Monday, July 2:
The weekend preparations went by in a whirlwind, and we have started camp today. We spent Saturday reviewing all of our lesson plans, music & skits, then went on visitation to the village. It is always a humbling experience to do that, seeing how the majority of the world lives in abject poverty, and seeing the vast spiritual darkness as well.
On Sunday, we started our day early with the worship service at Iglesia Bautista Quisqueyana in Villa Mella, where the prodigal Abel was welcomed back with joyous open arms. We sang two songs there (both in English & Spanish), and Kristina did a solo, as well as Abel. The message was moving, and we genuinely felt the Lord's spirit there in that congregation of 700-800. It was the usual 2 hour service :-). We got to ride Dominican style (14 passengers in an 8 passenger van) so that is always a cultural experience. We arrived at church with "Dominican car hair" due to no air conditioning and windows open. Most of the boys were pretty happy with their haircuts at that point.
Sunday afternoon was spent checking in the campers, and testing them for English placement. That took all afternoon, and we ended up with the biggest camp we have ever had -- 21 boys and 19 girls, with some of the boys double bunking on a twin mattress like they do at home. I don't think we had to turn anyone away - though two of the Dominican workers had to go sleep at home instead of staying in the cabins, but they were back bright and early. Zeke, Levi and Lindsey had their first experience with mangu (pronounced - mon-goo) which is mashed cooked plaintain, that is served with eggs and onion sauce. It's always fun to watch someone get their first taste of this Dominican staple.
Sunday evening, David preached his first sermon on our theme verse, about Jesus being the only way to salvation. During the invitation, at least 2/3 of the congregation, including most of our campers, admitted to not having a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Our mission is clear and our time is short, so please pray for these kids while we have an influence on them this week.
In the English classes, we had planned for two classes of beginners, two intermediate and one advanced. As it turned out, about 25 of the 40 kids didn't know the first word of English, so we have three beginner classes, one large intermediate class and a semi-advanced class. The teachers adjusted and jumped right in to their work this morning. We have chapel first, personal devotion time, English & character classes in the morning, then crafts, music & sports in the afternoon. After supper we have our evening service.
John will be teaching in tomorrow's chapel, and each of the leaders has to do cabin devotionals and discipling, so please pray for their strength, perseverance and patience this week as we continue in the Lord's strength and through His grace.
Debbie for the DR team
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