Bethlehem UMC

After a long day of travel for many the team has arrived. We grabbbed a couple slices of pizza to fill our bellies then headed to La Romana on the eastern side of the Island. This week we will be working with Pastor Juan Guillermo of Living Faith Pentecostal Church in Villa Hermosa, La Romana.

We will be sharing the love of Christ through sports and children's ministry as well as a construction project to add bathrooms to a local church and a new roof on the second level of the school. 

The team spent Sunday morning studying the Bible with the church. The children's and adult's lessons both focused on the life of Paul. They talked about his boldness in the Lord to Go and his strong faith. 

Sunday the team began preparing the rebar to build a roof for additional classrooms at The Getsemani Foundation of Studies at Living Faith Pentecostal Church in Villa Hermosa, La Romana.

The team is working diligently in the hot Dominican sun to provide more classrooms for the children in Villa Hermosa.

It was a beautiful moment when the team sang Oceans and How Great is Our God. They were singing in English and the congregation joined in Spanish as they recognized the songs. It's a reminder that God transcends language with the Holy Spirit. 

After worship Cole delivered a powerful message on finding our identity in God.

Day 1 the team taught the kids about faith.  They used Matthew 8 and the story of the Roman Centurion as an example. 

Yesterday the team began the second construction project. They are building bathrooms at La Iglesia Evangélica de La Redencion. 

Pastor Juan Guillermo, his wife Diolina, and their daughter Karina.

The team relaxed before dinner yesterday  with a game of volleyball.

Today the team focused on the story of Martha and Mary. They talked about putting all our faith in The Lord and being in total reliance on him. They also discussed the importance of dwelling in the Lord and seeking him for direction in our lives. 

Parachute Games

Scott and Lauren leading the kids in songs.

The team closed out VBS be explaining to the kids about the salvation of Jesus Christ. They made bracelets to remind the kids of His story. The team made connections with the little one that will not soon leave their memories.

The team moving sand.

Pastor Guillermo is super excited that the team was able t finish the roof of the school. He has been waiting a few years  and praying for God's provision for it.

The team spent yesterday at Bayahibe/Dominicus beach. It was a great day of relaxation and reflection on what God has accomplished this week.

Scott led the team in a couple songs to say goodbye to the kids of the school this morning.