Day 2 of VBS was awesome with more than 90 students. The step team of Karis, Danielle and Cassie rocked the house. The children made salvation bracelets and had fun playing games and blowing bubbles. Rachel did an incredible job delivering the salvation message as many children prayed with us. At the end of the service we all sang together and many of the students are actively dancing, singing and doing the motions with us.
After lunch we had a little siesta. While the leaders were resting, these amazing students spontaneously began practicing sharing their testimonies. This team is incredible in that they are so internally motivated and they bonded incredibly while sharing.
We then did some street ministry in two areas of The Raieles. The students were impacted by the degree of poverty they witnessed, but they eagerly embraced the children and people in the area. While there we had worship, did some dramas and heard messages from David, Cassie, Alexis and Mike. They did an incredible job and afterwards the team prayed for many people for various requests.
Some highlights of the day include Alexis leading "Eres Mi Amigo Fiel" while an assortment of cows, horses, motorcycles and children passed by. Our students were affected by the children as they said they were thirsty and asked us if we had any water we could give them. It was so difficult to leave them and not be able to give them more. However, our love, affection and the good news of the gospel are such powerful gifts. Our students left this day grateful for all that they have and noticed how happy these children were with just tiny little things.
Other incredible moments were when a student recognized Justin from last year and a woman actually pulled out a photo album with a picture of Olivia in it. We are making a difference!!
Meeting with Josefina and seeing her family and home a year after they performed the Extreme Makeover was rewarding for the team.
Our evening Family Time reinforced the God Moments throughout the day. Then Pastor Eran shared a devotion based on Proverbs 3:5-6 to close the night.
Thank you for your prayers and support!
Keep up the good work team. God will continue to do great things thru each of you. It's wonderful to read what God is doing. Praying for your health, safety, unity and Holy Spirit power on each of you!!!
ReplyDeleteAs I waited for an update, I won’t lie, I get worried, and I am just so over protected, my mind starts to wonder, but last night Missy gave me this picture with the words on it
ReplyDelete“My child YOU WORRY – TO MUCH I’ve got this, remember? Love your Dad. GOD
Yes I really needed that and then today I read this.
"....The uncertainty in your situation is backed up by the certainty of God and who He says He is.
Stay led. Stay encouraged. Stay hopeful. Stay prayerful. Keep pressing. Keep enduring. Keep going. Persevere and continue the race knowing the race isn't about speed but longevity. God is faithful." [Kris Washington]
As God is working– it goes to show he is all over because he is working with your awesome power to each of these people you touch in Dominican Republic, over here with us all, and also the Amazing work being done with the Costa Rico Family.
Your update today, has tears in my eyes, and no words can describe all the emotions going on right now.
But, I do know, that Hannah these tears that I have oh my gosh, they are of PROUD JOY not just for Hannah, but for all of YOU…..
Keep up the work of our God……
Thank You,
Diane
ps. On a lighter note: Hannah your cat is still yelling up a storm and is now playing lets see who we can trip game, until you come home.. oh yeah a need to know fact because you have to be going through a ifunny and a new to know fact with drawl.
When you yawn and stretch at the time, you are “pandiculating.”
this is nothing compared to some of the ones she tells us.
we love you so much and keep spreading the word of God all over...
You can truly see how you are all changing the lives of these children! I am so proud of all of my amazing friends that are sharing testimonies and speaking to people over seas! What fantastic memories these children will have because of VBS and the seeds you are planting in them to serve God is priceless. Keep up the good work everyone! I will continue to pray for you all! (:
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ReplyDeleteHow amazing is your testimony and love that you are showing to these children and villagers... you are impacting many precious lives for the kingdom. Way to go! We LOVE seeing the pictures of the team and of David sharing his testimony(thanks!). We hope you are getting loads of pictures of your experience, David!! We are praying daily for God's protection and favor over the DR Mission team (and the CR Mission Team as well.) Can't wait to hear about how this experience has changed your lives and what God has imparted to you all when you come back.
ReplyDeleteDavid, we love you so much and are SO PROUD of you! Can't wait to see you, but are so excited about what you are experiencing overseas.
Pastor Eran, thanks for the updates and pictures...keep them coming!! ;) They are a great comfort to us protective parents! :)
That sounds like another great day! It's amazing what God is doing in the lives of the people from the D.R! Justin and Olivia that must have been the best feeling ever to know that you both made such an impact on those people that they remembered you! When I read that I got so excited! It's also great to hear that Josefina is doing great! I wish I could of been there to see how she was doing! I hope you guys to continue to have a great time. Love you all!
ReplyDeleteJess <333
You are an amazing group of kids! It is pretty cool to know so many of you...I feel like I have several kids down there, not just two.
ReplyDeleteAlexis, we will miss you on Sunday, but I know how amazing you are and the team is so blessed to have you!
Cassie, you make me smile, even though I'm not there! You go, girl! You're passion for sharing Christ comes through!
Rachel, you're sweet heart shines as you hold that little guy.
To the whole team, please know what a privilege it is for you to have this opportunity and the support and leadership that is with you. You are making an ETERNAL investment! You will never be the same again.
But, I do hope that you will all come home next week. I wouldn't want you all to decide you are having such an incredible time that you decide to stay. You are ON LOAN to the DR!
Pastor Eran, Andrea, & Aimee, thank you for being such incredible examples of service and being such strong leaders! I would not feel as secure having my boys away in another country without you.
Matthew, I pray that God is molding and shaping you as you stretch your adult wings in leadership and missions. I pray He opens your eyes to new ideas and truths. I love you and miss you!
Josh, keep up the good work! I loved seeing the photo of you praying with the people. You have a great heart for God.
I have some sad news, boys. "The Fish" passed away last night. I removed him from the tank yesterday to give him some peace from the young whipper snappers, and Dad found him this morning. He said to the new little guys, "you have big shoes to fill!" Thought you should know and didn't think P.E. would consider this a family crisis warranting a phone call.
:-)
See you next week! Keep up the good work, team! Never doubt that God has you in the center of His hand!!!
WOW! What more can I say??? Allison is so right, I feel the same way.....it has been a privilege and an honor to watch you guys grow up and see how God has shaped and molded each of you for these precise moments and journey. I absolutely love watching who God has created you to be and how he is using each one of you. You have been my daily devotional material this week.....you are inspiring and motivational.....it is like watching the word of God come to life. Remember, that just as each person you come in contact with is making a lasting impression on your lives, you are doing the exact same to them. Justin and Olivia are proof of that. You guys are incredible and I could not be more proud!!!
ReplyDeleteHollar to my step girls!!! I know you we're amazing ;) I hope someone got pix or video :))
I have to say.... Matt and John I need to see more pix of you guys, hand off the camera and let's get crackin! Lol
Hannah, I hope Danielle is taking good care of you, as I know she will cause she adores you!!!
Cassie ( aka Coco ), miss all your energy and craziness!!! I might have to hook up with Allana just to get some back until you return!!! Love and miss you girl ;))
Rachel, did you complete the childrens lesson script yet??? Just kidding!!! Love seeing you with those kids and ministering. Love and miss you!!!
Danielle, hope they took your makeup and hid it from you :) dad and nick say hi and they love and miss you! Oh, btw I know your shopping today so if you didn't see it by now.....I left a letter in your wallet for you :) I miss you more than I can say but I know that is where you need to be. God has given you so much these past few months, now it's time to take it and use it to glorify Him..... I'm SO PROUD to call you my daughter. Love and miss you!! Have a great day :)
After reading what you have been doing the last several days, I want to give a shout out to Autumn, we Pray you are doing well, we are very proud of you.
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