We arrived at Santo Domingo Airport in Dominican Republic at 7 in the morning on August 8th after an 8 hour layover and a 7 hour flight delay. From the airport, we took a 4 hour taxi ride to a small city near Santiago called Lajas de Yaroa. The travel could have been more tiring than it was, but I believe being surrounded by my Squad Mates brought a fresh breath of life and perspective. Not to mention, the beautiful scenery of the mountainside.
Since training camp I’ve grown to know my Squad Mates more closely. When I observe them and when I spend time with them, they encompass qualities of Jesus that covers me with such peace and love. I’ll say this again – I am blessed to serve with them.
It’s more than a Squad. I think just for formalities we are given the title of the “J-Squad.” But, what we are, are individual people given gifts and talents that share a passion for pursuing Jesus. And, when combined, we become a community, united by the everlasting love of our Father and passionate about spreading this love.
I don’t expect this to be rainbows, flowers, and sunshine every day. That would be unrealistic because life isn’t that way and living in community is challenging. Jesus and His disciples show the difficult reality of living in Community.
Disciples sometimes had disagreements. There were moments when they questioned the leadership of Jesus. There were times when they doubted their ministry and made mistakes. But in these difficult, uncomfortable moments you find Grace and beauty in being vulnerable.
I’ve never lived in this environment before. And, honestly, I’m not great at living with roommates or being constantly around people. In this area of my life, Jesus is inviting me saying, “Come, live with Me. Come, live with your Brothers and Sisters.”
Throughout the past days since launch, I’ve seen my Squad leaning on Jesus by leaning on each other.
During a stretching and trying wait at the airport my Squad respected each other’s need for space, comforted each other during difficult goodbyes, carried each other’s ginormous backpacks, and fellowshipped with each other in a way that honors Jesus.
Here at our ministry, we’ve extended patience towards one another. We’ve served each other through prayers and honoring love languages. We’ve had impactful and intentional team time filled with encouragement and feedback.
I’ve been asking God to teach me how to live in community and how to walk in love like Jesus. Real love – Agape. Love that is patient and kind. Love that is not jealous or boastful. Love that is not self-seeking. Love that believes and hopes for the best. Love that can endure all things.
What I’ve witnessed so far, living with my Squad among Jesus is Love. And, I’m excited to grow more in this area of my life and improve in my relationships.
We’re working with a ministry called HOPE Mountain. In the picture above is one of our ministry hosts, Reuben and his father Manuel. Our work has involved a lot of manual labor, helping our ministry host maintain and construct new homes on their property. These homes will provide a safe haven for women who are looking for freedom in Jesus Name from the bondage of prostitution. We also did a campus clean up, picking up trash and debris and cleaning our sleeping quarters.
We’ve also been interceding on behalf of the ministry, Dominican Republic, and those we will be serving, speaking life and blessing those who will encounter Jesus through this ministry. God has blessed us with more opportunities to fellowship with locals in the neighborhood. They are so welcoming here and are eager to serve us with tea, coffee, or cakes. It’s been an amazing experience to share the love of Jesus and honor Him with our time and actions, regardless of some language barriers.
I’m still in awe at all the beauty around me. We’re surrounded by mountains. And, we get to admire pink, orange sunrises and sunsets. Sometimes I still can’t believe that this is life for me. And, I like that feeling. It keeps a fire burning inside of me where everything Jesus has for me is exciting. Thank you, Jesus for keeping the passion alive.
