888.PPM.4090
Contact Us
About UsSelect Language

We use Google Translate to automate translation from English to other languages.

This translator may display innacurate information that does not represent PPM's views.

Please proceed only if you consent.

Praying Pelican Missions Logo

St. Matthew Lutheran Church

Serving In The Dominican Republic
June 18, 2016
Community: La Romana
Staff: Jennie Pakan, Rolando Rodriguez, Aunica Sherwood, Scott Ethridge, Manuel Jimenez, Roseline Josil, Magalie Joseph

They've arrived!

by Aunica Buseman | June 18, 2016 6:47 PM

The team made it! They're tired after a long night of travel, but they were able to rally once they arrived in Santo Domingo. Everything went smoothly, and we ate pizza in the airport before hopping on our two buses to drive to La Romana (about an hour and a half east of Santo Domingo) where we'll be spending the week serving. We stopped at the school where we'll be sleeping to drop our stuff off and freshen up before heading out to Batey 22 to host a community education class for the families who will be receiving water filters this week. Bateys are Haitian communities that mainly consist of those who work in the sugar cane fields, so the housing is provided by the owner of the fields. When we got there everyone was patiently waiting and had gathered chairs outside in a clearing. We talked through how to clean the filter and care for it, how it will be installed, and the importance of hygiene. It's always beautiful to be able to related dirty water becoming clean to us becoming cleansed by the blood of Christ. At the end of the education class, the attendees blessed us with a praise song in Creole. This week we'll be installing 114 water filters in 3 different communities around La Romana. Each team member will get the chance to share the gospel, install the filter, and pray over the family receiving the water system. It's going to be a full week! We're working alongside Pastor Mede, who happens to know both Creole and Spanish, as we bless these communities with the opportunity to have clean water.
They've arrived!

Water Filter Education

by Scott Ethridge | June 18, 2016 10:21 PM

Pastor Mede and Manuel delivering the water filter education in Batey 22.
Water Filter Education

Sunday Ministry

by Aunica Buseman | June 19, 2016 6:30 PM

This morning we started off by splitting into two groups - one went to Pastor Mede's church to run Sunday School, and the other returned to the Batey we were at last night to do prayer ministry. Sunday school had around 12 kids, but the team did a great job of really building those relationships and having fun. The other half of the team went door to door in the Batey offering to pray for each family. It was a little out of some of their comfort zones, but everyone did a great job of stepping up. In the afternoon, we went to a different Batey to do the same water filter education class we did last night, then followed it up by doing door to door praying throughout the community. This has been a really sweet way to make sure everyone knows our focus is first God and second water ministry. This evening, we attended a church service at Pastor Mede's church. We shared songs (the congregation in Creole) and Pastor Paul Lyda preached. It was a sweet night of sharing and getting to know our church partner this week!
Sunday Ministry

Water Ministry in Batey 22

by Aunica Buseman | June 20, 2016 12:50 PM

This morning we met at 7 for devotions and to pray over the day. After breakfast we went over the filter installation to make sure everyone understood how to do it correctly, before heading out to Batey 22 for the day. The team has been working hard, despite the work being a little tedious. It can be slow going due to the need for translation and to survey each family. We go through a series of questions at each house to determine if the filters are increasing their livelihood afterwards when we go to check on the progress. We have each of the three teams devided into prayer groups, evangecube groups, survey groups, and those who are doing the actual putting together of the water filter. We've done a little over half of the filters so far for this Batey and will finish up after lunch.
Water Ministry in Batey 22

Clean Water Joy

by Aunica Buseman | June 20, 2016 12:56 PM

People without clean water have to buy it or drink the water that is making them sick, so this is a HUGE blessing to them. Here you see the team doing the survey portion.
Clean Water Joy

Let's Play!

by Aunica Buseman | June 20, 2016 1:06 PM

While waiting for their turn to help with water filters, the team spends time playing with the kids.
Let's Play!

Monday VBS

by Aunica Buseman | June 20, 2016 2:35 PM

While team 2 and 3 worked to finish installing water filters, team 1 lead a VBS program with the kids. There weren't a ton, but the ones that attended had a great time.
Monday VBS

Ministry Day 2

by Aunica Buseman | June 21, 2016 2:29 PM

This morning we were hard at work installing filters right away. We split into our teams and groups 1 and 2 went to Batey 22 to put filters in the houses we didn't get to yesterday and group 3 headed on to Batey Barmejo. We all met up to eat Empanadas for lunch at the school where we're staying. This afternoon, team 1 is preparing the schoolyard for them to build a cafeteria, team 2 is leading VBS in Batey 22, and team 3 is finishing up water filter installation in Batey Barmejo.
Ministry Day 2

Water Filter

by Aunica Buseman | June 21, 2016 2:33 PM

Installing the filter and checking if it's working!
Water Filter

Sharing the Gospel

by Aunica Buseman | June 21, 2016 2:35 PM

The team has done a great job utilizing the evangecubes to share the gospel. Each cube folds to reveal the gospel piece by piece.
Sharing the Gospel

Worship

by Aunica Buseman | June 22, 2016 10:39 AM

We spent the evening worshipping with the church in Batey 107 (where we installed the well.)
Worship

Final Water Filters

by Aunica Buseman | June 22, 2016 10:42 AM

We finished installing the filters in Batey Barmejo this morning!
Final Water Filters

Final Days

by Aunica Buseman | June 25, 2016 11:57 AM

The team is home by now! We had a great recreation day at Bayahibe where they were able to swim in the ocean and enjoy time resting up. Unfortunately, a handful of people caught a virus and ended up being pretty sick. We had our final meeting before packing up and getting ready to say goodbyes. After a final night of rest they were on their way! We pray that all is well as they made it home safely! Please continue to pray for the Bateys we served in. We'll use some of the remaining ministry money to purchase water jugs that will give each household more resources for properly storing their new clean water. Pray for Pastor Mede as he continues his relationships with each of these people.

Subscribe To Updates

Comments

Deana Campbell

June 24, 2016 3:36 PM

Just received information they are in Newark. Yayyy they made it across the ocean on a safe return home! Just a few more hours.....

Emily Tantare

June 24, 2016 2:46 PM

So blessed to see the amazing work you are doing!

John Fischer

June 23, 2016 12:05 AM

God Bless all of you. You are in my thoughts and Prayers. Folks like you are making this world a better place to live and Loving onto others as we are called to do. Shalom John

Neil & Jacob Pietrok

June 22, 2016 11:27 PM

Meant to say, Wish Espi a happy birthday (June 23).

Neil & Jacob Pietrok

June 22, 2016 11:26 PM

You all are doing great. We want to wish a happy you a happy birthday. Can't wait til you get back, we miss you.

Sonia Niebergall

June 21, 2016 8:14 PM

Love hearing about all that you are doing to help! Keep it coming!!

Shosh Meyer

June 21, 2016 5:13 PM

Folks keep asking about you and letting us know that you are in their thoughts and prayers. Blessings to you all!

Linda Fenner

June 21, 2016 10:39 AM

Proud of you guys for giving back so that others can live a better life.

gramps

June 21, 2016 10:16 AM

erin i'm proud of you

Alice Peiler

June 20, 2016 10:12 PM

I'm Megan Fischer's grandma in California and I love reading how you all are not only installing the filters, but also spreading God's good news. The happy faces of the people who live where you are working say it all. Big hugs to all of you, but especially to Meg!

Vicky Rolph

June 20, 2016 7:52 PM

Sounds like God is blessing all! Can't wait to hear the wonderful stories and to see all your bright shining faces at VBS next week.

Tami Barnes

June 20, 2016 2:50 PM

Love the pictures. Can't wait to hear the stories. Enjoy every minute :)

Jen Fischer

June 19, 2016 10:43 PM

Love the updates! Great to hear that God is working through you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. (hugs and kisses for my Meg!)

Tara and Alex

June 19, 2016 12:44 PM

Keep the photos coming! Love to hear about the good work you are doing ;)

Gloria Doherty

June 19, 2016 8:44 AM

So great to have this fantastic journal. Blessings!

Janee Walker

June 18, 2016 7:37 PM

So glad you are all there safe and already getting to meet the people of the community. God bless each of you this week.

Deana Campbell

June 18, 2016 2:06 PM

We just heard they arrived an hour ago (it is now 12:05 PDX time) and are on their way to where they will be staying. Yay for having a safe flight!

Stacy Rude

June 18, 2016 1:19 PM

I hope all is well and that u arrived Safely!!! I look forward to the updates! God is Good. Love you All.?????. Stacy Rude (St,Matthew)

Praying Pelican Missions Logo

Email

[email protected]

Address

8011 34th Ave S, Suite 400
Minneapolis, MN 55425
Pelican Account

LATEST TRIP JOURNALS


Sweet Treat After a Hard Day's Work!

Cornerstone Prep

Puerto Rico | March 27, 2024

Food distribution

Tri-Unity Christian School

Kentucky | March 27, 2024

Making Room for the Community

Norkenzie Youth Group

Pacific Northwest | March 27, 2024

Potatoes tomatoes

Strong Rock Christian School

Alaska | March 27, 2024

Last day

Dexter UMC

Belize | March 28, 2024

CONTACT US


FOLLOW US


FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube

ADULT MISSION TRIPS

Our customizable mission trips allow each person on your team of adults to find a place to serve, regardless of their interest or skills.

AFRICA MISSION TRIPS

Africa's many countries boast a wide array of beauty, culture and needs. Destinations include South Africa and Ghana.

CARIBBEAN MISSION TRIPS

Serve with Praying Pelican across the Caribbean—locations include Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico.

CENTRAL AMERICA MISSION TRIPS

Serve with Praying Pelican across the Central America—locations include Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.

COLLEGE MISSION TRIPS

College students are looking for a place to make a meaningful impact. Amplify that impact by partnering alongside a local church.

INTERNATIONAL MISSION TRIPS

This is your opportunity to serve alongside a local church and experience God in a different culture—from Belize, to Cuba, to South Africa and beyond.

MISSION TRIPS

Get all the information you need about our mission trips and what your group can expect as they serve on mission with Praying Pelican.

USA MISSION TRIPS

From our hometown of Minneapolis to the island of Puerto Rico, USA mission trips are diverse in service opportunities, cultural experiences, and community needs.

YOUTH GROUP MISSION TRIPS

Deepen your youth mission trip by doing ministry built on genuine partnerships, long term relationships, and sustainable ministry.

Privacy Policy|Terms & Conditions|© 2024Praying Pelican Missions