We are loving being in the Dominican Republic!

A tremendous hola from Groupo DSM2DR from Santo Domingo (Greg A., Caleb T., Shaly M., Tara B. and Becky H.)! We rose up at the break of dawn to spend time with the Lord, before consuming a scrumptious breakfast put on by the gracious staff of the Bella Epoca (the hostel we’re currently residing in). We then heard some convicting and challenging words from Herschel Martindale, one of the core founders of the Great Commission group of churches. He laid out how we should constantly be “ready to run when the sun is up” – in essence, encouraging us to push full-force for the cause of Christ. We then prayed it up and headed to the Santo Domingo University (which was a stone’s throw’s away from where our hostel was, i.e. was accessible by foot very easily).

The university hustled and bustled with life, with students hanging out everywhere, from the library, to the basketball courts, even to the edge of campus. Our group headed to the library, where we engaged in conversations with the students that were spread out in the patio area. Some of us were endowed with tremendous grace from God as we had the opportunity to be assisted by some university students that we just met who were proficient in English, enabling us to clearly get the message of the Gospel across in their native language, Spanish. The students who we conversed with were so open and had such soft hearts to hearing the message of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and why every individual requires Him to be his/her personal Lord and Savior. It’d be most excellent if the blog readers could lift up Patricia, Ibelka, Katherine, Ruth, Belli, Solangel, Yafreisy and Yael in prayers (some of the students we spoke to today). We invited them to participate in the English classes that we’re organizing daily at 1400 hours and to attend the daily 1600 hours Bible study that Greg leads.

The 1600 hours Bible study today focused on the Parable of the Sower and the Seed, and was terrific in following-up and tying together the Gospel in greater detail. Students that attended the English classes and others that were invited by the other groups were present there. We stayed to chat after the Bible study was adjourned. Last but not least, we finished up the night playing sand volleyball, at courts that were located just beside the picturesque ocean. Since there were locals “chilling” by the beachside while simultaneously watching the volleyball matches, some of us who weren’t involved in the games had the golden opportunity to pass out Gospel tracts and were able to share the Good News with those who were there. It was a grand time. Keep lifting each of our groups in prayer, that the Lord will be using each and every team member to advance His kingdom here.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3

Andy, Ed, Kate, Carla, Sara, Muje

Today marked the first of five days of sharing the gospel on campus. The day started great. Breakfast was extensive as usual and afterwards, Herschel Martindale spoke as I've never heard anyone speak before. Only the Spirit of God can touch a mans heart in the way the listeners were touched today. Praise the Lord for Herschel's willingness to be used by God all these years.

The group rallied for a time of prayer then it was off to the campus. After a brief 10 minute walk we reached the college campus and were utterly amazed. I've never been witness to so many young people walking from building to building, having lunch, or just sitting in the shade relaxing and talking to one another.

The sheer number was astonishing to me. The group split into groups of two and spread out to share the gospel and hand out tracts. The groups shared into mid-afternoon until it was time to teach an hour long intermediate English class on campus.

English class went well and many of the students stayed well afterwards to speak with us about Christ. Because my Spanish speaking skills are non-existent, it was great to have so many people who could not only speak English but also understand it as well. We were able to meet a lot of people today and began the process of developing real relationships with them. By the grace of God, the gospel was able to be clearly communicated to many many people.

After eating dinner and returning to the hostel for 30 minutes we quickly regrouped and walked to the sand volleyball courts. The courts are in a central part of town just a few feet from the shoreline. It's another great spot where many of the people like to gather and socialize. Through volleyball we were able to connect with many more people who are eager to hangout with the "Americans" later on this week.

We are excited to see the Lord continue to move and stir the hearts and minds of the people, including all of us as well.

Beautiful weather and abundant opportunities for building relationships were hallmarks of our first day of English classes. We kicked off the morning with an encouraging word from Herschel Martindale after our morning worship. His passion and care for people is inspiring and infectious.

After some prep, we braved the chaotic roads and walked to campus. The road rules dictate that whoever gets there first has the right of way. This sometimes requires stepping into a wave of traffic with faith that it will yield. En route, we visited with a group of Haitians and shared about Jesus. One of them is a willing future translator from creole to English.

Our Advanced English class started somewhat awkwardly as we had a large, very enthusiastic class and we were meeting outside. We broke the ice by teaching them the cha cha slide and demonstrating the English idiom of the bear hug. For the bible-reading portion, we split into groups and had better personal interaction. Many students had returned from the previous week. We made many friends and the gospel went out. I was able to call a few guys I met last year. Pray I'd be able to meet with and encourage them. We have  appointments with people in the next week. Pray we'd use our time efficiently and continually improve our classes.

We celebrated our first class day with Baskin Robbins, and even at the ice cream shop we were able to share with some people. In the evening,we visited the local hotspot on the beach. Some played volleyball and the rest conversed with new and old friends. We ended the day encouraged by conversation and ice cream. Pray for God to continue to change lives and give us more compassion. Also, a group will go to a Haitian community tomorrow, Tuesday. Pray God would use that opportunity.

God bless!