Dominican Republic Base - Adventures In Missions -

The Hike

Sun, 21 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Before we started the schedule for the new semester, we all took a little time to catch up with each other about our family visits and settle into San Juan again. One of these days we spent hiking through the mountains.

After a van ride from the city we were at the feet of the mountains. We started walking along the road and passed by houses and kids playing in the streets. The morning air was still cool and if you caught some shade you would feel the true measure of the morning clinging to the nights coolness. As we passed the last of the houses, the road began to look more like a trail, stones sticking out of mud, leaves, animal waste, branches along the side, shade falling on either shoulder or over the whole path in some places. It was a well-traveled path but remained untamed.

The 12 of us walked along in a mob fashion, 3 to this side, 4 on the other, 5 in the middle. This changed after a few farmers going to their fields passed us up in their plastic boots or sandals. Who figured that there would be more traffic than us on this trail in the morning? What I remember most about the walking wasn't the solitude we had from others, or the incredible views that we had overlooking a river below, but it was the laughter and talking we had among ourselves. I saw the three weeks spent apart being the past in conversations and the next 5 months coming to the front of every ones minds.

One of the purposes of this hike was to strengthen our legs for the climbing of Pico Duarte (over 10,000ft) in May. It also served as a day of fun and relaxation along side a river where we pole vaulted across a narrow part of the river, and played like little kids for awhile. It was good to be back and spend time with each other before the daily schedule started.

Happy belated Thanksgiving day!

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

As I woke up Friday morning, my heart and mind were still asleep. The day before I took a very early bus ride to the capitol with Mike, I was still reclaiming the hours of sleep that I lost from trying to keep the blaring music out of my ears while on the bus.

"Lord, give me strength for todayand joyand help me get out of bed". My prayer weakened and gave way to a yawnI wondered, "Will five more minutes of sleep wrinkle the days schedulewait, what is today? Friday, I think...wait, today is our Thanksgiving celebration day!"

After a wonderful breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, fruit, bacon and orange juice, we broke the news to the group that class was canceled for the day (along with any other ministries) and that we were all going to play kickball instead. Some were excited for some kickball action; others wanted to go back to bed. Nevertheless, we all went and had a great time kicking, cheering, and running in the cool morning breeze.

After everyone was showered we gathered at the base (the Shaul's house) for lunch. Even though many of our favorite Holiday snacks were MIA (missing in action), no one seemed to notice as we talked and laughed with each other. Some minds were occupied with thoughts of Thanksgiving and what it means to them and their family, saying phrases like "In my family.", or "My mom makes." and an occasional comment about Grandmas special treats.

Personally, I can say that this was a family celebration that I will not easily forget: the food was spectacular (props to the girls, with Carrie and Kristen leading the
way), the kickball game filled the void of the missing traditional American football game.
Having people laying around on the futon reminded me of older family members who require naps to digest (so as to gain more room for a late dessert). Hand made decorations adorning the walls let everyone know that we wanted a fun family event where we could be free to take a nap, watch a ongoing movie, make decorations or play a game like chess. Part of being a family is loving and accepting one another for who we are and were we are all at with our walk towards "christ likeness". Love entails alot of things but this day I see it is also accepting others for who they are, and not by what they do.

Family love was in the air like the glow of our little Christmas tree which provided a nice glow for all during the candle lit dinner.

Isn't it great how 13 people who have known each other for 2 months can have such a great family celebration and not miss their own families enough to not be missing from this one we have here.

Where we live, How we operate-Part 1

Fri, 17 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Come take a look at AIM facilities here in the DR so that you can have a better picture of where we are and how we operate. The next series of blogs will give you an inside look into life here.

This is the home of the Shaul's and the AIM base. The majority of our team time indoors is spent here. We have class, worship the LORD, share meals as a team, have meetings, and hang out. Also within the base is the AIM office representing the Dominican Republic. It is set up with internet connection and phonen lines so we can communicate with supporters, potential DR staff, and with the Gainesville base.

Where we live, How we operate-Part 2

Fri, 17 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Here is where we have class, worship, and debrief. This all takes place at the AIM base.

Where we live, How we operate-Part 3

Fri, 17 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

This is the girl FYM apartment (upstairs). All seven FYM girls live in this three bedroom, two bathroom apartment. You can find the girls hanging out and resting in their apartment when they are not out in the community doing ministry.

Where we live, How we operate-Part 4

Fri, 17 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Jonathan, Carrie, Corey, and FYM David live in this house which is a five minute walk from the AIM base. We have made good relationships with neighbors and kids in this cul-de-sac and we look forward to having a cell group there starting this week!

The "cul-de-sac" house is also home to baking for the coffee shop that is getting started. Two weeks ago we had a coffee shop kickoff night at this gazebo in the cul-de-sac.

Defining The Vision

Fri, 10 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

We got a call from our leader earlier this week. It was God. He wanted the 13 of us to know that He is well pleased with our work and how we are persevering in our work for Him. Our group has been here for two months now. The ministries are in full swing and the Holy Spirit is doing some great things in this city. Relationships are building and through this people's hearts' are beginning to soften. As Carrie stated earlier this week, "People don't care what you know until they know that you care." They are starting to know that we care.

The other half of what God wanted to say to our group this week was that it is time to move out in boldness. The ministries have formed and the relationships have developed. It is time for the people of San Juan to not just see the Truth in our lives, but to also hear us proclaim it with our mouths. A new push for evangelism, that is what the Lord has impressed upon our heart. So, each day we are learning more and more about what it means to go out in boldness and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ through words.

AIM's primary objective in the Dominican Republic is to make disciples. The second, is to start an indigenous church planting movement. We have not swayed from these priorities, but the Holy Spirit has impressed it upon our hearts to boldly move forward with the following plan. God has given us a goal of planting four churches and establishing eight discipleship relationships by May 15, 2007. This is a God-sized goal and we believe we are the people He is going to use to carry it out. We need your prayers! Pray for continued boldness to heed this call. Pray for increased empowerment from the Holy Spirit. From the beginning of time God knew that the 13 of us would be here for this time. What an amazing opportunity God has given us to proclaim freedom to the captives in the Dominican Republic!

Becoming Homeless

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

As I write this, Miguel's voice is drifting down the hall and he is sharing with the team about a dream he had last night where he was ministering to the homeless. Sounds like nothing maybe, but to me this is a very significant thing. God has been doing something among our base staff and FYM team.

One of the girls had a similar dream a few nights ago in which our whole team was living as the poor and ministering to them with love and great joy. Last week, Miguel and I committed to making sure than no one in Las Canitas goes without food. Beth and Ali are memorizing and seeking to live Isaiah 61. Sarah has a huge vision in her heart to care for the poor and abused children of Guatchupita. Katrina is reaching out to the deaf of San Juan, precious souls that are constantly isolated and ridiculed due to a lack of awareness and education among the people surrounding them. Katie tirelessly ministers to the shoe shiner boys, a group of rough kids who are among San Juan's poorest. Amber spends hours a week loving on the elderly and sharing with them the love of God. And there is more.

Individually and as a group the Lord is leading us to step up and care for the poor and the needy. He is calling us "to bind up the broken hearted" and "proclaim liberty to the captives."

This is what we live for.

New First Year Missionaries

Thu, 26 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

What is an FYM?

A FYM ( First Year Missionary) is a college aged youth that has decided to set aside 9 months of his or her time to serve the Lord in a different culture while being a disciple of the local base staff. The aim of the FYM program is to make disciples who make disciples. So through the discipleship and training they receive, they go and do likewise to the community they live in.

Meet the FYM team!

Left to Right: Katrina, Beth and Amber (both in back) then Sarah, Ali, and Katie, Christine is on the far right, and David is down in front.

What are they doing while they are here?What does the schedule look like?

A part from the everyday playing with the neighbor kids or talking with someone on the street or keeping up on laundry while the electricity is on or cooking supper(and the rest of lifes needs), the FYMs have a good schedule to keep.

Weekday mornings include allotted time for breakfast, time with the Lord, team worship, talking about what the Lord is showing them in their devotions (debrief), and class time, once that is all done its lunchtime!

Tuesdays and Thursdays are internship days. Internships, or what we call internships, are ministries that impart some learned skill or fill a need in the community. There are currently four different internships: English Classes to one of the poorest areas of the city, Sign language classes, Guitar classes, and working with the elderly at a home.

On Wednesdays and Fridays they go in two groups to two different areas of the city to build relationships and minister to the residents of their areas in whatever way they can. We call this ministry Walk On Walk or WOW time. At first it is very uncomfortable but as you get to know people they accept you more and open their lives up to the members of the WOW team. The focus is to be Christ's hands and feet.

Saturdays include Spanish classes, house cleaning time, ATL ministry (Ask The Lord)

Sunday is lighter with- team breakfast, team house church, ministry team meetings

Monday is their day of no schedule, some would call it a free day but when you have 2 hours of laundry to do, class material to catch up on, and want to have your weekly email time it gets busy.

Nights vary between fun team activities (like jogging and girls-guys night) and ministry.

Overall, we try to hit a good balance of being out with the people and doing life together as a team.

To hear what they are saying about their time here click the link below:

http://www.adventures.org/a/reports/r3re.asp?id=1667

Prayer Walk Reminder

Sat, 14 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Just a quick reminder for all of you...

We'll be heading out bright and early tomorrow morning to finish praying over the city of San Juan. Consider this your formal invitation to join us in this march of intercession over our town. The walk will begin at 10:00 EST (maybe not so much bright and early), so if you'd like to jump in, do so around that hour.

Here's what we are lifting up in petition to the LORD:

First, that the heavens would shake with our declaration of CHRIST as KING, we are calling upon HIM to bring HIS Kingdom to earth.

Second, that the FATHER would mold our hearts to HIS for this place and the people in it.

Awesome! We look foward to hitting the streets with your prayers backing us up. Thanks for joining in!

PS If JESUS presses anything on your hearts during prayer, we'd love to hear about it. Please feel free to post them on the comments link to this article.

Building Foundations That Last

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a man who built his house upon the rock." -Matthew 7:24

"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it." -Psalm 127:1

Earlier this week the 13 of us made the trek up to the mountain community of Las Caitas. The girls played with the children and spent time with the women. Meanwhile Miguel, Corey, David, Ronnie, and I spent time praying for two men that were ill. One man, Polo, cracked some vertebrae in his neck and was told by doctors he could not work for two months. Needless to say there is no worker's compensation in this small farming village.

We followed Polo to his house and spent three hours shoveling, pick axing, and grading the foundation of a house adjacent to his. The house was for his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. After our work was done we laid hands on the family and prayed for them. We prayed that their house would be a house of God and that His presence and peace would reside there.

What an honor it was to help build the physical and spiritual foundation of this young family's house! Pray that their house would be built upon the Rock, Jesus Christ. Pray that they grasp how much God loves them and follow Him all the days of their life.

Praying Walking A City

Sun, 8 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

As the troop of us marched down the avenue in three groups of four, I'm sure our light toned skin stood out as not one of the normal passerbys. This morning's prayer walk around San Juan allowed our intercessions and petitions to cover of the city, and that only took us an hour and a half. Not the biggest city, but one with need for prayerful intervention for sure.

The LORD gave Corey this verse earlier in the week: "Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it." (Psalm 127) As a leadership team we felt the HOLY SPIRIT leading us to re-submit everything to HIM, giving the reins to JESUS. "Lead us FATHER," our hearts cried out!

So we moved out in faith and took our cries to the streets. Why declare our longing for HIS Kingdom to come from behind closed doors when you can proclaim it over an entire city? Our small remnant mobilized into three groups and began the perimeter march right after breakfast. Our focus was two fold: shaking the heavens with our declaration of CHRIST as KING, and allowing the FATHER to mold our hearts to HIS for this place and the people in it. These two verses got us going:

"Bless be the LORD my ROCK, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle."

Psalm 144

"When HE went ashore, HE saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick."

Matthew 14

Please join us in pleading before HIS throne, "FATHER, that YOUR Kingdom would come here in San Juan, teach us to fight with YOUR spiritual weapons, for our battle is not against flesh and blood. FATHER, infuse our hearts with YOUR sacrificial love for these people, may we be broken for them to know YOU as their SAVIOR."

We have one half left to go, join us in prayer next Sunday at 10:00 am EST as we complete the covering over this city. Are you in?

Meet the Tabbs (Jonathan and Carrie) - New Base Staff

Thu, 5 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Hey Everybody! So we all got to meet Corey Jacobs yesterday. I've just got to add a little to that. Corey loves working hard, he's a farm kid so it's in his blood. Today he needed a brake from the office so he went out and cut the top off of a large 80 gallon hard plastic drum with a jip knife and hammer. He loved it. Later on that day he told me, "Man, I need like an hour a day of something to do, something with my hands. Give me an hour of hard manual labor a day, and I'm a happy man!" We love you Corey.

Well, here is the next batch of bio's from our dear Jonathan and Carrie. In three weeks I have learned more about southern culture from these two than anyone else my whole life. Meet the Tabb's ya'll!

Jonathan Tabb

"My journey of faith began at a young age. I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA and had two loving Christian parents. My journey to missions began the summer between 7^th and 8^th grade. I went with my church on a one week mission trip to Tampa, FL. While there we ministered to the community through construction projects and had times of worship each night as a group. It was through this trip that I knew I wanted to do something with missions when I grew up.

My involvement with short-term missions continued when I was in high school. My sophomore and junior year in high school I went to Matamoros, Mexico with my youth group. It was an AIM sponsored trip. Then my senior year we went with AIM to Lima, Peru. All of these trips were one week in duration and had a huge impact on my perception of the world and on my desire to do missions.

In May of 2005 I married the girl of my dreams, Carrie Earnest. She worked for a year while I completed my degree in social work. During that year she shared with me how she felt a calling to do missions, as well. So, through much discussion, counsel, and prayer we decided to spend this year September 2006 - September 2007 in San Juan, Dominican Republic, with AIM.

We know that God has called us to this place for this time and are excited about what He is going to do through us. We believe it will be a time where our faith is tested and strengthened and where people hear about the love of Christ. "

Carrie Tabb

"My name is Carrie Tabb and I am from Atlanta, GA. I became a Christian in high school and continued to grow in my faith during my college years at the University of Georgia. During that time I felt a call from God to "go to the nations" and share Christ with people of different nationalities. God reminded me of times He had used me when I was out of my "comfort zone," and I was certain he would use me in places that were unfamiliar to me in the years to come. I didn't know when and where He wanted to use me, but I told Him I was available to "go" where He would lead me.

I married my best friend, Jonathan, in May of 2005. He too had a call from God to international missions. We talked and prayed about where God would have us, and after a year of seeking God we answered His call for us to move to the Dominican Republic for one year. How great it has been to trust God and let Him lead our lives. We are excited to share Christ with the people of the DR and to be a part of God's work here."

(stay connected with the Tabbs through their personal blog)

Leadership Team Retreat

Thu, 5 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Leadership Retreat 9/06

Less than a week before eight First Year Missionaries arrived at the AIM DR base Miguel, Kristen, Corey, Carrie, and I got together for a leadership retreat. The purpose of the retreat was to draw near to the Lord, to cast some vision for this coming year, and to define roles.

The weekend started on Friday night September 16^th. The five of us had dinner and spent the evening hanging out and getting to know each other better. The night was capped off by me telling my life story and by all of us praying for the year ahead.

Saturday morning we arose to roosters crowing at 5:30 am. After an early breakfast we set off to Las Canitas, a small mountain village, one hour north of San Juan. Las Canitas has been a great site for ministry for one year and that will be no different this year.

While in Las Canitas we spent time meeting families, helping them carry water to their homes, and playing with children. After the time of games and coloring with the children I shared a five minute message about how God loves them and knows each of their names. The children listened intently as I stumbled over my Spanish words. We also had a chance to connect with some of the men by playing dominos with them. The trip to Las Canitas was a meaningful one. We got a glimpse into the lives' of the people and we began to discuss what ministry might look like in this small quiet village.

We returned to San Juan and had a traditional Dominican meal of rice and beans, pork and goat. It was delicious and filling. We spend the rest of the day resting and relaxing. That night we spent time learning more about each other through our "Leading From Our Strengths" personality tests. We went though each assessment as a group so we can learn how to love each other, serve each other and work well as a team this coming year.

Our time of worship on Sunday morning was different than it had been before. After breakfast the house was quiet as some of us were cleaning while other's of us were reading and praying. Slowly we gathered in the den and began worshipping together. It was an incredible time where the Holy Spirit fell on us and we were taken back by His glory and majesty. There is something about worship not being forced, but just coming naturally out of a heart of thankfulness for God.

Sunday afternoon we walked through the community of Guachupita, a neighborhood on the Southwest edge of San Juan that is very poor, hard, and bitter

It is AIM DR's desire to share Christ with the people of Guachupita and to start cell groups in this community that will become house churches. We got acquainted with the neighborhood and prayed for it as a team. This will be a place of ministry for years to come.

Our night was spent eating dinner, sharing with each other, and watching a movie.

Monday was filled with spending more time with each other and learning about each other's strengths and weaknesses. It was also a time to define roles and responsibilities.

The weekend was capped off by a surprise from Miguel and Kristen. They took us to an Italian restaurant with a pool. We had a great time swimming and then ate pizza.

Our leadership weekend was filled with learning more about the vision of AIM DR, fellowship, team building, and praising God. It was truly a great time that united us as a leadership team and prepared us for the year to come.

Welcome our New Base Staff

Tue, 3 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Just how hard is it to pick up and move from America to a foreign third-world country? Some people used to sarcastically tease me with, "Missions work on a tropical island huh? Sounds tough to me." But reality is we are far from the beaches, far from any resorts, and definitely very far from the connivance of Wal-Mart. The average Dominican has never been to San Juan, and doesn't plan on visiting. When the airport taxi drivers in Santo Domingo find out where we our final destination lies, a strange looks falls upon their faces, "why San Juan?".

So how hard is it to move here from the States? Why not ask one of our new staff at the Dominican Base. Our full time crew grew by 150% this last month, jumping from two to five. It's amazing how much more ground a group of 5 can cover. GOD has blessed our small community of five with love for one another, and a common heart for the DR.

For the next two days I invite you to check into the base blog and read up on each new staff's short biography. Please pray for them as GOD moves through them to bring HIS Kingdom to the Dominican Republic.

-by Miguel, Base Director-

DR Base Staff (Carrie, Kristina, Miguel, Jonathan, Corey)

Meet Corey Jacobs - New Base Staff

Tue, 3 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Here's the scoop on Corey...in his own words.

"How it began: I grew up, along with three brothers and a sister, on a dairy farm in mid-eastern Wisconsin. After graduation, I decided to apply for the First Year Missionary program, through AIM, to New Zealand. After being accepted, they told me that New Zealand was full but asked if I would go to Mexico instead.

So a few months later there I was, in Matamorros, Mexico. During my FYM year there (Sep04 to May05) I felt God calling me into a life of missions. My leaders took me up on this and I returned the following year as part of the leadership team.

From being a eight-teen year old smart-alik with little heart for those who don't know God personally, mainly because I knew Him little (in a personal way) myself; to having Gods heart being thrown into me (by request and by much brokenness) and seeing life 180 degrees differently than I knew it.

Honestly, I never chose this as a purpose for my life. I chose God and started to seek Him with all my soul mind and strength, and in that seeking He led me to where I am today and showed me who He says I am. Perhaps tomorrow I will be somewhere else doing a different thing than today. That's alright with me because my real purpose is to pursue my heavenly Father.

As for now I am now in my second year with AIM and part of the leadership team for the FYM's in the Dominican Republic. While here I am overseeing the internship ministries and have various other responsibilities. I also have plans to explore the option of starting a coffee hangout directed at teen ministry. Many in the city have nothing better to do than "hechar polvo" (waste time, bum around) so I will try to find the best way for them to do such a thing. The goal is to build relationships and share Christ through being a living example.

I also hope to attend Moody Bible Institute in Chicago to deepen my understanding of the Scriptures down the road."

Stay up to date with corey on his personal blog: coreyjacobs.myadventures.org.

Go Huskers!

Tue, 9 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT

The Dominican Republic - The Nebraska Cornhuskers ...What do these two have in common?

GOD can use anything to reach the people he loves. I'm just thankful that after letting go of so much to follow HIM into the mission field, HE has brought back something so dear to my heart; the great game of American football. In the tropical land abundant with palm trees and sweat inducing heat, you might think it would be hard to find a place for throwing the pig skin around. Hard yes, impossible no.

As Kristen and I spend a good amount of time at San Juan's primer sports complex, we've run across a variety of people. Some of them, a rowdy group of 20 or so that can be seen hitting kick-flips and smith grinds at the mini skate park, have discovered another activity. This one, like skateboarding, involves yelling and running and falling. I caught a glimpse of this mix of skaters and wanna-be's tossing the ball around one Saturday afternoon. Not once did I see a spiral, but they were enjoying themselves nonetheless.

The ringleader of the squad, a guy with a mop of hair springing our from under a green military hat resembling something of a Cuban political leader in his younger days, said, "your on that team you monster" when I asked if they needed another player. I'll take that as a yes. The sun was blaring and no one knew any rules, but we all had a good time. Little by little I've been teaching them the ins and outs of backyard football. And even though I keep my cool around them (kind of like a coach has too), I'm secretly loving it more than they are.

This last Saturday marks our 6^th game and San Juan has its own football team! Being the unofficial coach of the mob, I'm grateful that they let me get in there and knock some people around. At the end of the game the team decided to implement a new rule: no tackling by the shirt. This was due to the fact that my shirt had literally been ripped to shreds. One of the guys, whose usual demeanor is loud and rebellious, told me "wait here for a second", his eyes seemed different, humble and quiet. I asked myself what he was doing as he sprinted across the field, picked something off the ground, and darted back. "Here you go man, take mine," he handed me his t-shirt, "you can have it." At his point I realized something more than football was happening here.

Dominican culture has a hard time accepting long hair let alone tattoos, body piercing, and punk music. To a lot of people this group would be considered a disgrace to society. Forty-six years ago under the dictatorship of Trujillo, the police literally ripped out earring's of rebellios' youth if they saw them on the streets. I don't know all of their stories, but something has pushed each one into an unaccepted image.

As I took the shirt from his hand, I pondered what it could mean. I realized it's a symbol of trust, of friendship; it says to me, "you're one of us". Suddenly a shirt with Che Guevara and CUBA' written on it means a little something to me. When I have to go and they decide to quit playing because I'm leaving, it means a lot to me.

Saturday night I couldn't sleep. My heart was burning inside of me. "LORD, give me an opportunity; open the door for me to pour out YOUR heart to them. YOU love them, YOU know their pain, and YOU want them to be free and to have abundant life. Please, give me the boldness, give me an opening." I prayed for hours that night for them. Somehow I identify with them. Somehow teaching these guys how to not fumble, how to tackle, and how to (finally!) not hold, has led me to love this group of guys. We want to see them come to know JESUS.

Please join us in praying for this tough squad. JESUS died that they may have life. Pray that I might have boldness to share my heart. Pray that they will open their hearts to hear the gospel. Pray for an opportunity.

The Dominican Cornhuskers, I guess GOD knew all along.

-miguel

Discipleship Dominican Style

Tue, 2 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT

There certainly is a rhythm and flow to disciple making that crosses cultural boundaries, different lifestyles, and theological backgrounds. No matter where you are, discipleship involves time spend together, vulnerability, and loving investment. As one of my spiritual fathers told me, "the methods may change, but the principles always stay the same." Now I find myself discovering what methods are effective in the DR.

Psalm 44:3 is a good description of how I came upon Ral and ntwan: GOD did it. "For by their own sword they did not possess the land, and their own arm did not save them, but Your right hand and Your arm and the light of Your presence, for You favored them." When two guys I don't know too well show up at the door and asked to be trained in the LORD, I can be certain it's a move from HIM. I didn't plan it, I just prayed for it and it happen. Thank you JESUS. I had to ask HIM what direction to take, "What do you want me to with this LORD?" "When do you want me to start?" "Disciple them," HE answered, "now." The dream HE gave me seven years ago has started to take very real shape through Ral and ntwan; a dream to make disciples in the Dominican Republic.

And so it has begun.

Dominican culture is one that embraces the free flow' of life. Commitment, punctuality, and consistency are considered to be values held by folks from the USA. An entry from my journal relays some thoughts: " both work full time and are involved in ministry at their churches. i am being very cautious in asking too much time of them. if they see the LORD in it, if they connect with the SPIRIT on a new level, they'll want more, they'll choose to get together instead of doing other things." You have got to trust GOD, let it develop, and really build up those relationships. Demanding too much too soon can cause someone to walk away.

Another issue I'm working through is the ability to exercise spiritual authority smoothly and smartly. In this country it's not hard to find people abused by power hungry leaders'. People are fed up with it. They don't want anything to do with it. It's all around them, people telling them what to do, how to do it, and answering questions they never asked. With this in mind, I find it important to navigate the waters of trust building with wisdom. Make growth an invitation that if not accepted doesn't leave them feeling condemned.

These are just two of the many lessons we are going to have to learn as we adopt disciple making methods to the tune of the Caribbean . We are excited to share in the joy of these two guys coming to know their LORD more intimately, as walk as HE intended. Please pray with us as HE is raising up disciples of JESUS CHRIST in the DR.

Local Ministry Partners

Tue, 25 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Today I am writing from the futon in our house in San Juan. Michael has left to make the thirty minute motorcycle ride to Sabaneta where he will be meeting with a pastor there and discussing the possibilities for partnership. We are looking for a local person to join us in our ministry to Las Caitas, a tiny mountain village with no church.

Looking for partners can be a tricky thing. We ask the Lord for lots of wisdom, knowing that what you see isn't always what you get. When I think of local partners I think of Pedro, a dear friend of ours in Matamoros. When Pedro learned that there was a family in a very poor community who wanted to have a house church in their home, he began to make the one mile plus journey several times a week on foot to meet with the people. At times he would walk in scorching sun, complete darkness, or sticky mud carrying folding chairs with him all the way so there would be places to sit. He diligently continued his ministry there, and soon he was pastoring a full blown church that would meet Sunday mornings and leading a cell group of Thursday nights. His commitment to the Lord and to serving are evident, and he is an example to all.

Those are the kind of partners I pray for. And that is the kind of person I pray to be.

"...so that the world my believe..."

Tue, 18 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT

(taken from John 17:20-23)

As JESUS prayed for those of us who have come to believe through the testimony of the Apostles, HE made it clear that the major defining point of our witness is the oneness of the body. What is oneness? What is unity? What does it look like? JESUS gives us an example of perfect unity. "As YOU, FATHER, are in ME, and I in YOU..."

The deep communion, the oneness shared between the FATHER and the SON, is our goal. This unity speaks louder than any teaching, program or ministry. The Body of CHRIST living as they were meant to, as one, is what the people of the DR need to see. It's what the world needs to see. Koinonea, the Greek word for genuine Christian fellowship, must be a priority of utmost importance.

As we look around us here in the Dominican and read the local newspapers, we come in contact with something interesting. So many secular programs, organizations, and foundations designed to take on this and that. But the problems these groups intend to address go on unchanged. The solution isn't more programs, more busyness, or more meetings. We as the bride of CHRIST should stand apart. The hustle and bustle of Christian activities, programs, and events is not going to send the powerful message of CHRIST. Where true, intimate love flows (serving one another, carrying each others burdens, being JESUS to our family) people will stop and look. That speaks of something more than human effort. That will speak forth to the world "that YOU have sent ME".

Our Town

Tue, 11 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT

San Juan

The Dominicans divide their country into three regions; North, East, and South. The southern region consists of the entire area south of Elias Pia, and everything east of the Haitian border over to the city of Haina (see map). This area is the poorest of the country and has many towns and villages with little or no gospel presence. The majority of AIM's ministries work in this zone. "El Sur", as the locals call it, is the least reached area of the DR and has become AIM's major focus.

One of the major cities in the south is San Juan de la Maguana. AIM is establishing a base in this town to be a launching pad for teams and ministries that can spread out into various communities throughout the south. Groups will be involved in fortifying existing churches in these towns and working alongside local laborers to plant churches in unreached areas.

ENTRANCE TO SAN JUAN

Our Vision for the Dominican Republic

Tue, 11 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT

The average Dominican lives with the mentality that life is a struggle. They believe that the only way to get by is to have a good education and a good job, but most have little motivation to actually complete this. Many dream of a life in the United States. Even though the average family possesses very little, it is a fairly materialistic culture due to so much influence from Europe and the US. Money is highly coveted and many Dominicans, even Christians, see themselves as receivers rather than givers.

Our heart is to raise up and disciple a generation that believe they have much to give in the Kingdom of God. The Dominican Republic has been receiving missionaries for years. We believe it is time for them to be senders.

In the next several years, we plan to raise up and send out the first teams of Dominican Missionaries. The strategy is simple: 1) make disciples, 2) form church planting teams, 3) move into unreached areas and plant a house church, 4) train and equip teamsin 10-40 missions for those who have the call.

How to get involved

Tue, 11 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Obviously, the work of the Lord was never intended to be done by individuals, but through His body. We understand the wisdom of partnership and its importance. Simply put, it is God's way of doing things. There are a number of ways that we depend on support from partners to make this ministry happen. Please consider how the Lord may want you to be involved.

Prayer:

This is our number one need, the fuel for the fire, the ammo for the guns. Nothing can be done unless the Spirit of God moves. And God moves when people pray. We need people to dedicate themselves as being prayer-warriors' for our base. Our heart is to see partners intercede daily for His Kingdom to come in the Dominican Republic. Once a month we send out prayer updates with stories of victory and a list of requests. We challenge you to step up to our most needed partnership, and become a prayer warrior for the Dominican Republic.

Support a Missionary:

All of the missionaries here with AIM depend 100% on financial gifts from donors. We are always looking to add new members to our family of supporters. Partner with an AIM staff missionary by either giving a one-time gift, or through monthly pledges.

Give Towards the Ministry:

We are currently raising funds to purchase a base vehicle, building facilities, and office equipment. The vehicle we are hoping to acquire is a four-wheel drive pickup truck. This would be utilized to mobilize the ministries in far mountain villages, unreachable without such a vehicle. The price tag on such a vehicle is $18,000 US. Two buildings are needed here for the ministry. The first one is a small house or apartment to be used as a 24 hour house of prayer. One hundred US dollars a month would cover the rent on such a building. The second building is going to be our base office here in San Juan. We will use this facility to minister out of, run the administrative side of the base, and mobilize future teams and individuals to the field. Two hundred US dollars a month would pay for this buildings rent. Finally, we would need office equipment to work with. With $500-$700 US dollars we could fully equip the office.

Go:

As mentioned above, there are a variety of ways to get involved, but nothing compares to coming and taking part in the ministry first hand. Whether you come down by yourself, with a team on a short term trip, or apply to be a part of the full time staff, you are always welcome to the Dominican Republic. As we say here, "Mi casa es su casa"-My home is your home. We love visitors and can find ways to match you up with a ministry where you can fit in.

If you are interested in getting involved in any of these four ways, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at michaelshaul@adventures.org .

Come to the Dominican Republic - Here's How!

Tue, 11 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Short Term Trips

Other ministries that we facilitate are trips that last anywhere from 10 days up to 3 weeks. Teams ranging from 6 to 60 participants come down and spur on the local ministries taking place. Most of these teams engage in activities such as prayer walking over strategic areas, sharing the gospel in the local communities, children's Bible school, and service projects.San Juan is our launching pad for teams who can spread out into various communites throughout the region. The heart of these groups is to fortify exisiting churches, and work alongside local laborors to plant churches in unreached areas.If you are interested in participating in a short term trip click here, if you would like to read reports from groups in the past follow this link trip reports.

First Year Missionaries

This is an intense discipleship ministry. A handful of college aged students, 6-12 participants, join in this adventure for 9 months. While living in a community setting, we dive deep into what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. We use a life-on-life model of training where the class room isn't a room full of books but a street full of people who need more of the Lord. Our program focuses on three main areas which are intimacy with God, the body of Christ, and using our unique spiritual gifts to make disciples.

First Year Missionaries are deeply involved in the community around them and focus on building relationships and sharing the love of Christ with those they encounter. FYM's know the city well and will learn to live in and love the culture. They spend time with Dominican families, know all the kids on their street, minister to neighbors, work in churches, encourage believers, and share with those who have not heard.

Discipleship, internships with local ministries, and fellowship in the body of Christ are some basic components of the FYM program. There is always room for variety as the Lord speaks. Our desire is to be led by Him in every aspect of life, and as a team we daily seek His direction and His heart and allowing Him to set our schedule and direct our steps.

As First Year Missionaries learn to walk as disciples, they in turn make disciples of Dominican locals. To learn more about the FYM program, click here. Follow the stories of these students by reading their reports.

Who are we reaching?

Tue, 11 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Base Ministries

Outreach to Guachupita

"Don't go to Guachupita," they told us, "you've been warned."

The reason for the warning: it's one of the toughest spots in San Juan. Poverty, crime, violence, and abuse are a few of the words used to describe this small area located just outside the city. Guachupita (pronounced Wah-choo-pee-tah) was one of the villages flooded by the river when hurricane George hit in '98. People do not live there because they want to, it just happens to be the cheapest place to find a house, or better said, a shack. Tight streets wrap around a collection of 300 or so homes. To this day, there still isn't a church inside' Guachupita, but we have been working with a Pastor right on the outskirts. Walk a block, cross the bridge over the filthy stream, and you're in.

Poverty, sickness and hunger are just a few of the needs you will come in contact with while navigating the twisting paths that work their way through the community.

There is little presence of the Gospel and there are very few attempts by local churches to reach out.

Our heart is to spread the message of Christ throughout the area through building relationships and meeting felt needs. Trust is a foreign thing in this community, and it will take much prayer and commitment to truly reach Guatchupita for the Lord.

We have been able to form relationships with several families and continue to prayer walk and serve in the area. Our vision is to plant house churches and raise up spiritual leaders in the community.

Outreach to Las Caitas

We came upon this mountain village purely by accident. While scouting out a road heading up in the Cordillera Central', we stumbled upon a hidden little campo at the base of some serious mountains. The scenery is breathtaking as you look down at the mountain lake, steep granite cliffs rise in front of you, rolling hills of pine forests lie to the north, and a group of men are harvesting beans on the rugged slopes.

The people of Las Caitas live off the land. Early in the morning the women head down to a small stream to fetch water while the men load up the donkeys for the day of work ahead. Upon the very slopes of these foothills they cultivate, plant, and harvest beans, corn, and peas. It's a hard life, but with a nice view. Besides the solar paneled phone, the village is pretty remote. No electricity, no running water.

After a few treks up the mountain, we are becoming less suspicious in the eyes of the locals. One family in particular has opened their home and has expressed interest in getting to know us. There is no church in Las Caitas and we are praying that one of the 20 houses will open up their doors and become the first house church in the village.

Scenery from Las Canitas