Because I’ll be going to Dominican Republic with my ENTIRE SQUAD instead!
Due to civil unrest and dangerous demonstrations currently occurring in Haiti, those who work to maintain our safety at Adventures in Missions deemed our travel into the country in a few weeks a safety risk. So we had a route change and we will be boarding a flight to Dominican Republic on August 7th instead.
Before I get to the details regarding what our first month in Dominican Republic will look like, please take a moment to pray for Haiti. Their government recently announced an increase in their gas prices by 38%, which resulted in an outbreak of violent riots that have made traveling in and out of the country very dangerous.
Please pray for discernment of government officials to make wise decisions on how to handle this situation, pray for peace among the Haitian community and for resolution to come swiftly. If this situation is preventing our squad from entering the country for mission work, I’m sure other groups are facing the same unfortunate decision to re-route travel plans which means, less people ministering to these people in a very scary time for their country. Pray that Jesus’ name would still be praised throughout this nation and be able to penetrate the hearts of the Haitian people in spite of the unrest. If the safety risk diminishes soon, there’s a chance our squad will still have an opportunity to minister to and love on the people of Haiti during month two of our race. Pray. Pray. Pray.
Now, for DR details: This is ALL SQUAD month. Which means all 33 of us will be at the same ministry site, living together and doing ministry alongside each other!
We’ll be at H.O.P.E. Dominican Republic which stands for “Helping Other Pursue Eternity.” This ministry is located in Lajas de Yaroa, Dominican Republic, see picture below!
At H.O.P.E. we’ll be living in a rain forest in a mountainous region of DR (see picture of the grounds below) and we’ll be participating in children’s ministry (such as putting on skits, singing songs and putting on puppet shows for the vacation bible school they host), prayer walking, evangelism and light construction projects. Previous racers that served at H.O.P.E. have mentioned really delicious food, bathing and doing laundry in a nearby waterfall, sleeping in hammocks on the rooftop, spending adventure days at the beach, and LOVING the ministry assignments given by our hosts. I’m sure more details will come our way soon but it looks like month one will be full of adventure, new experiences, and loving on kiddos; which makes my heart very happy!
My control freak nature had a bit of a panic attack when our month one destination was unknown almost two weeks away from launch (as we found out earlier this week we would no longer be going to Haiti but had yet to finalize where we actually would be going), but I had faith that the Lord would work out everything in his timing. So Dominican Republic, I hope you’re ready, because the passion filled and mission-focused J-squad is coming your way in 19 short days!!!
