Hola familia y amigos!

   Hey, this is Nick and I am working at the sports site. I have been here for a week, and God has been teaching me tons especially through the leader of the work site Raul. Raul is a man of God, the kids have so much respect for him when he coaches baseball, does devotionals, and even when they just see him around the town. Everyone calls Raul “Profe” (in a spanish accent) which means teacher. Men older than Raul also call him that which being around him for the past week makes sense. Raul loves the Lord and loves others more than himself, he has a servant’s heart. Today for example: he coached kids for practice and the next hour he was helping the set up crew clean up the baseball stadium for the tournament this weekend. He also has a heart for the Jewish culture, he wears the Star of David on his neck and he also knows his Bible really well. Raul is one of those men of God that is fulfilling his purpose. I look up to him and whether or not he knows it he is mentoring me, and I thank God for putting him in my life here in the Dominican Republic.

After being here in the DR for a week God has been showing me through the SI staff and the Dominican people what true ministry is all about. Ministry is about relationships, not just tasks; and even more than that it’s about being open to God using you in whatever way possible. In all the different sites that SI is involved in there’s so much more service going on beyond what they came to do. I’m learning to not keep God in a box and be telling him that “These are the things I’m planning on doing…”; instead I’m learning the attitude of going throughout the day with eyes open to ways God can use you in even the most minor tasks. God is faithful to place people in the path of your life that you can be shining your light to, we just have to open our eyes to see them; and also remembering that people may be placed in our lives for them to teach us more about the God we love and serve. Love, Deb McIntosh.

Hola Chase Silver here, I am working in construction at the soon to be new Social Work site. This past week God has been showing me that it does not matter where you are working, He will use you for His glory no matter where you are. I had no desire to work at construction, I have very limited knowledge of construction but God has still been able to use me even with not knowing exactly what I am doing. One of the construction site leaders shared a story last night of how this past December his wife had a miscarriage during her eighth month of pregnancy. All I was thinking is how sad he must be and how much he does not want to be working with Americans who understand very little Spanish. But he was joyful in how God has a plan and that he was so happy that he has been able to hang out with us this past week. His outlook on life is an outlook that we should all try to aspire.

God is amazing. He works through the smallest things and makes an impact in such a huge way. Tonight we gathered together and shared how God has been revealing himself to us. It is so great hearing how God shares his vision for us and talks to us in different ways. After a busy week, it was a good way to slow down and reflect. Every morning we do a miniature version of this, and it allows those who are at different sites to have a small view of what each of us are doing. -Michelle

To view photos from our trips: CLICK HERE