Our 2010 Mission Family

Have you ever thought about the bonding that built over time during life's mundane activities among Jesus' disciples as the group grew to twelve and wandered throughout ancient Israel and Judea? The Bible tells us many stories of their milestone experiences together, but the detail of daily life in that time is thin. Some days, it's those "little things" that overshadow the highs and the lows of those milestones. Did Bartholomew accidentally drink unboiled water or eat raw salad in Sychar and spend a few days dearly regretting it? Did Thaddeus "lose" all of his money after successfully haggling for a bargain with a street vendor in Bethsaïda? Did Simon plot out activities for the next few days in Jericho, only to see unexpected rainstorms call for a complete revision of plans? They hadn't yet seen the Resurrection nor been filled with the Spirit. Just how mightily did those downturns weigh on their collective outlook? What challenges they must have faced in their daily lives, beyond those about which we read in the Bible!

Our 2010 mission team cannot compare to THE disciples, but we certainly hoped that our words and our deeds demonstrated our discipleship to the Word. Our 2010 team faced illness, bad weather, and theft. We got tired, wet, hot, angry, afraid, and frustrated. But we remained united in support of one another. We stayed true to our dedication to bring spiritual and material support to the school and adjacent community in El Tamarindo. One of the many great things about our mission trips is that although we return home to quotidian chores and concerns, each of us has faced and shared unanticipated difficulties. It is the sharing of those challenges which help form new friendships and create a bond not only with one another, but with those who made the trip in years past. There is even a level of inner fulfilment and satisfaction that links each one of us in spirit to everyone else, across time and distance, who has taken action to uplift those in need. Those friendships and bonds may possibly fade ever so slightly over time and distance, but will certainly never disappear nor be forgotten. What a blessing for us to have been able and willing to perform these deeds, and what a reward to have met and made friends with such wonderful people.

Pictured above are. . .

..... in the back row:

..... Yoel (our Dominican van driver), Phil, Jules, Gin, Marty, Karen, Alana, & Tim

..... in the front row:

..... Michael, Ivy, Michelle, & Ruddy (our Dominican security/translator ).

A Message from Rev. Barrera....

Dear brothers and sisters:

Greetings in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, to you and your entire congregation there in the States from all the children and the whole community of El Tamarindo here. And I hope everything is going good after your visit with us. And all of you have had a safe trip back home in gathering together with your love ones.

There is really no words to express my sincere gratitude for your dedicated efforts, time sharing and working, financial support, and for your wonderful gift for us to continue operating the school and doing our work here. The non-stop rain shed and sent by the mercy of God was nothing compared to the joy and blessings we¨ve all got. I am a front believer that everyone got a part of the abundant faith left out by each one of you during participating in the worship and biblical lessons. And this is the result, because my God is a God of hope, is a God of faith and is a God of love.

Both the school (the children) the teachers and the support staff are really thankful of you. The first ones for continuing being the recipients of the benefit shed by God through you, and the others for being part of the work that God has chosen for them as being servants of his work.

Thank you so much,
Blessings,
Rev. Juan Francisco Barrera
Pastor and Director
Escuela de ICM
El Tamarindo, Dominican Republic