Olivia

Prior to leaving for the Dominican Republic, I considered myself to be a fully devoted follower of Christ.  I did everything in my power to prepare myself for this trip by praying, fasting, and focusing on God.  I felt spiritually ready for what God has in store for us.  However, no preparation I underwent could prepare me for the amazing change God has done in my life. 

I’ve grown stronger in my faith, learning to rely on God while giving my testimony and giving children’s lessons.  I’ve learned to look to Him for strength after a long day and know that He will take care of me. 

While in the Dominican Republic I’ve realized how blessed my life in American is.  The people here have nothing, yet they are always filled with the joy of the Lord.  The most life-changing experience for me was at our first night service at the rails.  As soon as we got out of the van, a young girl named NaNa came running up to me and wrapped her arms around me.  NaNa suffers from developmental disabilities yet she was so excited and happy I could feel the love of Jesus pouring out of her. 

When I walked into the church I immediately felt the Holy Spirit in an overwhelming, powerful way.  The people were filled with joy and love for the Lord.  It melted my heart to watch them worship and pray.  During the prayer I must have heard the word “gracias” twenty times.  It inspired me to hear and see how thankful they were.  Even though they had so little. 

I will never forget the memories I’ve made here.  I thank God for the change He’s done in my life.  And I am looking forward to sharing it with all of you.

            -Olivia Murray

Taylor

Before even signing up for this trip, I had many doubts.  I doubted that I would be safe, doubted I had the ability to change lives, and doubted raising the money.  Then, I finally took a chance in my life that rewarded me with more than I could have ever imagined.  I decided to stretch my faith by giving up time that isn’t as important, to live for God.  It’s so important to live for God who, when you let Him, gives you courage and strength and clarity. 

From being in the Dominican Republic, I have gained all of these.  As soon as I got here, it was a completely different perspective of life.  Loads of trash that covered the streets, nameless animals, tiny houses with cement and tin roofs, were all glimpses of what I was seeing. 

It broke my heart to see people living this way, but then I felt hope knowing that even though they live in these conditions, they have so much faith in their lives.  God has made me to be a person that takes risks and feels confident in myself.  When I prayed with this one little girl in a village that was recently destroyed by a storm, she wrapped her fingers tightly around my legs.  I felt like I changed the life of this little girl and I thank God for showing me that I can change lives. 

            -Taylor Cummings

Ryan

God is definitely changing me.  When this trip was first announced several months ago, I didn’t really have any interest.  Pastor Eran kept bugging me about going, and I kept turning him down.  I said things like “I don’t want to” and “There’s no way I’m going to raise that much money.”  Where was my faith?  I didn’t think I could possibly raise enough money. 

            Eventually, I decided to go.

            Since I’ve decided to go, my faith has been stretched and I am a completely new person. 

            I grew up in church.  I was never a “bad” kid.  I didn’t do drugs, I didn’t swear, I didn’t do anything bad.  I was a good kid and knew God.  I didn’t really show I was a Christian, not because I didn’t want anyone to know, I just didn’t love God enough, and wasn’t living for Him.  Now, I’m a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ.  He’s using me, and the entire team, to do great things. 

            I love God, and will continue to live for Him.

            -Ryan Garvey

Josh

I grew up in a Christian family and when I was in Kindergarten, I accepted Jesus for the first time.  Now that did not mean that I was magically perfect.  In fact, I was never very well behaved as a child.  I sinned all of the time.

            Growing closer to God was never a priority for me.  My thought process was that I was still young, and if I changed my life for God, I wouldn’t be able to have fun anymore.  I would wait until I got older, and then I would start to get serious about growing closer to God. 

            The result was a very hard spiritual childhood, but through it, I have been able to grow closer to God.

            I remember that I used to feel worthless.  I felt like my life had no meaning, and God must have made a mistake when he made me.  But God loved me, and even in those times, he was watching out for me. 

Later in my life, I started having major doubts.  I didn’t know how God could possibly exist, and I felt like if he did, he wasn’t answering my prayers.  I just needed to have more faith and I realized that God was there, and He was watching out for me. 

Actually, I have grown closest to God in the last 2-3 years.  That was when I decided to stop trying to solve my problems on my own, and let God handle it.  I have been able to grow spiritually in many ways.  The past year, I went to a gather called Youth Convention, where we spent a few days in worship and sermons.  It helped me to learn more about God, and I also reached a new level of worship. 

Right now, I am on a missions trip with 12 people and I am growing closer to God than I have ever have in my entire life.  My prayer life is growing stronger than ever, and I have been growing in my faith and been finding it easier to share my faith with others.  I am so glad that I am growing spiritually, and hope that I get even further in my walk with God.
            -Josh McElwee

In the Airport

We're currently in the airport in Santo Domingo waiting to board our flight.  While we wait, I thought I'd blog some of our testimonies!

In line at the airport to come home!!!!

We're here!!!!