2001 DR Missions Trip:
Trip Report

We returned to Central around 11PM Tuesday night. What an amazing experience of seeing God work in us, through us and at times, in spite of us. Our diverse team of 42 from 6 different churches returned a united team with one spirit of love for each other and for God.

So much took place while in the Dominican Republic but I will try to give you a glimpse of our time there. Pastor Radhames oversees the ministry on this compound. He has a vision to win his city of Pimentel for the Lord through the children. By discipling the children for many years, they will then go out and start churches doing the same things he did with them. There are already several churches started this way. There is a school on the compound to help in the training of the children. Therefore, a lot of our ministry was with the children he has been working with already.

In order to have VBS for almost 400 kids we needed the help of the Dominican teens who were assigned to groups of kids to help move them through stations and keep discipline and order. They were the communication link between the children and ourselves. OF course, they didn't know much English and we didn't know much Spanish. The servant hearts of these Dominican teens were amazing to see. Although VBS didn't start till 9 AM, all the children were brought to the mission compound by two bus trips and 2 truck loads. Those teens helping with transportation were at it well before 7 AM. Breakfast and lunch were served to these children each VBS day. After a full morning of Bible lessons through skits, music, crafts, games and a station offering medical services, the American group had a break time from 1-3 PM.

Each afternoon we were involved in a different ministry. These included a walk through town handing out tracts and having some interaction with the community, a clean-up project at a park at the entrance of the town, a prayer walk through part of the town, holding a short program in the two communities where the children who attended VBS lived, and on the last day we had a joint craft time for the Dominican teens who helped all week and the American group.

While all these activities were taking place, another important group was working on constructing a roof over a 4 room building that was to be an addition to the school. They finished what they set out to do, even though the Dominicans do construction a bit different than Americans (much less precise!)

One evening we attended the Leadership Conference held for 50-60 young leaders within the Church there. Marty Hansell, Rick Barnes and Rob Benson spoke different evenings on the positive and negative leadership quailities in David, Joseph, Moses and Nehemiah. The Pastor was thrilled for his people to get this extra training.

Another evening the group participated in street ministry. We literally closed down an intersection for a few hours while we set up amplifiers and speakers. We personally went door to door and invited the neighborhood to come. We sang, performed some dramas, a message was preached, and an invitation to accept Christ given. Many people responded. We prayed with all who raised their hands, giving them Bibles or tracts. The Pastor does this regularly at various intersections in town.

Another evening we walked 15 minutes for ice cream. We observed God's humor and provision that evening. The compound ran out of water after dinner and they would have to go to town the next day to get more. We all knew there would be no showers that evening. (Not a pleasant thought after a hot day of sweat and dirt.) While finishing our ice cream, the skies broke out in rain. This was not just a sprinkle, but a downpour! We loved our walk home, feeling refreshed all over! Once back, the girls all washed their hair. The rain came down hard enough to rinse out the soap. (The guys thought we were crazy but we were thrilled!). God provided refreshment and laughter.

On Sunday we attended three services. The morning service was for 500 children who lived within walking distance. (Our group did VBS with them last summer.) The afternoon service was with the children we had all week for VBS who had to be brought there by bus or truck. In the evening was the family church service, including many of the teens who helped all week. The evening was a delight for all. The Dominicans worship God with their whole being. Dance, clapping, movement, smiles and song are all a part of their praise to God. WE ALL FELT GOD'S PRESENCE that evening as we were challenged to let God take over our throne in every area of our life.

The conditions there were very primative to us but nice accomodations compared to the homes where the children live. Several times during the day the electricity would just go out. (That meant no running water, lights, fans, or electricity for power tools.) Every couple of days they would run out of water used in the bathrooms. They always had plenty of cold clean drinking water available for us! The plumbing in all of the D.R. does not handle toilet paper so we got accustomed to using the basket next to the toilet. We used hand sanitizer continually for health safety. We adjusted to rice and beans, fresh fruit daily, and delicious fruit juice. Steak on the grill and mashed potatoes was a highlight of the week!

We return appreciating all we have in America. We return with a renewed vision for prayer with a purpose. We return with a new understanding of the one God we all worship, whether Dominican or American. We return with open eyes ready to see Jesus in all we do. Thank you, Central, for your prayers.

His servant,
Linda Hansell

P.S. Be sure to read the email reports sent back during the trip.

P.P.S. Julie has also posted a report from this trip... see DRmissions.