Day 1: Reflections

Our day began at 5:00am as we met at our church campus with Ed to head to JFK. Our sisters-in-Christ from Flatlands Reformed Church and brother Jerfelis was scheduled to meet us at JFK. We loaded up Ed’s van with all our supplies and luggages and headed off!

Thanks be to God, even with a little hiccup, God was gracious and He helped us arrive in Santiago safely! The temperature was a nice whooping low 80s with high humidity, while back home in New York it was in the teens. :)

After going through multiple customs and bag checks, we were able to safely get out of the airport to where we met Pastor Eduardo from La Vid Church! He greeted us fondly as we loaded up the van and headed to Crucero, which is located just outside of Jarabacoa (about a 50 minute drive).

We arrived at our villa a little after 3:00pm local time. That’s 2:00pm EST because there’s no such thing as Daylight Savings here! Once we were settled in, we took in the view overlooking the valley behind the villa. (See Picture). Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Then we were able to spend some time with Kimberley and Carlos and were able to hear about how God has been working so far at the beginning of 2024! As we began to catch up, we began our work in preparing our care packages for ALL who we will be meeting in various projects throughout the week.

We then were able to hear an orientation session from Kimberley and we were able to spend some time in prayer for the week.

For supper, we had what’s called the “la bandera,” which is literally translated as “the flag.” Now “the flag” represents beans, rice, and chicken! It was an incredible treat where Kimberley’s sister-in-law, Josie blessed us with her cooking!

Due to the long travel day, we called it a night - as we prepare for the Lord’s Day and even more Kingdom Endeavors! Stay tuned…

Team Reflections

On the day before we are set to launch, I am in awe and wonder of God’s sovereignty. Back in July 2022, God moved in our hearts to go on our first-ever Short-Term Missions Trip ABROAD as a church family and we went to Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic. After that trip, we continued to share and testify of God’s faithfulness and how awesome it was that our Lord would use our church for a global impact. Later on in November 2022, Pastor Virgilio Rosado from La Vid Church, the church we helped serve came to New York and served our pulpit. In essence, this wasn’t an “American church” going to go serve in a “third world country,” this had become two churches establishing a pulpit exchange and sister church relationship that went beyond borders and any language and culture barriers! Praise God! At the end of 2022, the Church Council discerned that doing a missions trip every-other-year would be a healthy way to maintain a good rhythm of life while living into the missional DNA that God had been working in our hearts!

Now over the years, our church has had the blessing to establish sister church relations with Massapequa Reformed Church and Flatlands Reformed Church. Flatlands Reformed Church is led by Pastor Paul Glover. In the summer of 2023, at the parsonage of Flatlands Reformed Church as our family was having a lunch fellowship with the Glover family, Pastor Paul’s wife Jill began to ask about our missions trip and if we were ever going to do another missions trip. I responded, saying that our church leadership is looking forward to doing another missions trip in 2024 - and with that she responded, “Put me down! I want to go!” As God continued to work in the heart of Jill and Pastor Paul, and amid continued conversations, I said “Let’s open it up to both churches! Let’s work together!” Praise God that He has done the rest!

After our first meeting via Zoom in the beginning of Fall, to our first in-person meeting this past Saturday, on January 13th, God has been on the move! Our Lord has been clearly showing his handprints all over this trip! And it’s with that, that I know that the devil will try to attack. So I covet your prayers! Don’t stop praying! FRC Family, CCCEI Family - we’re in this together! Gloria a Dios!

With love in Christ,

Pastor James

Missions Recap Video

A Message from our Missionaries

Missions Report & Testimonies

Day 8

July 23 (Saturday)

In the morning we had the opportunity to reflect, share and debrief our time together. We had the privilege to share in God’s Word, worship and take the time to bless one another on the team. We then helped clean-up, pack and get ready to go out for some souvenir shopping and more exploring of Jarabacoa!

While out-in-town we were able to learn about pearls that are only found in the Dominican Republic/Haiti island called Aquisera, it’s called larimar. We were also able to get a smoothie that’s a Dominican-favorite as well! While in town, we were also able to run into Pastor Fernando, pastor from La Vid Church! Small world! After picking up lunch at “ROASTY POLLO,” on the way back home to Carlos & Kim’s home, we were able to take the time in the afternoon to rest, and get ready for the one-hour drive back to the Santiago Airport.

Our flight left at 8:16pm local time and we arrived back in JFK right around 12:00am midnight. We praise God for getting home safely, and for an incredible trip!

Day 7

July 22 (Friday)

Overnight, we had a huge tropical storm that passed by where we are. That caused for a couple power outages - but thankfully the power came back at a later time. But as we awoke in the morning, we heard that some of the roads near the rural, mountainous communities that we had hoped to visit- were impassable. So we re-adjusted and decided to visit at least the communities that had paved roads. Mainly because this is the focal point of Carlos and Kim’s ministries - for the underserved and rural communities.

After touring some of the areas, we spent a few moments meeting with Mita, a dear family friend of Carlos and Kim’s. We were just overwhelmed with her hospitality and kindness! After the visit, we went back home to prepare to meet with the pastors from La Vid Church. We had an incredible time of fellowship with the pastors! It was great to hear how God is working through them. It was great to be encouraged and challenged for furthering God’s Kingdom. At the same time, we were able to help and assist in strategizing what are some of the best ways to accomplishing ministry goals. Pastor James and Mel lead the pastors in a strategic plan meeting thinking outside the box some ways in strategizing well and efficiently.

Afterwards, the team prepared to go over to La Vid Church to help prepare for the Marriage Retreat. Our church had the privilege to help sponsor this incredibly important event. One thing we learned this week - was that there was a serious need in strengthening the emphasis on biblical marriage. There were many broken marriages that have been a weak and struggle point for many in the area and community. With our help in sponsoring an incredibly phenomenal dinner - La Vid Church was able to host not only their members but also friends and visitors from outside in the neighboring communities. After a short time of worship and an incredible dinner, Pastor James, with a short testimony from Mel, and interpretation from Jerfelis was able to lead the Seminar for the Marriage Retreat. We praise God and pray that it was received well. Big thanks to all in our church family who helped contribute to the Missions Trip. We have been privileged to see God work in ways beyond imagination!

Day 6

July 21 (Thurs)

This morning, we spent some time cleaning the sanctuary of La Vid Church! Kim had taken some pictures from Sunday Worship - so we were able to compare and contrast the difference it made with the new paint! Afterwards, we had the opportunity to walk around the neighborhood of La Vid Church - inviting people to the Health Talk that Elisa would be leading in the afternoon. It was such a unique experience to see the disparity between certain homes all in one neighborhood. While visiting homes we were also able to visit with Lourdes, one of the senior saints of La Vid Church who has been battling cancer. It was incredibly humbling and powerful to pray for her.

While Elisa led her Health Talk at La Vid Church, Mel, Pastor James and Jerfelis with Pastor Eduardo, one of the pastors at La Vid Church - took us their daughter church in La Joya once again to spend some time in prayer as their church discerns and makes tough decisions. After the church visit, we visited with one of their church members Jalisa. Hearing her testimony and her heart for Christ with her recent baptism of her, her daughter and her husband were incredible! Amazing! Powerful!

Afterwards, we were able to pick-up some ice cream on the way back home and spend some more time in fellowship with Pastor Eduardo.

During our Team Worship in the evening, we heard that Pastor Eduardo had been hurt by North American missionaries so many times that he wanted absolutely nothing to do with missionaries ever again. But by God’s grace, we were told that God used us to redeem that hurt. He also told us that we are the first North American missionaries he wants to visit if and when he ever gets a chance to visit. Praise God!

Day 5

July 20 (Wed)

This morning, Elisa joined Mel and Jerfelis and went to La Vid Church to complete the Paint Project in the Sanctuary. Once they completed, they began work on the exterior of the church building too. One of the pastors on staff at La Vid Church - Pastor Fernando stopped by and was amazed at how it was turning out.

Pastor James spent the morning touring some of the underserved communities with Carlos. It was eye-opening to see the disparity and how many of these areas don’t have the basic necessities and resources that we would think of back home in the states. But my goodness, some of the views from these communities were incredible of the valley here.

For lunch we all gathered together at the church! We have been blessed by a lady in the church named Dolores who has been blessing us by cooking lunch for us! She owns a little food store front, fast-food location and we have been eating well!

Later on in the afternoon, Elisa gave a health talk in the community of Hatillo. Although the community was not as responsive as Crucero - they received and were incredibly appreciative of all the wealth of knowledge that was shared!

Mel, Pastor James and Jerfelis had scheduled house visits that were canceled due to a family emergency for Pastor Eduardo - so they went to visit a staple in the city center of Jarabacoa called Helado de Ivon - to try some local, homemade ice cream with flavors that are unique to the area: BATTATA and MANGO. And my goodness it was good!

After dinner, we gathered together as a team to have a brief time of worship, testimony, sharing and praying for many of our church family that are ill back home on Long Island.

Day 4

July 19 (Tuesday)

Today Mel, Pastor James and Jerfelis focused on the Paint Project with painting in the sanctuary of La Vid Church. Elisa focused on one of her key health talks in an underserved, rural community of Crucero. Crucero is strategic because that’s also the location of a key ministry center and site for Carlos and Kim.

For the Paint Project, we adjusted our schedule so we can focus on completing the interior of the sanctuary - which we almost did! 96%! All that’s left is portions of the Exterior now!

And wow! God is a God of miracles! The Health Talk went incredibly well! The women of Crucero wanted Elisa back as soon as next week! They weren’t expecting much - but by the power of prayer and God’s grace, they had a full-house while even going overtime! Praise God!

We ended the night with an invitation to one of the lay leaders of La Vid Church! My goodness did he have an incredible view! What a powerful night of fellowship and worship it was overlooking the valley. The Kingdom of God has no borders! Praise God for the incredible and immense blessings He has already shown us!

Day 3

July 18 (Monday)

Our day once again started off with devotions and some awesome breakfast by Kim! Then afterwards we split into two teams: Kim and Elisa was one team. Pastor James, Mel and Jerfelis was the other team.

Pastor James, Mel and Jerfelis headed off to La Vid Church in the morning to work on painting the sanctuary. They were joined by Pastor Eduardo from the church.

Kim and Elisa spent the morning doing a special house visit and preparing for Elisa’s Health Talks that she will be leading this week - before they joined the others at the church for a traditional Dominican lunch!

Chicken, rice and beans are often a staple of a Dominican dish nicknamed, “La Bandera.”

After an incredibly good lunch, we headed off together to visit one of the lay leaders in the church and their family. What a beautiful drive that was, heading into the mountains.

Once we arrived at Santo’s house, we were blown away with an incredibly powerful testimony. Hearing how God was working in his life, hearing how God transformed his life challenged us.

We also spent the time to pray over their family - before heading back to the home base.

After dinner, we ended our time in worship together.

Day 2

July 17 (Sunday)

After a short night, the team awoke to the roosters, chickens and birds outside of our window. With hot coffee ready for us, the team had the opportunity to enjoy the fresh morning breeze here in the mountainside on the front steps of Kim and Carlos’s home. Because we arrived so late, we weren’t able to really connect with Kim until this morning. Kim went above and beyond to prepare a hearty breakfast for us with incredible fruits! Fruits are a must when you are here!

Afterwards, we went to go worship at the local church here in Jarabacoa. Carlos and Kim are members and serve as leaders at the church as well. The church leadership was gracious enough to let Pastor James serve the pulpit. Jerfelis did a great job in simultaneous interpretation.

After an incredible welcome from the local church, the team went to eat at a new restaurant that just opened near Carlos and Kim’s home. Pastor James wanted to make sure we were taking care of Carlos and Kim by eating at a nice restaurant - that was nearly HALF the price of what we would’ve paid in New York!

After the incredible lunch, we spent the afternoon being led on a tour of Jarabacoa from Kim. We had the opportunity to listen to her experience here as well as the cultural dynamics and see the ins and outs of the area and the community. We also had the chance to eat some excellent ice cream! That never hurts!

We also had the chance to spend time with a missionary who serves in this area from Indiana. Hearing from Brother Jim was also a blessing to be able to witness God work in ways that we would never have even imagined!

In the late afternoon, we created an assembly line and created over 75 goodie bags and care packages for some of the folks we will be ministering to this week!

After supper, we gathered as a team to worship and hear testimonies. We are humbled and excited to see how the Lord will work this week!

Here are some of our prayer points for the week:

1. Pray for the THREE Health Seminars that Elisa will be teaching at this week. Please pray for strength and for the Lord to speak through Elisa mightily.

2. Pray for the Paint Project that we will be doing for the local church.

3. Pray for the physical health and well-being for our Team and the safe travels for our team- especially pray for the underserved, poor, rural communities we will be visiting.

4. Pray that the Team can be an encouragement to our missionaries, Carlos and Kim.

5. Pray for the Marriage Seminar that I will be teaching with Jerfelis interpreting. We have over FORTY SEVEN COUPLES signed up.

Day 1

July 16 (Saturday)

Our team arrived at the Santiago Airport a little before 11:00pm. It was quite a ride as John F. Kennedy Airport was incredibly backed-up on a Saturday evening. But by God’s grace we arrived safely and were able to process through customs and immigration. After we were greeted by Carlos, we made the journey all the way to their home in Jarabacoa which was about a 45-minute drive. We praise God for the safe arrival, and look forward to what the Lord will do this week!

Team Reflections 2

As I sit back on the night before our departure, I sit in disbelief that we are actually departing tomorrow. My wife asked if I was excited. My response to her was that I think it’ll hit me hard once I’m finally on the plane en route.

Many of you know that this trip has been in the works for nearly a year. Upon much conversation with Carlos and Kim, and with much prayer, it made so much sense for us to select the Dominican Republic as our first-ever missions trip location. So with much excitement last year, we decided to target the February Break to go. But as many of you know, last winter, the COVID-19 omicron wave took a huge toll on so many friends and loved ones in our community. So without much hesitation the Council decided to postpone the trip until further notice.

But as time went on, the Lord pressed on my heart to set a date and go. With God’s grace, the Council in conversation with Carlos & Kim set this July 16-23 date early on in the Spring. As the sign-ups began to be advertised, I honestly had no clue what to expect. There were days where I was even talking to myself, thinking that I might end up going by myself. But now we are finally here!

The team met briefly together to pray and finish packing some of our supplies and gifts that we are bringing. We stand amazed at the financial support that went in for our trip from within our church family and as well as our friends outside of our church family who have contributed to this endeavor. I know many near and far are praying as well. By the grace of God, our church family has committed to pray and/or fast during a Prayer Relay for each meal time throughout the duration of this trip!

Many of you know that the COVID-19 BA5 wave is picking up in many places including within our community. I ask that you pray for protection as we get ready to go love the Lord, expand our vision for the Kingdom, and help serve in ways we can’t even imagine.

Thank you to all who have prayed and supported. And a big thank you to all of you will keep up to date with what will happen on the scenes while we’re there.

With love in Christ,

Pastor James

Team Reflections

One year ago as I was praying for our church and reflecting on how God was leading our church throughout this pandemic, God led me to these two passages:

1 Peter 4:10 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace”

Romans 10:13-14 “For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?”

I knew that our church was called to be stewards of our gifts beyond our four walls of our church building. But how did that look? One way was to get out of our comfort zone and to visit one of our missionaries to see how God was at work beyond our own comfortable context. COVID-19’s Omicron wave pushed our trip back from February to July, but by the grace of God, the itinerary has been set! The plane tickets have been purchased! And we just had our first team meeting together last night! Our team of five is filled with experience, wisdom, and many spiritual gifts. I cannot wait to see and witness how God will use each and every one of us!

This is a very meaningful trip because this will be our first missions trip abroad in the 64 years of our church! This is also a trip where we will be able to visit with our missionaries Carlos and Kimberley. Many of you know that Kimberley’s father, Pastor Ken Verhulst was our long-time pastor from 1985-2006! To get a chance to personally experience the power of a legacy of faith, will truly be an incredible experience! Please keep us in your prayers!

Blessings,

Pastor James