Dominican Republic, October 11th- October 17th, 2014

Grand Island Baptist

Day 5:

Today the Grand Island Baptist Mission team spent their last day here. It was a very emotional day for everyone. The women here have been such a blessing, and the children as well. I have been in awe all week; the children have so little, but they give so much. We don’t realize how much we take for granted when people all over the world have to work 10,000 times harder just to survive. This has definitely been a trip that I will remember forever and I will always remember the smiles that these women, children, and even the workers here wear. I hope and pray that this community will be a strong Christian community and will continue to spread the word of the Lord just as we have tried to spread the word to them.

Dominican Republic, October 11th- October 17th, 2014

Grand Island Baptist

Day 4:

After four great days on the work site we are all in agreement that it is going by too quickly and has already been very rewarding!  We have had the great blessing to not only work physically on construction, but also the joy of sharing with the children.  Our women’s Bible study was fantastic again today and we are amazed at how many new, young women have come faithfully all week.  Our time with them is a great blessing to us as they sing so beautifully and pray so passionately.  We know that our Lord is smiling down on our meetings.  As we prepare for our final day tomorrow we know that we will probably shed 10,000 tears tomorrow as we say goodbye.  Reflecting on today and the Lord’s many blessings.  

Dominican Republic, October 11th- October 17th, 2014

Grand Island Baptist

Day 3:

Each day here just gets better and better; there are so many blessing that God gives us! When you see houses get the walls up and know this is a big step to knowing that these people will one day have  a roof over their head, I cannot express the joy that gives me.

Each day we are teaching children about the love of God and when we walk to the apartment complex where the classes are going on, the children run to greet us, it is just so much fun seeing these children looking so forward to hearing about God.

In the afternoon the ladies from the neighboring community come to the new church that has been built here and to be greeted by so many hugs from people you hardly know is just an amazing thing.  Grand Island Baptist was one of the  first groups to teach a ladies bible study and now to be a part of some of the first classes in their new church, amazing how God works things out.  Can’t wait until tomorrow!!!

Dominican Republic, October 11th- October 17th, 2014

Grand Island Baptist

Day 2:

What an amazing day!  Building houses with “lego” blocks is an experience that we don’t have in the states.  So amazing to see how materials can be used for such a worthy cause.  It makes you realize how many blessings that we take for granted.  Working with people of another language seems almost impossible, but with God all things are possible!  So amazing to watch how God orchestrates such a huge project with seemingly no effort.

The ladies’ bible study was awesome-we doubled what we had last year and enjoyed seeing so many faces with LOVE written all over them!  And of course, the children were the greatest blessing. Once again, there was a language barrier; but there are also 3 universal languages: smiles, music and the love of Jesus! We utilized each one today!!!

Dominican Republic, October 11th- October 17th, 2014

Grand Island Baptist

Day 1:

Today was a wonderful day in the Dominican Republic, and it was very productive. The team this week is from Grand Island Baptist Church located in central Florida. The team worked very hard and was able to get the walls of two homes halfway done in just one day! Tomorrow the work will be a bit more difficult as we will pour concrete into those walls.  There are five women and four men on this team. Everyone is working hard, and we are ready for another day on the job site tomorrow.  The food is exceptional and the people showing us the ropes are becoming like family already! Tomorrow we also plan to do some activities with the local children. It will be another exciting day in this beautiful country!