Grace Bible Church Mission Team

2012-02-06T13:43:00.004-06:00

January 25-February 2, 2013

We are looking to gather another team to travel to the Dominican Republic to share the Gospel and touch the lives of those less fortunate. We will again partner with Solid Rock International.

Pray about this opportunity for incredible growth and fun.

Are you in?

2012-02-06T13:33:00.000-06:00

Mission 2012 Recap Continued

Friday January 6

On Our Way

Portage to Chicago

On the bus at Grace Bible Church

Sydney and Allie are ready

Kathy, Peg and Allie enjoy the sun's warmth thru the bus windows

Still driving thru the beautiful sunset: Syd, Roxanne, Allie, Jessie and Terri

2012-02-06T13:21:00.000-06:00

Mission 2012 Recap

Sunday January 1

Packing Party

Jessie and Sydney get started

Jim and Roxanne inspect the packing progress

Allie and Jessie pack and record contents of each suitcase. Jim dawdles in the background :-)

Sorting supplies in the church auditorium

Mary counts out yet more medicine

We Are Flexible

2012-01-28T16:18:00.001-06:00

Looking forward to next year yet?

Possible dates are in mid-January.

More photos coming to this blog soon.

If...

2012-01-22T16:01:00.002-06:00

You have just come back from a mission trip if:

-taking a long hot shower feels decadent
-you make sure you have tissues and hand sanitizer before you head to the bathroom
-you hesitate to brush your teeth using tap water
-your friends and family just shake their heads when you speak DoAmericana
-you hesitate to tell your kids/grand kids that you rode in the back of an insanely driven pick up truck and enjoyed it it
-you are only "sort of glad" to be home and can't really explain that
-you are already thinking of going on another mission...

Chicago

2012-01-14T14:08:00.002-06:00

We're back.
We can't believe you people let it snow and get cold while we were gone!
We left eighty degrees, palm trees and ocean breeze this morning. We already miss our friends.

Sally, Terri, Jim, Kathy, Jessie and Roxanne last night at our hotel in Santo Domingo

Friday January 13

2012-01-14T09:20:00.001-06:00

Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo

Statue of Christopher Columbus. Note two tourists in front.

Interior of the oldest church in the New World

Photos in no particular order

2012-01-12T19:32:00.000-06:00

Jim and Roxanne with our sponsored child, Andy, and his mother at the guesthouse

Luke-y rests on Mama's lap while we ride the guagua (Small Dominican bus)

Bienvenita explains

Bienveneta lays down the law to the Americanos (Note our Panamanian is not listening)

Note Amazing InstaScreen in background

The children are eager to help set up

Clinic is rocking and our all star pharmacy staff have it all under control

Villagers lined up in front of the school waiting to see our team. Dominican's have a lot more patience than Americans!

Part of our team makes a house call

The dog rests under the tree while the turkeys have a midday snack

The mountains in the background are beautiful

Syd gives some love to a local burro

And Teri tries out transportation Dominican Style

2012-01-11T20:14:00.000-06:00

Random thoughts:

-Jim spoke in front of Pastor Juan Ernesto’s “church plant” which is a church that meets literally under a tree. Details later.

-I got lots of hugs and love from a 74 year old grandma just because I listened to her and gave her a Spanish New Testament. I wrote her name and mine and the date in the front. I also underlined Phil 4:13. I gave her grandson the dog tag. They were amazed that they matched! (The verse in the Bible and on the tag). Praise God I didn’t make another typo :-} I cried. They cried. I cried some more and we hugged. You get the idea.

-I had the opportunity the be with Juan Ernesto as he talked/sang and presented the gospel to the children in the village. I cannot put it into words...You get the idea.

The 6:30 AM devotion was incredible!! More later.

Pastor Juan with the village children (notice gringo in background)

Tuesday

2012-01-10T05:46:00.000-06:00

So much happened yesterday there was NO time to blog last night. Which is good in a crazy sort of way.
In the morning Pastor Juan shared the gospel (along with doing lots of other stuff) and 40 adults accepted Christ!! In the afternoon 39 children prayed to accept Christ. And a sweet older Catholic lady wanted the New Testament. She wanted to READ the Bible!!!!!!
Got to go load the bus for another adventure.

Sunday

2012-01-08T10:53:00.002-06:00

We are at the guesthouse in San Juan de la Maguana!!!!!!!

More later

Miami Saturday

2012-01-07T08:54:00.000-06:00

We’re in Miami on time and waiting at our gate. Still no one sick, unless you count my laryngitis :-{

We should be boarding very soon. Next stop, God willing, Santo Domingo!

5 AM Saturday

2012-01-07T08:50:00.001-06:00

On the plane. Barely. Some, who shall remain nameless, of our group stopped for food in the airport or something and almost didn't make it to the gate on time.
But we did.
My throat is still sore and I'm trying really hard not to talk. Which is tough.
There are at least 2 other mission teams on the flight. One is the construction team that will be with us at the guesthouse and the other is going to Honduras.
Praise the Lord no one has gotten motion sick. That I know of ;-)

Friday- On the way!!!

2012-01-06T16:25:00.000-06:00

Yeah!!
The team is on the bus and headed for the hotel by O’Hare. We got all our supplies packed into 12 bags to check so we won't have to pay extra baggage fees, praise the Lord!
Up early tomorrow to take a shuttle to the airport for our 5:40AM flight :-}

Contact Instructions

2012-01-03T19:02:00.000-06:00

Here is the contact info for our contact:
Joyce Armson: phone 608.635.2178
Email armson@centurytel.net

Please give this information to your family and prayer partners. Joyce will be the one to contact first if they must get in touch with you. She has our info and knows how to contact us.

If for some reason that is not possible an alternate method is to call Kari Straley (guesthouse administrator in the DR) at 419.956.4043
Or Joe Zimmerman (Solid Rock Executive Director) in Indianapolis 419.956.4077

Please make sure all YOUR emergency contact information is correct. Contact Roxanne or Mary to make sure we have family members phone and email information.

Team Meeting

2011-12-12T14:01:00.001-06:00

December 18

Agenda

Opening Prayer- Sydney

Logistics- Questions?

Spanish Game

Called- Review last section

Testimony Sharing

Closing Prayer- Roxanne

More To Do

2011-12-01T10:57:00.000-06:00

Thanks to all for the success of the Priceless Sale!

We are purchasing our airline tickets today. Please pray for success in view of the bankruptcy filing of American Airlines.

Team Member To Do List:

Daily Quiet Time
Read pages 119-173 in “Called”
Pray for your stay-home-family and supporters
Notify your credit card/bank/debit card that you will be traveling to the Dominican Republic. Otherwise there may be difficulties if you need to use plastic down there.
Know where you passport is (Jessie)!
Make sure you have Malaria prophylaxis ready.
Check that your routine vaccinations are up to date (tetanus etc)

Prayer Partner To Do List:

Ask the Lord for wisdom and strength for the team and their families.
Pray for God to prepare the hearts of all those we will come into contact with.

Team Introduction

2011-11-08T20:01:00.000-06:00

We are less than two months from our mission to the Dominican Republic!

This Sunday the team will be introduced to Grace Bible Church at the 9AM service.

Remember the Priceless Sale on Sunday November 27!

TO DO LISTS

2011-10-31T11:41:00.000-05:00

Team Member To Do List

Pray for strength and wisdom
Prepare your mind and heart in your Quiet Time
Review pages 63-117 in "Called"
Touch base with your prayer partner
Compose your personal testimony

Team Supporter To Do List

Pray for wisdom and strength for team members AND their families
Pray for Solid Rock Missions and the people of the Dominican
Consider donating items to the "Priceless Sale" on Sunday November 27

For everyone consider

Isaiah 43:5a "Do not fear, for I am with you;"
Psalm 34:8-9 "O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! O fear the Lord, you His saints; For to those who fear Him there is no want."
Psalm 138:8a "The Lord will perfect all that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord is everlasting."

2011-09-30T17:22:00.002-05:00

Great News!

Local artist Pam Hines has agreed to donate a number of her beautiful works to the Priceless Sale on Sunday November 27th.

FUNDRAISER

2011-09-19T10:22:00.001-05:00

Sunday November 27th the team will hold our only fundraising event: The Priceless Bakesale

All items will be located in the kitchen and available from before church till everything is gone.

Please bring in your goodies to donate by 8:45 AM

Donation canisters will be located in the room so you may purchase any item for the price you feel led to pay.

All proceeds pay for medicines and supplies for the 2012 Grace Bible Church Mission Team.

2011-09-18T18:08:00.000-05:00

Great team meeting today! Information will be sent to all who couldn’t attend.

I was so excited about the meeting I forgot to set up Skype ;-{

I’ll remember next time!

Please check out the Straley Blog:

http://thestraleynews.blogspot.com/

And the Guesthouse Blog:

http://srmupdates.blogspot.com/

First Team Meeting

2011-09-06T20:44:00.000-05:00

September 18 after Sunday School at 11:30 AM at Grace Bible Church

We will discuss travel plans, vaccinations and future meeting times

Update

2011-08-30T09:05:00.000-05:00

Deadline for application for the 2012 team is September 11, 2011

Initial deposit for the trip of $100 per person is due September 30, 2011

First team meeting will be in September

Mary will contact everyone with specific information

Prayer Requests:

Mission Team members and their families
Affordable airfares
The people of the Dominican Republic as they recover from the flooding due to Hurricane Irene

Welcome Aboard!

2011-08-09T16:24:00.000-05:00

Mary Cooper- Assistant Team Leader

2011-08-09T16:08:00.002-05:00

Welcome 2012 Grace Bible Mission Team! It's time to start planning our monthly Team Meetings. Watch for an email! Mary Cooper

2011-07-21T17:24:00.001-05:00

It’s been cooler in the Dominican than in Wisconsin!

If you’re considering joining the team, start working on your passport!
Contact Roxanne if you have any questions.

Please continue to pray for the people of the Dominican, Solid Rock Missions and the Mission Team.

PowerPoint and PotLuck

2011-06-03T17:33:00.002-05:00

We're looking forward to seeing Carolyn and Mabel Ann here in Portage July 9 and 10!

July 10th Mission Team information presentation at the 9AM service with PotLuck luncheon to follow.

Just over 6 months till the next mission trip. Please keep this in your prayers!

2011-05-16T10:59:00.003-05:00

We have confirmed dates for the next mission trip:

January 7-14, 2012

We will be at the guesthouse with a construction team. This means that we should have Juan Ernesto and Bienvenido available every day. It also means that we are limited to 15 people on our team.

Team meetings will begin in September.

2011-04-29T20:42:00.003-05:00

GOOD NEWS

We are looking forward to another mission trip to help the needy people of the Dominican Republic. This year we contacted over 650 villagers with good news for their souls and medicines for their bodies. There is still much work to be done there and thousands more villagers in need of hope that comes through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and help with malnutrition, parasites and multiple medical problems.

Consider supporting the 2012 Mission Team through Grace Bible Church. Please think about joining the team in this wonderful opportunity to put your faith to work!

Remember

2011-04-07T12:23:00.005-05:00

Next Year?

2011-04-06T21:42:00.004-05:00

Solid Rock Missions has invited Grace Bible Church to return in 2012. Please prayerfully consider joining the team. Come and join in a life changing adventure!

Picture Party

2011-03-31T09:48:00.002-05:00

Saturday April 2 @ 5PM We will share pictures, memories, rice, beans and a bunch of other goodies. Hoping to see the whole team, their families and prayer partners! Any questions or need directions? Call Roxanne.

A New Break for the Team

2011-03-14T21:16:00.002-05:00

The latest news is Roxanne fell down the basement steps at our son (Bob's) house and broke her left humerus (upper arm) Friday.

Looks like Roxanne will be out of action for about 8 weeks. But for now the picture party is still on for April 2.

Palero and Janelle's Birthday...

2011-02-24T20:36:00.003-06:00

More on Thursday

2011-02-24T20:16:00.004-06:00

Mabel Ann in triage

Carolyn visits with her sponsored child

Cheri assists Diego before his surgery

Thursday

2011-02-24T19:52:00.005-06:00

Palero in the district of Sabenta

Wednesday continued again

2011-02-23T21:49:00.000-06:00

Plowing fields, by hand:

Singing songs before clinic starts:

Transportation to dinner out, Dominican style:

End of the day:

Wednesday continued

2011-02-23T20:28:00.000-06:00

More Pics of Wednesday

2011-02-23T17:31:00.000-06:00

Flag raising at one of the schools Solid Rock Missions sponsors (CCED)

Then work in the village:

Wednesday

2011-02-23T14:22:00.000-06:00

Guyabal C

More Pics of Tuesday

2011-02-22T18:58:00.000-06:00

Enjoying time at the mercado in San Juan de la Maguana

Roxanne demonstrates how to say Ahhhhhh

Doc Steve works Triage with help from David

June readies a ball for play

Mabel Ann

Tuesday

2011-02-22T18:41:00.004-06:00

The team visited the local "mercado" where the guesthouse hosts buy most of the food to feed the teams.

Then off to the village of Barbor Arriba

Monday

2011-02-22T05:40:00.006-06:00

Day One of clinicswas filled with anticipation and excitement. We served approximately 140 people in the rural village of Guayabal. We provided medicines, vitamins and toothbrushes to the people. Most importantly, we showed the members of the village that they are loved by us and by God.

We have had beautiful weather with sunny skies and highs in the low 80's. We took advantage of some time off in the late afternoon to walk outside the guesthouse and interact with the local children. We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to serve these people.

Carolyn organizes registration

Prayer before clinic starts

Vacas (Cows)along side the road

The beautiful children at the school in Guayabal

Janelle and Roxanne excited to play soccer with the kids

Sunday

2011-02-22T05:08:00.011-06:00

View on the ride from Santo Domingo to the guesthouse in San Juan de la Maguana

Statue in honor of the Maguana peoples that originally inhabited this region

Please note: Roxanne is wearing a dress :-}

Our sister Christ with her 4 month old son and another team member after church

We stayed at the hotel in Santo Domingo Saturday night then attended a church service Sunday morning. What a blessing to be with our Dominican brothers and sisters in Christ!

2011-02-20T16:17:00.001-06:00

We have arrived safe and sound with all our suitcases!!

More later....

Heading to Dominican Republic!

2011-02-19T20:31:00.000-06:00

IMPORTANT

2011-02-14T10:44:00.002-06:00

Please do not wear your green team t shirts.

I made a very bad mistake when ordering them and the back contains some lewd references.

I have contacted UberPrints (the company that printed them). They are going to reprint a new batch of correct shirts and rush them here. FOR FREE. Tho it was my mistake.

Please return your shirts to me as soon as possible.

And a big thank you to UberPrints!!

Comissioning

2011-02-09T18:37:00.001-06:00

This Sunday the Mission Team will be commissioned during the morning service.

Immediately after the service we will have a brief team meeting.

Pizza, Packing and Fellowship

2011-01-25T09:32:00.002-06:00

This Sunday the team will meet at 11:30 and begin with pizza and soda while we discuss Chapter 8 of the workbook and pages 19-45 of the devotional "Called".

We'll to set up a bunch of tables in the auditorium and lay out our supplies to pack.

Remember the Commissioning Service is February 13th, 9AM.

Spanish Bibles donated

2011-01-19T20:43:00.003-06:00

Ken Manthey of the Gideons International, Portage Camp, has obtained 20 compact Spanish New Testaments and 5 bilingual Bibles for the team to distribute in the Dominican.

Thanks to Gideons International for your help!

Packing Party

2011-01-13T15:01:00.003-06:00

Packing Party January 30th after Sunday School!

Lunch will be provided.

Bring your "second suitcase" and we will load our supplies and medicines. We will have a scale to ensure no bag is over the 50 pound limit.

Plans, Plans, Plans

2011-01-05T14:59:00.002-06:00

Most of our supplies have arrived!

We need to plan our packing party, so be thinking of Saturdays that might work.

Pastor Steve underwent knee surgery today. We all pray for his recovery. He will not be able to join us on the trip this year.

Be ready to review Chapter 7 at our next meeting January 9th.

And our embroidered scrub shirts will be here for the Sunday meeting :-)

Prayer Requests

2011-01-03T12:58:00.003-06:00

Current prayer requests are for:

1. An open heart in those we go to serve and work alongside

2. Health of each team member

Pastor Steve's knee injury
Mary's shoulder issues
Jenny's illness

3. Arrival of medical supplies in plenty of time to be packed

4. Our next team meeting, January 9th, to be a time of fellowship and learning

5. Provisions of adequate funds for each team member and for team supplies

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T15:24:00.001-06:00

We pray everyone has a blessed and merry Christmas.

Our airline tickets are all paid for and all our medicines/supplies are ordered!

Next team meeting is January 9

Urgent Prayer Request

2010-12-20T13:37:00.002-06:00

Please pray for Jesse. She is caring for her father who has brain cancer. Between his care, school and work she is stressed, financially and physically.

Let us come together to help her now. Her fees for the mission trip have been paid by a church member. Now we need to find a way to provide care for her father in her absence. And to care for Jesse right now.

Please pray and share any thoughts or ideas!

Team Meeting #7

2010-12-14T19:39:00.003-06:00

December 19th at 11:30

Chapter 6 in the workbook

Pastor Steve will lead us in Tu Nombre Levantare

Second deposit of $500.00 is due. Please make check payable to "Grace Bible Church" and write "Mission Trip-your name" on the memo line.

2010-12-07T18:09:00.000-06:00

Kate Hillyer

And More Team Members

2010-11-22T20:41:00.006-06:00

Jesse Vega

Kathy Grant

Steve Corbett

Jenny and Laura Novey

More Team Members

2010-11-20T20:36:00.004-06:00

Steve and June Hines

Janelle Hines

Genevieve Hines

2010-11-16T19:44:00.003-06:00

Roxanne Brant

Jim Brant

Mary Daugherty

Introducing more of the team:

2010-11-16T13:56:00.009-06:00

Mabel Ann Kauffman & Carolyn Short

Cheri Wierichs

Cory Gray

Introducing:

2010-11-15T11:56:00.002-06:00

Sally and Luke Schoeder

Joining the team from South Dakota

Let the Singing Begin

2010-11-09T09:55:00.003-06:00

Roxanne, Jesse and Janelle led the team as we began learning "Tu Nombre Levantaré "

CSI

2010-11-09T09:41:00.003-06:00

Chocolate Sales Investigation

Watch your Portage Daily Register this week for the scoop on what the Mission Team did at Pierces

Team Meeting 5

2010-11-05T12:04:00.002-05:00

Team Meeting Sunday November 7 at 11:30
Chapter 4

Priceless Bakesale

Sunday November 21

8:30AM

Chocolate Sell-abration

2010-10-30T14:19:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Pierces for allowing the team to sell chocolates inside their store yesterday.

And thanks to team members and supporters for making the day such a success.

We were able to chat with many people, share Gospel tracts, explain the mission trip and raise $496.00.

Remember: Priceless Bakesale November 21st.

2010-10-30T13:49:00.001-05:00

Jennifer meets with Kathie and John Pederson of STEMI

Priceless Bakesale

2010-10-28T13:01:00.003-05:00

After discussion with Pastor Steve, Mary Severson and Mary Walker, the date of the Priceless Bakesale has been changed:

Priceless Bakesale
November 21, 2010

Please remind your friends to bring baked or other goodies to sell. And remember to come to church hungry!

Fundraiser

2010-10-26T12:07:00.003-05:00

The team and supporters will be selling chocolate at Pierces in Portage Friday October 29th from 10AM till ?

We will have information about the mission trip, Bridge illustrations and Bibles.

Come and show your support. And have some chocolate!!

Team Meeting 4

2010-10-12T20:11:00.003-05:00

The Grace Bible Church Mission Team 2011 will be introduced to the church during Sunday service, October 24th. Following Sunday School we will have our 4th meeting.

The deposit is in on our plane tickets!

The team will meet at Grace Bible Church in Portage and travel to Chicago O'Hare together. Exact times are not available yet.

Flight Schedule:

Depart Chicago O'Hare Saturday Feb 19 at 2PM. We have a layover in Philadelphia then into Santo Domingo. Solid Rock personnel will pick us up at the airport and we'll stay that night in the capitol. On Sunday we will attend a church service then head to San Juan de la Maguana.

We return Saturday Feb 26 into Chicago O'Hare at 5:15PM.

We will travel together from Chicago to Grace Bible Church. Exact times to be announced!

Please continue to pray for each team member and our Dominican hosts.

Team Meeting 3

2010-10-06T20:57:00.002-05:00

This Sunday, October 10th at 11:30 we will have our next meeting.

Items on the agenda include:

T Shirts/Scrub Shirts
Survival Spanish Game
Sections 3 & 4 of Chapter 1 and beginning of Chapter 2
Fundraiser details

And much, much more....

Airline Tickets

2010-09-28T13:15:00.003-05:00

Our tickets are booked!! The fare per person will be higher this time: $734.00. Praise the Lord as we were first quoted fares of over $1,000.00 per person.

The total fee per person for the 2011 trip will be closer to $1400.00.

A $100.00 deposit per person is needed by October 13.

We are planning several fund raisers to offset the cost so check back often for more information,

Second Team Meeting

2010-09-25T14:05:00.002-05:00

Sunday, September 26th, will be our second team meeting. We will meet after Sunday School, approximately 11:30 AM. Please be ready to discuss the Introduction and Chapter 1 of the workbook.

We will begin our Survival Spanish lessons. So come ready to laugh...

Sorry no free food this time ;-{

Travel arrangements

2010-09-20T13:43:00.002-05:00

Please pray as the team begins negotiations for our airline tickets. There are even more restrictions on flying than last February. And airlines are no longer interested in booking groups. They have decided they make more money on individual seat sales.

Another factor is that there are no "Missionary Fares" offered to any destination in the Carribean. (Even Haiti!)

But we have two agencies working on the arrangements. And our all powerful God is in control!!!

2011 Mission Team is getting ready!

2010-09-12T20:21:00.004-05:00

Thanks to all who attended the first team meeting today.

Next meeting September 26 after Sunday School.

Please read the introduction and Chapter 1 of the workbook.

Sorry about the poor math for the cat/dog/bunny/horse exercise ;-}

2010-09-11T19:12:00.003-05:00

By 11:30 tomorrow the 2011 team and families will be enjoying chili and fellowship!

We will choose our team t-shirts as well of scrub shirts.

And we will explain the cat/dog/bunny/horse exercise.

First Team Meeting

2010-09-02T19:59:00.003-05:00

September 12

Please plan to attend this first team meeting. We will spend some time getting to know each other, schedule our future meetings, pass out the study guides, answer questions and of course eat!!

We will have pots of chili, bread and drinks. If you would like to bring a dessert or salad feel free ;-}

If you have questions get in touch with:
Roxanne
graceranch@maqs.net
or
Mary
zuma4@verizon.net

Decision Time

2010-08-17T11:08:00.002-05:00

Get ready for adventure, God is moving in incredible ways!!

Sunday August 22 we will complete the roster for the next mission trip. Then the next phase begins: shopping for airline tickets, organizing meetings, making sure everyone has a passport etc.

Call or e-mail me if you are interested in joining the team.

Roxanne
grace2play@yahoo.com
608.586.4544

2010-06-17T09:57:00.003-05:00

First Team meeting: September 12 after Sunday School.

If you want a say in the color of the new team shirts, you'd better show up. Otherwise I'll pick something ugly again ;-}

Oh, and don't forget about the free food!

2010-05-22T20:32:00.002-05:00

Step out of your comfort zone and live your faith.
Join the team for a rewarding opportunity to serve God.

Next Mission Trip
February 19-27, 2011

In for the long run

2010-05-14T15:31:00.004-05:00

We have been home for over two months. But the adrenaline is still high. And there is lots to do to prepare for our next mission.
Right now we are recruiting team members and prayer partners. We are also looking for fund raising ideas. There is no way to accurately predict the cost for next February but I doubt it will be less than this year :-)
This is a "Short Term Mission". Meaning that we are in-country for a week. But the growth and rewards are for a lifetime.
Here are some more pictures of the 2010 trip.

Looking ahead

2010-04-28T14:11:00.004-05:00

Plans are underway for the next mission team. Tentatively we will be returning to the Dominican Republic in February 2011, partnering with Solid Rock Missions again.
Please join in prayer for another successful mission.

Pics From Feb 25

2010-03-10T16:44:00.002-06:00

2010-03-05T09:17:00.003-06:00

Transportation in San Juan de la Maguana

The team on the steps at the guesthouse.

February 28

2010-03-02T12:36:00.003-06:00

We all made it home!
Saturday the 27th we made the 5 hour drive to Santo Domingo in the Gua-Gua (bus) driven by Monchy. We stayed at a resort on the beach Saturday night and took 2 taxi's to the airport Sunday. Our trip home was pretty uneventful. I thought we were going to miss our connection in Miami because we had to collect our luggage and go through customs there. But God was again letting me know that I need to rely on Him!
We got to O'Hare about 8:30PM. By the time we got our luggage and rode the shuttle to the hotel it was close to 10:00 PM.
What a welcome sight to see Jerry and Cindy Blystone waiting for us with their beautiful bus!
Many thanks to our families and prayer warriors.
More pictures will follow.

Last day @ San Juan

2010-02-26T17:23:00.003-06:00

The team finished the week strong! The medical team saw 144 people and more than 50 Dominicans committed their lives to Christ. Pastor Juan Ernesto gives a passionate message of the Gospel.
More Pictures to follow!

day four

2010-02-25T18:46:00.002-06:00

day four

2010-02-25T18:24:00.003-06:00

Pictured above are three sisters aged 105 years (center) 99 years (left) and the baby sister 89 years old.
The next picture is the Brants having a nice dinner out with team :-)

Day Four

2010-02-25T18:04:00.005-06:00

"Day three" Feb 24, 2010

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day two

2010-02-24T18:33:00.002-06:00

continue of Day 2

2010-02-24T18:17:00.006-06:00

Feb 23 (day 2)

2010-02-23T19:28:00.007-06:00

2010-02-23T05:11:00.005-06:00

Our first day in Guayabal.
The team saw 59 patients and played with many more! Pastor Juan Ernesto shared the gospel and several Dominicans committed their lives to Christ.
The rest of the team worked hard around the guesthouse, chopping down trees and raking. We now have a huge burn pile of old trees.

We're Here

2010-02-21T17:35:00.002-06:00

The entire team and our luggage have arrived at the guesthouse in San Juan!!!!
Our flights went well and only one bag was misplaced but it arrived this afternoon. We have met with other volunteers here, had a great supper and are ready for devotions then prepartions for our first clinic tomorrow.
We will upload pictures as soon as we figure out how :-)

Almost There

2010-02-17T12:40:00.002-06:00

The Team had our commissioning service Sunday February 14. What a blessing to have the support of the church body!
Our bags are packed and we leave Grace Bible Church Friday February 19.

More Supplies

2010-02-11T09:56:00.002-06:00

We just received more supplies from Dr Sabranek, a family friend. Thanks to him and the generosity of Kate Hillyer at Hometown Pharmacy in Pardeeville we will be able to help a large number of people in the Dominican, including Haitian casualties.

Pics from Feb 7

2010-02-09T10:58:00.003-06:00

The Team in action. We are organizing and packing our supplies.

"Second Suitcases" packed and ready to go!

Supplies

2010-02-09T09:14:00.003-06:00

The MAP Travel Packs arrived yesterday. These contain more medications and supplies for our trip. MAP International is a nonprofit organization that gathers donations from pharmaceutical companies and supplies. They work with mission teams all over the world to prepare prepacked supplies appropriate for your destination. The only cost to the teams is for shipping to the United States location. The team then brings the supplies to their mission location.
Grace Bible Church purchased two of these packs for the team.
With these and the supplies donated by the Grace family we will be able to treat hundreds of people who otherwise would have no medical care.