Have you ever attended a Bible study in a slaughterhouse? Or helped to move over 22,000 pounds of concrete one bucket at atime? Those are just two of the many ministry projects in which members of the 2009 Dominican Republic mission participated.Nineteen team members, ranging in age from 16 – 72, left Rochester early on June 27 for the opportunity to serve God for twoweeks in a foreign country. Many of us didn’t speak the language (Spanish) or even know each other very well. But God did greatthings in our lives and in the lives of those we met. We want to give Him the praise. Highlights include:

• Bible study in a slaughterhouse – four of our men gave their testimonies of their need for God in a Bible study largely attended by not-yet believers. We won’t see the results, but we pray that those who came to the study will realize their need for God.
• 22,000 pounds of concrete – one of our construction projects involved pouring a roof over two rooms in the Montaña church, a church started by our first DR team in 1991. After years of being a non-functioning church, God is changing lives in Montaña,and the church is starting to grow. One of our greatest thrills was watching the ladies of Montaña lead a Bible club for thechildren without our assistance while we worked on construction. Challenged and discipled by Rick and Becky Mackey, theyfaced their fears and served God in their community.
• Resources for those struggling with literacy – thanks to your generous gifts, we were able to bring resources that the Mackeys will use to help individuals and families learn more about God and the Bible. The Mackeys shared the story of an individual whomade a commitment to God after coloring pictures of Bible stories. You helped to provide many copies of the The Bible in One Year for Children, a resource that helps both parent and child in learning the truths of God’s Word.
• A meeting place for youth and others – another construction project saw us begin and complete a gazebo so that the youth can meet on Sundays, even when it rains! Previously they met under a tree, and if it rained, they couldn’t meet.
• Other ministries in which team members participated included prayer walks through neighborhoods followed by evangelism thenext day, visits to worship services of daughter churches of New Life Church in Jarabacoa, assisting one of the churches with a Bible club for the children of their community, and many other opportunities to serve God.

Thank you for your support and prayers which allowed us to serve in the Dominican Republic. Continue to pray for our team members as they process what they experienced on the trip, for the Dominicans as they seek to grow in their faith, and for the Mackeys as they serve God in the DR. If you would like a fuller report of our trip, contact David Henry or send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . To God be the glory and praise!