Well, we are back in Georgia,with very mixed emotions. The internet was down for the last few days of our stay, so we truly were third world -- in conditions akin to the poor South in post depression USA days. No TV, no radio, no telephone, no hot water, no internet those last few days, no window screens for the most part. Electricity is sporadic. We are now back to reality -- or are we? Reality for most of the people of the world is what we just experienced. There are well-to-do people in the DR that live like kings (many government officials), but the middle class would be considered poverty level in the US,and the poor are at a level that we haven't seen in half a century and cannot imagine. There is no government welfare system. Existence for most is hand to mouth, just wanting to get one good meal a day, and most of that is carbohydrate. In the poor areas, theft is a way of life for survival, and personal property rights a foreign concept as they scrounge to feed themselves. Yet in spite of all that, the Dominicans are some of the happiest people I know - not simpletons, because there are some very intelligent and skillful people coming out of the poverty - but happy in spite of their circumstances. The Christians are faithful, and truly exemplary for those that live in hopeless and helpless conditions. They bring the light of Christ into an otherwise spiritually dark place. The work at Centro Biblico de Juan Tomas is a vital one, and is an oasis in the midst of despair.
We have left our hearts in Juan Tomas, both emotionally and physically, in the fact that we left some of our own (Rebecca, Abel, Johabelly & Matthew) to continue to share the good news through their ministry, both in Juan Tomas and in Villa Mella. The camp is considered to be a great success by those that live there, and we hope that we fulfilled the work that the Lord had for us. It is not only by the harvest that success is measured, but by the seeds that were planted - and there were many of those! There was a multitude of tears shed on our last day at camp, both from campers and workers, as we left parts of our hearts with those dear children. The staff and the campers all begged for our return next year. It is hard to say "No" but requires a great sacrifice from those who prepare and go, and a true dependence on God's provision and in the faithfulness of His people. On our flight to the Dominican Republic, there was another mission team on the way to Santo Domingo. They were going to do construction on a new church plant. I thought that was wonderful -- and how easy that would be! Go and apply yourself to bricks and mortar every day in the work of the Lord! No lessons to write, no feeding 60 extra people, no crafts to prepare, no character lessons to teach, no discipline problems, no gum in the hair at night, no getting tied to the bedpost -- but also no seed planted, no harvest seen and no sharing and tearing of our hearts. No, I would not trade all the sacrifice and six months of preparation for that.
Please pray with us that God wll clearly direct as we seek to continue the work next year, and will provide as He sees best. We praise His name for the seeds planted, the fruit that was matured, and the harvest of souls! In the blessed and glorious name of Jesus!
Debbie, for the DR mission team
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