Day 8- Report

July 26, 2025 (Saturday)

Some of us got a couple hours of sleep; others… stayed up till the 2:30am bus pick-up time with fun-filled fellowship! Upon pick-up, we made the 50-minute drive to the Santiago Airport!

Thinking that we had ample time before departure, we did not realize how busy the airport would be at 3:30am! It took over 90 minutes to get through security, inspection, immigration, etc…. if it weren’t for the flight being delayed we most likely would have missed our flight!

By God’s grace, we finally were able to get onto our flight!

At around 9:40am we landed at John F. Kennedy Airport, got through customs - and found our suitcases laid out waiting beside the baggage carousel. The Brooklyn team and Long Island team’s vans were ready for us upon departing the baggage carousel area - where many of us made it home all by around 12:00pm.

We give thanks and praise to God for safe arrivals! We give thanks and praise to God for accomplishing and completing the mission at hand!

Mission Reports will be prepared at our respective churches in the next couple of weeks. Mission Highlight Video will also be available soon.

Please keep the team in your prayers as they catch-up on some sleep ;) Please also keep our missionaries Kimberley & Carlos in your prayers!

Gloria a Dios!

Day 7- Report 2

July 25, 2025 (Friday)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

After another beautiful sunrise over the hills and mountains here in the northern part of the Dominican Republic, we began our day at the La Mesa Ministry Center where we had a chance to hear and pray for Missionary Kim and her husband Carlos. After a very sacred time of prayer, we began our trek into the city for our Learning Tour of Jarabacoa. Our first stop was at the Jarabacoa Sign where we were able to learn about the things that make Jarabacoa proud. Then we headed to La Confluencia where we were able to witness two rivers converging with one another - almost feeling like it was just like our testimony as a mission team!

Afterwards, we ate an incredible lunch at a local restaurant before we headed to see a little bit more of the city and a unique tourist attraction called Cafe Colao - before we headed back to our villa for our final team worship.

We shared in our worship how the Lord worked and moved through the week. Here’s some of the projects we completed:

• Provide a leadership luncheon and retreat for the La Vid Church Leadership

• Ordered and help install windows, doors in the new classroom wing of the La Vid Church campus

• Prepare and apply cement protection over a u-shaped area in the roof that continued to collect water

• Prepare and apply sealant in parts of the roof to help from water damage

• Prepare and paint the exterior of the church sign

• Prepare and paint the staging area of the sanctuary

• Participate in the Crucero Exercise Class

• Assist in the Crucero Bakery

• Provide daily programs for children/youth/mothers

• Provide Health Seminars (inc. Self-Esteem, Wound-care)

• Assist in the painting of the front walls of the Crucero Community Center

• Provide a Vision Board Workshop in the Crucero Community Center

• Assist and provide support for the Crucero Elementary School’s Summer School Program

We praise God Almighty for all that He did! We were blessed to end our night with a surprise birthday celebration for one of our team members, Joy! Please pray for us as we get ready to depart from our villa at 2:30am for our 5:00am flight back to New York. Pray for traveling mercies! Pray for protection until we get home! Thank you for reading, participating, and praying with us this week!

Day 7- Report

Day 6: Report

July 24, 2025 (Thursday)

We are coming close to the end of our time here in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic. After a late night of fellowship with Missionary Jim, we started our day off with the power of COFFEE! #MonteAlto

We then prayed over and began our day of ministry!

The “J” team headed over to church to complete our projects. We completed our paint project of the outer exterior in addition to the staging area of the sanctuary. We also completed our window and door project in the Children’s Ministry-wing of the campus. (See Video HERE). There were so many frustrations this week. But by God’s grace, we completed our projects! Hallelujah! Something that moved and blessed our “J” team was the gift of sister Josy (Jocelyn). The last couple days she brought refreshments and coffee at critical times! But today, she stuck around and helped with the paint project. When Pastor James asked why she was staying, she responded with “I just want to serve!” We praise God for the opportunity after the completion of our project to pray for her, as well as Pastor Eduardo who was the team lead and Brother David who helped serve as interpreter.

The “C” team had to call an audible due to a scheduling conflict with the local elementary school principal. But by God’s grace, the “C” team had an opportunity to prepare a special “VBS” morning for the children in the local community. Afterwards, the “C” team then provided support for the Special Summer School After School program that was led by the guidance counselor of the local elementary school. As soon as that program was completed, the “C” team provided support to Missionary Kim for the “Self Esteem” seminar that was incredibly well received. At the end of the seminar, God brought us a blessed “Jesus moment,” when folks in the community started singing with Margaret, as they asked her to bring out her guitar. Praise God!

As we wrapped up our ministry day, we were blessed with a visit from Pastor Eduardo and his wife Miriam as they joined us for dinner and also our Team Worship and time of reflections. We were also blessed with a visit from Pastor Fernando and his son David - for another round of DOMINICAN DOMINOS!

The team gives gratitude to all who have been praying for us in doing God’s work, and we stand humbled to be a witness to what God has been doing. We are also grateful for the pockets of fellowship that God has gifted us with the relationships and friendships built with local church leaders here. Glory!

Day 5: Report

July 23, 2025 (Wednesday)

Happy Wednesday! Thank you for your prayers, love and support! We have had many tests, trials, tribulations - but God has been faithful!

Each day, God has been waking us up with a beautiful sunrise with the roosters crowing. The Lord has also blessed us with Sister Josie who has blessed us with her cooking. After a a good hearty breakfast - this morning prepared by Missionary Kim - #SpecialBakedOatmeal! we began our day.

As we did Monday and Tuesday, we had the “J” Team head over to La Vid Church to continue to work on various projects. The project for installing windows and doors in their new classroom and office-wing has been incredibly frustrating - with the lack of tools, and things not fitting - it has been frustrating! But by God’s grace, we have been making progress little by little. The Lord has also blessed us with the hospitality of the leadership of La Vid Church where Sister Josy once again came through this time with a special passion fruit drink called “chinola.” Another project we worked on was painting the front of the church building. We thank God for these little opportunities that remind us of a big picture God.

The “C” Team had a slow morning to refresh and prepare after a full day of ministry. The team then headed over to the small rural community of Hatillo - which is just next to Crucero, for the Health Seminar. After a incredibly turnout from the seminar and a lot of interaction - some of the “J” Team members headed over to the Crucero Community Center to host a Vision Board Workshop. We were also blessed with some members of La Vid Church joining us!

After another full day of ministry, we were blessed with a visit from Missionary Jim and brother Jani* (name changed for security purposes). We were blessed in hearing their testimonies and then also learning DOMINICAN DOMINOS!

Keep the prayers coming!

Day 4: Report

July 22nd, 2025 (Tuesday)

Another beautiful day filled with God’s blessing!

The team was greeted by the crowing roosters and cows this morning here in lovely Crucero. Once again we were blessed by Josie and were tretaed to a traditional Dominican Republic breakfast consisting of eggs, yucca and fresh fruit. After breakfast, we split into two different teams to continue to serve. 

Our reflection from the La Vid Church Team:

This morning the construction team arrived at the church eager to finish the doors that were started the day before. Upon our arrival, the team was blessed with more tools to use for the day! While some members began to work on the doors, other went onto the roof and got their hands dirty mixing, placing and smoothing cement. The gracious members working on the sunny roof were able to smooth out a section of the roof, allowing rainfall to slide off the side rather than collect in a puddle stressing out the cement roof. 

The continuation of the door installations unfortunately led to some measurement problems of the frames and walls. But after some more measuring, cutting, drilling, and patience, the team is pleased to share that almost all door frames have been adjusted to the correct size and mounted to the cement walls! This was a big frustration but we are all hoping to finish the door installations tomorrow.

Once again the La Vid Church team team was met with God’s grace of hospitality and was blessed to enjoy some sweet bananas provided by Miriam, Pastor Eduardo’s wife.

Our reflection from the Community Center:

The team started out their morning attending a workout class held at the Crucero Community Center. This was a blessing to start our day exercising, interacting with student nurses and physical therapists, and also members of the community.

Afterwards, the team was able to support the monthly medical clinic that happens in the Community Center! We are grateful that the week that we happened to be here was when the clinic happened. Just a little backstory: the village of Crucero didn’t have any access to health care opportunities - unless if it was at least a 2-hr walk. By God’s grace, God used La Mesa Ministry and Missionary Kim to bring people together in this village to help provide the necessary resources and also- help save lives.

After a well deserved lunch, the team continued to serve by assisting on the beautification of the community center. The white walls out front go the center received some newly painted pictures to add a bit of color. 

The long awaited health chat and seminar led by Elisa to the community of Crucero took place today during the “Mother’s Club” meeting hour. Traditionally, this lesson has been provided by our team and continues to be a favorite of the community of Crucero and we are grateful to provide it under our professional health care provider.

At the end of the work day, both teams enjoyed dinner (PASTELON! Aka Dominican Shepherd’s Pie!) and shared how God met us where we were today as we reflected together. 

Overall it was a successful day filled with God’s love and we are excited to see what else he has in stored for us during the rest of the week!

Day 3: Report

July 21, 2025 (Monday)

Another day, another opportunity for God’s grace!

We awoke once again to a beautiful sunrise here in the mountains in the northern part of the Dominican Republic. After a hearty breakfast served by Josie, we split into two different teams for the day. Here’s the reflection from our Community Center Team:

We had a beautiful time at the Crucero Community Center! Our time began with assisting Kim with organizing the closet and cleaning the bakery.

The bakery was filled with laughter and joy as we worked with the children and baked bread, carrot cake, ham, and cheese rolls. Working with the kids allowed them to feel part of and have a seat at the table.

A few mothers and older youth gathered for a special time of crafts (pot holders) and connection. It was a heartwarming reminder of the power of community, creativity, and compassion. We are grateful for every moment!

Here’s our reflection from our La Vid Church Team:

Once upon our arrival at La Vid Church, we began work in preparing the windows for the classroom space in the back of their church campus. It was an incredibly powerful moment because only three years ago in July 2022, a couple members of the Christ Community Church Team had been there to see a completely empty lot where the church leadership was sharing their vision of wanting a space for the next generation.

To see it come so close to the finish line was incredibly moving!

Some of us began to work on the window installation, while others began to prepare one of the unfinished classrooms by leveling out the floor. We were then blessed by a member of the church leadership families where Sister Josy came to bless us with homemade mango juice and coffee!

Unfortunately, as we continued to work we continued to run into road blocks with door frames not fitting, not having enough tools, etc. But God is gracious! Those of us who were not working on the window installations and door installations began to look for other things to do around the church building and campus to help. Couple of us went up to help treat and weatherproof a portion of the roof, couple of us helped prepare the church sign for new paint, others began to help clean up and pick up trash around the church campus.

All in all, even through frustrations, the Lord was faithful and we ended up accomplishing so much in such a short amount of time. Glory!

After our team came back together for supper, we had the opportunity to reflect and share about our Jesus moments once again as we stood in gratitude for what the Lord did on this day.

Thank you for your continued prayers for the team!

Day 2: Report

July 20, 2025 (Sunday)

This is the day that the Lord has made, we are here to rejoice and be glad in it! Even after a late arrival due to flight delays and getting to our villa after 12:00 AM, God was merciful and woke many of us with the roosters early! Some of us that did get up early enough were able to catch a beautiful sunrise overlooking the valley and mountainside - a view we get to see right at our villa! (See Picture).

After a quick team meeting at 9:30 AM and being prayed for and blessed by Missionary Kimberley, we made our way to La Vid Church for Sunday Worship. Pastor James brought God’s Word as Jerfelis interpreted. We were blessed with their incredible praise team leading us in a powerful time of worship! We were also able to walk behind the church campus where we will be working together on their new classrooms for their Children’s Ministry and office space. To think that only 3-years ago, there was an empty lot, but by God’s providence and generosity of many in our NY Reformed Coalition of churches, God has helped this project near the finish line!

After worship, we made our way back to our villa (about a 25-minute) drive to get ready to host the Leadership Luncheon for La Vid Church Pastors, Deacons, and their families. Josie, Missionary Kimberley’s sister-in-law, who is blessing us with her cooking this week helped prepare an incredible feast! As we were eating lunch, praying, and spending time in fellowship with one another God really used this moment to nourish and serve these incredible Kingdom leaders. It truly was a blessing to see the pastors and their families be nourished literally and spiritually. It was also a blessing to witness their children enjoy the pool at our villa! Members of the Mission Team even reflected on how it felt like we were able to provide a 1-day retreat for them. We are grateful for the encouraging space and time that we were able to spend together.

After our dinner, we had our team meeting where we were able to share our “Jesus Moments.” Hearing how Jesus spoke and worked through each member of the team was just a powerful reminder with how the Lord is working.

Please continue to keep us in prayer as we begin our ministry projects tomorrow! One team will be working on a construction project at the church campus; a second team will be working in the local village community center, supporting Missionary Kimberley and leading a special program for the mothers. Please also pray for good health and protection!

Day 1: Report

July 19, 2025 (Saturday)

With our team of 12 coming from different places, the Brooklyn team met at Flatlands Reformed Church at 1:30pm while the Long Island team met at Christ Community Church at 1:00pm. The team then met at Terminal 5 in JFK by around 2:20pm to begin our check in process.

And of course, we were tested!

From  typo in a team member’s birthdate on the itinerary, to struggling with a checked bags situation, we had a bit of a chaotic 90 minutes just trying to even get through security!

By God’s grace, by 4:00pm every team member had gone through security. We then picked up our dinners and we boarded at 4:50pm.

But of course, we were tested again!

Due to air traffic, we were delayed and didn’t take off until 6:45pm!

By God’s grace, we landed safely in Santiago at the airport at 9:49pm.

But of course, we were tested again as it took time to get through customs, and pick up our luggages. Finally - thanks be to God we were able to leave the terminal close to 11:00pm, meet Missionary Kimberley and begin the trek up to Crucero and the villa that we’ll be staying at for the week!

Once again, by God’s grace, we arrived safely a little after midnight to settle in, and get some rest for the Lord’s Day!

P.S. Prayer Request: please pray for one of our members who’s under the weather! Pray for quick healing, strength and restoration!

2025 Team Reflections

Over the last several years, God has blessed our church with a special partnership with Flatlands Reformed Church and Massapequa Reformed Church. The pastors of our three churches have committed to supporting one another in regular fellowship. The pastors of our three churches have taken turns serving the pulpit at each congregation. The elders and deacons of our three churches have met to prayerfully encourage one another. And by God’s grace, within our sister-church network and coalition that we have established, God has blessed us with an opportunity to send out a short-term missions team to Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic from July 19-26, 2025.

All three churches are represented in this team. This intergenerational team also represents life stages that span over 6-decades. From different cultural backgrounds, to different walks of life, God has brought us together to be one unified Kingdom team getting ready to go out to serve, be blessed, and learn from fellow Kingdom leaders globally.

For the last 6-months, our team has met via Zoom and today, July 12, 2025 for the first time, we met in-person.

We met to worship, prayer, and receive an anointing and commission to go out to love and serve the Lord. We spent time in lunch fellowship together thanks to the hospitality and generosity of the Massapequa Reformed Church Consistory. And most importantly, we were reminded of God’s sovereignty in how he brought us together to do good work for the glory of God’s Kingdom.

Pray for us as we continue to update this blog while we’re on the ground there. Pray for our team for health, safety, protection, and unity. Pray for our partner missionaries and ministries that we will be working with. Pray for the people that we will meet. Pray for our travel there and back.

May God receive all glory, honor and praise! Hallelujah!

Missions Trip Highlight Video

Missions Report and Testimonies

Day 8: Reflections

It was a early start to the day as we got ready to be picked-up by our bus at 7:00am local time. Thanks be to God, we were able to pack sandwiches for the journey back to New York in the morning before departure. We arrived safely at the Santiago Airport at 8:00am local time - and it took a while to check-in, but afterwards, immigration and security was a breeze as we went through to our gate. By God’s grace, our flight departed on time, we had no issues, and we arrived back at JFK at approximately 1:20pm EST.

After picking up our bags, we all went our separate ways as the Long Island Team bid farewell to the Brooklyn Team.

We continued to repeat over and over again how beautiful it was to experience and encounter this Kingdom Collaboration! We look forward to sharing more in the days ahead with our highlight video and testimonies in our respective churches!

Gloria a Dios!

Thank you for praying and for your support!

Day 7: Reflections

On our last full day, we had the privilege to visit one of the daughter churches of La Vid, Iglesia Cristiana Nueva Almancer. It was in the neighborhood of Buenos Aire just outside of the city limits of Jarabacoa. We were able to walk around the church space and just pray over the La Vid Pastors who go above and beyond to minister to not only Buenos Aire but other areas.

Afterwards, we were able to spend the rest of the morning doing some sight seeing, buying some souvenirs AND COFFEE! We also stopped by a restaurant that specializes in natural juice!

A blessing we had was to meet with Jim, another local missionary here who specializes in prison ministry. It was a blessing to hear his story, vision, and call and his incredible testimony and challenges he has been going through.

Then afterwards we made our trek back to Crucero to have our final team worship with Kim! We had a chance to worship God, share in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, and share in testimony on how God worked throughout the week!

Afterwards, Ady one of the community leaders came to share their gratitude with gifts for the missions team. We were floored with how much gratitude that she was expressing! What a powerful moment of sharing and prayer with her as she bid her farewell to us.

Then Josie prepared a hearty Dominican-style Chicken noodle soup for us as we finished our last full day here.

If you’ve read up to this point… thank you! Thank you for your prayers! Thank you for your support! We ask for your prayers for travel mercies as we make our way home to New York tomorrow!

Day 6: Reflections

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! With all the battles that we have had with electricity, we didn’t want to lose any opportunities for work. So after a quick breakfast, the Community Center Team went to finish the shelving project and the conventional oven project. Mary and Elisa continued to love on our partner missionary Kim and went into town to pick up a few things while also connecting with Naty, a close friend of Kim. 

After putting an hour’s worth of work, the conventional oven team turned the fire on at approximately 9:53am to preheat the oven and begin baking cakes! Mind you, when we first saw that conventional oven - it was a pile of sheet metal… and each team member had their doubts. But with the hard work of the team, and with a whole lot of grace, God did it! Our partner missionary Kimberley wanted to kick start this Community Bakery Project, and our missions team had the privilege to be just a little part of it!

The storage room in the Community Center was not being used well. So one of our projects was to complete shelving for that room so that the leaders of the community can use it more efficiently. Mel and Joy headed that project, but this past week was awfully tough with the sporadic power outages that continued. Seeing some city trucks drive by the Community Center, Joy was concerned that there would be another power outage - so both Mel and Joy pushed through past their lunch break to complete the shelving project! 

At a little past 1:00pm, the first cakes began to come out of the oven! Praise the Lord! But in the middle of our lunch hour, we received a last minute cancellation of where Elisa was supposed to teach again at the local school. As frustrating and discouraging as it was, as we learned this past week - we just had to call an audible! So we decided to go up and down the Main Road to minister and share pieces of this cake! Residents asked in disbelief, “Is it free?” But it ended up becoming a ministry opportunity that Lord willing will help Kim and Carlos’ ministry. 

At 4:00pm, Donnamarie and Elisa helped support Kim with her Exercise Class. And after the class, we were able to all gather together and call it a day! Once again at supper, we were blessed by Josie’s cooking- and we ended our night with a powerful time of worship! We have one more full day of ministry and fun tomorrow before we depart early Saturday morning! Thank you for continuing to pray! 

Ps. We created a list of what our team was able to accomplish in FIVE full days of ministry. As we reflected on this list over our Team Worship, we were just in awe. To God be the glory!

1. Conventional Oven Project

2. Shelving Project

3. House Visits 

4. Exercise Class

5. Health Seminar

6. Sunday Teaching

7. English Class

8. Encouragement Luncheon for La Vid Church Leaders

9. Street Evangelism 

10. Prayer Ministry

11. Strategic Planning Sessions 

Day 5: Reflections

Another day, another battle… something that we have been dealing with and experiencing is the rain that impacts the power supply in the village. After another hearty breakfast, where we learned to eat “yuca” most of the team headed on our walk to the Community Center to get more work done on the conventional oven for the Baking Project and the shelving in their storage room. While Elisa and Mary visited Mita, a senior saint in the community of Hatillo.

After reconvening at our villa for a lunch break, we began the trek back to the Community Center to finish the work. But unfortunately, there was no power. As frustrating as it was, by God’s grace, the Community Center Team kept doing as much as possible…

So as discouraging as it was, by God’s grace, we were able to push through… even amid the rain! Even amid no power! But we pray that we can get power tomorrow!

In the evening, we were able to hear from Pastor Fernando and Pastor Virgilio with their heart for ministry, and heart for La Vid Church. We had a special time of sharing, encouragement and blessing of one another. What a powerful time of prayer for these beloved Kingdom Leaders whom we were able to learn from.

Another day where we can give God all the glory!

Special Video Update

Day 4: Reflections

God blessed us this morning with a beautiful sunrise after a long day and evening with rain. Where we are - power supply is heavily affected and impacted based on the rain. In addition, the roads leading up to Kimberley and Carlos’ house as well. Our day began with some hearty pancakes and we were fueled up to go to! Some of us participated in the morning exercise class at 9:00am, while the others began with working on the conventional oven and shelves. 

After a hard morning of working together, we had a quick lunch break before heading back to the Crucero Community Center. Now something that has been incredibly helpful is that we are staying strategically in Crucero so we have been able to walk back and forth from our villa. 

Now let me pause there… 18months ago, after our previous missions trip here to the Dominican Republic, we had a surplus in offering that came in. So with much prayer and endorsement from Council, we designated that surplus to go into medical supplies. That offering then transformed into the seed money to launch a monthly health clinic hosted by Students International and Dr. Fernando, one of the pastors of La Vid Church. Now something that was incredibly powerful, was that Dr. Fernando began the clinic with a time of worship and shared God’s Word! How powerful is that? You come in to get a medical check-up, but you also get worship and God’s Word?! What a sight it was to visibly see our church’s offering come to fruition! Glory to God! 

As the health clinic continued in the afternoon, the rest of our team was able to continue with work on the conventional oven for the Bakery Project that Kimberley is hoping to launch. And to be honest with you… many of us had our doubts when we first arrived to see how the conventional oven was… but boy do I have to you- God is faithful! It is coming together very quickly! Our team is working incredibly hard!

At 4:00pm, at the regular Mother’s Club that occurs here in Crucero, Elisa was able to reach a Health Seminar and teach about Women’s Health. Afterwards, we were able to attend the English Class that Kim teaches to support.

Afterwards, we were able to head back to the villa where are are staying again to be blessed by Josie’s cooking, Kim’s sister-in-law. 

As we wrapped up our day and shared our “Jesus Moments,” we were once again blown away with how much our team has been accomplishing already this week. This is all thanks to the prayers of our church families at Flatlands Reformed Church and Christ Community Church. Indeed, “How Great Thou Art!”

Day 3: Reflections

Overnight, due to a heavy rain storm, we were out of power for a couple of hours, but thankfully it was toward the later part of the evening so we were able to call it a night. As we woke up in the morning, we were able to witness a beautiful sunrise as we began our day. 

The morning started off with a hearty breakfast of eggs and “mangu” which is mashed plantains with butter! After a hearty breakfast, we walked a half-kilometer to the Crucero Community Center to get a tour of the space, the hope and plan for a Community Bakery, and Kimberley’s heart and vision for ministry there. Afterwards, we were able to walk up and down the main road of the community as we heard a bit more of the ministry context in Crucero. We were also able to spend some time at a “colmado,” which is like a storefront with a gentleman by the name of Emiliano and pray for him! There are so many needs! And a lack of resources… :( 

We then made our way back to the Crucero Community Center where we split into teams! One team stayed behind to begin working on the conventional oven: cleaning, sanding, painting! Another team went back to our villa to help wash the dishes and baking pans in preparation for the Community Bakery.

During our lunch break, Mel and Carlos drove into the city to pick up wood and supplies for the shelves we are hoping to build. After lunch, Elisa, Donnamarie and Mary went to the local elementary school to lead a special hygiene presentation and give care packages for the students that they met. Everyone else went all hands on deck at the Community Center. Now unfortunately, we had multiple rainstorms that came through which caused a power outage. (Power supply is weak here). So we unfortunately, couldn’t get work done on the shelves with the power tools. But by the grace of God, we were able to live into a spirit of collaboration where we were able to pivot and focus on cleaning down, painting, and prepping the conventional oven. 

By 4:00pm, we were able to call it a day, and came back home to the villa to wash up and rest up for the night. It was there where we were able to also spend some intentional time with Kimberley to hear more about the blessings and trials and tribulations that she has been through. 

After an incredible dinner, by Josie, Kim’s sister-in-law, we ended our night with a time of worship and sharing together. Please continue to keep us in your prayers! We have A LOT on our plate tomorrow! :) 

Day 2: Reflections

Our day began quite early thanks to the roosters! We’re also an “hour ahead,” because the Dominican Republic don’t have Daylight Savings and “fall back.” Thankfully, as the Lord’s Day began, we were in for pleasant weather and we were grateful to have the privilege to be here.

After an incredible breakfast of baked oatmeal and some awesome fruit (SO GOOD!), we split into two vehicles to head to church in Jarabacoa. Church is about 30-minutes from where we are staying. One team had an eventful ride which caused us to move vehicles, but by the grace of God we all made it to church safely. 

What a powerful time of worship! Jarabacoa is one of the top cities in all of the Dominican Republic to have the most Western Missionaries. So we were not the only missions team in worship this morning at La Vid Church. Worship was led by a powerful team and one of the their lay leaders named Jehovah Nissi, and Pastor James and Jerfelis brought God’s Word together. 

After worship, we made our way back to Crucero to help host and provide a luncheon for the pastors and church leaders of La Vid Church. The team made it a point and their conviction to bless the Kingdom leaders here- and boy, what an incredible lunch it was! Maria, one of the mothers here in Crucero and another mom to both Kimberley and Carlos did the cooking! The main dish was called “lo crio” which is sort of a Chicken-pot-stir-fry… but wow was it good! 

Through that fellowship we were able to spend time with the pastors and church leaders and pray and encourage them. We also were able to do a quick surprise birthday party for Pastor Fernando, one of the La Vid pastors’ wife. 

After the luncheon, we walked up the hill to Kimberly and Carlos’ home to hear from them, pray for them and enjoy the incredible view of the valley from their back porch. 

Once we got back to our villa, our “care package” prep party began again as we prepared for tomorrow’s school presentation. Dinner was left overs because Maria had cooked SO MUCH FOOD! And afterwards we had a time of worship and reflections before we called it a night. 

As we sat around the table, we shared “Jesus Moments,” and it is so powerful to witness God on the move already! Keep the prayers coming! Stay tuned…