Monday, February 16, 2009

Saturday and Sunday in the DR

Saturday....
Quest DR spent the weekend in San Francisco, up on the north-central part of the island. Saturday morning, we set out to love on some very cute children at an orphanage. There are 22 kids, ages 3 to 13 being cared for by volunteers who have served for four years straight w/out a vacation. Some kids are orphans, and some had been abandoned and found on the streets. Each Questie was able to spend some great 1 on 1 time with one or more kids. We made special valentines, played games and sang songs together.
On saturday afternoon, we joined together with the youth of the church and walked through neighborhoods giving out candy hearts and free hugs, sharing the love of Jesus, with invitations to the church. That evening, we participated in the youth service, with a special emphasis on being a disciple of Love (Jesus).

Sunday....
While in San Fran, the team had a great opportunity to connect with Pastor Gabriel, his family, and the church members. For those of us return visitors, we are excited to see the physical and spiritual growth of the church. The service on Sunday was filled to capacity, with a group of people lined up against the back wall.
The team has been sharing its "Cardboard Testimonies" at most sights. Their impact has been felt, as Dominicans connect with the real transformation that God has allowed in the lives of the students.
On sunday evening, we got back to the capital and worshiped in Pedro Brand, a new church started by a Dominican who saw the need and started a church in his neighborhood. We will be spending 2 more days in that area this week.
We are learning to apply the words "open the eyes of my heart" in our everyday encounters and conversations. Please pray for us in that regard.

City Team, in light of your photo challenge, DR Team says " bring it on!" We love you and miss you all.

Ps. We know that you were worried that temps have dropped here, but after day 1 and 2, we haven't had anything below 80.

34 comments:

Anonymous said...

My dear friends,
I'm very happy because everything it's going in God's plan for each one of you all. Last Sunday everyone showed God's power in your life in on your card board's how he can change darkness into light, sadness into happiness, and insecurity into security with the power of Jesus.

God Bless everyone!!!

Kula a mamae te ama muito e esta com muitas saudades. Mas tambem muito feliz porque voce esta fazendo este servico missionario tao especial para Jesus.

Anonymous said...

Your updates are appreciated! It is so encouraging to hear how God is working in & through you to connect & share His love with others! As you continue to let Him use you, God will be glorified! Enjoy the warmth of the 80's; you won't see it for a while when you get back-> sorry-o! Can't wait to see your pics! Continuing to pray! Miss you! Cynthia & KK

Anonymous said...

Hey Jimbo, God bless. We are so proud of you doing The Lord's work in the orphanage. Proud of you and the whole team. We know you and everyone you touch are being blessed in a special way.
Mrs.D. is praying for you and all the Questies. We miss you and love you.
Love,
N and A.

Queen - Ababa said...

Wow praise God for what He is doing in the DR. It is encouraging to hear God working in the lives of the people ya'll have been encountering. I am continually praying for you all that you will be open to what He has in store for each one of you. God bless you guys :)

Anonymous said...

Jared and Sam i hope you two are having an awesome time which im sure you are! and your probably having so much fun getting to know all the younger ppl ive been praying for you guys and the whole rest of the team im so proud of you all! and i cant wait to see you two on sat yay! well i love you both and i cant wait to hear all about your time = )

Anonymous said...

Hi,Jared and Sam,FBC is not the same without you all.Yup, Jared your mom and I had a moment! Give those kids an extra hug for me. Love,The Durnings

Lisa said...

What a great ministry you are all doing. Dont we wish our churches here in the U.S. were lined up at the back walls. I pray God continue to bless you all during your visit. Living for Jesus!

Lisa M.

Unknown said...

Hi Lenny,

I can't wait to her about the child you spent one on one with last weekend. What a way to get closer to Jesus!

Love ya, Mom

Anonymous said...

Hey everyone @ the DR...Dios les bendiga y que les permita llevar su evangelio a cada criatura con favor y gracia. Besotes a Titi Ita, te extra~amos mucho...
Love,
Lizbeth

P.S. I left this message with the city team..LOL..had to cut and paste.

Anonymous said...

Susie And DR team:
I am so happy that you are sharing the love of the LOrd to others.God bless you and protect you.I missed you Susan.

Hana (Mom)

Anonymous said...

Hey DR Team!
Greetings from South Africa! Seems like you guys are enjoying the same warm weather that we are having :o) We all say and huge HELLO and know that we are praying for you guys!
can't wait to share experiences with you and how God is working in lives!
Peace,
Quest SA
ps- we are also GAME ON on the photo contest and are pretty sure we will win hands down...so sorry about that :)

Liz said...

Hi Caitlyn and Lenny -

Loved reading all the wonderful adventures you are having. Can't wait to hear about them from you in person. God has given you an awesome opportunity to serve. You are both an inspiration.

Love, Liz

Anonymous said...

Hi Jared and Sam!!!!!! I miss you! 4 days til I see you!!!! I hope you're both having an awesome time. I'm praying for all of you!
~Marie, Mboss haha

Lisa Rod said...

Jared,
Home misses you something awful but we're excited for you. Jordan and Tess are at sleepovers too. Dad and I went out to have time together and all we talked about was you. Soak it all up Jar, and make it a part of yourself. Grow, learn, love it all. See you so soon. Mom and Dad, Jordan, Tess, Max, Boots...

Anonymous said...

Carmen - Sounds like you and the DR Team are not only enjoying yourselves, but more importantly, allowing those who come in contact with you to see Christ through your works and sharing - PRAISE GOD!. Know that I have been praying for you and your team as you continue to minister. Can't wait for you to get back to the reality of 30 & 40 degree temps - lol. Looking forward to hearing more when you return home.

Tim McD

Anonymous said...

Hey Jimbo, God bless!!Miss hearing from you guys today. You are in our prayers. We pray for you and all 3 teams everyday, many times a day. We miss you dearly. Tommy says hi!
We are doing our usual, A just got back from a meeting and I am charting. So your not missing much here. We love you and are praying for you. See you soon.
Love, N and A.

Dale,Betsey,Tyler said...

hello Carmen, how exciting, keep on keepin on with Jesus. Doing His will. Trust in Him in all that is being done and know that it is He that is doing it...and see and watch His spirit work around you guys in the people you come into contact with. What a blessing. Gods speed. D_B_T

Newhalls said...

Hello Justin and the DR Team,
It's great following your work thru this blog--praise God for technology! And praise God for you Questies! Thanks for all you're doing. God's blessings to you all! Looking forward to hearing first hand all about what He's done while you were there.
Love yas!
Cori & John

Unknown said...

Hey Sam and Jarred,
So happy to hear what you guys are doing. I'm proud of both of you...hope to see you soon.

God Bless and Love you,
Rebekah Varin

Anonymous said...

Hey Jared and Sam
Youth Group was weird with guys not their haha. Hope you are having a great time with everyone in the DR and sharing Gods word. See you guys soon!

Anonymous said...

Leticia! Hola!! Once again I wrote you a note (yesterday) but the stupid computer crashed!! grrrrr :)
Mamita, I'm so proud of you and I was thinking that you probably "ate up" the children from the Orphanage! You've got so much love in you to give!! May God continue to bless you and your Team. He's doing mighty things. Some which may be unseen, for now. Te quiero mucho. See you el sabado, si Dios quiere. Enjoy every moment of your last day. (Jer 29:11-15).LuLu & Bobby too :)

Anonymous said...

hey carmen,
it's great to hear about all the great things that you are all doing. i hope you continue having an awesome time like i know you are. I'll keep praying so that you and the whole team are able to show God's love to the people of D.R. my mom says she's going to continue praying for you and the whole team. she also says she loves you and misses you alot. my dad says he misses you a lot, and is also prayin for alot. can't wait to hear everythin when you return. p.s tyler says, hi, he misses you, and hopes you are having a great time, and that he's is praying for you.

- love, Teresa :)

p.s.s lewis says, hi shasha, i miss you, and love you :)

Anonymous said...

hey carmen,
it's great to hear about all the great things that you are all doing. i hope you continue having an awesome time like i know you are. I'll keep praying so that you and the whole team are able to show God's love to the people of D.R. my mom says she's going to continue praying for you and the whole team. she also says she loves you and misses you alot. my dad says he misses you a lot, and is also prayin for alot. can't wait to hear everythin when you return. p.s tyler says, hi, he misses you, and hopes you are having a great time, and that he's is praying for you.

- love, Teresa :)

p.s.s lewis says, hi shasha, i miss you, and love you :)

Anonymous said...

Hey Jimmy!
Hope you're having an awesome experience and appreciating every moment!! We can't wait to hear all about it! Praying for you daily. We'll be praying for all of you tonight at youth group!
Love,
Angela, Savannah, and Sam

Anonymous said...

Hey Josh!
I hope this week has been life impacting for you. I'm praying for you. Jeremiah 29:13
Love You!
Angela :)

Hey Susie, Itamar, Russell!
We're praying for you! :)
angela, savannah, and sam

Anonymous said...

Susie:
I love you. I am with Ava at your Mom's home. come back soon.
Isabella

Anonymous said...

Susan and DR team:
Praise God for what He is doing in the DR. I am praying for more doors to be opend for His glory.
God bless you and be with you.
Hana

Anonymous said...

Dear Jimmy,

We miss you very much and pray for you everyday. We can't wait for you to get back so we can hear about all the wonderful things God is doing in your life. Little Mac keeps asking for his dude. See you soon!

xoxoxoxo love,
Mommy & Sissy

p.s. hi lynnn :-)

Anonymous said...

Dear Benjamin --

Can't wait to hear all about your trip. Looking forward to Saturday. Say hello to all the FBCM Questies as they all assemble back in MA.

Love ya and miss ya bunches.

Mom

Anonymous said...

Jared and Sam!
Youth Group was certainly not the same without you guys. We are so proud of you both and cannot wait to hear all about your experiences and how God has worked in your lives and the lives of those around you this week. We miss you and cannot wait to see you saturday!
Praying for you,
Luke & Karissa

Anonymous said...

Hi Jared

Just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you, and how blessed I am to have you as my son.I know you must be having some awsome experiences,can't wait to hear about them,
God bless, see you soon

DAD

Anonymous said...

Susan and DR team:
Welcome home.I am so proud of all of you. It is time to share all the good work you had done. God bless you and be with you where ever you go.

Hana

Anonymous said...

Hi Lenny and Caitlyn,

What you guys are doing down there sounds really cool! I wanna see your cardboard testimonies when you get back. :)

Anonymous said...

Dear Lenny and Caitlyn,

We are so proud of you both, as well as, everyone in your team. You get to do some fun stuff while preaching the gospel!!! How cool is that?! We are praying for you. Take care!
Love,
Becky and Timmy.