Dear Mission Team Members,
March 14, 2006 - MCC Washington affirmed its commitment to establish a ministry in the Dominican Republic. Wow, what a remarkable four year journey this has been! Our prayer of establishing a church in Santo Domingo seemed, at times, to be wishful thinking. But under the remarkable leadership of Rev. Tania Guzman, the church is growing stronger in new members and in discerning their call to God. You are going to enjoy meeting and worshipping with these pioneers of faith!
We have sent mission teams to the DR every summer since 2006. For the past two years, it has been the Fellowship's Youth Ministry that has stepped up to serve as our mission workers. This year, the Youth Ministry's attention will be to present its DR stories and experiences at the Fellowship's General Conference. So, the mission responsibility has been turned over to the adults for safe-keeping in 2010. Let's pray we are up to the task!
The school/church at El Tamarindo is a special place. Here is where Rev. Francisco Barrera has been serving as school headmaster and pastor for many years. The school is for elementary students, up to 6th grade. Yes, the DR resource books will tell you that education is free to all in the DR, school compulsory for all children for the first 8 years. The reality is that most public schools are poorly staffed, with limited resources, often a great distance from the poorest neighborhoods, and sadly, often unsafe. The result is only those who can afford a private school tuition can send their children to school. So El Tamarindo, located in a distant ghetto of Santo Domingo, serves as a safe and affordable place for the little ones. The dedicated teachers often share hugs with the children. A mid-day meal is usually served thanks to one of our first year mission member's "pennies from heaven" campaign. Amazingly, Rev. Barrera also serves as Pastor of the church at El Tamarindo, where most of its members are children! Now that's Faith!
No doubt the kids already know we are coming - with our wild arts and crafts, crazy bubble machines, sweaty warm smiles, and a hot breakfast each morning. Most of all, they are looking forward to celebrating the love of God with you!
So, are you ready? Excited about the challenge of doing something different? But worried about re-arranging your work schedule. How hot will it really be? Not sure whether you will be able to raise enough funds? Who will take care of the cat while I'm gone?
Lean on the Lord, trust in God's Holy Word....God has never failed us yet.
Tim
Lean on the Lord, trust in God's Holy Word....God has never failed us yet.
Tim
