Hello Again Amigos & Amigas!
Well I come to you now around 9 in la noche (night) to report about our LONG but as always, fruit full day! Arising before 7 once again for our group devotional, followed by breakfast we prepare to experience a new day in the humid and hot land of Dominican Republic. We were blessed the night before to have an awesome "share time" on the roof-top of the mission house, already hearing stories of lives changed after only being here a few days, God is at work. Hearing testimonies of our members that are so passionate about the cause to love and share, seeing men weep as they speak, WOW! So, this morning we went to la playa (the beach) to attend a baptismal service in the ocean with pastor Franklin and members of his church as well as a member of our church, Wanda who although had accepted Christ long ago had never been immersed. We were blessed to be exposed to such real submission from the Lord's people and to also witness a cool scene. After a scrumptious lunch at the Mission House we drove out to attend a church service on a hill where many blind people live. We were entertained by a young boy that loved to play his guitar for us along side Andy at the services for the blind. He was very cute! (pictured above). We were able to communicate with the blind through music and a service, a humbling experience. Shortly after we arrive to a concrete spot in a nearby neighborhood to attend worship with Franklin's church members. Might I add that for all of the sermons we have a translator and both pastor Bill & pastor Franklin speak. We were overjoyed at the number of people that we were able to worship with. Many children also attended this event and we worked very earnestly to see that every child made a craft and invited them to our daily camps starting on Monday. I was very surprised to see our "tough" teenage boys speaking Spanish to the children and throwing them on their laps and backs as they loved on these kids, a perfect demonstration of God's love. Dusty, tired, yet ever joyful- I have yet to see a broken spirit or poor attitude. We are genuinely excited to be here and share our joy in Christ with these people. Seeing the smile on a young boy's face while he is selling peanuts at a gas station. The pure smile on his face when you give him a piece of candy is indescribable. Moments like these, connecting in ways that only love can explain, show us our purpose. Praise the Lord for our translators that continue to come in- Oh how we need them! Pray for us as we begin our sports camps, women's Bible study, construction/prayer walk team/children's groups, and Suzanne as she draws pictures in the park - PRAY that we make a difference and that the glory is given to God. The book of Acts tells us that the Holy Spirit is alive and working, praise the Lord again for that!
Spanish game of the day..... Gato, Gato, Perro! (Cat, Cat, Dog) because we did not know the correct spanish translation for duck, duck, goose! =]
Until I type again, this is Kristen Ashburn typing from Barahona, Dominican Republic.
Much Love to all, and we pray that you receive more sleep than we do!!
<3.