So, as most of you know our big group and big camp happens in the Summer. (Our becoming missionaries happened in reverse from the norm- AIM sent a big group to host a big camp for several years before we moved down here whereas most missions send people down to build relationships and find needs and then send groups. This is just par for the course for AIM- we do everything a little different!) We will be in Sosua from June 16-23, Las Terrenas from June 23-27, and in San Luis from July 7-14. A crazy but God-willing amazing few weeks. Our brothers and staff have been planning and organizing and doing a phenomenal job preparing for camp. We hosted a big meeting on May 29 to include all the coaches, pastors, VBS ladies, cooking help, translators, art and music and dance coaches and anyone else involved. We wanted (Disney movie moment- so imagine touching theme music) every leader involved to look around and see that this sport and artistic outreach is not just in their community or even one part of Sosua but is throughout the area. To witness all the men and women who are serving and pouring into the youth throughout the year by leading, discipling, praying for and with, playing and loving. To remind the Dominicans that this ministry is theirs and we simply come alongside them to facilitate what they started before we came around. It was a GREAT night and one of our community leaders came to us after describing the effect the meeting had on him. As he said, he didn't completely understand the ideas and movement this type of outreach could and does have until he saw all the other people involved. This man didn't realize the changes that are happening in Sosua because of the Dominican coaches work here and the vision for the future. Praise the Lord for His work and movement within the community. I pray we continue to see this understanding happen throughout camp and next year!
Julio Juma leading us in a song to start off the meeting.
Freysy and Victor leading the coaches portion of the meeting.
Rafael speaking with the Pastors and Pastoral outreach.
J closing the meeting.
We met with both Freysy's and Salomon's solidarity clubs on Wednesday to prepare for camp. Both these groups will be participating in camp as missionaries helping cook, play, teach and pray with the kids. We are very excited about these groups and their continued desire to outreach to their local community in Sabaneta.
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In other news, we participated in a 1 day camp in Las Espinas on May 24. It was, let's say, an adventurous day (We drove into a river and did not drive out... if you want the details you have to come on our trip...muahaha). But worth all the adventure and fright as 30 youth accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior!!! It continues to be very exciting to see the people we've been pouring into learn to be missionaries.
Quite the adventure... don't you want to find out more... come to the DR... :)
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The past few weeks, Rafael has been leading our staff meetings. As he is the one we foresee taking on this role, J and I started having him draw up the agendas and lead the meetings. This has been exciting to see Rafael take lead with the group and watch the interactions slowly transition to him as "boss". He is great at keeping everyone on task (something we admittedly struggle with) and helping organize thoughts and ideas. We also continue to see Freysy's strength as secretary and organization. (Everyone knows if you want something done, you ask Freysy.) Our other staff continue to grow and mature and even though our individual meetings sometimes are a little more tough on them, I pray God continues to grow and mature these men. God has hand picked a phenomenal team and we are blessed to continue working alongside them.
It's always important to celebrate birthdays (and Alfre tends to lie about when his birthday is to get extra cupcakes), so here is Alfre's cake of cupcakes for his actual birthday on May 25.
A few weeks ago Checo started a softball tournament with AIM coaches. It has caught on very fast with the coaches (who doesn't love to play?) and we have participated for 3 weeks. Throughout this time we have gotten to meet and talk with a missionary family from the States who moved here last November. It has been a blessing for us to be the vessels God is using to encourage and minister to them. I understand the look on their faces and their questions and their wariness about living here. As with anywhere, there are good days and bad especially at first when you miss so much about home. Please be praying for this family as they continue transitioning to life here and the mission God has placed in their hearts. It's always nice (even now) to see and meet another American who speaks English and comes from a similar background!
J with Grande and Matt. Matt is the husband/father of the missionary family.
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Please be praying for our continued preparations for camp. Please be praying for the Americans who will be joining us and those who have yet to sign up. Please pray for the youth and leaders of the Dominican who we will pour into and work alongside this Summer. (We still have room, want to come with us?? Visit http://www.aimissions.net/ for more information. Or email or facebook me.)
I will stop now because, what, another novel? I know, blogging more often would cure this... something I am working on. :)
Our brothers surprised me this past Monday with a cake for my birthday. Checo sang, the guys sang and we ate cake. It was excellent!
Just one more photo of the girls.
Much love!! (and someone please go eat a Whataburger for me!)
Your words were found and I ate them, and Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16
