This morning began a little later than others- we were able to catch up on much needed sleep! We headed out for our last clinic day with all of our supplies in hand, and our hearts ready to serve. The place we served today was not as poverty-stricken as those we saw at the dump yesterday. Clinic was set up in the church as usual, and before we began, we were informed by one of the translators who grew up in this village of the prevalence of witchcraft in the community. Problems such as arthritis, low back pain, and ankle pain were seen today, reminding us of how similar these patients are to the ones we treat at home.
One group was able to go an hour outside of the community to serve the mother of one of the SCORE missionaries who had five strokes, making her unable to travel to the clinic. The people in the community were extremely kind and thankful for our willingness to serve. Out of all of the places we have served, we encountered the most unbelievers in this setting. Most of those who did not claim to be Christian stated that they were, “not ready.” This disheartened some of the team because we tried to convey the message that Jesus loves each person, no matter the sin and the imperfections that are present. Although we were not able to see the fruit of the seed planted, we have faith that the Lord will soften the hearts of the people we met, enfolding them in His love. Once we returned to SCORE after the day at the clinic, we were fed an Argentine BBQ, prepared by the pastor of the church we served at today. The money given for this meal went to the pastor and other missionaries who work to spread the Gospel in the DR. Two pastors shared their testimonies at the dinner, and we finished the time with a delicious dessert! Next, we headed to devotional where we were able to listen to more testimonies, praise the Lord through song, and learn about His word. Small group discussions then occurred, and we were able to grow closer to our teammates by sharing in His word. Tomorrow, we head to Catalina Island to relax and reflect on the trip before we return home. Thank you for your continued prayers, and please pray for our safety as we travel home.
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Today we woke up and enjoyed a great devotional led by our wonderful Kim Galloway. She got our minds focused on Jesus before we headed out to serve the community of Alemon. In this community, we were able to treat many adults and children. The students were able to learn so much from the amazing clinicians we have with us, and we got many chances to spread the Gospel to the people of the Dominican Republic. We were able to provide relief to many with back pain, shoulder pain, and difficulties walking around their community and working, but we were most excited about the ability we were given to share the good news of Christ with each patient. God is really working in this trip, and we have felt His presence with us every day. Even when we get discouraged with language barriers or when the students lose confidence in the skills we perform, God just keeps coming through and showing how we provide no healing without Him, The Great Physician. It has been really encouraging to see how God has united our group and given us the ability to lift each other up and give each other strength in our treatments and our daily walks with Him.
After a successful day of service, we returned to the SCORE facilities for a little down time. Some groups went for a run or walk while another group spent time in the pool treading water and playing our own new version of pool baseball. We reconvened for dinner, which was followed by some time together singing and sharing. God truly was alive tonight in our group as we were blessed with an amazing testimony from one of our own. We also got to worship with some of the missionaries from SCORE International. These people are doing great works in the Dominican Republic, including a Children’s Support mission and a ministry to end sex trafficking. The different ministries set up after our time worshipping, and we were able to purchase items they had made in order to help support the amazing works they are doing here. We enjoyed brownies and bought bracelets, T-shirts and other crafts. To end the night, we spent time together talking and bonding amongst the group. We will once again be serving the people of the Dominican Republic tomorrow. Your prayers are being felt and we ask for continued prayers for success in our mission for physical and spiritual healing in this country. This day began with our friendly rooster neighbor greeting each of us with a resounding crow. Coffee was quickly reached for as we gathered and started the morning with singing praises, listening to a devotional, and praying over our patients for the day with the providers we were assigned to. Breakfast was then served, and quiet time with the Lord was spent.
Around 8:30, we left SCORE and headed to the nursing home, where we each were assigned to a specific clinician with one or more other students. Two groups went into the nursing home, while the others stayed in the local church to serve those who were unable to leave their rooms to be treated. Each patient in the church setting was sent through triage, where vital signs were taken, and then the patient was assessed if he/she was suitable for physical/occupational therapy treatment. Shoulders, backs, necks, and knees were all treated, and the “Good News” was shared to the patients. For those that already had placed their faith in the Lord, they shared with us their testimonies and how the Lord had worked throughout their lifetime. While one group was treating inside the church, the other two groups taught a group exercise class, similar to Silver Sneakers offered at the YMCA. Simon Says was played, the Hokey Pokey was danced, and Jesus Loves Me was sung! At the end of the session, one of the providers prayed over the group of elderly residents at the nursing home. At 3:30, the group left the area to return to SCORE. A group exercise class was led by our lovely exercise coordinator, and we were able to enjoy a fantastic dinner together after. Devotion occurred, and afterwards, pizza was made by a missionary at SCORE who uses this skill to make money to support himself and his family. Tomorrow we will begin another treatment day, although we have not been informed of where yet. The Lord has been tangibly felt throughout the trip, through the relationships He is forming within our group, as well as being able to see how He works through different cultures. Please continue to pray that the Lord’s presence be felt by all those we are treating, and let us be a vessel for His unconditional love to His people. The group met at the Birmingham Airport, bright and early, on Saturday morning. Going through the airport was a breeze, and we made it safely to the Dominican Republic. Upon arrival, we were taken to SCORE on a bus, and we were able to experience the lack of compliance to traffic rules and regulations; however, our marvelous bus driver safely navigated his way to the facility!
We were then fed a traditional American lunch of ham and cheese sandwiches and PB&J, as well as Lays Chips. Room assignments were made, and the unpacking began. Soon after this, a large group walked the short distance to the beach. Although our seemingly fluorescent white skin caused lots of gaping stares, the Caribbean blue sea and white sand were a lovely welcome from the weather we have been having in Birmingham. After this, we went back to SCORE, ate dinner, and had our first devotional. Everyone slept very well, as exhaustion had set in from the day’s travels. Because today was Sunday, we were able to sleep later than we would on a typical day. We ate a lovely breakfast, and then walked to a church about five minutes away from our residence. The pastor spoke fluent English, as well Spanish, and he generally explained the outline of the service, as well as the sermon he would be preaching (Ecclesiastes 3:1-15). The congregation of locals were very welcoming- greeting each of us with hugs and handshakes. Witnessing the Lord being worshipped in a different language proved impactful to each team member, displaying the omnipotent power of the love of the Lord. After church, we were able to witness two baptisms of women at the church, showing the power and vitality of the Holy Spirit in the Dominican Republic. Next, we ate lunch, and we then had free-time for the rest of the day. A large group of us were able to go to a location a few blocks away, called “The Lily House.” This organization is connected with SCORE Missions, and it specifically helps women who have been victims of sex trafficking. Through this organization, the women are able to learn trade skills to support themselves. Some examples of this include: making jewelry, baking, and running a coffee shop. The rest of the day was spent at the beach or pool, and a short run in the Dominican Republic heat was even done! Dinner was served, and we were then able to worship together. Testimonies were shared, songs were sung, and the workings of the Lord were clearly displayed to all. Tomorrow, Monday, will be our first day of clinic, and we are planning to attend a nursing home. We ask that you pray that the love of God is shown to each person we encounter, and that every patient be healed physically, as well as spiritually. Please continue to pray for safety, patience, and an open heart and mind. |
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