Friday, June 13, 2008

June Trip Update 8

It’s just before eight in the morning and most of the house is up and about, drinking coffee and enjoying time together on our last morning at the Makarios house. Just one of the simple things I will miss is sleeping with the windows open and waking up to glorious sunshine! For a moment there is that feeling of waking up in a strange place. Then I look outside at the mountains and remember I’m in the Dominican Republic and I am so thankful! Yesterday was our third and last day teaching at the school. One of my most precious memories is listening to the children singing outside on the porch before school begins. I love watching the little preschoolers as they crouch down to the ground singing, “Allelu Allelu Allelu Alleluia” and then pop up to their feet with arms raised and scream… “Gloria Dios!” It is crazy how quickly relationships have developed after only three days at the school. One little girl I had the joy of spending time with was precious five year old Lela. As our trip was coming to an end yesterday I started to wonder what else I could have done and if I had made the most of my time here in this country. But as I stood on the porch yesterday holding a sweet little Lela in my arms, I was filled with joy and peace. Lela rested her head on my shoulder, and at that moment I knew she felt loved. What a privilege I have been given to care for this beautiful child! Even if for just a few minutes, someone was paying attention only to her, and she could rest in my arms and allow herself to be loved.

As we leave for the beach this morning, I feel so blessed to have spent a week caring for this city alongside our team. I look forward to our time together today to rest and reflect on how we have been blessed this week. Part of me is sad to leave, but I am also so excited to return home to share more stories and live out the lessons the Lord has taught me during our time here in the Dominican Republic.

Elise Legate

Thursday, June 12, 2008

June Trip Update 7

So today was our final day of helping out at Makarios. We were pretty worn down from running around at the basketball game yesterday, but exerted as much energy as we could for the kids. It was pretty sad knowing that it would most likely be the last time that most of us would ever see them again. Still, everybody had a lot of fun; much giggling, smiling, and piggy-back-ride-giving ensued. There are so many children whose faces and names I will remember forever, them probably never knowing how much they taught me. One little boy, Luis Fernando, refuses to leave my mind at the moment. He is a tiny lad, round and joyful, who somehow manages make the word “adorable” seem like a massive understatement. He must be held at all times and loves most of all to ride atop the shoulders of his older/whiter brethren in the most literal sense possible. For whatever reason, he clung on to me and would not allow me to pass without giving him his mandatory shoulder ride/airplane-toss/super-fast-spin. He gave me the highly personal and creative nickname of “mi amigo” and shouted it if I was anywhere in the vicinity. Every morning he showed up in his fancy Khaki pants and Makarios shirt with a huge smile looking quite professional as broke record speeds sprinting towards the school from his house down the street. So clearly, it was going to be hard never seeing this kid again. I said “adios” when he left school for the day, and that was about that. As we left Makarios for the last time in our overcrowded van, I was hanging out the window and saw Luis Fernando standing outside his house. He was standing almost naked in nothing but dull yellow underwear, a stark contrast to the dressy look he wore at school. Apparently I caught his eye, and he yelled, “Adios, mi amigo!” as we puttered past. God chose this to be the last image I saw, and though I am not yet sure what significance it holds, It will keep me thinking about this trip and the people I met whose lives have touched me as I return to my own reality in the states.

Nate Herman

June Trip Update 6

Wednesday, our second day of class, was another wonderful day. The students arriving at the Makarios school were excited for another day of learning and spending time in community. For the second day in a row it’s been evident that each student is growing by leaps and bounds in Christ and their love is the love that has been poured out through Christ. The Austin Stone group again participated in their three separate classes (activities, crafts, and story). The classes went really well, with the students eager to participate and learn. I continuously blown away by what God is doing on at Makarios and how the kids are continually being shaped into Godly children. Wow…He is truly amazing!

In the evening, the Austin Stone group and Templo Biblico participated in a basketball game against a championship team from Montellano. We were excited to play in the basketball game, but we were even more excited to see what the Lord was going to do by bringing the community together. The game was supposed to start at 7pm, however, there was no power in Montellano so the beginning of the game was delayed for about an hour. After the delay and jumpstarting the backup generator with a car battery, the game began. Thankfully, we had several guys from Temlo Biblico who kept the game competitive. We played full court, and it was very hot! It was a fun, semi-competitive game with great sportsmanship. The highlight of the game/evening was at halftime. Ryan was able to give his testimony which was also translated in Spanish, to the people attending the game. It was such an awesome way for us to spread the word of God and what He’s doing. The crowd was gracious and genuinely engaged when Ryan was speaking. I’m excited to see what God is going to do in this city.

Jason Rottinger

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

June Trip Update 5

I am quite sure that I have no words which would suffice, in attempts to capture what God is doing in this place. I am humbled, and in awe that He uses His people for His glory and renown. Today was our team’s first day at Makarios, and it was a truly an indescribable day. It was such a joy, to see the reality of Christ’s love being poured through these teachers, into the eager and wide-eyed faces of these children. Our team divided into two groups with separate lessons: one consisted of threading a necklace with colored beads symbolizing the Gospel, and the other of coloring a book describing how Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. Continuing to being used by the Lord, I am quite certain has been a blessing to all. There were three different age groups that came throughout the day. Each group would begin by singing in rows, outside of the school building. Hearing their voices and seeing their wide grins, was simply beautiful. I saw one of the small children named Marta catch a glimpse of one of the Makarios teachers standing in the school doorway. While she was still about twenty feet away, Marta began sprinting down the gravel road towards her teacher. Marta leaped up into the teacher’s arms, and she simply barrel hugged her. To see the effects of Christ’s love being poured out by the Makarios’ staff, was a truly breathtaking moment.

After school, our team worked with Templo Biblico, a church in the DR, to pass out invitations for a basketball game being held at their facility. As we walked throughout the neighborhood to hand out invitations with a local teen named Benjamin, it was a truly sweet moment to see Benjamin interacting with members of his community, and inviting them to participate in the basketball game. I am eager to see what each new day holds in this place, as our short time here diminishes with each day. I am thankful, humbled, and in awe of the Lord.

Sarena Green

First day of school! As a teacher, I was so excited I could barely sleep last night. There are several elementary school teachers in our group, and we were all very anxious to meet the kids, but my mind was also busy worrying about planning, supplies, and the logistics of the classes. My team was to teach an arts & crafts lesson to the students. We decided to teach them to make hemp friendship bracelets with colored beads that represent the gospel (YELLOW=heaven, BLACK=sin, RED=sacrifice, WHITE=sanctification, and GREEN=growth in Christ). The students made one bracelet for themselves, and one to give away to a friend. A typical, type-A planner, I wanted everything to be perfect. However, all my anxieties were relieved the very moment I stepped, or rather squeezed out of our van (we pack 15-17 people into a standard mini-van!). Try to imagine a utopian school where students love you before they’ve even laid eyes on you. Where they can hardly contain their joy at the privilege of attending school! This dream school is a reality at Makarios. Students were waiting for us on the front porch and ran full-speed into our arms (and often up onto our shoulders) to get as close to us as possible. The only challenge in teaching came when students would refuse to let go of my hand, or unwrap their arms from my waist/leg, to enable me to help another student! The bracelets turned out beautiful, but far more precious was each child’s love for their teacher.

Raquel Rutledge

Monday, June 9, 2008

June Trip Update 4

“What’s it like to be back?” I have heard that question a lot this week. I’ve been able to reunite with many familiar and loved faces that I knew so well during my time here. Camille, Jennie & Miguel and the new baby Diego, as well as those in Chichigua and Pancho Mateo – Evelyn, Kiko, Roslan, Gerda, Cristina, Katy & Fredy, Judy, and many others. My friends. Mi familia.

It is, of course, not my permanent home, nor are they my blood family. But there is something that binds us together. Something greater than geography and blood. Something that allows us to sit and talk and hug and laugh as if not a day has passed.
It is the spirit of community that I love about this place. And there are two communities that I love.

The first is the national community, whether that be Haitian or Dominican. It is the community that makes me a part of their family despite the color of my skin, despite my national origin, despite my native tongue, despite the months for which I have been “lost,” as Evelyn says. It is the community that, while they do have the same human struggles of us all, does not look at me in terms of status, does not value me for what I can do for them, but allows me into their homes and into their lives. It is the community that invites me to sit on their porch, to enter into their homes (along with 12 of my new friends), to drink their juice, and ask me to come back soon – and it’s not just a nice thing to say, but they mean it. It is the community that is community held together by one simple bond – humanity.
And then there is the Body of Christ with whom I share this experience. People I have known for several years, others just a few months, and others for just a few days. And though this community is much more homogenous than the first, we are still held together by one thing, one much stronger – no, the strongest bond – of our Lord Jesus Christ – and added to that is our love for this beautiful country and its beautiful people. It is a community in which we learn to live life – together. We eat together. We serve together. We rest together. We support and encourage each other and carry each others burdens when it becomes too heavy for them.
It is this practice of community that I hope we can all take back to Austin. To eat together. To serve together. To bear each others burdens. The independent American way has left so many of us lonely and weak. The community for which Jesus prayed will refresh and strengthen.

Alexia Shoemate



I am lost for words. It is amazing here. My first couple of days I felt nervous and out of place, I have never been in this type of environment before. However, going into day 4 now, I feel at home. The native people and missionaries are so kind, generous and warm that you have no other choice but to feel welcomed.

Today we visited the Makarios School. I was flabbergasted! The school consists of two rooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, medical room, garden and a ranchito (a place to keep cool in the shade). The school has made so many improvements all by the grace of God. The original school consisted of a small room in unpleasant conditions.

We visited the Pancho Mateo Village today (original location of the Makarios School). The kids were all so adorable. They will hold your hand and spend time with you as if they have known you for years. You can tell how much appreciation they have for our visit by just looking into their eyes. It’s amazing how much love these kids have to give.

Ryan, our team leader bought us drinks from the village. I had a Fanta type flavor and could not finish it (the bottles are HUGE), so I decided to share some with the children. While holding the bottle, it was precious to see them all sharing and taking small sips from this huge container that was almost as big as their heads.

Before dinner, fellow group members and I went on a short run. We were in desperate search of some ice cream or paletas (frozen fruit bars that are super yummy!). We went all the way to the beach and did not find any. What we did find was an amazing ocean. It was so calm and peaceful, the water looked amazing. I was hot and sweaty and jumping in looked like a good idea, I quickly changed my mind when I thought about running home with sand between my toes and in wet shoes….YUK!

Tomorrow will be our first day working with the kids at the school. I can hardly wait! So many wonderful experiences to come…

Jen Garcia

Sunday, June 8, 2008

June Trip Update 3

Here are a couple of stories from our team members . . .

We began the day by attending Church in Montellano. The service was beautiful, with the Pastor reading from Matthew 10:5-7 and his sermon calling the congregation to serve missionally, to go out and glorify God. They also translated the message in English for us, which was amazing. The Austin Stone group was able to contribute during worship and sing two songs for the congregation, Holy is The Lord and Mighty to Save. It was a great experience for us to see how their community worships the Lord.

After lunch we went to the village of Chi Chi Gua, where we spent time with the people of the village. Some of us spent time making bracelets with the little kids, while others were playing sports and learning Creole. Someone even served as a human jungle gym. It was nice for us to spend time with and love the kids of the village. It was a good outlet for them and allowed them to clear their minds from anything else. I think we’re all looking forward to visiting and spending time with them again.

Jason Rottinger


Our experience worshiping at Templo Biblico this morning was such a blessing. I was truly humbled by the time and effort that the members of the church put into making our group feel welcome and included. The service started with a welcome and worship music. It was a really unique experience to be a part of worship in a different language. Part of their effort to include us was having a little projector with the song lyrics on the wall so that we could follow along. So we stumbled through a couple of beautiful worship songs in Spanish. The most special moment for me was when their worship leaders started playing my favorite Easter morning song – Christ the Lord is Risen Today…in Spanish. But the Alleluia part…exactly the same in both languages! The world instantly felt smaller for me. I love to think that for the past 2 decades, as I’ve been singing that song in church with my family, the wonderful members of this special little church across an ocean from me was singing to the exact same tune.

Ashby Christian

Saturday, June 7, 2008

June Trip Update 2

We got up today at about 7am and went to see the Makarios farm after breakfast. We toured the farm with Wisley, a Haitian man who lives there with his family. Wisley’s wife cooked lunch for us and we heard a little about his life. From there, we stopped back by the house and picked up our luggage on the way to Puerto Plata.

We arrived here in Puerto Plata around 4:30 and settled in for the week. We met the Makarios staff (several of which are from the Stone) and practiced a few of the worship songs that we will sing in front of the church tomorrow.

The team is excited to begin ministering side by side with the people here. Tomorrow, we will go to the church near the schoolhouse, Templo Biblico. Afterwards, the team will visit the batey (village) in Chichigua and then stop by a co-op program that benefits women in the area.

Please pray:

1) That the team will be a source of encouragement for the local body here.
2) That the Lord would use the members of the team to display his grace and love to the families of Chichigua.
3) That the Lord would continue to cultivate and attitude of walking with our neighbors instead of doing for them.

Ryan King
Minister of Foreign Mission

Friday, June 6, 2008

June Trip Update 1

We arrived safely in Santiago this evening at 9pm and were greeted by Robin, Cara, and some of the other Makarios staff at the airport. It is great to see everyone and we are all looking forward to what the Lord has in store for us over the next week. We will try to post a daily update on stories from here in the DR (internet permitting).

Please pray that the Lord would continue to knit our team together and that he would be glorified in and through the lives of each team member.

Thank you for serving with us in Christ!

Ryan King
Minister of Foreign Mission

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Future Updates

I hope these short stories of our time in the Dominican have been a blessing to you. Although this team has completed its time in the DR, Christ continues his work in and through his body there.

I encourage you to continue to pray for Christ to be glorified in the lives of the Dominicans and Haitians. You can continue to read about his continued work through Makarios by clicking on the Makarios blog link on this page.

To Christ be the glory!

Ryan King
Missions Associate

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Last Night Here

There is so much to talk about and I only have a couple paragraphs. Dang… Today we visited two farms near Santiago and heard some amazing stories of God’s provision and faithfulness. Ruben, one of the farmers and a former Franciscan monk, explained how he lives a life of simplicity detached from abundance. One particular thing he said while telling his story that many people did and will remember is that “luxury is food for the poor.” His story convicted me and many others to live a life of simplicity. This does not mean to sell everything and become a missionary, although it may. But, in a more practical manner, we should love God and use what we are and what we have in obedience to God. For, as Samuel says in 1 Samuel 15:22, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,” and Jesus says in Matthew 22:37 that the great commandment is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” By the way, I’m really good (or bad?) at run-on sentences.

As a brief summary of the awesomeness of this trip, here are a couple pretty cool things. First, our group, consisting of 23 students, united incredibly quickly sharing a strong community and having a solid team mentality. The Lord proved His faithfulness over and over again, answering prayers and moving with and through our team. Thank you everyone for praying for and supporting us. God is and will forever be faithful.

-Alex Griffith

On Sunday afternoon, our fifth full day here, the three of us experienced first-hand the equality we share as brothers and sisters in Christ. But when we woke up that morning, the three of us (including many others) were really sick with stomach problems. After church and after lunch we re-visited Chichigua even though we were still feeling under the weather. There we were touched by an older woman named Maria. Norma was super excited because she noticed that her and Maria were wearing the exact same shoes…crocs. After talking to her for a while, Maria asked her why she wasn’t playing soccer with the rest of the group. So Norma explained that she and Kristine weren’t feeling well, but that I was feeling worse. Maria immediately insisted on taking the three of us to their church to pray. By church we mean tool shed. They sat me down on a chair, put their hands over me and Maria prayed in Creole, the Haitian native language. After praying for me, we sat Maria down and all prayed out loud simultaneously. It was an amazing experience. We walked out of there with the biggest smiles on our faces. It’s crazy how we thought we were going there to pray over them, and ended up having Maria pray over us. It’s also assuring on how great our God is, that people from all tribes and nations declare Christ as their savior. As Revelations 7: 9-10 says, “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.””

-Aaron Hayslip, Kristine Allcott & Norma Saldivar

Monday, January 7, 2008

Day 7

Today is January 7th and I do not think that I could feel more blessed. Just before the trip a few of my friends asked if they could pray for me, and they asked if they should pray for anything specific. I told them to pray for whatever was on their heart and whatever the Spirit was telling them to pray for, but to specifically pray for group unity and for my Spanish so that I would be able to better communicate with the people we would be serving and hanging out with. I forgot about those prayers until just now, as I reflect on how faithful God is and how He truly hears our prayers.

As far as group unity goes, I really don’t think we could have much more of that. We have been a group filled with joy and laugher, and have been quick to pray about anything that has come in our way. I am very thankful for that.

More importantly, praise God that when they prayed for my Spanish, they also prayed for the Spanish of all the people on this trip. Even with the little knowledge that most of us had coming on this trip, we were able to communicate amazingly well. However, I am convinced that the communication was not of a result any Spanish study or practice on our part, but because the Holy Spirit was speaking through us to the Dominican and Haitian people.

While it has truly been a blessing to be here in the Dominican, I will be sad to be leaving so soon. After playing soccer for a very long time in a Haitian village called Chichigua, I was speaking with a Haitian man named Francisco. After telling him “good game” (they beat us pretty bad, so I had to swallow some pride to say that – just kidding), I said that I wish we could play soccer with him everyday. He got a sad look on his face, and said, “but you can’t.” It was a tough moment for me, and made me feel bad that we could only hang out with them for a very short time. But then I became very thankful for our brothers and sister in Christ that are here all the time, and are able to love these people almost everyday. I also became very thankful that while I may not be able to be with them all the time, if they receive the Holy Spirit, they will be able to have Him with them for all of eternity – an infinitely much sweeter gift than my soccer skills.

After the sad moment with Francisco, I became very encouraged. I want to praise God that Francisco knows Jesus, as he said to me and a few other guys right before we left, “Go with God.” Give God the glory for the power of prayer and His faithfulness, all of the time.

Michael Conrad

Yesterday, while in the village of Chichigua, God was so good to allow me to meet a girl named Yaina. Since the last time we visited Chichigua, I was so interested in this one building (by building I mean a house that in the states would be classified as a run-down shack) with a wooden cross on the outside. As soon as I got out of the van yesterday, I felt God leading me to that particular cross, that particular home. Right under the cross sat a girl between the ages of 12 and 14, emaciated and clearly malnourished. As soon as I saw her condition, my heart started to race and part of me was frightened by seeing her body and behavior (later I learned that she had cerebral palsy), things I have only seen in pictures and learned about in school. Despite my fear of the unknown, God continued to tug at my heart as the Holy Spirit led me to sit with her. As soon as she noticed me, the biggest smile came over her face and the sweetest laughter that came not from her mouth, but from her heart. After hugging on her and praying with her, she was able to come out to the soccer field to watch our game. Praise God for her joy, and for humbling me after seeing the joy overflowing from her. As God has shown us all time and time again on this trip, His love is what satisfies, and God greatly blesses those who literally have very little else to satisfy them. It is my prayer that we may all, especially myself, learn to depend on Him for the fullest satisfaction.

Samantha Lingamfelter

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Day 4

Today was such an amazing day. I got to see, yet again, God’s faithfulness and His unyielding love for His people. We picked the children up for a fiesta at the school and got to see what goes on inside the classroom. Before all the children enter the building they line up for songs. I love (absolutely love) hearing the children sing in Spanish and many of them love to sing walking through the streets. So when they lined up for songs I was so excited. They began singing in Spanish and my heart was stirred. I speak very little Spanish, so I was enjoying just seeing the joy on their faces. My heart smiled when I recognized words such as Father, love, and Jesus. Then I heard one of the teachers ask a question to which a precious boy answered and then they started singing their song. Norma (who has been such a blessing to me) translated and said, “He said….then we can move mountains.” When I gave her a blank look she let me in on the fact that the teacher had asked……. what if we have faith in God. This little boy’s proclamation of truth struck me. All around me the children were singing in Spanish, Creole, and then in English. “I could sing of His love FOREVER. I could sing of His love FOREVER. I could sing of his love FOREVER.” God’s presence was definitely there. He is at work here in the Dominican Republic. His faithfulness overwhelms me. He is changing the lives of these children! He deserves all the praise these precious little ones can give him, all the praise we can give him, and exceedingly more!

Holly Crim

It is the end of our fourth day in the Dominican Republic. Each and every day here has been so amazing and I have fallen in love with the people of this country. Every morning I am so excited to see the children in the villages that we have played with for the past couple of days. Their beautiful brown eyes, huge smiles, and tight hugs make me never want to leave them. Getting to hear and see the kids sing about Jesus today was such an encouragement. It was so evident to see the how God is working through Makarios. God is so faithful!

I wanted to write about something that happened a couple of days ago in the village of Chichigua. This village is very calm with only about 100 people and they are so sweet. Two other girls and I were playing with three of the young boys. It is so evident that these kids crave attention. They love being chased or swung around or even just held. Our group was about to leave so we started walking back to the bus. One of the boys, called Bob, came running up to Chelsea and leaped into her arms. Right away, God urged me to ask this little five year old boy about Jesus. I was filled with so much love for this child as I asked him three questions, “Do you know Jesus?” “Do you know He is your Savior?” “Do you know He loves you?” I give God the glory for the three sincere nods he gave me. God orchestrated the whole situation and reminded me again of His great faithfulness. I stand in awe of our Savior who can save anyone and who can use anyone to proclaim His Holy Name.

Bonnie Young

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Day 3

This is my second trip to the DR with Austin Stone and I am overwhelmingly blessed to be back in this beautiful country. On my first trip in March, I met a precious girl named Carolina who lived in the small Haitian village of Chichigua. Only 3 years old at the time, Carolina and her baby brother captured my heart. We spent a couple of days together and not once did she say a word to, or smile at any one of us in the group. She clung to her brother, out of what seemed to be fear and was reluctant to any form of touch. For several months I had Carolina’s picture on my computer, and prayed for her often.

Last night, I was catching up with my sweet friend, Kate, who is now a teacher here in the DR and when I asked about her kids, she mentioned one of her favorite preschoolers, a beautiful girl named Carolina. I was filled with joy when I learned that Carolina is enrolled in Makarios’ school and looked forward to visiting Chichigua today. As we pulled up in the vans, Kate turned to me and said “Are you ready for Carolina?” The minute we jumped out of the car a beaming girl in a bright blue shirt came running around the corner and dove into Kate’s arms. This was not the same Carolina I met 9 months ago.

I am so thankful for the way God’s love, through his hand and feet here on Earth, breaks down walls around our hearts, so that we may know Him.

Caroline Tigner

Today, I and three others played with some of the local children while the rest of the group was hard at work on the Makarios school house. We went to a nearby field and played a game of baseball, Dominican style of course. Tennis ball, foam bat, and pieces of trash used for bases, this was just another normal day in the children’s lives. After finishing the game, one of the boys invited us to his house. Like many of the sights seen thus far, I cannot even begin to explain what we found. A small ‘house’ made from tree limbs and scrap metal, Moses’ mother and younger sister invited us, along with about ten kids in. We gathered, or at least attempted to, in a room that was no larger than 10 feet by 6 feet.

The fact that she was so welcoming and accepting of complete strangers was amazing, but definitely just the beginning. She immediately began preparing a space for us and sent her son to buy a bottle of Coca-Cola and ice, both of which are luxuries here. While sipping my drink, I was overwhelmed by God’s love and his faithfulness. The night before, I had prayed that God reveal himself to me for I longed to know him more and fall completely in love with him. Needless to say, my prayer was answered. Moses’ mother gave of herself and what she had without a second thought and did so cheerfully. I witnessed her display of unconditional love and was completely captivated by God and infinite love for us.

God has opened my eyes on this trip to see that it is not where you are or what you have, it’s what you have in your heart. Jesus is in my heart, and to Him be the glory.

Lauren Hughey

P.S. That was the best Coke I have ever had, and wish each of you could have been there to see/feel the love!

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Day 2

Today was our first full day in the Republica Dominicana! Makarios has constructed an education center in the middle of Tamarindo, one of the towns outside of Puerto Plata. I was here over the summer for a while and helped start construction on it, and seeing the finished product was so amazing. These kids finally have a place to go to school where it’s not over-crowded or extremely hot. We helped clear out some land next to the school for a garden, painted some new tables, and organized supplies for the forthcoming school year. We also took some of the restless local children down the street to place some baseball and soccer.

It’s so good to be back here and with a group of such awesome people. Seeing everyone interact with all the local kids is so sweet. I love seeing our group communicate with the locals- especially the ones who don’t speak a lick of Spanish. Aside from the fact that it’s funny, it reminds me that the Holy Spirit transcends language. I’m so pumped about what God’s already doing in the lives and relationships in this group…and we still have another week!!!

We won the baseball game. We won by a lot.

Barrett Raven


Preparing for the DR trip, I had heard that there was conflict between the Haitians and the Dominicans and the existence of a great amount of prejudice the Dominicans have towards the Haitians. Today in Tamarindo while we were working at the schoolhouse, children of both Haitian and Dominican decent were all around us and we had opportunity to interact and play with them. I was unable to tell the difference between a Dominican child and a Haitian child. This got me to thinking about how God looks at us, His children, and how he sees no difference in us based on color, affluence, quantity of good works, intensity of sin in our background, or anything else. God looks at us and all he sees is His children, His beloved creation. I’m so thankful to be in the Dominican Republic and having the opportunity to love on children and to have God teach me such valuable spiritual lessons.

Michelle Brown

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Safe and Sound!

Get everyone to the airport at 4 a.m. . . check

Travel to the DR without losing anyone on the way. . .check

Arrive at the Makarios house where we will stay for most of our trip. . .check

Enjoy a good time of prayer and worship with a beautiful mountain/ocean view. . .check

Well, we're here and everyone has made their way to bed after a long day of travel. There have already been opportunities on our flights to share the reason for our joy in Christ with others and I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for our group as we prepare for tomorrow. We will be spending our day around the new Makarios school working on various projects and spending time with the children that attend classes there.

There will be many stories to follow as the week continues. Please continue to pray for us that we might delight in Christ and have opportunities to tangibly express his greatness to those around us.

Serving for the gospel,

Ryan King
Missions Associate