Kristi Morrell Updates us with how things are going thus far:
We set out on our journey to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Wednesday evening the 13th with many unknowns, but with the assurance God was with us. After a long cramped plane ride we arrived in Santo Domingo late Thursday morning not knowing exactly how we would get to our hotel. The plan made while in the US, went quickly out the window! Again, God was with us and transportation was in place.
We are now on day 5 and the Holy Spirit has shown himself numerous times and in many ways. The whisper of our Fathers voice has reached our hearts through the love and laughter in children's smiles and voices, mixing concrete, picking up trash; in painting walls, moving walls, singing Father Abraham and He's Got the Whole World in His Hands. We have shared and acted out the stories of Zachias and Noah's Ark.
During a day and a half in Santo Domingo we had the opportunity to witness to approximately 160 children through the outreach of Children of Promise. Now in Azua, we are being hosted by YWAM, and have quickly found our Christian family has grown to include the young men and women studying at the base. Our team has begun working with Pastor Raul at Iglasia Cristiana de la Comunidad el Prado (ICC). We attended Sunday evening service and were again reminded of how great and mighty our God is and how wide is His reach.
Our first evening of VBS at ICC, found us walking the streets of the community, speaking with families, inviting children from the community to join us. As time approached for VBS to begin we were few in numbers, the music began to play, the singing started and the children came. One by one the church filled with the voices of Gods children and our number quickly grew to 150.
Day two came quickly and we were off to the ICC school in the back of the YWAM truck. Once arriving at the ICC school the painting continued, work on the classroom walls continued along with improvements to the playground. A glance around and you could see and feel the love of Christ as the teachers were preparing their lessons, as children from the community came, eager to help. And as our mission team tirelessly continues the work they were each called to do, our God was present. The work day ended and we were off to the YWAM base for lunch, a quick refresh then back to ICC for VBS. Our numbers were slightly less than day one but God was present and the excitement was evident. Songs were sung and the story of David and the Lions Den was shared. Time with the children came to an end as we played jumprope, basketball, kicked soccer balls and tossed frizbies.
With the remaining few days ahead, we wait in anticipation to see how God will use us. We are 12 disciples and we are here to serve.
