DR update: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday!

Hi there everyone!!
Although we made it back to Northborough, we just wanted to update you on our last few days of ministry in the DR.

Monday morning, we spent a glorious 2.5 hours relaxing at Boca Chica beach with Rodney (Coleman) and some of our Dominican brothers/ leaders at Cristo Viene Church. The water was nice and warm, on a beautiful clear day. Part of what makes our stay in the DR so special is the connection we make with some of the Dominican believers. They help us out with our ministry as we come alongside them in theirs. This week we spent a lot of time with Jochy, Vick, Fernando, and Elvis. These guys were vital in our work in the capital as they helped lead some songs and teaching throughout the week.

Monday afternoon and evening, we went back to Pedro Brand to work alongside Pastor Alejandro and his wife, Joana. They have started a church in the town because they saw the need for one. Our team split into several groups and prayerwalked the neighborhoods of this town, and several groups were invited into homes, where they could share some testimonies and pray for the family members. We were able to have great conversations and learn about people’s lives in this small town. In the evening we helped lead a small service at a church member’s home. As we climbed the small hill to her house, we were greeted by some of the most scenic mountain views—another amazing testimony of our Creator! Again, we were able to share about the transforming power of Jesus through the “cardboard testimonies”, and through “Sergenio” (Andre’s puppet friend).

We’ve been amazed at how such a simple pieces of cardboard could have such a powerful meaning in our lives as well as the lives of our Dominican friends. Our prayer is that they, too, will experience a transformed life when they put their trust in Jesus.
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Tuesday found us at Pedro Brand again for a full day of ministry. Again, our team split into smaller groups- one to play games with the children and the other to share with people door-to-door. After lunch, our group came back to Pedro Brand and visited a local school (where Joana teaches in the morning). We had a very crazy opportunity to join the kids for recess- which consisted of several hundred children out on the basketball courts playing with only the few balls we brought. We then had an opportunity to do an impromptu presentation at the school in their “auditorium”. We found ourselves standing on a VERY small stage in front of 100, then 200, then 300+ children in grades 3-6. This was a Dominican moment to have some many people crowded into a small space like that! We were able to get it quiet enough to teach 2 new children’s songs. We then taught them “Open the Eyes of My Heart”, and it was like being in heaven to hear all of those voices singing- we didn’t want it to end! It was a bit overwhelming with the amount of children and eventual overwhelming rowdiness, so our time was cut short. You will see our pictures and know what we mean.

That evening was spent having a small service in an empty lot between some houses. After a near miss of a rain shower (which came after a lot of quick prayers) we were able to begin. The temps went down fairly low this night, which we were very surprised to experience after so many warm days. Although this was a long day, it was a great day of ministry with our new friends. A Dominican brother previous Quest teams have met, Osiris, spoke a powerful and thorough message. It was amazing to see this brother’s growth and maturity.

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For our last day of ministry (Wednesday), we went back to Antonio’s home for some encouragement—as many know, often times when we go somewhere to “bring encouragement” WE are often the ones encouraged! Antonio shared his passion to love on and share Christ’s love with his community. We split up into groups to share about Antonio’s weekly church services held in his garage on Sunday mornings. We were able to talk with community members of Antonio’s passion and desire manifested through his open heart, open arms and open doors. Antonio’s influence has not gone unheard in that community. Our prayer for that community is for Christ’s love and power to renew and transform as it has and does with Antonio and his family.

After our goodbyes with our faithful Dominican brothers, we were able to soak in some more Dominican culture while souvenir shopping, driving through historical parts of the Capital as they prepare for the Dominican Independence Day (Feb. 27), and finally having a very special dinner at El Conuco—a typical Dominican restaurant filled with history, culture, and music! It was an encouraging time with Sharon (Coleman) and the Hernandez’ family (Karin, Eric and little Eric). Our nightly debrief time was a wonderful time of praise as we lifted up prayers of thanksgiving and hope.

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We started our travel day (Thursday) in the wee hours of the morning with a good chunk of the group feeling some of the effects of fatigue and cold-like symptoms… but all went well in travel. The team is grateful for a restful time to recoup and prepare for the other teams to arrive and share. We cannot wait to see friends, family and mentors tomorrow at noon for our Closing Celebration. We have much to be grateful for! God has certainly been good (AS USUAL)!