Missionaries, sharing God’s Love and meeting physical needs.
As missionaries, our family seeks to connect the people of the Dominican Republic with solutions to both physical and spiritual needs. We offer help in meeting their material needs, while presenting the Hope we have been provided by the gospel. We do this following the greatest example we know: that left with us by Jesus Himself. By removing the barriers presented by physical needs and building genuine friendships, minds are opened and spiritual ground made fertile for planting.
We Sow Seeds that can Grow Forever
We use supporter contributions to make an eternal difference in the lives of the people of a mountain community – Palo Alto – near Santiago, Dominican Republic. Everything we do is driven by a desire to share the Hope we have through Christ. We’re merely “beggars showing other beggars where we found bread.”
Some of our projects:
Clean Water – One of the more immediate needs in our focus community of Palo Alto is for clean drinking water. Many are left with only the option of drinking captured rainwater or contaminated groundwater. As we are able, we distribute Filter of Hope water filters to the community. The filters can provide a family with clean drinking water for up to ten years, and are extremely low maintenance and cost effective in comparison to some other filtration systems. We use these filters not only for their physical benefit, but as a way to meet new people within the community. We’re able to spend some time with a family, getting to know them as we explain the proper use and care for the filter. They also provide a way to maintain contact by revisiting the family to check in on how the filter is working as time goes by. It’s an excellent way to make friends and share our faith as well.
Construction – We’re not contractors, but we have strong hands and a willing heart. We help members of the community with minor construction projects at their homes (such as road repairs, slab floors to replace dirt floors, etc.). It’s hard work at times, but spending time working alongside people brings us closer to the community and families within it. These projects provide physical benefit, and help build relationships.
Education – Kristi teaches second grade at Santiago Christian School. She has found a mission field within the children and parents who are part of the school – the children through the education they receive, and the parents through their involvement in school activities. Kip teaches English to children in Palo Alto. Learning basic English provides a great deal more opportunity to the children, as it provides a way to transition into more desirable jobs as adults.
Discipleship, Bible studies – Along with our friends the Hartsfields, we are part of discipleship groups in the community. These groups enable deeper growth in faith, as well as facilitate stronger relationships within the community.
Red Misericordia – Fundación Red Misericordia (Mercy Network Foundation) is an orphanage in Santiago, Dominican Republic. FRM is dedicated to seeing “boys and girls healed fully, protected, cared for, loved, educated, trained for life, trusting in Jesus Christ and developing their God-given potential.” We aid them in a few ways, namely giving relief to the workers by giving Bible lessons and spending time with the children – and currently building a new website for them!
We Nurture Sown Seeds
Recognizing the need for discipleship in the lives of believers, we don’t simply provide for needs through the projects above, present the gospel, and move along. Ongoing spiritual growth is promoted through special events, Bible studies, and other group settings with fellow believers. Relationships are strengthened by working alongside our new friends on projects throughout the community. We also encourage believers within the community to share the Hope found through their faith with those around them.