken up residence in the box springs. Speaking of bugs that leads to the 2nd heart breaking experience there. When tearing down one of the walls that needed to be replaced an infestation of large spiders including 3 or 4 tarantulas. We are so blessed to be able to help this family. In response to the beds we couldn’t ignore that situation, so the team has provided the funds to purchase new beds and bedding for the family. We hope that it may be delivered before we leave the community early Saturday.
The VBS today was a little overwhelming as the school had an in-service training for teachers so all the kids had the day off. Over 120 kids showed up and it got a little crazy at the end. The lesson went very well and they seemed well engaged in the other activities. Pray for these children they have few good role models and little moral instruction.
Home visits today brought a few notable situations. One was with Dan who had just begun the sponsorship of his child and had not gotten it completely registered before departure. He brought information about the sponsorship in hopes of being able to connect. It turns out that this boy is the son of one of the ladies who cooks for us. She is part of the local Christian church. While visiting in their home he inquired of the father. The father had been killed when he was electrocuted about 2 years ago. This woman is now raising her sons, 5 & 7, all by herself. Pray for this situation.
I was able to also visit the boy that our family sponsors it was a very good visit, and much easier after last year. It was a blessing to be able to meet his father this year. His father is a carpenter and he gave us a tour of a “resort” that is being constructed just down the street. It is truly luxury for this community with swimming pool, large Jacuzzi, and rooms with individual bathrooms, even running water. But on speaking with the local FH workers we discovered that this will be kid of a mini “sin-city”. The funding for it is questionable, probably drug related, and the prime activities there will be gambling and probably prostitution. It will likely be a place for people with means to come from the city and commit their indiscretions in a more secluded place. We MUST PRAY that God brings this place down. Surely the young ladies of this community will be enticed into working there and the bad company cannot help but corrupt other young people.
The relationships we have built here will be greatly missed once we return home, especially those among our team including the FH staff and interpreters. They have been such a great blessing and more than that have become a part of our team family. Pray for them and their continued work. They are the real people on the front lines of this battlefield of faith.
Thanksgiving Day, 2010 is certainly the most original any of us have ever had. In terms of the trip, today has been relatively normal, if there is such a thing here. Breakfast this morning was pancakes, a welcome familiarity. They were prepared by our cooking team lead by Issa, a pastor who works for food for the Hungry during some team visit. She leads the women from the community in preparing our meals. They have all been a blessing to us, especially the care that they take to make sure we have no health problems.
Since I’m on the subject of food and this is Thanksgiving, I’ll share with you what we had for Thanksgiving dinner. As is the Dominican custom, the biggest meal of the day is at noon. Today the cooking team prepared Fried chicken, Rice and beans w/ sauce, a salad of fresh avocado, local squashes, cucumber, peppers, and onions. For desert we had fresh mango and pineapple. It was truly a meal to be very thankful for.
Morning activities consisted of more sponsored child visits, a crew to the house we are repairing, and a group of folks put on a VBS in the area of the building project, just in gathering the kids in a few houses they had 20 in the impromptu VBS.
The home repair project has turned out to be bigger than anticipated. As I related earlier, the home was constructed out of what amounts to large sticks or branches. They are very hard and have been planted in concrete. It is a post and beam home with palm wood siding. There was a barely operable door some tin siding in a few places and a barely holding together tin door. We have torn off the rusted tin siding, replaced it with clapboard type siding of pine. Then we added a small room to the existing one room house. The project has also produced wooden shutters that the family can close and lock as well as sturdy doors that will lock. There are six of them living there, the parents and 3 girls and a boy of about 17. Anevil, the son, has been a constant help all week working alongside us while his father works at a local farm.
The building project has been a great blessing to us and we are sure to the family. As there are a limited number of tools, and at times many of us trying to use them, even the mother, a kindly yet worn looking woman, hurries to find a tool as a need for it is called out. They look to haggard and worn out but at the slightest smile or encouragement beam back with a huge sonrisa, or smile.
Our hearts have broken of the poor conditions these people live in. 2 things in particular have struck different team members in different ways. The first thing is the smell, I’m sure it comes from the beds that are barely worthy of being taken to the dump, and I know many people who wouldn’t let even their dog sleep on such a thing. Yet this family of six shares 2 of them all together. It is clear that all manner of bugs and probably some rats have taken up residence in the box springs. Speaking of bugs that leads to the 2nd heart breaking experience there. When tearing down one of the walls that needed to be replaced an infestation of large spiders including 3 or 4 tarantulas. We are so blessed to be able to help this family. In response to the beds we couldn’t ignore that situation, so the team has provided the funds to purchase new beds and bedding for the family. We hope that it may be delivered before we leave the community early Saturday.
The VBS today was a little overwhelming as the school had an in-service training for teachers so all the kids had the day off. Over 120 kids showed up and it got a little crazy at the end. The lesson went very well and they seemed well engaged in the other activities. Pray for these children they have few good role models and little moral instruction.
Home visits today brought a few notable situations. One was with Dan who had just begun the sponsorship of his child and had not gotten it completely registered before departure. He brought information about the sponsorship in hopes of being able to connect. It turns out that this boy is the son of one of the ladies who cooks for us. She is part of the local Christian church. While visiting in their home he inquired of the father. The father had been killed when he was electrocuted about 2 years ago. This woman is now raising her sons, 5 & 7, all by herself. Pray for this situation.
I was able to also visit the boy that our family sponsors it was a very good visit, and much easier after last year. It was a blessing to be able to meet his father this year. His father is a carpenter and he gave us a tour of a “resort” that is being constructed just down the street. It is truly luxury for this community with swimming pool, large Jacuzzi, and rooms with individual bathrooms, even running water. But on speaking with the local FH workers we discovered that this will be kid of a mini “sin-city”. The funding for it is questionable, probably drug related, and the prime activities there will be gambling and probably prostitution. It will likely be a place for people with means to come from the city and commit their indiscretions in a more secluded place. We MUST PRAY that God brings this place down. Surely the young ladies of this community will be enticed into working there and the bad company cannot help but corrupt other young people.
The relationships we have built here will be greatly missed once we return home, especially those among our team including the FH staff and interpreters. They have been such a great blessing and more than that have become a part of our team family. Pray for them and their continued work. They are the real people on the front lines of this battlefield of faith.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
On we Go
11.24
This evening I am really struggling to communicate through the blog. It’s like writers block, and kind of a distracted writer’s block. There are so many things going on even at 10:30 at night. There are a number of conversations going on around me and my mind is a little bit shut down here in the middle of the night. But I feel responsible to share with all of you what God has been doing and how we have been blessed to serve him today.
We had a relatively normal day today. One exciting opportunity today was when Bob and Lori were able to share with the students at the school about issues related to HIV and pregnancy. In the morning they spoke to mostly the younger children and shared with them about Gods plan for one man and one woman to be married for all their lives and to keep themselves only for each other. They related to us that it went well but they were surprised at how young they were. In the afternoon they had the opportunity to share the same information with older children. This time was quite an eye opener. In the course of the discussion they received many questions, including from one of the teachers. She asked if it was better for the boys to approach the girls or vice-a-versa. Their answer was received with some surprise. They related to how God’s plan was for that to wait until marriage. The FH staff was very pleased that Bob and Lori could share so clearly. They will continue to bring this message to the young people here.
While the seminar was going on at the school there was a team of people visiting their sponsored children and another working on the house we are repairing. The home visits went in normal encouraging fashion. It seems as though the younger the sponsored children are the more likely it is that they connect well with the sponsors. It seems to be related to being older and more self-conscious. Still it is good to connect. The group visiting homes was able to stop and offer condolences in the home where a woman died earlier this week. It was a blessing to the family that they would stop by.
At the building site the morning went by very quickly. The Dominican part of the crew tore the roof off and replaced the tin with new sheet metal. In the mean time the ground bound Americans built a door and some windows. In the afternoon it went much slower. The home was built of limbs and branches of sturdy wood placed into the concrete foundation. It is a relatively strong frame but incredibly crooked. Nothing is close to square and the lack of power tools makes some adjustments very challenging. In short it took most of the afternoon to frame out part of a doorway. We hope that it goes faster tomorrow. In the morning while the guys worked some of the ladies were able to spend time with the children of the house. They have become very special kids to us especially as they are some of the poorest in the community. This does nothing to dampen their spirit and curiosity.
The afternoon brought another VBS as well. The children here continue to be a great blessing for us. Each one has a special smile and we can hardly turn around without 1 to 5 of them looking for a hand or a game or just some attention. Praise God for the opportunity to love them.
In the evening we had another service. It held more great times of testimony, this time from Terry. She was able to communicate how God has blessed her and brought her to value him above all things. Bob preached a clear gospel message from John 3:16. The people showed much appreciation for his message and I was particularly encourage to see that a few of the young men in the community had chosen to attend.
Please be in prayer for the pastor of the local church. He had to be taken to the city because of a headache that we believe was some sort of infection. We hope that he will be able to return before we leave.
We wish everyone at home a happy Thanksgiving and though we they do not celebrate this holiday here we with be giving great thanks along with our Dominican brothers and sisters.
The week is already winding down. Pray that we make the most of every opportunity.
This evening I am really struggling to communicate through the blog. It’s like writers block, and kind of a distracted writer’s block. There are so many things going on even at 10:30 at night. There are a number of conversations going on around me and my mind is a little bit shut down here in the middle of the night. But I feel responsible to share with all of you what God has been doing and how we have been blessed to serve him today.
We had a relatively normal day today. One exciting opportunity today was when Bob and Lori were able to share with the students at the school about issues related to HIV and pregnancy. In the morning they spoke to mostly the younger children and shared with them about Gods plan for one man and one woman to be married for all their lives and to keep themselves only for each other. They related to us that it went well but they were surprised at how young they were. In the afternoon they had the opportunity to share the same information with older children. This time was quite an eye opener. In the course of the discussion they received many questions, including from one of the teachers. She asked if it was better for the boys to approach the girls or vice-a-versa. Their answer was received with some surprise. They related to how God’s plan was for that to wait until marriage. The FH staff was very pleased that Bob and Lori could share so clearly. They will continue to bring this message to the young people here.
While the seminar was going on at the school there was a team of people visiting their sponsored children and another working on the house we are repairing. The home visits went in normal encouraging fashion. It seems as though the younger the sponsored children are the more likely it is that they connect well with the sponsors. It seems to be related to being older and more self-conscious. Still it is good to connect. The group visiting homes was able to stop and offer condolences in the home where a woman died earlier this week. It was a blessing to the family that they would stop by.
At the building site the morning went by very quickly. The Dominican part of the crew tore the roof off and replaced the tin with new sheet metal. In the mean time the ground bound Americans built a door and some windows. In the afternoon it went much slower. The home was built of limbs and branches of sturdy wood placed into the concrete foundation. It is a relatively strong frame but incredibly crooked. Nothing is close to square and the lack of power tools makes some adjustments very challenging. In short it took most of the afternoon to frame out part of a doorway. We hope that it goes faster tomorrow. In the morning while the guys worked some of the ladies were able to spend time with the children of the house. They have become very special kids to us especially as they are some of the poorest in the community. This does nothing to dampen their spirit and curiosity.
The afternoon brought another VBS as well. The children here continue to be a great blessing for us. Each one has a special smile and we can hardly turn around without 1 to 5 of them looking for a hand or a game or just some attention. Praise God for the opportunity to love them.
In the evening we had another service. It held more great times of testimony, this time from Terry. She was able to communicate how God has blessed her and brought her to value him above all things. Bob preached a clear gospel message from John 3:16. The people showed much appreciation for his message and I was particularly encourage to see that a few of the young men in the community had chosen to attend.
Please be in prayer for the pastor of the local church. He had to be taken to the city because of a headache that we believe was some sort of infection. We hope that he will be able to return before we leave.
We wish everyone at home a happy Thanksgiving and though we they do not celebrate this holiday here we with be giving great thanks along with our Dominican brothers and sisters.
The week is already winding down. Pray that we make the most of every opportunity.
Our hearts breaking open
11-23 pt 2
(Before I go any further forgive me for not sharing with you that Deb has fully recovered after a day of rest on Monday and she resumed normal participation in ministry activities on Tuesday and even attended the service on Monday night.)
One of the great challenges of a trip of this nature is to process the many emotional and touching things that you encounter while still operating at level of interaction with the people of the community. Tuesday evening we were gathered as a team in our “bunk house.” We began to sing some worship songs together which turned into a small scale praise service. All of our hearts were greatly blessed and encouraged.
As the singing concluded we began to share perspectives of the day and went around the circle sharing high points and low points. Many of the low points focused on what we have observed as a much greater sense of aggression in the children, especially towards each other. The high points were many and very exciting. Some shared of their visits to their sponsored children others of being encouraged by seeing God at work in families around the community, still others of the very encouraging time at VBS.
Dan shared, somewhat emotionally, about a young boy he had seen in passing who was obviously needing special needs education. He shared how he couldn’t imagine how this kid was going to get the help he needed and then reflected on how his daughter needed and received so much help. The needs here go from basic to complex and they all impact us so much.
Reanne was impacted today by the great need and shared about feeling overwhelmed by what needs to be done. But she also shared that God brought her to the realization that we have a very specific role for a short time and the rest is to pray and trust in God.
A few shared how before visiting their sponsored child they were little more than a picture on the fridge and a check in the mail. But the warm welcome received on meeting them and the time together really struck them deeply at the personal sense of need and the huge impact that the sponsorship brings to these lives. Hope is among the greatest things we bring to this community and more than that hope in Christ.
This morning we will be making some more sponsored child home visits and continue the work of repairing the house. But one special opportunity we have is an invitation from the principle of the school to speak to the children there. Bob and Lori will be speaking to them about the dangers of HIV and the impact of teen pregnancy, while sharing with them God’s plan for marriage and relationships. They will speak to both the morning session and the afternoon session. Please pray for them as they share this message. Pray also that the kids would be receptive to this message. The pattern of early pregnancy is everywhere. So many of the young mothers we see are 16 or less.
All the team sends blessings to their families and loved ones at home.
(Before I go any further forgive me for not sharing with you that Deb has fully recovered after a day of rest on Monday and she resumed normal participation in ministry activities on Tuesday and even attended the service on Monday night.)
One of the great challenges of a trip of this nature is to process the many emotional and touching things that you encounter while still operating at level of interaction with the people of the community. Tuesday evening we were gathered as a team in our “bunk house.” We began to sing some worship songs together which turned into a small scale praise service. All of our hearts were greatly blessed and encouraged.
As the singing concluded we began to share perspectives of the day and went around the circle sharing high points and low points. Many of the low points focused on what we have observed as a much greater sense of aggression in the children, especially towards each other. The high points were many and very exciting. Some shared of their visits to their sponsored children others of being encouraged by seeing God at work in families around the community, still others of the very encouraging time at VBS.
Dan shared, somewhat emotionally, about a young boy he had seen in passing who was obviously needing special needs education. He shared how he couldn’t imagine how this kid was going to get the help he needed and then reflected on how his daughter needed and received so much help. The needs here go from basic to complex and they all impact us so much.
Reanne was impacted today by the great need and shared about feeling overwhelmed by what needs to be done. But she also shared that God brought her to the realization that we have a very specific role for a short time and the rest is to pray and trust in God.
A few shared how before visiting their sponsored child they were little more than a picture on the fridge and a check in the mail. But the warm welcome received on meeting them and the time together really struck them deeply at the personal sense of need and the huge impact that the sponsorship brings to these lives. Hope is among the greatest things we bring to this community and more than that hope in Christ.
This morning we will be making some more sponsored child home visits and continue the work of repairing the house. But one special opportunity we have is an invitation from the principle of the school to speak to the children there. Bob and Lori will be speaking to them about the dangers of HIV and the impact of teen pregnancy, while sharing with them God’s plan for marriage and relationships. They will speak to both the morning session and the afternoon session. Please pray for them as they share this message. Pray also that the kids would be receptive to this message. The pattern of early pregnancy is everywhere. So many of the young mothers we see are 16 or less.
All the team sends blessings to their families and loved ones at home.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Some Pictures so far
Here are a few pictures that we have taken so far.
We are very encouraged to know that you all continue to pray for us regularly.
Lori with an old friend.
Enjoying the children.
Greg with Ivan teaching VBS.
Playing Limbo
Building
Dan Preaching
Playing Leap Frog
Parachute Fun
Hard at work
Reanne Sharing Testimony
Settling In
11-23
It was really a blessing to engage in more ministry opportunities today. Our first night without rain was a surprise and led to some welcome sunshine. Of course the weather has been wonderful during our whole time here, but the sun enables us to do more and visit places farther away.
Part of the group headed back to the house we had begun working on yesterday. They prepared more walls for reconstruction and others of them spent time with the children of that area, playing and helping to pickup broken glass and dangerous metal pieces. It is good to be able to bless this very poor family.
The other part of the group visited some nearby houses. So many of these places are filled with broken families. It seems there are few qualms about leaving one’s spouse. Pray for the families of Sierra Prieta, pray for protections and pray for God’s truth to invade these precious relationships.
One of the homes we visited was so encouraging to us. The Matilda is a young mother who is very much an anomaly here. Her husband works in the city and comes home every day. Every day after school she helps her children with their homework. When we invited them to come to the VBS this afternoon she said she would be glad to bring them but they couldn’t go alone because of the dangerous drivers. Many of the children here seem to run around rather unsupervised. Pray for her and her family.
We invited people at each of the houses to come to our service on Wednesday night. They all promised to come. Pray for Bob as he prepares to preach. Pray that many will come and that they will hear the gospel and respond.
It has been so great to see old friends but even better has been the way that even new team members are greeted as the old. If you are with us you are a friend. The warmth that we are received with in every home is amazing. Hospitality is a way of life here.
The VBS yesterday was a great challenge. The children were very unruly and became almost dangerously rambunctious during the games. Pray that a spirit of order will be present and that Gods word will be heard well.
At the service we had last night Dan presented a very clear message of God’s love for us and a method to come to him. We continue to enjoy sharing the songs we have learned with those here. It is an entirely different style than they are sued to but they have been very appreciative. Reanne shared her testimony and it was very touching and spoke clearly of how God’s love is for all of us.
The children continue to be our greatest joy. They are always seeking us out to play and even to just sit on laps. They don’t get a lot of affection from their parents especially from fathers, if they are even here. Dale and Zach are crowd favorites, their constant energy and care for the kids is contagious. They also love to have their pictures taken and then see the images on the camera.
Pray that people see the true reason for our visit, to share God’s great love and grace with them, not our different ways or unintentionally flashy stuff.
Finally please be praying for our FH support team here. Martires is our primary team liaison. Kelvin is the local director of FH’s work here and has many connections in the community. Edward is now beginning to be the local liaison in Sierra Prieta and was introduces as such at our welcome meeting with the community. Carlos is Kelvin’s brother-in-law and volunteers daily to come and help us. Interpreters who are giving their week to help us are Ivan and Wilamen. Please pray for their families and that we would continue to be a great team together.
We all think fondly of our families back home and look forward to seeing you all soon. At the same time it already seems like the week is progressing too quickly and too soon we will leave this place where we already have seen so much of God’s blessing.
It was really a blessing to engage in more ministry opportunities today. Our first night without rain was a surprise and led to some welcome sunshine. Of course the weather has been wonderful during our whole time here, but the sun enables us to do more and visit places farther away.
Part of the group headed back to the house we had begun working on yesterday. They prepared more walls for reconstruction and others of them spent time with the children of that area, playing and helping to pickup broken glass and dangerous metal pieces. It is good to be able to bless this very poor family.
The other part of the group visited some nearby houses. So many of these places are filled with broken families. It seems there are few qualms about leaving one’s spouse. Pray for the families of Sierra Prieta, pray for protections and pray for God’s truth to invade these precious relationships.
One of the homes we visited was so encouraging to us. The Matilda is a young mother who is very much an anomaly here. Her husband works in the city and comes home every day. Every day after school she helps her children with their homework. When we invited them to come to the VBS this afternoon she said she would be glad to bring them but they couldn’t go alone because of the dangerous drivers. Many of the children here seem to run around rather unsupervised. Pray for her and her family.
We invited people at each of the houses to come to our service on Wednesday night. They all promised to come. Pray for Bob as he prepares to preach. Pray that many will come and that they will hear the gospel and respond.
It has been so great to see old friends but even better has been the way that even new team members are greeted as the old. If you are with us you are a friend. The warmth that we are received with in every home is amazing. Hospitality is a way of life here.
The VBS yesterday was a great challenge. The children were very unruly and became almost dangerously rambunctious during the games. Pray that a spirit of order will be present and that Gods word will be heard well.
At the service we had last night Dan presented a very clear message of God’s love for us and a method to come to him. We continue to enjoy sharing the songs we have learned with those here. It is an entirely different style than they are sued to but they have been very appreciative. Reanne shared her testimony and it was very touching and spoke clearly of how God’s love is for all of us.
The children continue to be our greatest joy. They are always seeking us out to play and even to just sit on laps. They don’t get a lot of affection from their parents especially from fathers, if they are even here. Dale and Zach are crowd favorites, their constant energy and care for the kids is contagious. They also love to have their pictures taken and then see the images on the camera.
Pray that people see the true reason for our visit, to share God’s great love and grace with them, not our different ways or unintentionally flashy stuff.
Finally please be praying for our FH support team here. Martires is our primary team liaison. Kelvin is the local director of FH’s work here and has many connections in the community. Edward is now beginning to be the local liaison in Sierra Prieta and was introduces as such at our welcome meeting with the community. Carlos is Kelvin’s brother-in-law and volunteers daily to come and help us. Interpreters who are giving their week to help us are Ivan and Wilamen. Please pray for their families and that we would continue to be a great team together.
We all think fondly of our families back home and look forward to seeing you all soon. At the same time it already seems like the week is progressing too quickly and too soon we will leave this place where we already have seen so much of God’s blessing.
Monday, November 22, 2010
From 12 below to 78.
From 12 below to 78.
Arriving 11:20
We’ll take it. The long drive to the airport was made a little longer with the addition of icy roads and blowing snow. We all arrived without incident and even managed to connect without trouble through a foggy Denver Airport.
Arriving in the once familiar humidity was stifling at first by all thoughts of it were quickly lost as we became reacquainted with old friends Martires, our good friend and the team facilitator, Kelvin another good friend is the area coordinator and Isaiah, Martires’ brother who is our driver along with some new faces. We have not much more to report than that. Everyone is full of anticipation through the haze of travel lag.
This blog comes to you from the hour or so plane ride from the airport. We look forward to being reacquainted with members of the community in the morning.
We already greatly appreciate your prayers and support for families left behind.
The more things change the more they stay the same
Sunday wake up 11-21
Awaking to the sound of rain and the sight of a hole above my head caused a mini moment panic, to be surpassed by relief due to a quick assessment of my dry condition. We were waking in a new place despite returning to the familiar community of last year. Our accommodations were just down the road in the now empty medical office. Similar to last year only slightly smaller and a few leaks in the roof, though thankfully none above any beds or even suitcases.
We finally arrived last night/this morning 3:30 local time(11:30 MST). It was very good to see the familiar sights, and sounds (roosters) welcoming us back to Sierra Prieta. The church has other activities planned for the week so we are not staying there again, we have yet to find what has become of the medical clinic but had already heard that it was no longer in service. It’s been such a blessing to reacquaint ourselves with this blessed community.
The week is just starting and I have quite a challenge before me. On the ride from the airport I wrote a quick blog to reassure folks of our arrival. However, the modem I rented was not working at all. My background priority for today is to find alternative means of communicating this blog. The support we receive through this communication has been immense and we covet your informed and continuous prayers!
As the day began so it continued rain, rain and more rain. However, our spirits could not be dampened as we encountered more familiar faces. Before we even drug ourselves out of bed at about 9am the kids were all calling for Dale. He brings so much joy to them it’s a blessing to have him. Also many of the ladies connected with friends made the previous trip. I was especially encouraged when two young boys came up to me saying “Gregorio, Gregorio.” It is such a blessing to be among friends.
The staff of Food for The Hungry is taking such great care of us. We don’t want for anything we need, though the method of provision is different than we are used to.
Monday
This morning was a bad one for Debora. She was sick in the night and after some help from Bob, our team doctor. She rested until lunch and was beginning to feel much better. She had quite the headache, as did many of us after a very spirited church service last night. There was a lot of loud music especially drums and a over loud speaker for the singer.
The team had a chance to share some Spanish songs we had learned and they were well received even as we kept singing when the electricity went out. It was good to worship with the church family there.
Already so many of us are building close relationships with the people here, especially with the children.
I took a trip to the city today with Martires to acquire a new broadband modem so we could continue the blog. The rented one failed for no apparent reason.
I can’t write more now because the battery in the laptop is dying but we will update again soon. Pray for the rest of the team as they make home visits this morning and prepare for VBS this afternoon. The other half of the team is repairing the home of a very poor family.
Arriving 11:20
We’ll take it. The long drive to the airport was made a little longer with the addition of icy roads and blowing snow. We all arrived without incident and even managed to connect without trouble through a foggy Denver Airport.
Arriving in the once familiar humidity was stifling at first by all thoughts of it were quickly lost as we became reacquainted with old friends Martires, our good friend and the team facilitator, Kelvin another good friend is the area coordinator and Isaiah, Martires’ brother who is our driver along with some new faces. We have not much more to report than that. Everyone is full of anticipation through the haze of travel lag.
This blog comes to you from the hour or so plane ride from the airport. We look forward to being reacquainted with members of the community in the morning.
We already greatly appreciate your prayers and support for families left behind.
The more things change the more they stay the same
Sunday wake up 11-21
Awaking to the sound of rain and the sight of a hole above my head caused a mini moment panic, to be surpassed by relief due to a quick assessment of my dry condition. We were waking in a new place despite returning to the familiar community of last year. Our accommodations were just down the road in the now empty medical office. Similar to last year only slightly smaller and a few leaks in the roof, though thankfully none above any beds or even suitcases.
We finally arrived last night/this morning 3:30 local time(11:30 MST). It was very good to see the familiar sights, and sounds (roosters) welcoming us back to Sierra Prieta. The church has other activities planned for the week so we are not staying there again, we have yet to find what has become of the medical clinic but had already heard that it was no longer in service. It’s been such a blessing to reacquaint ourselves with this blessed community.
The week is just starting and I have quite a challenge before me. On the ride from the airport I wrote a quick blog to reassure folks of our arrival. However, the modem I rented was not working at all. My background priority for today is to find alternative means of communicating this blog. The support we receive through this communication has been immense and we covet your informed and continuous prayers!
As the day began so it continued rain, rain and more rain. However, our spirits could not be dampened as we encountered more familiar faces. Before we even drug ourselves out of bed at about 9am the kids were all calling for Dale. He brings so much joy to them it’s a blessing to have him. Also many of the ladies connected with friends made the previous trip. I was especially encouraged when two young boys came up to me saying “Gregorio, Gregorio.” It is such a blessing to be among friends.
The staff of Food for The Hungry is taking such great care of us. We don’t want for anything we need, though the method of provision is different than we are used to.
Monday
This morning was a bad one for Debora. She was sick in the night and after some help from Bob, our team doctor. She rested until lunch and was beginning to feel much better. She had quite the headache, as did many of us after a very spirited church service last night. There was a lot of loud music especially drums and a over loud speaker for the singer.
The team had a chance to share some Spanish songs we had learned and they were well received even as we kept singing when the electricity went out. It was good to worship with the church family there.
Already so many of us are building close relationships with the people here, especially with the children.
I took a trip to the city today with Martires to acquire a new broadband modem so we could continue the blog. The rented one failed for no apparent reason.
I can’t write more now because the battery in the laptop is dying but we will update again soon. Pray for the rest of the team as they make home visits this morning and prepare for VBS this afternoon. The other half of the team is repairing the home of a very poor family.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
The impact of Child Sponsorship
Even after meeting Christopher, our sponsored child, last year it didn't really sink home to me. But reading the following post Juan Pablo Belmonte I was struck. The realities of harsh life and desperte people are too far from us. If you wonder what can be done to help people in desperat situations read this post.
I hope you will be touched and motivated as I was.
Link to it here => What Are We Building?
This blog also challenged me because of it's practicality. I was asking this question of our upcoming trip just a few weeks ago. I look forward to the "building project" God has in store for our team in just a week's time.
Keep an eye on our blog here to see what God does this trip in the community of Sierra Prieta.
I hope you will be touched and motivated as I was.
Link to it here => What Are We Building?
This blog also challenged me because of it's practicality. I was asking this question of our upcoming trip just a few weeks ago. I look forward to the "building project" God has in store for our team in just a week's time.
Keep an eye on our blog here to see what God does this trip in the community of Sierra Prieta.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Quarterly Report January 2010
Food for the Hungry, Dominican Republic
Sierra Prieta, Yamasa.
Quarterly report
To: Cornerstone Community Fellowship
From: Martin Martinez (Kelvin)
Dear brothers and sisters,
It’s a great opportunity for me to greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and is my hope that by the time you receive my report all of you are doing well and God is blessing you very much.
We have been working with the youth, training them about the prevention of AIDS and adolescent pregnancy. About 200 youth and children were reached with this activity. AIDS is a big problem in our communities and Sierra Prieta is no exception. It is a risk that our youth run into because they lack information and they are not aware of God’s principles. I was very well supported by the community leadership and the youth as well in organizing this event. I was motivated to present this training because many female adolescents were getting pregnant due to their lack of knowledge. This issue was affecting their education and their young lives. Most of these girls, after getting pregnant, end up living with their parents because the boy cannot assume his responsibility as father for a family since he is himself still a child.
Due to the lack of income in the community of Sierra Prieta, parents cannot buy all the school supplies and uniforms for their children. FH donated notebooks, pencils, backpacks and some shirts to meet the children’s school needs. About 200 kids benefited from this project and were able to go to school.
The principal oversaw the distribution of school supplies.
Please pray for:
- More classrooms so the children have access to a high school in the community.
- For a water system in the community.
- For the single mothers from the community.
- For completion of the latrines in the community.
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