Today's guest blogger is Josh Rimel...here's his thoughts on a day filled with hard work and lots of smiles from the Dominican children...
Today was probably one of the hardest times of work I have ever experienced, and although i am sore, sunburnt, and very tired, I enjoyed every minute of it. The day started out with breakfast at 8 and then right after we headed off to start work. We left the camp and headed out through the vilage to the work site. Today we were suposed to begin laying the cement foundation for a new house. When we got there we realized that everything we would do would have to be done by hand except for the actual mixing of the cement. We did this from breakfast till a late lunch. When lunch came we all were completely exhausted. After a quick siesta time. (A fabulous Dominican tradition!) We then headed out to the fields to start soccer clinics for the Dominican children. It was very exciting to see the soccer guys bonding with the kids. At the end of the day the soreness and sunburn was indeed all worth it. Seeing how God is using us to minister to these people is amazing. Please keep praying that God continues to use us to accomplish physical work and share the love of Jesus with the children we play with tomorrow...
It really was a day that required huge energy to complete the task...and the team rocked it...we carried water buckets,(I was thinking of the millions and millions of women and children who carry jugs of water for miles as I struggled to walk a block...) shoveled hundreds of buckets of sand and gravel, wheelbarrowed at breakneck speed to a foundation, and celebrated getting the job done...
Tonight we spent a good chunk of time talking about the needs we have seen and the responsibility we now inherit as people who understand poverty and life in another part of the globe on a personal level...and I loved hearing the words of players and Coach Bell that this is indeed laying the foundation for what is to come...we are excited to seek what God will lead us individually and corporately to do to respond in obedience to Scripture's call to "pursue true religion that is taking care of orphans and widows" in the days, months, and years to come...Coach talked tonight about the fact that we have now walked through a new door and there is no turning back...and I can't wait to see the path of response on behalf of the people of the Dominican Republic that God leads us on in the future...what a privilege to be part of a new work in the soccer community...as we finished sharing with the children who loved being able to play and learn soccer (some for the first time!) that we felt that God had clearly led us to come and meet and play with them, they immediately asked if we would be there tomorrow...and it will be another day to build blocks of cement on a future new home, and another day to communicate to children who we know how much Jesus loves them through chasing a round ball across the grass...
Tonight I'd ask you to pray for God's spirit to cement in leadings and lessons in the minds and hearts of each team member that will be strong and ready to grow as we finish our work here...I'm certain that God is excited about speaking to a crew of young men who can be used to impact their teammates and our CU community and the world...headed off to sleep so we can be fully present here for one more day...
CHIP
8 comments:
Thank you again for another update. Sounds like you are all making such an impact there as well as here by your service and tender hearts. May God bless you with strength and presence as you finish strong with your new friendships as you carry out and stand in His vision. Blessings to all of you, Catherine, Zack and Josh Bell
We dido that! Thanks again for sharing with us. We almost feel as though we are there with you. We are definitely thanking and praising God for all that is happening. Praying...
the Grotenhuis family and fan club!
We so appreciate and look forward to the daily updates, thank-you!! You all have been in our prayers several times throughout the day. It sounds like you are working very hard and gaining so much from this experience!! We are very excited to hear what God has done in your lives from having this tremendous experience!! What a privilege it is to be a child of God and to be able to share that with those who may never have heard about Jesus' love!! Thank you all for being willing to serve on this trip to the DR.
We will continue to pray for all of you!
The Tolsma/Elders family
Happy Birthday Coach Bell, on Thursday, 1/14!! We love you so much!!! Blessings,
Catherine, Zack and Josh
I just heard about the major earthquake that has happened in Haiti near the DR, i am praying that you all are ok. Get back safe!
- Stephanie Mills
I just talked to Cristian from the DR where our family members and friends are. I was getting a lot of phone calls re: the earthquake that hit Haiti. I don't have contact info. for everyone so I thought I would comment on the blog. They are all fine. I am sure there will be more info. on the blog tonight from Chip. All I know is that everyone is safe and sound and wanted to pass this on. We will continue to pray!
Holly Elders
thank you for letting us know, Holly :) that's great to know that God has kept them safe. still keeping them in my prayers though
- Stephanie Mills
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