Yesterday, I mentioned that today was going to be a very different day—it didn’t necessarily feel like that, but in a good way.
We started the day off in our typical fashion—breakfast and devos—then got back to work painting and doing concrete work. The painting crew worked hard to finish up and touch up all of the buildings they worked on Tuesday morning. They were really close by the end of the work time, but some adults had to finish up the work later in the day during sports camp.
The boys working with concrete got to learn a few new things today. One group carried buckets of concrete up the steps to the roof and helped build up a sloped edge all around the roof to help keep water away. The other group learned how to do a Dominican cement technique called “flaca” (don’t check my spelling on that…lol). One on level, it seemed a lot like a knock down ceiling technique but on the ceiling and the walls. However, if you didn’t know what they were doing, it just looked like they were throwing cement at the walls and ceiling of the building. And yes, many of the workers ended up covered in concrete, and yes, much of that concrete was on them as a result of someone else. Either way, they got a ton of work done again this morning.
After lunch, there was some more free time to rest, recover, and reflect on the week. Many of the students took the opportunity right after lunch to take a true siesta—a nap—which was really good. Others took the opportunity to play more basketball with some of the neighborhood kids and build more relationships. Some kids went with some leaders on a long walk around the neighborhood, praying over many of the houses. Some kids went down to the soccer field and played some more matches. Some kids took the opportunity to explore the community and meet some more of the people and families these kids are coming from. It was a really great opportunity to slow down and observe—which was really good.
Then, they got back to work at the sports camps helping to teach volleyball and soccer. Today, I stayed back with the volleyball team and did my best to help organize and translate for some of the drills. I watched our younger group of volleyball players do a great job breaking down some barriers with Dominican girls who were starting to get very frustrated about their volleyball skills. All of a sudden I saw all of the girls on the volleyball court laying on the ground, rolling around, and laughing together with really big smiles. Once again, some really good relationships continue to be built and I’ve been watching them grow deeper each day.
After supper, we had more opportunities to play some basketball, baseball, and volleyball with kids from the community. Maybe you’re noticing a theme here…lol. One of the things I’ve tried to help people understand over the years is this: The easiest way to build a relationship with someone where there’s a massive language barrier is by playing some sort of game—especially if it’s a game they love. There’s a universal language that comes through games and athletics, a common knowledge of rules and expectations that easily translates across borders. Our kids are taking full advantage of this opportunity and, as I’ve mentioned before, it’s bearing a ton of fruit.
We also took the opportunity to hold a short worship service tonight, led by some of the students in our group. They did such a great job leading and stepping out of their comfort zone a bit (they didn’t get as much practice as they would like…lol).
After singing a few worship songs together, we did our debrief as usual. We ended the worship time singing the chorus: “Who the Son sets free, he is free indeed.” That led Jon to ask the question, “Who have you seen set free today? Which of you have been set free today?” And I was so proud of the way these students answered that question. Tonight’s answers were night and day from the other nights. The students were so open and honest and thoughtful and deep with their answers that I was really moved by it. I could clearly see the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of these students. I could also see that your prayers that they would be softened to hear God’s voice and would hear His voice were answered. It was a beautiful opportunity and I’m looking forward to seeing how God will continue to build on this throughout the rest of the week.
Tomorrow we’re back at the Go Ministries facility doing some more activities there. Then we’re going to get a tour of the Go Medical and Go Educational facilities in Santiago as well. We’ll be back for the sports camp again in the afternoon, and then we’ll be getting ready to head to the beach on Saturday afternoon.
Continue praying for God to be working in the lives of these students and all of the kids that we interact with throughout the week. Pray that God would continue to build on these relationships and use them to open doors for the gospel. Pray that God would continue to open our students eyes and hearts to more fully understand who God is and what He has done. Pray that the fruit of this weeks ministry would continue to grow in the Dominican Republic and would continue to grow in Waupun and throughout Wisconsin.
Thanks again for all of your support and prayers.
Jason Ruis