I was telling a friend of mine the other day that big things were about to happen, I could just feel it. When she asked me to explain, I couldn’t. God is stirring something deeply in my heart and in those around me — preparing us for something bigger than we ourselves can imagine. We can feel it and we are waiting with great expectation.

I received this note from my friend and his words could have been mine as they expressed so well what was taking place within my own heart so I post them below.

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I know it is bad blogging to be silent for too long. Entries need to keep coming frequently in order for a blog to remain fresh and inviting to the audience. Thank you for your patience. My silence is definitely not a sign that nothing is going on. Actually, very intense and good things are going on. It’s hard to describe, or perhaps impossible right now, but I will try. There are deep things stirring in my heart these last few months and especially these last few weeks. But it’s as if the Lord is bypassing the intellect and brewing things directly in the heart instead.

The personal revelations coming are the kind that are radically changing me but cannot necessarily be explained in words until, perhaps, they have shifted my whole life and perspective and I have lived them out a bit.

These personal revelations are not ‘new’ ideas but rather ancient ones that are piercing deeper into my heart and totally affecting the way I rise up in the morning and face the day and face the future. Jesus introduced these mysterious concepts like embracing weakness, accepting God’s lavish mercy, and standing up confidently in grace.

I know these religious concepts have been explained to me in a thousand ways over the last 30 years of my Christian life (and I’ve tried to explain them to hundreds myself), but now Jesus is over-riding my religious understandings and bringing experiential truth in a way I can feel deeply in my heart but I cannot seem to explain in words. They are overwhelming me like ocean waves, and I suspect that I am only beginning to scratch the surface of all that is available in them. I am both terrified and thrilled at the potential these ideas have for my heart and my family.

We are all part of the same body, countries dividing us, but the spirit uniting us. I love that!
Joy

I write this article to highlight the fact that what we do at T.E.A.R.S. School is family and community focused. On Monday I visited my friend Anthony’s house, hopping in his taxi after classes had finished up. He is the father of two students here: Darling (grade two) and Baiolette (grade three). The entire family used to live on Eleventh Street- a minute’s walk from the school- but due to financial difficulties they were unable to pay the rent. They are now living in another barrio, very far from the school, but Anthony and his wife Thomasina are dedicated and go the distance to ensure their kids are receiving education.

During the afternoon I had a really meaningful discussion with Anthony. We got into thinking about the centrality of Jesus Christ as expressed in the Bible and also as he applies to our lives. Looking into the Old Testament, we found that the story of Samson in fact pointed to Jesus- the ultimate judge. Samson defeated a physical lion, but Jesus conquered the most menacing lion of all time. He took on Satan and eternal death- and triumphed. Samson- when they tried to contain him- lifted up the city gates and walked away. In the same way, Jesus- when the Pharisees attempted to weigh him down with commands and trap him with questions- responded by saying that they would not enter through the gate, for truly is the gate. And so he bore the weight of the law upon his shoulders, carrying it outside of Jerusalem, and all who believe can now enter through him. Samson broke through physical ropes, but Jesus shattered the chains of fear that once bound us, freeing us by his grace. Samson brought down the temple with his death, as did Jesus- but in an incomparably more profound way. Because of his sacrifice we have free access to God; the veil is torn!

Anthony reinforced that focusing on Christ- contemplating the truth of the gospel- is so central to what we do as we live in the kingdom, making disciples. “Refusing to let Christ rule in our hearts,” he said, “is spiritual starvation.” He is a very passionate man and hopes to enter into full-time evangelism in the future. Currently he works as a taxi driver, and he feels that God is using this time to prepare him for ministry. Anthony is a real man of God, with a passion to see his community transformed by the gospel, and it was so encouraging to get a glimpse of his faith.

Being a student at TEARS School is a privilege. We look for parents who have a desire to make an impact in their community, and Anthony’s family is a great example. Despite all the hardships they face, they are full of hope and Christ-centered ambition. After returning home I was hit by the fact that God is truly doing great things among us; that seeds are being planted and fruit being shown. This ministry is a blessing, and I give the glory to God.

The bell rings, echoing through the halls- everyone knows what time it is. Recess!

The students squirm in their seats, waiting for the teacher to announce that they can leave. Walking in an orderly line and burning with excitement, the children slowly make it down the stairs and outside into a spacious, open court.

Along the fence on the left side people are selling various baked snacks and the Dominican equivalent of freezies. Many will first buy something to eat, enjoying their treats in the shade so they don’t melt, re-energizing for the second half of the day. As everyone is finishing off their food- or even still in the midst of eating it- the children start to play. On second thought, maybe they didn’t need that extra burst of energy. These kids are machines!

A favorite game- at least during the day I observed- is a game rather like cops and robbers (guys versus girls, of course). Here they call it police. It turns relatively chaotic after the first few minutes, and tends to become more of a free-for-all, fend-for-one’s-self fiasco. Kids began running around randomly, crashing and forming what I can only compare to a rugby scrum. The boys would lock arms and form lines, walking slowly and ominously forward to enclose the girls and take them to jail. Every so often a jail break would be issued, sending people running happily in all different directions; free to begin the madness anew.

Recess is in fact a crucial and beneficial part of what we do at TEARS School, ensuring that the students have a chance to blow off some steam and experience physical as well as mental learning. It gives the teachers a little break too; it’s an all around fun event, and often the highlight of the children’s day. Praise God for recess!

First off, I just want to praise the Lord of all creation; the One who has given life to all of us and formed us with a specific purpose in his glorious kingdom. I rejoice in God every morning when I see all the children in the barrio lining up, anticipating another day of school. How joyous it is to consider that their years here will lay the foundation for a life of learning and growth, planting seeds and ensuring strong roots as they dive into the future God has for them.

This week I want to focus on the unique experience I had as I sat in with the very youngest children in our school. Sofi has undertaken to invest in the lives of these three and four year olds in such a way that it will leave an eternal impact.

As I entered her class and took a seat at an empty table- hoping not to totally distract all the children, or to break the tiny chair in which I sat- I immediately noticed the liveliness and vibrancy that marked Sofi’s actions; she was doing exactly what God had made her to do, and loving every minute of it. She sang and danced and encouraged everyone to get involved. In a way that I will never be able to fully express, she got on a level with these kids. She wasn’t the tall, intimidating figure I remember having in elementary- she was shining with sincerity and joy.

She had everyone participating, correcting them ever so gently if they were not listening, ensuring their attention. She helped the children engage as active learners, bringing one student up to the front to recite a song she had just taught. At first he was really shy, but Sofi bolstered his confidence, addressing the class: “We can help him sing.” They raised their voices together, in a chorus that- though uncoordinated and out of tune- exulted in the harmony of the heavens.

With a word of prayer the day was done, and the children walked home with smiles on their faces- knowing that they were not only loved and accepted by their teachers and peers at school, but by God himself.

Today I was privileged to take part in a very moving and meaningful part of our ministry at the T .E.A.R.S. School. We support twelve students as part of a Special Ed. program, designed to help those who need extra help learning. This morning, with excited faces and bursts of laughter, these students received their supplies for the upcoming school year. It was more like a party than anything; children flipping enthusiastically through blank notebooks, doubtless imagining what creative things they will be filled with, and showing off their awesome new uniforms.

My heart really goes out to these kids; they have so much potential at this age and I know that God has great purposes in store for them. I have built special relationships with a few in particular. Leonel (10) is my neighbor; a young guy who is absolutely off-the-wall hyper and always down to play. One afternoon we just ran around in the middle of a torrential downpour and enjoyed the refreshing feel of wet grass beneath our feet.

The other, Stephanie (12) lives with me in the very same house. She and I developed a real bond from the start: singing, eating, and playing, well, pretty well doing everything together. I welcomed her to teach me Spanish and she will still correct me when I mispronounce a word or say a sentence incorrectly, something I am very grateful for. Being able to learn from Stephanie has opened my eyes to the truth of God’s grace and unique gifts that he gives to us all.

If you’re reading this entry today, I encourage you to take a few minutes and pray especially for our Special Ed. students. Please pray that God would open their minds not only academically but also to the glorious truth of his gospel. Pray for unity in their families, that Christ would reign in their households and also in their hearts, ever assuring them that they are loved, accepted, and precious, and that they too have a profound part to play in God’s Kingdom.

To see people of two very different cultures come together is one of the most unique and uplifting things a person can witness. I have been blessed to see God’s love among teachers from Canada and from the Dominican Republic this week; I know that He has brought us here for a purpose.

This Teacher Training Program has been about building relationships, growing spiritually and intellectually, and searching for new doorways; new bridges we can use to connect the old with the young- divine things with human things.

Our mornings have kicked off with devotionals. Milagros, our kindergarten teacher at the T.E.A.R.S. School, had an interesting story to share. “I know God calls us,” she said one morning while leading a session, “…a calling is for eternity.” She recalled an experience, not three weeks ago, when her great aunt was suffering greatly and near to the point of death. She felt that God wanted her to visit her great aunt; to care for her, pray with her and sing to her. She put off the idea for a few days, but it kept returning to her during the night, and she was unable to sleep. She felt compelled to go.

Milagros visited her great aunt and shared some meaningful moments with her, praying and singing as she had been led to do. Her great aunt passed away the following day. Milagros feels that God kept her great aunt alive to fulfill His purposes; to give Milagros this final opportunity to share and to complete all that He had planned for her. This story is not only a testimony of God’s grace in our lives, but also a shining example of the intimacy that has developed between all of the teachers in one short week.

Joy went on to share how a pivotal thirty minute phone call between her husband, Vidal, and Rod had brought them to TEARS. She then added what it was like when they brought Sunilda, now teaching first grade, onto the staff. Sunilda was Catholic at the time, and now her life has been transformed by the truth of Christ. There is a keen sense of God’s hand working here, calling teachers and bringing them into his Kingdom, to live and serve as his disciples.

Great bonding has taken place among us all. One memorable activity was a tone and rhythm game, led by Nola, our music teacher from Canada. “Often we hesitate to open our mouths because we are afraid of what might come out,” she said. At this statement we all laughed. “But don’t be afraid; just let it out,” she added. We went on to participate with full intensity and without shame.

Elizabeth, our second grade teacher from Canada, introduced us to some activities that literally make math fun (I never thought I’d say that, but it’s true). Meanwhile, Julie, Elizabeth’s partner, has been showing us unique art projects. “How beautiful,” one teacher exclaimed, her face beaming with excitement as she practiced blending watercolors. The teachers are loving it; just taking in all the fresh ideas and contemplating what they can now introduce to their students.

The anticipation of this new school year can be felt; it’s as though the teachers are ready to burst with excitement. When they enter their classrooms, I know they will do so with joy, because they have been equipped with not only new information, but also, it seems, a fresh desire to serve in the community.

This is the essence of our work: providing education to children in need, with the goal that they will be enlightened and emboldened to continue learning and growing in Christ throughout their entire lives. The teachers here act as a springboard, launching their children into a world of opportunity; a world where they can get engaged in what God is doing and make an impact.

Getting to know these teachers better and watching how they interact, learn and enjoy their time has been awesome. I praise the Lord for what he is doing here, in the hearts of these teachers (both Canadian and Dominican) , and I eagerly anticipate the great things that will take place in the classrooms as our school year begins.

Editors Note: The T.E.A.R.S. D.R. School opened its doors to the children on August 21st. Teacher training occurred August 6th through August 16th.

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