A lot of people see the fact that I went to the DR as just a trip, but that couldn't be further from the truth. From the moment I arrived, I was forced entirely out of my comfort zone by having to speak Spanish in an entirely new context, trying new foods, and being in really close contact with kids in 90 degree heat. But for some reason that I can't explain, other than by God's strength, none of that mattered. This new culture that I was experiencing was no longer uncomfortable, but absolutely exciting. And I began to see the beautiful kids that I had the privilege to meet as children of God, and absolutely cherished being able to hug them and love on them despite the heat. This experience gave me a new perspective; to see people through the eyes of God and the strength to love them the way He does, regardless of their background or anything they can do for me. I also formed unbreakable bonds with those on my team, and now feel that I have a new family that accepts me unconditionally. I wouldn't trade this experience or the many things God taught me for anything. Hannah M
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This trip it changed my point of view on life completely! When we got there I saw little kids with little to no possessions but with big smiles . But here in the U. S. we ask for so many things and yet never seem to become satisfied. In one of the villages we went to we learned that one latrine was to be used by seven families and that took me by surprise. There were little girls singing to us in Spanish and they were showing us their love they have for God . They showed us so much loved even they didn't know nothing anything about us . God gave us this great opportunity to talk to others and to pray for them and talk about the word . I was also able to use my Spanish for the goodness of the Lord. I am thankful God gave me the privilege to see how people with so little give so much love. I will never forget them or the trip. Juliet I went into this quest trip very undecided. Not sure if i really had a purpose on that team, & confused if God was going to use me at all. But as the days went on God slowly revealed to me that we don't understand his plan. He has is planed to be perfect and glorifying to him. He showed me that i did belong on that team and that he has coordinated us to work fluently. Romans 8:28 says "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." over all this trip has helped me to trust God more and let him do his wonders. Curtis This trip without a doubt was life changing. God showed and taught me so many things in those few days I couldn't believe it. God showed me how we could have absolutely nothing at all but if we are close to God and are strong spiritually we don't need anything else to be happy. I've never seen people so happy and grateful in my life. We worked together with people from the village and together worked hard to achieve something they really needed. I learned that none of us are worthless, that all of us through God can work hard to achieve great things and help each other out in life. God provided all of us with another family where everyone one was caring and excepting . I will never forget how amazing it was to get close and relate to my team. Nicholas It wasn't just an experience in the Dominican Republic, it was way more than that. God showed me so much more than i ever thought or could imagine. it wasn't about the culture in the DR, or the scenery. it was the one on one relationships and interactions that I encountered with its people. It was amazing to see that the Christians in the Dominican Republic worship the same God that we do in different ways, and that God works in their lives the same way he works in ours. For a couple months now, i have been praying that God would break my heart for the unsaved, because I have seemed to be desensitized of that fact. well i was there i just stopped and realized the millions of people in cities like Santo Domingo and San Francisco, and even the small villages that we went to. also, there was a celebration that we passed on the way to our hotel where the people seemed to be doing every dis pleasing thing. And it really just broke my heart realizing that all these people didn't know Jesus. I thank God so much for this life changing opportunity that he allowed me to go on. -Rachel P. Neither pictures nor words can describe how life-changing and incredible my experience was in the Dominican. The whole week overall was very humbling. I began the trip expecting to go the Dominican Republic to teach children about God and show the people there His love and yet ultimately, I learned more about God's love and his character from the people there. Their strong faith in God through tough situations and their love for others around them and their constant joy was such an inspiration for me. I also learned to not take for granted the unity we have in Christ (Eph 4). Having that basis can lead to deep relationships with people you've just met, and more, as I've experienced on this trip. I feel truly blessed by God to have been able to serve him in the DR. All glory goes to Him, "es fiel, siempre fiel". Marina I would like to say that this trip was definitely a life changing experience. I learned what it meant to serve others and was able to see people and love them as God does. I was able to see a view that can only be seen on a mountain top and learned that the closer we are to God the more we see and appreciate things the way He does. I learned to be more patient and to be more open. I saw how a group of strangers can become closer than family and this family has God in the center of it because He is our glue. I learned to step out and get out of my comfort zone. I learned to see God in the little things and appreciate them. Leidiane The DR teams have arrived safely. They have spent the afternoon resting, eating and trying to stay warm. Today was a long anticipated day as we were finally able to participate in medical missions as we had attempted to for the past few days. Our original plan was to start at 9 and end at noon but God stretched our endurance as we worked through lunch, seeing a total of 80 patients until 3:30pm. Around noon a small group of us had to go back to the hotel, pick up the bags and check out, so we could head back to the capital before it got dark. It was extremely humbling to see people piling in and waiting long hours to get the physical care they needed. We took the opportunity to also provide them with spiritual care, praying for each person before they left the clinic. While parents were waiting to be seen, the rest of our group served by playing with the kids and prayer-walking in the community. It was one of the most exhausting and rewarding experiences on this trip and we can't wait to get home and share how we saw God working in the lives of people in the DR. Our devotional today on Ephesians 6 is preparing us to put on the full armor of God as we spend our last day in country and equip ourselves for the journey back home. Looking back to the first day of this trip it's really obvious that the students have demonstrated a huge growth and are starting to understand the bigger plans that God has for them. The Quest Celebration will be held on Saturday, February 21 in Northborough, MA at 11:30. The celebration is open to immediate family members, youth leaders, mentors and pastors. We are expecting a larger crowd so please be sure to RSVP with your name, number of attendees and the quest that you are connected to. Looking forward to a great time of sharing and celebration. RSVP to [email protected]. |
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February 2016
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