A Day of Diversity...

Our first full day in the Dominican Republic was definitely a day of diversity. As you saw from yesterday’s post, God has blessed us with a beautiful home in a wonderful neighborhood to stay in. After having some breakfast and quiet time, we left for Iglesia Bautista Cristiano, a great ministry in the heart of Santo Domingo. There the girls were able to practice their singing and Spanish Bible stories and puppets. From there we went to Colegio Bautista Cristiano with the hopes of practicing basketball on their outdoor courts. An afternoon rainstorm changed plans a little, but we walked through some plays and shot around anyway. As we did, dozens and dozens of school children of all ages poured out of the buildings to join us and talk to us. Their teachers allowed them to come out as long as they were “practicing” their English. We enjoyed some great fellowship with all ages (as you can see in a couple of the photos). After an hour or so, we left for a late lunch at Burger King, and a quick jaunt through their version of a super Wal-Mart!

We returned to the house with about 45 minutes to prepare to leave for Pica Pica, a village about 45 minutes northwest of Santo Domingo. This outdoor midweek service is a church plant out of IBC, and is continuing to grow. We were delayed by rush hour and another massive rainstorm that made some of the roads impassable. After turning from highway to road to dirt road to dirt and rocky trail, we arrived right at the scheduled service time. There were already 80 or so people gathered beneath the massive blue tarps hung between several trees as Pastor Carlos Abreu began the service with congregational songs. As we sang, dozens and dozens of adults and children from this village walked up with their chairs, stools and benches. There were about 150 people there by the time that Jenna and Brianna gave testimonies about spiritual growth. After that, the group sang two songs that were a real encouragement to everyone (especially everyone that spoke Spanish). Then the children were dismissed and the team ministered to them with songs, puppets, and Bible stories while I preached to the adults. Afterwards we stayed and fellowshipped for nearly an hour with all of the people, including many adults that had heard the Gospel for weeks through this ministry yet have not responded. This made a sobering impact on our group as we loaded up to return to our house for a late dinner. After another delicious meal, highlighted by fried white cheese, we had our group testimony and devotional from Nehemiah. Looking forward to another full day and our first international basketball game on Wednesday!

Looking back on today, I had flashbacks of my trip to Liberia West Africa. The highlight of the day was traveling up to the village of Pica Pica where we ministered to a Church plant. I stood and gave a testimony of something the Lord had been doing in my heart this past year. I talked about spending and being spent for Christ, being a servant and an encouragement to all around me. I read 2 Corinthians 12:15 “For I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well.” As Coach Whitt preached the service, our team took the children and we sang songs, had a puppet show and told them a missionary story. 60 little, energy-filled children full of excitement and curiosity gathered around each of us as we took hundreds of pictures of them. Each time they wanted to see themselves in the picture, and it never failed to bring a smile to their faces. One thing I learned was that through the language barrier that I have with them, a smile never failed to communicate my love and appreciation for them. -Bri

One of the highlights yesterday was definitely going to the village of Pica Pica. Working with the children was amazing. It’s funny how childhood curiosity and innocence translates regardless of the country. Seeing their faces and talking with them I was reminded of how Christ rebuked the disciples stating, “Let the children come to Me and do not forbid them!” Reflecting on these children and looking at the many pictures we took with them led me to reflect on how easy it is to minister to children where love is abounding and acceptance freely given. They will be taught by many short term mission teams during their youth. However, what happens when they grow older and are not so easily loveable? When they are adults and not so easy to reach? Who will come to stay at Pica Pica and show the love of Christ to them daily? Perhaps Christ’s compassion for the adults stemmed from His ability to see them as children, lost and helpless. How great a gift to be called His daughter! I pray that this thought would drive the passion to see people as God sees them: eternal souls in need of a Savior. -Ally