The Dream Team:
Steve, Chris, Katie, P. Tony, Papa Seals, Yuri, Daniel, Tim
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Dominicanos Go Nicaraguense
It’s been a while since we’ve posted. Since we’re back in the United States, the flow of exciting news is a bit slower. However, in the last 2 months much has transpired and we are excited to share it with you.
First of all, Mile Deep International, the non-profit that we founded has received approval for both Federal and California State TAX-EXEMPTION! Praise Jesus! We went through this process for two primary reasons. First, we sought out tax exemption so that our supporters could have peace of mind regarding their physical/emotional/spiritual investment knowing that we have a greater amount of accountability. Second, for our financial supporters, it provides the benefit of all donations being tax-deductible. So if any of you were considering sending a support check, DO NOT make a check out to Chris and/or Katie Seals. DO make checks out to Mile Deep International.
Second of all, one of the members of the board of directors, Michelle Stamper is finishing up a 2 week visit to the Dominican Republic. She spent her first week attending a Spanish teaching seminar in Punta Cana, and spent this past week working with the Dominican church and staying with the De Leon family. We’ll touch base with her after her return and post another blog entry with updates and pictures about her trip.
Finally, we (Chris and Katie) spent 10 days (June 20-30) in Nicaragua working with BBF missionaries Brian and Rachel Weed through Victory Baptist Church. It was a great experience that we’re glad we had. In addition to taking in the incredible beauty of the Nicaraguan countryside of Pueblo Nuevo, we got to observe and learn from the ministries that Brian and Rachel have started up in Leon, Pueblo Nuevo, Los Hatillos, and Managua. This definitely inspired us not only to continue our work in the Dominican Republic, but to also continue seeking out opportunities to learn from other experienced ministers and missionaries. Rachel’s sister and brother-in-law have a church plant in the works in Santiago, Dominican Republic, so the next time we head out to Santiago, we will attempt to touch base with them and consider our options for partnering with them to change the communities in and around the city through the local churches. We’ve posted some pictures of our Nicaragua trip. We hope you enjoy!
First of all, Mile Deep International, the non-profit that we founded has received approval for both Federal and California State TAX-EXEMPTION! Praise Jesus! We went through this process for two primary reasons. First, we sought out tax exemption so that our supporters could have peace of mind regarding their physical/emotional/spiritual investment knowing that we have a greater amount of accountability. Second, for our financial supporters, it provides the benefit of all donations being tax-deductible. So if any of you were considering sending a support check, DO NOT make a check out to Chris and/or Katie Seals. DO make checks out to Mile Deep International.
Second of all, one of the members of the board of directors, Michelle Stamper is finishing up a 2 week visit to the Dominican Republic. She spent her first week attending a Spanish teaching seminar in Punta Cana, and spent this past week working with the Dominican church and staying with the De Leon family. We’ll touch base with her after her return and post another blog entry with updates and pictures about her trip.
Finally, we (Chris and Katie) spent 10 days (June 20-30) in Nicaragua working with BBF missionaries Brian and Rachel Weed through Victory Baptist Church. It was a great experience that we’re glad we had. In addition to taking in the incredible beauty of the Nicaraguan countryside of Pueblo Nuevo, we got to observe and learn from the ministries that Brian and Rachel have started up in Leon, Pueblo Nuevo, Los Hatillos, and Managua. This definitely inspired us not only to continue our work in the Dominican Republic, but to also continue seeking out opportunities to learn from other experienced ministers and missionaries. Rachel’s sister and brother-in-law have a church plant in the works in Santiago, Dominican Republic, so the next time we head out to Santiago, we will attempt to touch base with them and consider our options for partnering with them to change the communities in and around the city through the local churches. We’ve posted some pictures of our Nicaragua trip. We hope you enjoy!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
No Es Una Despedida, Mas Un 'Hasta Luego'
Construction 
The viga is on its way to completion. Half of the viga is poured and dried, and the other half has been framed and will be poured today. YAY! Now, all we need is the roof to have the first floor done.
The Youth
Saturday night we had another special youth service. Due to our contacts with the directors of Teen Challenge in Santiago, we arranged to have the Saturday night youth service at the new Teen Challenge facilities. Many of our youth kids are reaching the age in which they are being tempted to try out “the things of the world”, knowing that it does harm, but not realizing how much harm. José, the director of Teen Challenge, being an ex-drug addict himself, was able to explain to them how easy it is to get caught up in and addicted to drugs and the awful things that that lifestyle brings upon families and futures. Nelly, José´s wife and also Co-director of Teen Challenge, told them about the new project of beginning a program for the women of Santiago. In Santiago, studies show that there are more women addicted to drugs than men. Also, these women work as prostitutes for a living to support themselves and their kids. Nelly explained the gravity of this lifestyle and again how easy it is to fall into prostitution, and through prostitution, drugs. Most of the students in the Teen Challenge program came from good families, some even Christian families, but somehow the enemy worked its way into their homes, and into their lives.
José and Nelly spoke words of warning to our youth, but also words of hope for their future careers and families.
After blessing the youth, Pastor Natividad (Dominican Dad) was given the honor of blessing the new Teen Challenge facility, asking that God would have His hand in their work and in the lives of each student sent there to better his or her life and to work for the furthering of the Kingdom of God.
The Last Night
What a night! Our last church service at Casa de Dios Puerta del Cielo was beautiful. The service, although still an offering to God, was dedicated to us, to honor us and thank us for “the things we had done” in the church and community. We were asked to sing a few songs for the last time, and then we were given several surprises that really touched our hearts. Heriberto gave us thanks and told us what we meant to him and presented us with two big blocks of cheese (we really liked a certain type of cheese he had at his house). Cristina recited us a poem she had written about us, talking
about the things God had done through us and how we would be missed. Grandma Juana also explained how important we were in the developing of the youth and that what God had done through us would not be forgotten. Then (the part when Katie became a real mess!), Yanalín, Crismelis, Reina, Rút, and Johanna, five girls from the youth, each said a few words of thanks, and then sang a song that we all had sung together at camp. One of the girls was crying so much she couldn’t finish the song and ran out in the middle of it. The last surprise was when Nati and the Deacon Board presented us with a plaque they had made for us as a ‘thank you’ for our work and commitment. We said our goodbyes, which was tough, and went home a little sad because the community we had invested in would be missed. Goodbyes are never easy.
Mile Deep International News
Upon arrival at home, we received mail indicating that Mile Deep International now has federal tax-exempt status! YAY! Now we are awaiting state tax-exemption, but are able to receive donations at Mile Deep International and they will be federally tax deductible!
Prayer
Please ask in prayer that God would guide us into our next step in life, whether it be staying home for a while to work and save some more money, or to find support to go back to the Dominican for a longer period of time.
The viga is on its way to completion. Half of the viga is poured and dried, and the other half has been framed and will be poured today. YAY! Now, all we need is the roof to have the first floor done.
The YouthSaturday night we had another special youth service. Due to our contacts with the directors of Teen Challenge in Santiago, we arranged to have the Saturday night youth service at the new Teen Challenge facilities. Many of our youth kids are reaching the age in which they are being tempted to try out “the things of the world”, knowing that it does harm, but not realizing how much harm. José, the director of Teen Challenge, being an ex-drug addict himself, was able to explain to them how easy it is to get caught up in and addicted to drugs and the awful things that that lifestyle brings upon families and futures. Nelly, José´s wife and also Co-director of Teen Challenge, told them about the new project of beginning a program for the women of Santiago. In Santiago, studies show that there are more women addicted to drugs than men. Also, these women work as prostitutes for a living to support themselves and their kids. Nelly explained the gravity of this lifestyle and again how easy it is to fall into prostitution, and through prostitution, drugs. Most of the students in the Teen Challenge program came from good families, some even Christian families, but somehow the enemy worked its way into their homes, and into their lives.
José and Nelly spoke words of warning to our youth, but also words of hope for their future careers and families.
After blessing the youth, Pastor Natividad (Dominican Dad) was given the honor of blessing the new Teen Challenge facility, asking that God would have His hand in their work and in the lives of each student sent there to better his or her life and to work for the furthering of the Kingdom of God.
The Last Night
What a night! Our last church service at Casa de Dios Puerta del Cielo was beautiful. The service, although still an offering to God, was dedicated to us, to honor us and thank us for “the things we had done” in the church and community. We were asked to sing a few songs for the last time, and then we were given several surprises that really touched our hearts. Heriberto gave us thanks and told us what we meant to him and presented us with two big blocks of cheese (we really liked a certain type of cheese he had at his house). Cristina recited us a poem she had written about us, talking
about the things God had done through us and how we would be missed. Grandma Juana also explained how important we were in the developing of the youth and that what God had done through us would not be forgotten. Then (the part when Katie became a real mess!), Yanalín, Crismelis, Reina, Rút, and Johanna, five girls from the youth, each said a few words of thanks, and then sang a song that we all had sung together at camp. One of the girls was crying so much she couldn’t finish the song and ran out in the middle of it. The last surprise was when Nati and the Deacon Board presented us with a plaque they had made for us as a ‘thank you’ for our work and commitment. We said our goodbyes, which was tough, and went home a little sad because the community we had invested in would be missed. Goodbyes are never easy.Mile Deep International News
Upon arrival at home, we received mail indicating that Mile Deep International now has federal tax-exempt status! YAY! Now we are awaiting state tax-exemption, but are able to receive donations at Mile Deep International and they will be federally tax deductible!
Prayer
Please ask in prayer that God would guide us into our next step in life, whether it be staying home for a while to work and save some more money, or to find support to go back to the Dominican for a longer period of time.
Monday, March 31, 2008
El Gusto Es Mio
Papa Seals, Chris’ dad, flew down to Santiago to spend a week with us before continuing on his business travels. What a great blessing that was! He was a huge help with all of the activities, and having someone from home share in our experience was very encouraging to us and the local church members. In addition to helping with the work that needed to be done, he also treated us and the de Leon family to a couple of dinners and a night in the local Marriot (thank God for reward points!). This was just as important for the de Leon family, if not mo
re important, than the work he did for the church. Being a pastor or members of a pastor’s family often times leaves little or no time for leisure, so it was a much NEEDED treat for Nati, Jacquelin, Estiven, and Yanalin. They enjoyed and appreciated it greatly!Construction
The Viga has been poured! You know… that thing that joins the top layer of cinderblock to the columns and serves as the top border of the window holes. We’ve been talking about it all this time and now you have some pictures to see what it is! Half of it has been poured, and construction will continue today and tomorrow until the viga is finished. Also, refill material has been bought (i.e. dirt) and the guys are raising the floor level approximately 2 feet, which is a big task. Papa Seals and Chris had the opportunity to help with filling wheel barrels in that process.
Ladies’ Tea
Wednesday afternoon, Katie coordinated a Ladies’ Tea complete with fancy finger foods, games, and prizes. Along with Katie, Chris and Papa Seals helped make the Iced Tea (hot tea would be ridiculous in the 90 degree + humidity weather), sandwiches, appetizers, and dessert. The majority of the women in the community are stuck in the house all day, cooking and cleaning up after everyone, so, an activity that honored THEM and pampered THEM was a big treat. The ladies started their time socializing and eating the appetizers (veggies and olives with dip and peanut butter) beautifully prepared by Katie. Then they were ser
ved cucumber & cream cheese, tomato, green olive & cheese, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. PB & J is not a common dish here, so it was a delicacy for them. Then after playing a number of bible quiz, word puzzles, and leg-crossing games, they enjoyed bananas and Nilla Wafers dipped in chocolate. Altogether it was a wonderful time!Youth Activities
Saturday night youth service started with a high energy crazy time. Given thirty seconds, youth (and a few adults) were blind folded and told to collect cotton balls on the floor with a spoon, and deposit them into a bowl, with no assistance from their other hand. The team who collected the most cotton balls wins. You can imagine the difficulty in attempting that. Afterwards, Chris demonstrated his cottonball-gathering expertise (acquired by playing the game before) and related that to how young people can learn a lot from those who have previous experience. We then moved into a time of answering more questions from the question box about lying. Next Saturday we are going to take the youth to the new location of Teen Challenge where they will soon launch their ministry for women who are trapped in a life of prostitution and drugs in order to show them the freedom they have in Christ. This will be a great opportunity for the youth to learn a lot from people with a lot of life experience.
Also, a great answer to prayer is that three church members have committed to working in leadership over the youth group. Gregory (a recently baptized member in his early twenties), Yelis (a young woman
fresh out of her teen years), and Nancy (a mother of one of the youth who has much previous youth ministry experience) are going to take over the current Sunday School curriculum and Saturday night services and hopefully add much more.All in all, our early 2008 trip is starting to wind down. For the rest of our time here we’re going to continue working on tying up loose ends and finalizing some things for the ministries here before heading back to the U.S. We’re still working on finalizing a date for our return to the Dominican Republic and we’ll keep you all posted as those details develop.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
