We've had a couple days of ministry in Guatchupita now, and it's really cool to see relationships starting to form. VBS went really well this morning (Tuesday). The kids seemed more focused, and they LOVE singing songs and playing games with us Americanos. We're sharing a different Bible story each day by acting it out, reading it, and asking questions about the story. We're also focusing on one verse for the kids to memorize by the end of the week, 2 Corintios 5:17. Many of them already have it down, which is awesome because it is such a powerful (and true) verse. Our goal with the kids is to teach them about God's love and to share that love too by forming true relationships with the kids. We've especially been praying for each person on our team to have a good connection with 1 or 2 kids from the community...God is certainly answering that prayer, it's so awesome to see our students growing so close to these kids after just a few days.

Other ministries are going great too. We've been able to help Miguel with a few small projects around his house to really help them out. We've also been doing some cleaning and digging canals in Guatchupita to help create a more clean and safe environment, and we're seeing lots of progress. We've done several house visits around the area as well, and it has been really encouraging to be welcomed...people are very hospitable and open to talking. It's great to get to know them, talk about life with them, and be able to pray for them. Many people feel very blessed when we stop by.

It's hot (obviously) and we have a pretty packed schedule every day, but every one's handling it really well! The team seems to have a lot of energy and is going strong and staying pretty healthy. We got a little bit of rain today, so that was refreshing too.

Last, besides the outward ministry, it's been awesome to see the ministry happening within our team. We've been growing closer and closer as the days go on. One especially cool thing is that everyone on the team is taking turns sharing a devotional in the mornings and evenings. All of the students are doing a great job of studying God's Word and sharing that with the rest of the team as we seek to apply it and worship God.

We really appreciate your prayers for continued safety and effective ministry. We're about at the halfway point, so please pray for endurance and perseverance. We want to keep energy levels high as we continue to really surrender to God and serve Him faithfully. Pray that we would have discernment on how to do that best and how we can continue to impact souls for His Kingdom. Thanks.

Jack

It's been a busy couple of days!  God is undeniably at work.  On Sunday we did our first ministry in Guatchupita.  Guatchupita is the slum of San Juan where we are spending all of our ministry time this week.  It's very easy for us to quickly love the people and the kids that swarm us each time we cross the bridge that leads into this area.  It's a pretty cool site to see as our students are joyfully embraced by these kids. 

Today (Monday) we did was our first VBS and it went well.  100+ students came and they were excited to be there to say the least.  The team lead by Emily and our translators did a fantastic job and I think the kids really got the lesson.  One of prayers has been that we would form relationships very quickly...that's definitely happening and very cool to see. 

This morning one group did a service project which was picking up trash.  It was great to see some of the people of the city jumping in to help out.  It the site looks much better.  Yesterday the team that did the service project began to dig a cannel that will help the water drain out of a part of the city where the water sits after it rains causing bacteria, etc. to grow.  Getting this problem solved will help with the children's health.  

Other teams have been doing prayer walks.  These teams walk the city and instead of engaging in ministry they pray for the other ministry teams.  Yesterday afternoon their prayers were answered as a man named Carmello prayed to receive.  It was a powerful time with this guy.

Another ministry activity is called ATL...Ask The Lord.  During these times students are lead through a process where they start with a blank slate for the 3 hour ministry block and they seek God for direction and guidance.  There are often times some pretty unforgettable signs of God's presence that are seen during these times.  Students will often comment even years later at how they saw the hand of God undeniable present in where and what they were led to do during their ATL's.

Some other highlights...the food has been great!  We got a special treat of some great tacos at a restaurant last night...it was a great boost after a long day of ministry.  All in all the team is working very hard and with a lot of passion for the people of D.R. and with great Kingdom intentionality.  I'm really proud of each of them. 

Tonight we'll finish our ministry time at 7:00...we'll then walk back to where we are staying for dinner (stopping for a surprise dose of "bon" aka ice cream...shh...don't tell).  Then later tonight we'll have a meeting with the leadership of the camp that we'll be going to at the end of the week.  The weather is hot...our tans (burns) are looking good!

Please continue to pray that God would show up in powerful ways.  Pray that students would have the energy to continue to do ministry at this pace throughout the week.  Pray that our hearts would be forever changed by what we are seeing.  One student said to me yesterday that he has never seen anything even close to the poverty and the need that we are seeing each day.  Being here as a father of my own small children I found myself tear up a few times today right there in the midst of playing with the kids.  This trip is definitely reshaping our world views and energizing our compassion/passion for people and our desire to see God change lives.  Thanks for praying...we are seeing God answer your prayers.

I hope to give you an update later in the week.  Internet accessibility and scheduling make it a challenge but we'll do our best to keep in abreast to what's happening.  God bless from the D.R.!      

We made it and had a great trip!  Everything was on-time, luggage all there, students did great, etc...much to be thankful for.  We got off the bus here in D.R. at about 1 a.m.  After getting settled in we hit the sack and everyone slept very well J.  The house that we are staying is going to work great.  We had eggs, bread, pineapple, and papya for breakfast.  For lunch each day we'll have rice and beans.  This morning we started our day of orientation which will end with us going to area where we'll be serving all week for some dedicated time of prayer.  All in all the team is doing great, spirits are high, and the student's passion to press into God for this trip is evident.  I was very impressed on the bus ride as they spontaneously lead out in prayer and song.  Tomorrow we'll start VBS and all the other ministry activities.  We so appreciate your prayers!  If you could pray that we would form relationships quickly and that we would be a huge blessing to Miguel and his family.  It's great to be partnering with them!   -Jeff

Near the subway here in Santo Domingo, there is a little restaurant with great chicken sandwiches and free wi/fi.  It's where I usually grab a bite to eat when I'm taking teams to the airport.  That's where I am right now. 

Athens Church, based out of Athens Georgia, was here with us for a week, they're catching a flight back as we speak.  Eighteen folks decided to celebrate their spring break by serving the ministry here in the DR.  The trip went really well.  We focused all of our energy in Guachupita, partnering with our Dominican Rising students (missionaries-in-training from the DR).  This was our first go at integrating the three pieces of the church planting ministry, the missionary training program, and a short term trip.  The fruit was evident. 

Our assimilated and combined efforts brought genuine gospel presentation, prayer over lots of community members (believers and unbelievers), a powerful 4 day kids program, as well as the launch of our newest community outreaches – English class and reading/writing class.  Many lives were touched in powerful ways, and long strides were made in our long term vision. 

We are thankful to our Dominican Rising students who are leading the charge in our new outreaches in Guachupita.  The classes are help once a week (so far) and we strive to equip the community with some practical skills, sharing the gospel as we teach.   So far around 40 kids and adults are signed up and soaking up the good.  We are also thankful to the college students from Athens who came with servant hearts to expand HIS kingdom in our little corner of San Juan.

In about two weeks another group is coming down, but at least for tomorrow, the four San Juan Shauls are going to get a little extra family time in!

Blessings in JESUS.