Saludos a todos!

We have survived our first Monday in the Dominican Republic.  It was a hot day that cooled off around 4 (at the end of our work day) when clouds came around.  As I sit here blogging after dinner the camp is quiet with the exception of Elena, Ben, and the 3 daughters of the camp care-takers and the loud hum of the power generator.

Today marked the first day of our ministry sites – construction, Vacation Bible School, and evangelism. Our day started at 6 am, with the work starting at 8.  We were joined by a few local teenagers, acting as our translators for our time here. We had a day full of accomplishments and look forward to the work we will be doing in the days ahead.

Construction – the hardest workers of the day:

• Dug 20 inch footings for a open-air youth “room”
• Set up rebar for the columns
• Tore out part of a second story roof so we can build a platform for the water storage tank
• Prepared a long wall for painting
• Dug out 15 foot by 4 foot area for a sidewalk

Vacation Bible School:

Vacation Bible School is a little different for us this year.  The Dominicans are the ones in charge of everything, and we’re simply helping them for the first couple days before they are completely on their own.  This week we are helping in the town of El Montana.  Today was spent preparing and discussing details about Bible school.  We also walked around the town inviting children to attend, and spent some time getting to know some adults in the community.  Becky Mackey has been working closely with this community, so many were very open to share their stories with us.  Pray that tomorrow (Tuesday) will be a great kick off for the VBS and that the Dominicans will have confidence in their own abilities to lead.  Pray also that this will continue after we leave.

Evangelism:

Rick led a prayer drive/walk in preparation for the evangelism that will be taking place.

• We traveled to an amazing viewpoint of the Jarabacoa valley and prayed for the Nation.
• We traveled to the dentist office of Vanessa Nolasco, a Calvary supported missionary, and prayed for Students International.
• We traveled to the home of the Ortiz family and prayed for their heart for ministry to their community.
• We walked the streets of Hato Viejo and prayed for the evangelism we will be doing tomorrow.

Please join us in praying for the Dominican Republic! Pray that God will open the hearts of the people here and that they will eagerly seek His will.  Pray also that our hearts will be opened towards the Dominicans and that we will also see His will in all that we do here.