After breakfast Sunday morning, the team, the Brauning family and many members of one of the local churches loaded into vans, cars and pickup trucks to gather at the river that flows thru Santo Domingo. We gathered to witness the sacrament of baptism and to join in welcoming new brothers and sisters into God's kingdom. This morning the river that flows thru Santo Domingo truly flowed past the throne of God and all his angles rejoiced.
The rest of the morning was spent at the ministry center at a worship service that involved members from six local churches and one from Michigan. We also had members from 4 different countries, the DR, Haiti, Italy and USA. The Holy Spirit was with us as we sang songs, learned about God's grace and greeted one another with hugs, kisses and greetings of "Bendiga". Bendiga is short for "que Dios te bendiga" or "may the Lord bless you".
After lunch and a short rest period, we were off to explore the Colonial zone of Santo Domingo. We visited the Fortress of Santo Domingo also known as Fortelaza Ozama. The fortress was built in the early 1500's, shortly after the island was discovered by Christopher Columbus. Just down the street is a house that was owned by his son.
Dinner was devoured by 18 very hungry team members, chicken and rice and vegetables. There is something special about the way they are fixed here. Devotions and a discussion about tomorrow's activities before a period of relaxation and time for bed, finished the day. Tomorrow looks like it will be another GREAT day. We thank you for your prayers and ask for prayers for safety as we start the heavy work at the pastors house tomorrow. "Bendiga"
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Sunday, February 15, 2009
- More Saturday pictures
It is said that a picture is worth 1000 words, 29 pictures is easier than 29000 words.
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- Saturday
Saturday was a work day, no sight seeing, no taking it easy, no time to acclimate to the hot weather. After a quiet time for personal devotions and breakfast, there was work to be done. There was drywall and supplies that needed to be moved to the second floor of the ministry center. Converting one of the big rooms into several offices is one of the added projects that Steve assigned for us to do. The team was then split into two groups, some stayed to start the construction of the walls and checkout the electrical work that needs to be done. The rest packed up tools and supplies and headed to Duquesa and the pastors house. Steve had been informed that the local contractor had already begun construction and that most of the block had already been laid. When we arrived, we discovered that this indeed was true and there was very little for us to do. It was not a wasted trip thought. We meet the pastor and his family and saw the house that they are currently renting. We are more convinced than ever before that this is what God wants us to be doing this week. Steve told us that pastor Francisco has been in Duquesa for four years and has been a very good pastor to the community. We also found out that the they have been working for three years to make this project happen. God's timing for us to be in the DR again this year, as always, is perfect. Steve knows what supplies we need for Monday morning to build forms for the columns and lental. After lunch back at the ministry center, most of the team spent the afternoon working on the drywall walls. Deb Mead spent some of the afternoon playing and working with the local children and thanks to Mark Brauning discovered that it's not always a good idea to repeat what the kids say, oops. Mark Brauning also taught the young men in the group to catch lizards and how to make a natural leash to keep them as pets for the afternoon. Dinner and evening devotions were at the Brauning's home. We discussed Sunday's activities before returning to the ministry center. Fellowship and games helped everyone relax before one by one we wandered off to bed. It had been a GREAT day, we can hardly wait for tomorrow.
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