July 2nd marked the halfway point for the summer. So much has happened but it still feels like it’s flown by!

After a much needed 4 day break, we welcomed New Life Church from Georgia. This was the church’s first time partnering with TIME Missions and it was definitely an out of the ordinary week as far as ministry goes.

Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday we went to work constructing the chapel. There were 46 people total and most of them had never used power tools before, so it was a good learning experience for all of them. One day it felt like everything was going wrong (mostly on my behalf) and a missionary had to step in to fix things with the panel. I felt frustrated at myself and like a letdown but another one of the missionaries reminded me that 1) we all make mistakes and 2) the interns are still learning, so no one expects us to be perfect. I have very high standards for myself and I want to do things perfectly, but this week God reminded me that I need to let go of my perfectionism and trust that even when things are messy He will work things out. In a way, it reminds me of the Gospel. Why would we need a Savior if we didn’t need saving in the first place? 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭says this: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Sunday afternoon we put on a fun day in Duquesa. Think miniature festival. We had 6 stations and our job as interns was to keep our groups together and lead them from station to station. Here’s how it worked…

Station 0 Registry (kids receive colored bracelets to divide them into groups)

Station 1 Food (hot dogs, popcorn, drinks)

Station 2 Bubbles and chalk

Station 3 Face paint

Station 4 Bouncy House/ Trampoline

Station 5 Shoe and backpack distribution

And finally we ended with worship, dance, and a gospel presentation.

It’s insane to even think we were able to pull that off, but I know how much it blessed the kids and the community both with physical and spiritual needs. Over 200 kids showed up and many adults came as well. Please be praying for the hearts of the people there and pray that seeds of the gospel will continue to grow.

Monday we went to a children’s home called Fundación Madelaes where they house abandoned and orphaned girls. The DR has a government run orphanage but from what I’ve heard it’s pretty corrupt and it’s very difficult to actually adopt a child from there. Meanwhile, this organization offers a safe place, medical care, life skills, and spiritual nourishment. We were there to give them a day of fun through games, music, snacks, and a gospel skit. And before we left we gave them shoes, backpacks, and other goodies. Even through the smiles it was a hard afternoon just knowing what those girls have been through at such a young age. In the end we were able to hear the history of the girls home and hear from a woman who had not only grown up in and graduated from the program, but came back to be a part of the staff there to care for other girls like herself. She is living proof of God’s love and a testament to the goodness of their ministry.

Tuesday while the guys were out doing sports ministry, New Life hosted a fun little women’s event for the ladies at TIME. We had worship, snacks, craft, and a time of biblical conversation with one another. It was a very sweet way for the church to show their appreciation for the missionaries at TIME.

Wednesday we constructed the chapel in Moca for a Haitian pastor. From the beginning, the founders of TIME desired to do ministry in Haiti but God seemed to close the door every time. Now, even though TIME is located in the DR, they have been able to connect and partner with many Haitian pastors living here, some of whom are planning on going back to Haiti to minister to the people there!

Though a lot of good work was done, it was a draining week for us as interns. And on days like that it’s easy to lose sight of the big picture and only focus on the small things that are going wrong. I find that if I start off my day with prayer, it reminds me why I’m here and it helps me to keep God at the center of what I do, no matter what the day brings.

I know I’m a bit behind in my posts, so I’ll get the next one out as soon as I can. Until next time!