DOMINICAN REPUBLIC BLOG 2016

"And He was saying to them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.'" Luke 10:2

Sunday service at IBQ - Pastor Rudy's message was very moving...I am so glad it was translated for us. We also got to participate in the Lord's Supper, which only takes place 4 times a year.

At lunch time, we were blessed to hear Dorretta Brown's testimony. In the afternoon we split up into 5 groups and made World Hunger deliveries. I was so touch by the Maria, the mother of the family. When we said goodbye, I could feel the love and gratitude in her hug.

In the evening, we attended Youth Service where I was given the opportunity to share my testimony; and even though I don't speak any Spanish, I also shared a song in Spanish, "Que Tu Corazon Vuelva a Latir". After service was finished, we served ice cream and said our goodbyes.

I am so grateful for having this opportunity to serve God

We set up a half-day medical clinic in Villa Mella at the IBQ church. We were able to see over 80 patients and filled almost 300 prescriptions.

In the afternoon, we did a little sightseeing and shopping. We returned to IBQ for a banquet and sharing time...we were given the opportunity to share what God revealed to us during this trip.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"." Jeremiah 29:11

We packed up and drove to Monta Plata where we split up into 2 teams. One team set up a Medical Clinic and the other team went to the orphanage.

At the orphanage we planned to installed the closets, have VBS with the kids including outdoor games and cook a huge Chinese
meal. But all our plans got thrown a curve ball....the electricity was out so we could not install the closets. The stove in the kitchen was not hot enough to use the wok, and it rained like crazy, so we could not play outdoors with the kids. God had a different plan for us...we were able to spend quality time with the kids and the staff of the orphanage. In the end, we still played with the kids and we were still able to provide them with a Chinese meal. We even had a treat at lunch...we ate Pico Pollo with the kids.

The medical team wasn't as busy as expected but still was able to see patients. I guess it's more important to establish the relationships there instead of getting all the work done.

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." Hebrews 13:16

We continued closet construction for the Monta Plata Orphanage adding shelves, backing and rods.

In the afternoon, we had an outing with the orphans from Monta Plata at the Acuario Nacional República Dominicana (Aquarium).

In the evening, we had dinner at host homes (members of IBQ). We broke up into small groups and went to dinner. As we shared a meal with our host home, we also had the opportunity to briefly share our testimonies.

"According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it." 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

Praise God! After devotion and breakfast, we were able to start the build on 10 closets for the orphanage in Manta Plata. We were provided a super yummy lunch affectionately known as "The Flag". In the afternoon, we had VBS for the kids at IBQ. We acted out the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

"And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'" Mark 16:15

After gathering together at the airport, we prayed and departed Houston... destination Santa Domingo via Miami. After a long layover in Miami we arrived in Santa Domingo and after a short bus ride arrived at Iglesias Bautista Quisqueyana (IBQ).