Report from Dominican Republic: Awe Inspiring

Report from a Crossroads mission team member currently in the Dominican Republic:

This trip, which I would rather call an adventure, has been so awe inspiring, and unbelievably wonderful. I have grown to know much more about Christ that I didn't know. Also the people here are lovely, they are motivating me to want to grow in my faith, because their stories of how they came to Christ, have really shown me to love GOD and be motivated to learn more about Him and His love. Shoutout to Paul Sereda.

Peter Jaussen

Report from Domincan Republic: Making a Difference

Report from a Crossroads mission team member currently in the Dominican Republic:

Hi everyone. It is Wednesday afternoon now. It was so nice to get off the plane after 4 hours and I was hot with a t-shirt. On Sunday morning we went to church. At these services you sing and dance. On the way back, we didn't cross over a river on a bridge, but through the river on a cattle truck. Monday, Rachel and I went to Village 50 to lay block. You can see how bad their houses are where we haven't built the new houses yet. It is amazing how much hope that has given to these families. The people here are very genuine wonderful people. It tears your heart, but you can't help them all. One village a t a time, between White Fields Foundation and MGM, we are making a difference. These little kids sure like hugs. They don't want to let go. Tuesday we went to the Compassion International school. It was very impressive. Today I worked with Dan Jaussen on the baptismal cover. Rachel has learned a lot here as well. I thank God that He gave us this opportunity to serve.

Cory Cowan

Report from Dominican Republic: Cafe del Rey

Report from a Crossroads mission team member currently in the Dominican Republic:

I am in love with Cafe del Rey! As Dominican as it is, there is a familiar feeling as customers walk in and light up when they see Beka or Luciano behind the counter. Some come in just to talk without purchasing anything. Beka is certainly a part of the neighborhood. People drive by on scooters and yell greetings to her. She answers with a big smile, calling out their names. She is living as the heart and hands of Christ in Hato Mayor. It has been a privilege to watch her at work. Dan has done some repair work at the cafe, which has drawn some attention from curious passers-by. One man quizzed him on the Spanish words for tools, and he passed with flying colors! Suzy and I were part of a group that visited the Compassion school, what a wonderful experience. I feel more confident than ever in Compassion's work and integrity. Their efforts are intentional, well-executed, and a witness of Christ in this community. I am very grateful for this experience.

Martha Johnson

Keystone Bible Ministry

On May 30, 2013 with God's help, we successfully delivered Bibles to the 2013 graduating class of Keystone Charter School. This ministry has accomplished this for the past 14 years because of your diligence and generosity. It is inspiring to have an opportunity to share in this milestone in the lives of these young men and women. We told them the donors of these Bibles stretch across the spectrum of age and life. What we have in common is we once stood in the position they are now—looking toward the future with hope and trepidation. We acknowledge life has its ups and downs which are best secured with an anchor. That anchor is Christ. For that reason the Bibles represent the best gift we can offer them. We know anything we could give pales in the light of God's gift of salvation. One girl stood by the table saying repeatedly, "There's mine. Can I have it now, please?" Pray each of these students react to God with that same yearning - 'Can I have it now, please?'

One of the speakers at commencement made the statement that as an adult he has never experienced or imagined some of the things these students had already experienced. As painful as that is, Christ has overcome the world and in Him they can find peace. This is the message you helped deliver. Please make these young people part of your regular prayer routine. They will help shape the future. Our desire is that will be with them living out God's purpose for them. Thank you for your gracious kindness and Christ-like love in ministering to them with your gifts!

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Also, we would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to a new Bible ministry. As many of you know, our community has become the host of a great many international students. Many spend time with Christian host families and are attending local churches. What a tremendous open door for God’s Word! Community Commission Bibles has been established to meet their need of a comprehensive Bible in their own language. It will provide them with a better understanding to God's Word. Donations can be made throughout the year to:

Downtown Ministries, Inc.
172 Main St
Greenville, PA 16125

Please mark on your check memo line Community Commission Bibles.

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Keystone Bibles remains the same and will continue to operate as it always has. Any inquiries concerning either ministry, please contact April Knierman.

Report from Dominican Republic: Day 5

Day 5 in the Dominican Republic:

On Wednesday, the construction crew (Paul and Matt from Crossroads and Tom, Dave and Keven from Riverwood) painted a set of trusses on Ney's porch. They got half of the tin sheeting up. It looks great and they should be able to finish tomorrow.

The medical, dental, VBS, sports, prayer walk, and hair ministries were all out at Mangos Limpias, a village up in the hills. This was the first visit by a team to this village. During the prayer walk, we shared the Gospel with the families and prayed for their family.

When we arrived at the village, the children were still in school. We rounded up some children who did not attend school and gave them coloring books to color. After playing games with the children, the Gospel was shared with them. The children are beautiful!

The Harvest is Ripe!

Paul and Cindy Sereda

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More photos submitted by Marlene Murrin:

Sunrise during morning devotions.




Jenyl (Marilyn's daughter) worked laying block to enclose Ney's patio with a knee wall.




Marlene hard at work with a broom.




The medical team getting ready for the week by sorting the medicine into baggies for distribution through the pharmacy.




There's a lot of beauty, especially the flowers.