The Shauls - Proclaiming CHRIST in the Dominican Republic

New Work in Guachupita

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

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.

Getting Mobilized

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Hey there.

Our Family just returned yesterday from Santo Domingo where we joined up with two Haiti teams in their debrief. Everyone reports the same thing. There is a movement of the HOLY SPIRIT in Haiti that few will ever experience in their lifetimes. It's the closest thing to a nation fully on fire for CHRIST, the Kingdom of heaven, here and now, on earth. Amazing stuff!

At this point, AIM is addressing the needs of over 1000 churches in Haiti. We are putting the pieces in order for churches in North America to partner directly with small communities where significant, measureable needs can be met, and long term foundations of CHRIST built up. Teams are already being mobilized and more people are coming on board. For more on what is happening on the ground in our neighboring country, please visit http://www.adventures.org/haiti/?affid=5&tuid=1775054

We will be continuing to monitor just how GOD is moving in Haiti, what in specific HE doing there, and how AIM can join in that work. Although other folks will be the ones carrying it out, we'll keep a heart-beat on the movement. Hopefully, we'll get a few more opportunities to do a family food run into Haiti like this one!

Back in the DR, the ministry is picking up speed as well. We have a college group coming down in just three weeks, and I've got lots of prep to get ready for them. This team will be pouring it out in Guachupita, where we lead a house church. They will be joining our missionaries in training who are carrying out a variety of ministries to reach that community for CHRIST.

On a family note, Kristen and I are doing great, healthy and unified. Samantha has been fighting a fever for the last 3 days, but we've ruled out malaria and dengue - must just be a bought of influenza. Thanks to everyone who has been praying for us during this time. It's been one of great challenge, but HIS strength and glory are shining through with brilliance.

Blessings!

The LORD is Moving In Haiti

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It's 3 am. I'm too excited to sleep, although my body desperately needs it. I've been away for a week, but finally the dust is settling from my feet and we can regroup here in San Juan. We had three American teams on the ground, plus two Dominican churches we mobilized for this past week. There are so many awesome stories of GOD moving in people's lives. This truly is a powerful moment in the Kingdom.

GOD is speaking clear vision to how HE would have us move, and doors continue to open in where and with whom we can carry the vision out. There is work to do.

We are very grateful for the people who were able to come and serve, they experienced the suffering, and answered with hope. JESUS is being praised and trusted in by those who never before knew HIS name.

Much to come later, possibly post's from other teammates blogs, but for now thank you so much for your prayers for Haiti. We are living in a special, unique, and urgent time, let us be faithful with what has been allotted to us. In CHRIST - let us run hard!

The last 48 hours

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We have not been able to get new updates up until now. Way too busy on the ground doing the work, trying to mobilize the Dominican church and American church to save lives. Here's what we have been doing so far:

- Worked with the united local church in Jimani to provide 3 meals a day, water, and basic needs to victims and family members arriving there for medical attention. The church is doing the work, we are supplying the funds. So far thousands upon thousands of meals have been served through the servant hands of the Dominicans.

- Made potential key contacts inside of Haiti with Haitian doctors and ministry directors who are open to receive help from teams near the Haitian/Dominican border.

- Mobilized the Dominican church in San Juan to begin caring for the refugees who have arrived to the hospital in our town of San Juan. We are also trying to setup temporary safe zones for people who are released from the hospital but are not in condition to return to Haiti or have no place to go home to. Safe zones would provide food, shelter, supplies, and security detail all administered through the local church. This vision has been communicated to pastors of other towns around the DR who look to answer the needs in their own communities.

- Formed long term vision of setting up permanent safe zones within Haiti under the leadership of the Haitian church. In the process we have gained access to connections such as the governor of San Juan, a general of the Dominican military, the Director of our main hospital, the captain of the fire department, and others. GOD has blessed us with favor and collaboration.

Yesterday was a tough day, full of hard work, and drenched in pain. A little Haitian girl the same age as my daughter Samantha had a leg removed from the hip. The mother is returning to Port-au-Prince to search for her other two children who have been on the streets since the earthquake. I pleaded with her to re-consider taking her daughter in, knowing that without a miracle the little girl will die. Many, many people are in the same situation and it is complicated to formulate ways to help them.

It is frustrating. We weep. But we choose to hope, to cling to the hope of our SAVIOR - HE is the great healer, may HE bring healing to this land.

Please continue to pray with us for HIS SPIRIT to flood this nation.

Going back in

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Thursday morning I'll be heading back to Jimani to setup a team we have coming in to help. Saturday we'll head into Haiti for a there and back. Our two objectives are:

- Meet with the directors and doctors of the hospital in Fond Paisien (1/2 hour from Jimani) to discuss medical teams, and creating a safe zone for the most vulnerable to the find shelter, food, and basic needs.

- Meet with a group of pastors from Port-au-Prince to coordinate the churches response to the disaster, especially in the area of intercession, evangelism, meeting felt needs, and providing spiritual pastoral care for the people we receive at the safe zone.

We will go with a Dominican military escort.

I will bring with me 2 from the setup team, and an ex special forces from the USMC. He will provide security supervision as well as observe long term security needs.

The setup team would look into logistical needs for both medical teams to work in Fond Piasien, and non-medical teams to provide basic needs for people that come to the safe zone.

We ask for you to pray for our trip in the following ways:

-    Spiritual preparation for battle. We know our fight is a spiritual one, empowered by and led by HIS SPIRIT. Tomorrow we need to gear up.

-    Safety over our trip, from the motorcycle ride over the mountains to our trip into the fray, we need spiritual, emotional, and physical covering.

-    Wisdom and discernment with contacts, and long term vision for teams. Pray that we have GOD's eyes and see what HE is doing and would have us do.

-    That we can meet as many needs along the way as possible, ministering the love of CHRIST.

-    Kristen and Samantha (daughter) while I am gone, that the LORD's peace and presence would reign in or home.

Thanks everyone. We know you are praying and testify to the strength we are receiving from it! Please continue to raise up HIS Kingdom come in Haiti.

A Pastor's Thoughts

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

During our visit to Haiti, the fact that we had to depend on hitchhiking to move around proved that the SPIRIT of GOD was leading our steps. We made it from our town of San Juan to Port-au-Prince on free rides, not knowing when the next bus would come or where they would take us, but trusting in HIS control over our movements. After being dropped off near the heart of the disaster, the presidential palace, we walked about 1 hour straight to a church building. An old map helped little in knowing exactly where we were, but a man came soon to us and, greeting us in English, introduced himself as the pastor of the church. We decided, along with Pastor Michel, to tour some of the heaviest hit neighborhoods, and see the greatest needs first hand. With little gas in his tank, and a city-wide shortage of fuel, it was an act of faith. And it didn't take long to witness all our hearts could take. This is how one man put it:

A Haitian School; Endless Needs

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Back Home from Haiti

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Thank you everyone for your prayer over Ronnie and my trip to Haiti. We are safe and the trip was very fruitful, although indescribably intense. The LORD saved lives, fed more than a thousand meals, led us to some key contacts to pour in Kingdom workers through, and kept us safe despite the war zone conditions. Despite the heavy heart we carry, weight just seems to fall off being home with my beautiful wife and child(ren), what a blessing to have loving, supporting family to return to. I'm going to spend several hours making food with my bride (including Teeka's birthday cake) and reading books to the girl.

If the energy lasts, once the family goes to bed I hope to post more of what the situation is in Haiti, what we feel the LORD doing in the midst of it, and how we can respond. JESUS remains KING. This is a unique and urgent time in which HIS Kingdom is ready to expand exponentially. Please continue to pray, to give, and to mobilize the church into action.

Our Resolve

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

For such a time as this HE has called us to be HIS instruments to do HIS work. It is time for us to rise up to the challenge. We must cling to the hope we have in JESUS, the life that HE has promised, the light that HE shines. Shrinking away is not an option, we will not fear, we will not stand down. In times of great need, HIS greatness will shine bright.

Psalm 62:8 "Trust in HIM at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before HIM; GOD is a refuge for us.

HE is the ROCK which cannot be shaken, we plant our feet firmly upon HIM, and no matter what comes, we cannot be greatly shaken. Upon this ROCK who does not change, who does not shift, we will find rest, we will find peace, we will find safety. Upon this ROCK, we will build!

In all that is happening, in the great suffering, in the disorder, in the pain, in the insurmountable challenges that surround us on every side...no matter what happened, what is happening, and what will happen, no matter why it happened and what is too blame...GOD is seeking one thing. That the hearts of man will draw near to HIM, that we would abandon all that incumbers a close relationship with the FATHER, and that through HIS SON JESUS, we would walk, breath, live in intimacy with HIM. In all that is for us to do, the work, the sweat, the tears, the victories, one thing remains ahead, one thing supersedes all others. HE wants us to draw near to HIM, HE wants you as an individual man or woman to seek HIS face, HE wants me to pursue intimacy with my loving, perfect, FATHER, each of us as people. All of us as a people.

A new time is upon us. Not a rebuilding, fixing of what was. Not a modification, a change, an adjustment; but a clean slate, a fresh start, a new life. Let us pour out our lives, the years that it will take, sacrificing what we must to see, one day, the sun rise on a new land in Haiti. A land filled with the glory of our most glorious GOD.

The latest

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Hey there. I just wanted to let everyone know that Miguel and Ronnie have arrived safely back to the Domincan Republic. They had an intense day in Haiti, making it all the way to Port Au Prince. They were able to see first hand what many of you have been watching on the news, and while it was a heart wrenching day for them, they made some solid contacts and now have specific people and places to help.

They will be back in San Juan tomorrow and I am sure will have much to share. Thanks everyone for your prayers and encouragement. We love you all.

Blessings.

Radio Interviews

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Here are links for two radio shows Miguel was on a couple days ago:

www.mybridgeradio.net

http://asxarchive.moodyradio.org/ChrisFabryLive/2010-01-14_Chris_Fabry_Live.asx

if you follow the link he comes on around 19 minutes into the show. He did a tremendous job.

We at AIM are so very proud of the Shauls and the way the Lord is using them!

Scott Borg

Adventures In Missions

Update from Miguel

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Hey everyone. I just got word from Miguel and Ronnie who are in the Dominican town of Jimani which is a border town with Haiti. They had a busy afternoon buying food and distributing to local pastors who are helping with relief efforts.

The report is that in many Haitians have been crossing the border seeking safety and medical attention. An American surgical team that had been working in San Juan, travelled to Jimani last night and have operated on five today. The hospital is full, with patients lying on the floors. Supplies are low. Another team of American doctors who had been working here in San Juan are currently in route to Jimani and hope to pull a 24 hour shift at the hospital. They are taking whatever supplies they had with them.

When I called, Miguel was with some of the surgeons who were helping a Haitian woman give birth.

Thanks for praying everyone. I am not sure when Miguel and Ronnie will cross over into Haiti. May be today or in the morning. He did tell me that there is no gasoline over there and no public transportation running, so if they do cross, they will be walking.

I will keep you all posted as soon as I get anymore news.

correction: Just found out that most people that are at the hospital have been helicoptered in from Port Au Prince. Not sure yet the situation at the border with people coming in.

More Information

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Just talked to Miguel again. He and Ronnie will be crossing into Haiti around 8am tomorrow and will head for the town of Croix des Boquets which is East of Port Au Prince.

More and more people continue to arrive in Jimani (a Domincan border town about 40 or so miles from the capital of Haiti) where he is now. Busses of people are arriving and the hospital is overflowing. Many of the injuries are devastating and surgeries are being put on hold because of equipment problems. Medical supplies and personel continue to be a huge need all throughout Haiti and now in the Dominican border hospitals as well.

Miguel was able to buy a bunch of food and one of the local churches cooked a meal for 250 people at the hospital including all the patients as well as the doctors who had not eaten all day. They are looking to cook 800-900 meals tomorrow. Thank you all who are donating money!

I'll continue to update as more information comes in. Hopefully more aid will be arriving to Jimani soon. The European Union arrived today and Miguel spotted a Red Cross truck East of the town.

Tomorrow afternoon/evening I should have some news from inside of Haiti.

Thanks everyone. Please pray for Ronnie and Miguel and their trip into Haiti. Until tomorrow...

Latest News on Haiti

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

more from the associated press...

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CB_HAITI_EARTHQUAKE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2010-01-13-05-06-26

Please pray with us for the people of Haiti as well as to know what response GOD would have us make

Jan 13, 5:06 AM EST

Haiti's capital shattered by powerful earthquake

By JONATHAN M. KATZ
Associated Press Writer

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) -- Dazed and injured Haitians sat on darkened streets pleading for help Wednesday and untold numbers were trapped in tons of rubble brought down by the strongest earthquake to hit this poor Caribbean nation in more than 200 years.

The extent of destruction from Tuesday afternoon's 7.0-magnitude tremor was far from clear - and estimating the number of casualties was impossible, save for the dead lying among thousands of collapsed buildings in Haiti's capital.

The ornate National Palace crumbled into itself, the headquarters of the U.N. peacekeeping mission collapsed, and swaths of rickety shacks lay in shambles. Clouds of dust thrown up by falling buildings choked Port-au-Prince for hours.

The United States and other nations began organizing aid efforts, alerting search teams and gathering supplies that will be badly needed in Haiti, the Western Hemisphere's poorest country. The international Red Cross and other aid groups announced plans for major relief operations.

Associated Press journalists found the damage staggering even for a country long accustomed to tragedy and disaster.

Aftershocks rattled the city as women covered in dust clawed out of debris, wailing. Stunned people wandered the streets holding hands. Thousands gathered in public squares long after nightfall, singing hymns.

It was clear tens of thousands lost their homes and many perished in collapsed buildings flimsy and dangerous even under normal conditions.

"The hospitals cannot handle all these victims," Dr. Louis-Gerard Gilles, a former senator, said as he helped survivors. "Haiti needs to pray. We all need to pray together."

An Associated Press videographer saw a wrecked hospital where people screamed for help in Petionville, a hillside Port-au-Prince district that is home to many diplomats and wealthy Haitians as well as the poor.

At a destroyed four-story apartment building, a girl of about 16 stood atop a car, trying to peer inside while several men pulled at a foot sticking from rubble. The girl said her family was inside.

U.N. peacekeepers, most of whom are from Brazil, looked for survivors in the ruins of what had been their five-story headquarters. U.N. peacekeeping chief Alain Le Roy said late Tuesday that "as we speak no one has been rescued."

Le Roy said many U.N. personnel were missing, including mission chief Hedi Annabi, who was in the building when the quake struck. Some 9,000 peacekeepers have been in Haiti since a 2004 rebellion ousted the president.

A state newspaper in China said eight Chinese peacekeepers serving in Haiti were known dead and 10 were missing.

Much of the National Palace pancaked on itself, but Haiti's ambassador to Mexico, Robert Manuel, said President Rene Preval and his wife survived the earthquake. He had no details.

Our First Response

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Thank you to everyone who has been praying and sharing concern for our neighbors in Haiti. As we speak we are coordinating with other NGO's here in San Juan to mount an emergency response to those affected by the earthquake that occurred yesterday evening (see previous posts). Four hours Southwest from our home of San Juan lays the Dominican city of Jimani which is only about 40 miles east from the hardest hit area of Haiti. Our hope is to be able to travel to Jimani early tomorrow morning, bringing supplies with us.

If the borders are not too difficult, Miguel will attempt to get in as far as possible and access the nearest need closest to the Dominican border. We imagine smaller, poorer towns will have massive devastation as well due to inadequate structural integrity even though they are further out from the epicenter. The primary goal is to bring first response relief to those in need, supplies such as food, blankets, shelters, and basic health care will be needed. Our secondary goal is to identify communities in which we can get involved in long term rebuilding. In both of these cases, we request prayer for the LORD's leading of our effort and favor, and we also ask for partnership in funding our response. Please consider joining in our work to respond to this great brokenness with the LOVE of CHRIST.

Again thank you for your prayers and concern. We hope to have a more detailed plan to you soon.

photo courtesy http://www.reuters.com/news/world

Purchasing Supplies and Support Link

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Miguel and Ronnie hope to leave for Haiti late tonight. Right now we are picking up supplies, as much as we can stuff in our backpacks. There is no telling what we are going to find so we hope to stay light and mobile. Haiti has a strong history of security issues so we do ask for your prayers for our safety as we travel. Our hope is to get into Haiti as early as midday tomorrow and return to San Juan on Saturday. Since the bulk of the worlds resources are heading to PORT-AU-PRINCE, we are looking for overlooked smaller communities that will be last on the list to receive help. Please pray that the SPIRIT of GOD leads our steps.

For those of you who would like to join our efforts, we now have a link where you can make tax deductible donations for the cause. Please follow this link to help:

https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=HAITIEQ10&multi=

I hope to be reporting into Kristen back here at home while we are out, as much as possible we'll try and keep everyone informed. Thanks again. May GOD meet these people in their brokenness, healing wounded hearts, giving hope to the hopeless, are reveling to a nation the true life that is found only in one place, JESUS CHRIST.

photo courtesy reuters.com

Miguel's first earthquake

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We have been getting a bunch of messages from folks asking if we are ok from the earthquake that happened in Haiti. All is well here in San Juan. Our house was shaking and moving for a few seconds but that is it. No damage or problems.

Thanks for thinking about us. Blessings.

More on Haiti Earthquake

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

from the associated press

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CB_HAITI_EARTHQUAKE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2010-01-12-20-51-39

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) -- The largest earthquake ever recorded in the area rocked Haiti on Tuesday, collapsing a hospital where people screamed for help and damaging other buildings. An aid official described "total disaster and chaos."

Communications were widely disrupted, making it impossible to get a clear picture of damage as powerful aftershocks shook a desperately poor country where many buildings are flimsy. Electricity was out in some places.

Karel Zelenka, a Catholic Relief Services representative in the capital of Port-au-Prince, told U.S. colleagues before phone service failed that "there must be thousands of people dead," according to a spokeswoman for the aid group, Sara Fajardo.

"He reported that it was just total disaster and chaos, that there were clouds of dust surrounding Port-au-Prince," Fajardo said from the group's offices in Maryland.

The earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.0 and was centered about 10 miles (15 kilometers) west of Port-au-Prince, the U.S. Geological Survey said. It had a depth of 5 miles (8 kilometers). It was the largest quake recorded in the area and the first major one since a magnitude-6.7 temblor in 1984, USGS analyst Dale Grant said.

An Associated Press videographer saw the wrecked hospital in Petionville, a hillside Port-au-Prince district that is home to many diplomats and wealthy Haitians, as well as many poor people. Elsewhere in the capital, a U.S. government official reported seeing houses that had tumbled into a ravine.

Haiti's ambassador to the U.S., Raymond Joseph, said from his Washington office that he spoke to President Rene Preval's chief of staff, Fritz Longchamp, just after the quake hit. He said Longchamp told him that "buildings were crumbling right and left" near the national palace. He said he had not been able to get through by phone to Haiti since.

Don Blakeman, an analyst at the USGS in Golden, Colorado, said such a strong quake carried the potential for widespread damage.

"I think we are going to see substantial damage and casualties," he said.

The earthquake's size and proximity to populated Port-Au-Prince likely caused widespread casualties and structural damage, added quake expert Tom Jordan at the University of Southern California.

"It's going to be a real killer," he said.

The temblor appeared to have occurred along a strike-slip fault, where one side of a vertical fault slips horizontally past the other, Jordan said.

"Whenever something like this happens, you just hope for the best," he said. "The damage caused by this earthquake is not going to be pretty."

Minor earthquakes are common in the Caribbean, but there has not been a major one in Haiti in 16 years. The country of about 9 million people, most of them desperately poor, has struggled with political instability and has no real construction standards. In November 2008, following the collapse of a school in Petionville, the mayor of Port-au-Prince estimated about 60 percent of the buildings were shoddily built and unsafe in normal circumstances.

The quake was felt in the Dominican Republic, which shares a border with Haiti on the island of Hispaniola, and some panicked residents in the capital of Santo Domingo fled from their shaking homes. But no major damage was reported there.

In eastern Cuba, houses shook but there were also no reports of significant damage.

"We felt it very strongly and I would say for a long time. We had time to evacuate," said Monsignor Dionisio Garcia, archbishop of Santiago.

Haiti, however, was another story.

"Everybody is just totally, totally freaked out and shaken," said Henry Bahn, a U.S. Department of Agriculture official visiting Port-au-Prince. "The sky is just gray with dust."

Bahn said he was walking to his hotel room when the ground began to shake.

"I just held on and bounced across the wall," he said. "I just hear a tremendous amount of noise and shouting and screaming in the distance."

Bahn said there were rocks strewn about and he saw a ravine where several homes had stood: "It's just full of collapsed walls and rubble and barbed wire."

In the community of Thomassin, just outside Port-au-Prince, Alain Denis said neighbors told him the only road to the capital had been cut but that phones were all dead so it was hard to determine the extent of the damage.

"At this point, everything is a rumor," he said. "It's dark. It's nighttime."

Former President Bill Clinton, the U.N.'s special envoy for Haiti, issued a statement saying his office would do whatever he could to help the nation recover and rebuild.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti," he said.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Gordon Duguid said U.S. officials were holding emergency meetings.

"We need to gather what information we can quickly. We will of course assist in any way we can," he said.

Felix Augustin, Haiti's consul general in New York, said he was concerned about everyone in Haiti, including his relatives.

"Communication is absolutely impossible," he said. "I've been trying to call my ministry and I cannot get through. ... It's mind-boggling."

Here Comes Number 2!

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hey everyone! We wanted to introduce you to the newest member of the Shaul family! Our little one will be making his/her appearance mid July 2010! Teeka

is practicing all her big sister skills with the new doll she got for Christmas. We are so excited and thankful and can't wait to have another sweet little one. Blessings to you all!

CHRISTmas in Guachupita and prayer requests

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Merry CHRISTmas everyone! We pray the LORD's blessings on you and your family as you share the holidays reflecting on the birth of Immanuel (GOD with us) among those you love. May we all be reminded of the FATHER's great love for us by sending HIS one and only SON, JESUS.

Here in the Dominican, our little family celebration was a joyous one. Local tradition here states that the biggest party happens on CHRISTmas eve, marked by a grand dinner eaten by the entire family (people travel all over the country to get back home) and shared with neighbors, plates being passed house to house. It is a very warm custom, although there isn't any cold temperature needing warmed from!

Many politicians take advantage of this tradition and partake in "vote buying" through handing out boxes of food in the poorer neighborhoods. In the slum where we do house church, Guachupita, the people are prone to violent chaos when it comes to free hand outs. Poverty drives you to extremes sometimes. On the 22nd, the government began their hand out process; and they called it off shortly after several people fainted and a lady died from being trampled upon. Military shotguns came out and 'crowd control' measures were taken (aka. more people hurt). Thankfully, our church friends in Guachupita had the smarts to get out while it was hot and headed home. They were happy to be unharmed, but sad to not have their CHRISTmas box.

Our response was a church CHRISTmas party. Each house saved what they could and put it together in common pot. Whatever was gathered by Friday night, we matched. From there the local ladies made a menu, shopped, and cooked for the Saturday evening feast. All afternoon on Saturday we helped cook, played with the kids, and visiting all the houses. Our missionaries-in-training shared the story of JESUS' birth with the neighborhood kids. Then we ate. Everyone had their fill and we were able to send food to all the surrounding families. All were blessed.

We are thankful for the way GOD continues to build genuine relationships within the community. HIS church is growing, and it is HIS SPIRIT doing the work. There are a few prayer requests we'd like to share with you, believing that HIS work is fueled by the the prayers of the saints:

- Francisco: he would grow in his ability to read (just started learning 6 months ago) so he can study to Bible. GOD has a leadership call on his life and he is starting to step up in our house church.

-Dulce: continued boldness as she ministers to others in her community, that her faith would stay strong believing in GOD's goodness coming to the land despite the sometimes overwhelming oppression of darkness

- Against idols: some members of the church need a more clear understanding of GOD's jealous heart, and HIS anger against idol. Idols are something so deeply ingrained in the culture that the lines become blurred without HIS word bringing distinction.

-Against alcoholism, abuse, prostitution, and neglect: the community of Guachupita is plagued with them. We will witness steps of progress, then get hit with a wave sweeping us far back. Pray that GOD will fight against the slavery and spiritual oppression of these strongholds, that freedom will come, and that the church will be equipped to live and proclaim that freedom in the authority of the name of JESUS.

Thank you for your prayers and partnership in bring HIS light to dark places. Our love to you.

A day in the DR

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Today is a combination of many unrelated, but thoroughly interesting events. As I write this, a mob of more than a thousand Dominicans are blowing horns, waving banners, and crawling on top of each other to get a glimpse of the one they are celebrating, Marta Heredia - the winner of Latin American Idol. She is unique in that, unlike politicians and sports stars, every single Dominican can be a fan of hers; no sides, no teams, just pure patriotism. I think the wave of excitement pulsating through the island is a good example of the beauty of this culture. As Dominicans, we love la buya', the rush of energy when everyone is joining in, riled up about something - anything. Even the local political candidates jumped in the frey offering free phone cards for people to send their text message votes! It's the love of life, the simplicity of joy shared with others, the absence of self-consciousness amidst celebration. When something as small as the electricity being turned back on after a few hours of blackouts causes children to cheer up and down the streets, imagine the thrill of a national icon coming home to her few, but proud people. The fun is contagious. I love it.

Early this morning, 1:30 am to be exact, I came to the capital with our little guy Alexander. He has become a son to us since we learned of his tough childhood. A couple years back we were able to get him a desperately needed eye surgery. And after much prayer, medical attention, and working with his grandparents on hygiene, his glaucoma has significantly improved. Today's exam with the doctor reinforced the fact that not only will he not lose his eye, but the eye pressure is completely stable and he will be able to retain a good portion of his vision. Praise GOD! We have been blessed to be a part of the LORD's healing ministry to both his heart, and his body.

Finally, as the crowds move on, leaving only a few stragglers tooting on their horns, content with the party of uno, I await the arrival of 3 brothers from Athens Church in Georgia. For the next few days, we will be hosting a vision trip. This young church is interesting in partnership with our ministry and we are exploring where the SPIRIT would lead that relationship. We'll visit Guachupita, where our church plant is, and share our heart to shine CHRIST's love through a community center. Our prayer is for sensitivity to HIS SPIRIT, open hearts to be broken by HIS, and above all HIS perfect will to be make known and chased after. HIS Kingdom come.

At the finish of a long and eventful day, I look forward to returning home to my wonderful little family. It's been a good one, and to see their smiling faces will make it a great one.

Fast forward to the DR

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Since our last post in July, theres a few things you should know.

* Kristen graduated top of her class, aced her boards, and is now an LPN

* We did a month long tour through California, Nebraska, and Georgia visiting family, friends, and supporters.

* Our home is once again San Juan, Dominican Republic -just moved back on Monday-

* I got a hair cut

We are in the process of getting resettled in after 14 months in the States. Three inches of dusk and five pieces of luggage later and weve got our work cut out for us. The good news is nothing was flooded, no one broke in and robbed us, and best of all, Samantha is loving it here. That has been our biggest short term prayer need is that our daughter wouldnt brake down with the acclimation. So far so good.

This blog might be a little tech-challenged as I am posting from a little cyber cafe with little updated gear. Hopefully well be connected at home next week, which will mean sweet pictures for you.

We head down to Guachupita tonight to start digging in there once again. Its going to be great. Those people have a special place in our hearts. But it is a spiritually dark area, and we ask for prayer covering. We need HIS protection and guidence as always.

Finally, we did get a new cell number so if anyone needs it, just shoot me an email.

Blessings to all of you, and thanks for the continual support.

Return from Family Trip to the D.R.

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hey everyone,

We just returned from a 12 day stint in the lovely Dominican. Kristen had a little break between her 4th and 5th terms and we decided to use up that time as a family back home in the tropics. More to come as I upload some videos and pictures, but in the meantime, here's a great shot of our little Teeka, newly dubbed "Samah" by our Dominican friends.

Check back soon!

PYF Challenge Wrap Up Video

Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For those of you who didn't know, Kristen was named the winner of the PYF Challenge. This was an online savings contest we ran in against 4 other contestants. FNBO Direct was the online bank sponsoring the contest.

After six months of savings and thrift that bank chose us as their grand prize winner. That means $7,500 of prize money to us. Many of you had a role to play in us winning and we owe you a huge THANK YOU. For everyone who voted, left comments, asked others to vote, encouraged us, and gave Miguel side jobs you made this happen. We ended up clenching 15 thousand votes, 56% of the total voting pool. You guys are awesome!

The bank took us out to dinner for the check presentation. Unfortunately, it wasn't one of those giant golf tournament checks. In all seriousness, we are using the prize money to pay off the rest of Kristen's schooling. As a testimony to GOD's perfect provision, we arrived to the States with just enough to begin school, but not knowing how it was going to be paid for. Through this online savings contest, pell grants, and the last six months of thriftyness, the $22,000 bill is taken care of. We are blown away. GOD is good and makes the way so that we may follow the dreams HE has given us. Praise the LORD!

D.R. Trip Recap

Sun, 17 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Well folks, my time in the Dominican has about come to an end. I am on a bus heading to Santo Domingo from where I'll catch a 6am fight tomorrow. The trip was exceptional, powerful, fruitful, and edifying all around. Thank you for joining in prayer for my time here.

As the mountains stroll by to my left, and the blue ocean waves sail away to my right, I am reminded of the LORD's almighty power and HIS never-ending goodness in our lives. Bless YOU LORD for your kindness, for your majesty, and for loving us as your own children. YOU are perfect!

In just 26 hours I will be reunited with my wonderful little family in Omaha. I can't wait. They have been doing very well holding down the fort. Thanks for your prayers, and thanks to the family for taking care of Samantha while I was gone.

Here's a quick recap of my time in the Dominican. If you remember, it's pretty much exactly what I was asking for prayer in.

- Extended fellowship with brother David; he remains a faithful spiritual son, daily growing deeper in JESUS as well as further impacting his community through disciple-making, leading his youth group, and training up the next generation of CHRIST followers.

-          Four church meetings with our dear ones in Guachupita. Each and every time together was filled with love, celebration, worship, and deep study of HIS Word. It is amazing how hungry they are, how willing to learn and apply the FATHER's teachings in their lives. Brother David will continue to minister as the interim pastor while we are gone.

-          Three key meetings with potential long term ministry partners in San Juan. These are young families who we have been building community with, and it just so happens that we share many of the same passions, burdens, and dreams for GOD's heart in the Dominican and beyond. Strategically, we are moving forward in each relationship.

-          I was able to collect funds to finish Celente's (Alexander's grandpa) latrine. We purchased the final materials and contracted the work to be done. Expect to see pictures soon!

-          GOD provided the means for me to also share some much needed nutrients (well balanced diet) to some of the poorer families in San Juan. Some of the people that needed medical attention received that as well.

-          I found a new hot spot in Santo Domingo with free Wi-Fi, just a few blocks from the largest university in the country (700,000 students). While hanging out at Dominos pizza, I was introduced to the Friday night college scene. Not particularly my cup to tea, but I was able to share the gospel with many of the students who enjoyed the free pizza I was dishing out.

-          All the logistics, and work stuff I had to take care of as the base director went extremely smooth. And despite the boring nature of business, each encounter was a blessings both to myself and others.

In all, it was an amazing time. If I had described the trip to you in one word it would be: love. The FATHER poured out HIS love throughout the entirety of my time there. It's as if HE has allowed me to have a taste of the greatness of HIS love to the Dominicans. At times, just walking the streets brought me to tears. HIS love continues to compel me to commitment, saying yes to the inheritance HE has given us to make HIS name great on the island. No matter the cost, no matter the sacrifice, we will follow the LORD as HE fills the land with HIS glory.

"Let them give glory to the LORD and proclaim HIS praise in the islands."

- Isaiah 42:12

More from San Juan

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Progress: for the last three weeks the main sectors in San Juan have had electricity for 24 hours a day. That is unheard of. And if you have lived here you know how that changes things. A lot of people are actually complaining because now they have to learn the discipline of turning things off when they aren't using them. It's great.

Just like today was great. I spent the first six hours of the day in Guachupita with the church. When praying last night for my time with them I felt the LORD lead me to John 10. HE wants them to understand that HE is their SHEPHERD and that HE is the GOOD SHEPHERD. We took a portion of today to study through the first 17 verses of that chapter, tomorrow and Thursday we'll do the same. There will even be some scripture memory thrown in there. They are excited!

This morning we celebrated the LORD's supper, which is something we hadn't done formally before. It was awesome fellowship remembering JESUS' body broken and blood shed for us. It was beautiful. After that we shared a huge meal and enjoyed each other's friendship until moving into worship, prayer, and teaching. They ate it up (and not just the food). I could tell how hungry they were, how much they enjoy feeding on HIS Word in communion with the body. While it is just them (that is, while we are not here), they manage, but I think they get more excited when I am helping lead. There was some very personal, very genuine stuff shared, their struggles, their thanksgiving. They didn't hold back.

I ended my time there this morning playing a game some of the kids got for their birthday. A fake Nintendo. I impressed them all getting to world 5-4 in Mario Brothers without dying even once!

The rest of the day was spent visiting more friends, fellowshipping and praying together. But despite the busy schedule, I have had gobs of time to spend alone with the LORD. There is something about being a man on my own that makes it so much easier to get hours with HIM. I am realizing the need, as a family man now, to sacrifice even more and get those long meetings with JESUS daily. It's just too easy for me to get caught up in the daily grind and taking care of the family (as I should). I guess I would summarize it by saying that the main difference between a single man's and family man's walk with the LORD is the higher degree of sacrifice to maintain a virant walk. Maybe I should have known that by now, but better late than never I guess.

For those of you who are praying, thank you dearly. Continue to ask GOD to lead me in the best way to empty myself out for these that I love. As coach Mueller used to say before a football game, "leave it all on the field."

Bless you,

miguel

Update from the Dominican

Sat, 9 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The torrential rains just subsided. Hopefully, the sun will come out and I'll be able to get some washed laundry dry. After just two days of thrashing through the muddy streets, my clothes are spent. I sure love how simple life is so here. The seemingly small task of getting clean clothes can be a daylong project. Before long, you put the to-do list away and pass the time on the street corner with an old friend, or a complete stranger!

Everyone is excited that I am back, but sad to not see Kristen or Samantha. I have been able to connect with the church in Guachupita. All are doing well. There have been some hairy moments in the past few months (death threats and gang murders) for the church, but GOD has continued to hold firm HIS protective hand over HIS beloved bride. Their faith in daily life - and in the face of death (literally) - is so strong, so rooted in CHRIST. It is encouraging to see.

Children continue to grow up, thought not enough to forgo a quick game of dodge ball. The small ones, who are Samantha's age, are beginning to walk and talk. It is sad how their development is significantly slowed down by their situation (poor diets, playing in disease ridden mud, lack of attention). I'll be able to do a little for now, but I believe the community center will be able to address many of the every-day problems the community runs into. Hurry up Kristen, we need you babe!

Alexander is doing well, though he seems to be shy. I think seeing me every 3 months is taking a toll on him. Not knowing if he wants to get close or not. Understandably so. The World Race team that was here in January was able to build his family an outhouse. It is just missing the tin roof and walls. I should be able to help them finish before I leave. Check out the video below.

Besides that, I have been inviting friends to every meal I eat. It is a great way to bless them with a free meal, get some good fellowship in, and discuss vision for the ministry down the road. I am nothing but excited to get back here!

I appreciate all of you who are praying for my time here. It is noticeable and needed. Many of you who have been here before, know that there are many saludos being mandado (greetings sent). So if you are one of the blessed ones to visit our little town, San Juan te manda saludos!

Love you all,

miguel

Quick Trip Back Home

Thu, 7 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hey there everyone. Miguel here. I'm sitting at the Omaha airport just about to catch a flight down to the Dominican. Samantha is going to Grandma's today while Kristen finishes off her last day of classes for the week. I wanted to write an update on my upcoming trip, what I'll be doing there, and ways you could pray.

As always, I'll be staying up late dancing meringue and drinking piňa coladas by the beach (probably not).

Here's what I'll be doing:

- Visiting with the church in Guachupita; encouraging, teaching, and praying

- Preliminary setup for the one short-term trip we have coming this summer

- Connecting with some potential long-term partners in the ministry

- Paying rent on AIM properties as well as our own

- Spending time with friends and neighbors in the community

- Doing all the above with brother David at my side; we'll get good fellowship and talk through his missionary work

The last few days have been a rush to get everything ready, so I haven't given much thought to the trip. But now that I am about to hop on the jet, the heart is starting to pump! Not only do I have a great love for Dominicans, but I feel as if it is a unique place for me to minister. There is openness and an easy flow to sharing the love of CHRIST with my people there. I'm very much looking forward to it.

While I am there, I would love to have prayer for a few areas:

- Kristen and Samantha back in Omaha; protection and blessing while I'm gone

- Divine opportunities to share the gospel as I travel

- Wisdom with quickly identifying where the church is "at" and how my time can be best used to edify her

- Smooth logistics so I can maximize my time with people and not on details

- Protection over my body (health), heart and mind (always hard to be away from the family), and spirit (stay in tuned with HIS presence throughout the trip)

Sweet! I would love prayer over those things. There is very little that I can accomplish without a strong prayer base, and I appreciate you partnering with us.

As often as I can I'll be posting blogs about my time with pictures and stories. So check back often.

Bless you all in the name of JESUS!

Thanks, Pray for David, and New Family Picture

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

PYF Challenge: Hey everyone, you guys rock. By Tuesday people from the bank were writing me emails asking what I did. They were swamped with votes and comments and couldn't figure out what was going on. I guess they didn't see the support train blazing down the tracks! Great job, and let's keep it up. Once again, to vote, go to pyfchallenge.com. I'll keep throwing posts up there and you can keep those votes and comments coming. If you have any financial advice or stories you think are worth sharing, let me know. Thanks again, just six more weeks to go!

Prayer for Brother David: A lot of you have heard about or met our dear friend Brother David (you may know him by another name that begins with "R"). He is our top guy in the Dominican who we have been discipling for 3 years. The guy has a call to the missions field and we are busting it to get him there. The trip to Ch-na has been temporarily post-poned due to a government crackdown on visas, but in the meantime we are setting up a training trip to Peru. It's a really exciting mission that will be a great ministry to the mountain villages, as well as a good preparing ground for what Asia has in store.

David and I had been out of touch since I left San Juan on Jan 12th, but I finally get in touch with him yesterday. After a month of silence I started off the conversation with "dude, I thought you died or something." His reply, "I almost did" shut up my sarcasm. Turns out he picked up a real nasty internal infection on the back of his neck. Something like a boil but worse. The poor guy has literally been bed ridden for 25 days at his moms house, 15 days are heavy anti-biotics, and just two days ago started feeling better. Praise GOD that he is on the up swing, but he really needs our prayers. Please join with us in lifting up our dear brothers physical condition to the GREAT HEALER.

Family Pictures: We have some new photos to share with you. While in Virgina over Christmas, our dear friend Janeen Messner took some great shots. Now-a-days Samantha is sporting an over abundance of nasel secretions, but thankfully she didn't snag that bug until after getting back to Nebraska. Enjoy!

( Breathtaking )

( Which just makes you want to gobble her up )

( Talk about GOD's grace blessing Miguel way beyond what he deserves )

( Flying lessons )

( Nature baby fears no grass )

( The eternal cheeks )

( She thinks her Dada's hair is funny also )

Calling All Voters!!!

Mon, 9 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

*****The Pay Yourself First Challenge is an online savings contest in which Kristen is one of five finalist. The bank hosting the contest will award the winner $12,500, and winning depends on votes. If we can win the prize, we will be applying that money towards Kristen's nursing tuition. To read more about the contest, click here and here.*****

For those of you who have been casting your vote at Kristen for the PYF challenge, we want to say thank you. We are currently two thirds of the way through the savings competition. And thanks to the LORD's provision, good stewardship, and your votes, we have held first place the entire time. But as we move into the home stretch, our competitors are catching up quickly - we need your support more than ever. Two of the other four have reached their savings goal, we are only holding out by a greater voting tally. The plan is to flood the voting boards and make it clear who holds the win. Our HOPE is not in this contest, but it sure would be great to win! Here are ways that you can help support our dream of incorporating medical missions into our ministry in the Dominican Republic.

Vote every day: every vote counts and we need your daily vote through the end of the contest (April). To vote, just go to the official website, pyfchallenge.com, and click on the button that says Kristen. One way to remind yourself to vote, is to make the website your homepage. Every time you get online, you won't forget to vote.
Leave a comment: it doesn't need to be anything fancy, but the more traffic we appear to have, the more traffic will come! To leave a comment, just click on an article, scroll down to the bottom of the post, fill in the boxes and submit it. It's easy, helpful, and encouraging.
Tell your friends: ask people within your network to vote as well. Some of you have done this already and we know for certain that it has generated a large amount of votes. Send out a quick email to everyone on your list requesting their support in a cause you believe in.

In a time where some of us are hurting financially, this is a great way to give toward the Kingdom. The bank has already decided to part with the money, we are just telling them where to invest it! It doesn't cost a dollar, only the click of the mouse. And just by voting, you are helping us take one step closer to bringing basic medical attention to those in the DR who can't afford it. It's not about the contest, the money, or winning. It's about sharing the love of CHRIST through meeting people's needs. Please help us achieve that by doing the three things above. If you have any questions at all about the contest or how to vote, please don't hesitate to ask.

Bless you all in the powerful name of JESUS!