Every time I travel to the Dominican Republic, to co-labor with my 2nd family, the Davis’s, and the T.E.A.R.S team, I am always “Moved to Tears.” Sometimes outwardly but mostly inwardly, and this time was no exception. I came, not knowing what to expect but at the same time I was expecting God do great work in me. It would be an understatement to say that my expectation of God was met, for it was surpassed. I came to receive training and to gain a little more information about T.E.A.R.S and the work that God was doing through them. I received so much more than just the “how T.E.A.R.S. does it” in the barrio or an overview of daily T.E.A.R.S. team activities. During my five day, 9am to 3pm training, along with some good Dominican food I might add, I gained valuable information. The Focus was not really about T.E.A.R.S, it was about GOD and His Glory, His Kingdom, His Church, His Gospel and His work.

I was cut to the heart and challenged by God, about my viewpoints, my methodologies and my understanding of the Gospel. At one point I found myself thinking, “Man! I’m back at square one, what have I been doing all these years?” You see the greatest challenge for me was not anything I would experience in the DR, but how I was going to apply and convey all this wonderful knowledge once I returned home. I can’t just continue the routine Americanized Christian life that so many Christians live here in the states. I can’t allow my culture to dictate my biblical world view. I must let my biblical world view dictate how I engage my culture as well as cultures outside of my own. What a blessing, that God would use this experience to grow me in Him for His glory.

Now, I was also encouraged to see the maturity and growth of some of my Dominican brothers and sisters in the Lord. Bothers like Fe, Danny and Bau. To personally see Fe and Danny behind the pulpit as it were, preaching, teaching and instructing the people of God. And to hear Bau express his concerns for the church, and his philosophy of ministry as they work through different issues. I was pleasantly surprised by the growth of mi hermanita (for “my little sister” in Spanish), Shekinah Davis, Rod’s daughter. Well, she is kind of Dominican since she was raised there since she was about 3 years old. I also observed the sense of community amongst the Dominicans. House after house of families and friends just hanging out, loving on each other and building relationships, things I long for myself. As I consider my future involvement with T.E.A.R.S. I have been encouraged and strengthened in commitment to them.

Well, I could go on and on but time does not permit me and neither does this blog section. So I leave you with this quote:
“Jesus loved me so much that He came and died for me, but at the same time I was so sinful that He had to.”

In the Master’s service

Derek “Slack” Drew

Living among the poorest of the poor is like nothing I have ever experienced before. Growing up in Canada I would often see television programs on Sunday afternoons- World Vision or Compassion- depicting poverty in different areas of the world. I think in many ways what has shocked me is how contrary reality is when compared to the glimpses I have seen in the past.

I had expected to see a cold, fend-for yourself sort of environment. To the contrary, I have never seen such a warm, selfless environment. Simply put: the barrio of Maria Auxiliadora is a strong community. There is a keen sense here that we exist to help one another. For having so little these people share so much. They are always ready to spread food among not only themselves but whoever is nearby. The father in my house- Antonio- will actually go so far as to insist that guests have a little food or something to drink when they’re over. It has been heart-warming to see the generosity and willingness in people’s hearts to sacrifice a little food or time if they might put a smile on someone’s face.

Above: Antonio - My House Father

I had expected to see an anti-social or depressed environment (this is a common conception of the homeless in Canada) but again I was awestruck. The people here are so social that you can spend a whole afternoon just hanging out and talking. No need to ask: so, what do you want to do? It is simply enough that you are enjoying one another’s company and discussing life. In the streets of my city you can go weeks without being greeted warmly, but here I can’t even walk forty feet over to the store without people calling my name and asking me how I am doing.Moreover, seeing the level of satisfaction here has been a powerful testament to the truth that such feelings are less situational and more a matter of the heart. Hearing a man who will probably never escape poverty say: ‘life is good’, nearly brought tears to my eyes. How profound it has been to observe such pleasure in the simplicity of life and reliance of God.

Above: My D.R. Family

I had expected to see some level of incompetence or uneducated-ness. What hit me harder was my own level of incompetence compared to how much practical knowledge these people have. Observing them has been enlightening; they’ve developed amazing strategies for performing strenuous tasks. They know how to rest too. After a day of construction- unaided by power tools- they will sit back on the porch and sip coffee or play dominoes.

Above: Hard at work

Now, I’m not going to pretend that the situation here is amazing. The poverty and injustice become increasingly evident with each passing day. Women get mistreated and children disregarded. The wages don’t match up with rising food costs, and families are often forced to skimp on groceries. If a person mentions that they are from Maria Auxiliadora, they will not get hired elsewhere. Many teen boys are into drugs and few girls escape sexual abuse. Police corruption is very common- one friend told me police will beat or kill a delinquent for fun.

Things like this make me feel helpless. But the words of one friend put things into perspective: “God is sovereign. He is in control; we must trust in his wisdom. At the end of the day, you can surrender everything into his hands.”

I think this sums up what I have been amazed by.
“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.”
Luke 6:20

Above: Children from Maria Auxiliadora