Day 6 - Bonao

Tuesday June 10, 2008
We leave Bonao this morning. Items to be done by noon today: Perry and Kirk are finishing up an electrical project at Elvis’ house. To operate the back yard light they take to hanging loose wires and stick them in a live socket and hold them while the other person does what is necessary in the yard. Kirk said, “There is no way I am leaving town with that like that!” So three gringos will go to the hardware store which is stocked as well as a Ben Franklin store to try and figure out the plan. If we could only run to Home Depot the project would be done in 15 minutes. The ladies will start to pack; when I return to the hotel I am taking them on a few site seeing places before picking up the guys so they can come back to the hotel and shower. We plan to be in Santo Domingo by 2pm.

I know it sounds like I am taxi driver. I have two things to say about that. I drove in the Dominican Republic which has been amazing to me and all who have traveled outside of North America. I wanted to get comfortable with driving over here for future visits. I am. I think I have some Dominican blood; actually I’m not that great. I hit a wave in the road and sent Perry Ackerman into the ceiling of the van with a full cup of his favorite café leche (Mud flavored coffee) and he hurt his neck and spilt his mud. Pooooor Perrrrry! Come on say it with me, it makes him feel better.

The second thing I want to tell you about the driving is this; Elvis asked me if I would pick up a few people for church so he wouldn’t have to hire a taxi driver to do it this week. I was glad to help. So on Sunday I started driving my 12 passenger van picking up people for church. For next two hours I continued to pick up and drop off – and then off to another run – 120 adults and children later I had them all at church. Elvis had over 180 people in church – about 15 people gave their heart to the Lord – most of them had their Santa Biblia (given by the Men of Faith) in their hands. It was wonderful to experience the hand of God moving. Evlis and Jamie are so excited! To think two months ago the church was still being organized and meeting in four homes with about 30 people and over 180 people.

I like their method. A young man Orlando rode his motorcycle ahead of me in the van and rounded up the church. It was their Call to Worship. He would stop, get off his bike, open the van door and fill it up. A few men didn’t even know where they were going, they thought – a free ride somewhere. One of those men sat in the service weeping and praying. He didn’t raise his hand to receive Christ but I know he was under conviction and will soon.

Another person grabbed my heart. It was a 16 years old Haitian teenager dedicating her twin boys, dressed in two beautiful outfits (from somebody in Shorewood) to the Lord in worship. If you could see those two babies. When I dropped her off I slipped her 100 pesos ($3.40) she said thank you and slipped into a one room house with nothing but a bed, a few clothes, and a little food preparation corner.

That’s not unusual in the neighborhood we ministered in. The need is so great I have trouble expressing my appreciation to you as a church for responding to the need and struggle writing without weeping. Weeping because I know their greatest need is Jesus and they are having that need met.

I have so much more to say about the ministry and our wonderful day yesterday at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and how Perry called me his wife to a Dominican sales person, and the ride to the beach and Pastor Elvis and the food and the other mission group we met but for now I must get the boys to the hardware store. Please pray for the group. Each of them are having stomach problems and a few very sunburned bodies. All in all it’s been wonderful and we can’t wait to hear the customs agent in Miami say, “Welcome home!” Two words I love to hear! Grace and Peace to you! Pastor Eric