Dominican Republic day6

We went to El Cea again today to see the new chickens we had delivered to the coop that we built.
We also did some reconstructing of the coop while we were there. We went ahead and split the coop into several smaller coops. It's actually still one big coop but we divided it into 6 separate sections with 6 different doors. This will allow six different families to raise and nurture their own chickens.
The ladies spent more time with the students and did another session of vbs. At the close of this session, Zach had the opportunity to share the gospel with them. Excited that God is slowing us to be a part of his reconciliation here in the Dominican Republic.
We were also able to distribute the brand and rice that we purchased for the families in the batay. As we were leaving, it began to rain ( I should say pour) and our driver ended up getting stuck on the road on the way out of the batay. I love the fact that our driver has been with us all week, but I can say that his skills driving in mud are less that desirable. 65 dollars later after our rented tractor came to the rescue, we were headed home. We just finished a great pizza dinner with each other,and we have all headed back to our rooms I order to rest ,

Dominican Republic day5

Today was yet another great day here in the Dominican Republic. We had breakfast as a team and then Elizabeth, Zach and I went to a meeting with the Conani (hope I spelled that correctly) about future ministry opportunities. The meeting went very well and helped to affirm some of the things we feel like the Lord has pressed upon us to begin.
While we were at the meeting, the rest of the team went to Jumbo(kinda like a Walmart) and purchased beans, rice and some other items for each of the families in the batay called Santa Alicia. This batay is in desperate need of basic food items. It's also one of the batays that we have just started a chicken project in. We are very excited about all that the Lord is allowing us to do.
After buying the beans and rice, which we will deliver tomorrow, we headed to Monte Largo to check on the people there and the water project that we started in December. It was very comforting to know that the water tower is still working. It is there only source of water right now.
We had a great time this evening down on the beach as we grilled and ate dinner together and then spent some time in worship and reflection on all that the Lord has done is us so far.
I love this team. I love their hearts for the gospel. I love all that He is doing and will do.

Dominican Republic day4

This morning we headed to El Cea with a task of building more chicken coops and another backyard bible club time. Our team seems to be doing really well this week and I'm looking forward to hearing all the stories of what God has done in them, to them, and through them
While working on a coop this morning, we were offered coconut water, which was amazing, and it really helped to recharge us.
We also met a carpenter in the batay, which helped out tremendously. He will begin helping us to finish the chicken project. God is doing some amazing things here and I'm very excited about the future
I have a deep desire to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly. It is our calling to take care of the widowed and orphans
I and a few others have a very special meeting on Tuesday morning in regards to the vision that the Lord has placed on my heart. Please continue to pray that the Lord will give us favor and be our provision. The magnitude of the dream / vision is big.

Dominican Republic day3

Today has been a great day here in the Dominican Republic. Our team met early for breakfast and we heaved out to El Cea to worship with the people of that batey. Pastor Chile is doing a great work and we are pleased to be partnering with Him and what he is doing in that batey. This is also the batey that we started our first chicken project in. The coops are looking really good and the chickens will begin laying eggs soon. We are very excited about this project.
Our team was able to take some time during worship this morning and sing some songs and then I had the privilege to preach in their service this morning. I shared this morning in Romans 5 and talked about finding peace with God, and putting our hope in the Gospel. It is always different when I get to share here, because I still need a translator. Therefore, I say a few things and then wait for the translator to speak in to the people in their native tongue. It does however keep me more time to process what I just said and reiterate something if I feel I need too. I love hearing the "amens" as my friend Julio translates the message to the people.
Our team really enjoyed being able to spend time in worship with them and are looking forward to going back in the morning and building more chicken coops and spending some time with the people there as we share the gospel through our bible study times with the children. Our ladies are doing an outstanding job with our VBS.
So much is going on here already. Our team is falling in love with these people and this country and it is exciting to see.
Tonight we grilled out on the beach and had dinner listening to the waves hit the shore. We have had some great times just sitting around and sharing our God moments with each other. I'm sure there are still more to come.
We are planning on finishing the coops in El Cea tomorrow and then the chickens will arrive at both El Cea and Santa Alicia. God is allowing us to do great things here and I'm convinced there is more in store for us in the future.

Dominican Republic day2

Today was an incredible day in Santa Alicia. The men were able to build a chicken coop which will serve as our second chicken project here in the Dominican. We already have 10 coops in a the village called El Cea. These coops were built after my last trip here in December, the month the chicken project was launched.

The ladies did a great job modeling the gospel to the children in the village. Many of these ladies were able to wash clothes, teach bible stories and just hang out with the ladies and children if the village. One lady was even invited into the home of one of the villagers.

Tomorrow, we will be heading to El Cea where we will attend church and II will be speaking. We will also be sharing in song. Please pray for us as we put our hope in the gospel. It is beautiful.

Arrival in Dominican

It has been a long day. Getting up at 3:00 so we can leave by 4:00 so we can be at park N fly by 5:00 sober can be at DFW and check in by 5:30 for a 7:30 flight.
Needless to say, everything went well today. We made our flights, made it through customs and had a great pizza dinner this evening. Now we are getting things ready to begin building another chicken project in a new batay called Santa Alicia. I'm so excited about what the lord has done through the chicken project in El Cea and can't wait to see where all this leads us.
We will be sharing the Creation story in the morning and beginning our backyard Bible club. I am so looking forward to how HE will use this team. Pray for me as I will be sharing the gospel in El Cea Sunday morning as I lead out in teaching.

Dominican Republic Trip

We are just 5 days away from leaving for our trip to the Dominican. We are very excited about the opportunities we have in front of us. Would you take time this week to pray for us. Here are a few things to pray for: