Monday, September 1, 2014
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Dia Dos de Consuelo
Today was especially important because we created a more personal connection to a family in Consuelo. We had the amazing opportunity to create and instal a concrete floor in one of the community houses. This process of mixing and pouring was new and difficult for many of us, but nevertheless, life-changing. Seeing the effect of something so simple, that most of us take for granted, improve the standard of living for a group of people was breathtaking. It was amazing to see the difference that was observed by only pouring the first half of the house! For most of us, it made us feel as though we are not only developing relationships, but that were were building a long term effect on the community. As a group we were content in being able to serve the people in the community not only in a spiritual way, but also in a physical way. This allowed us as the youth ministry to put to practice what we've been taught constantly in church which is to go out, find the need, and serve.
It was amazing to see how the community, even the kids, participated in making this floor project happen! It was truly an integration of the local community, our team and the community of the IBCC church. Just to see the family so happy and to glance at the cemented floor rather than the dirt floor which they had to endure for as long as they could remember made us want to keep going! We all wished we did not have to stop there but to keep pouring concrete floors for other families in need. This was very impactful for each one of us. Arturo invited the family to continue to stay connected and invited then to church as a part of the family.
We continued the day by painting a huge building that is now owned by IBCC. This was significant because they are in the process of developing and remodelling the building for community purposes. For example, once a month there will be a service held in conjunction with several other churched in Counselo. Again, the purpose is to promote community and cooperation between several churches.
After the painting process we headed back to our hotel for a surprise water balloon fight!!! I think many of us would agree that this was one of the highlights of the day! It was us against the other workers who helped us pour the concrete. Splashes of water would burst all over the parking lot, and buckets of water were poured onto us by the other team. Although the other team would disagree, I think we won the battle. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day!
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Work, work work...and some fun!
The past two days were pretty intense.
Yesterday had a great impact on everyone int he group. The first thing we did was get to know the community and the people who live in the Barrio Los Ramirez. There are many families and lots of children all over that village. So often they would follow us because they were so curious about us. Some of us felt like perhaps we were invading, but the people of the village were extremely friendly and welcoming. It helped that we were led and guided by some of their own - Hansel and Clara who themselves are from that community and serve at the community church.
Words cannot fully express what we saw. In many ways it was not easy to fully process everything as it was happening and it may still take some time to digest that experience. We absolutely love the children and it gave us a much greater purpose and meaning behind all the manual work that we did over the past two days.
Although the painting of the school was challenging and took us the majority of the time, we also had an opportunity to share and listen to some stories of those who belong and even serve at the church and at the school, sharing in their burdens and ministering to one another through the encouraging message of the Gospel! From the discussions on top of the roof last night many shared that they really wished they could share the Gospel with the people of the community had they been able to speak the language.
Today in the midst of all the work we did manage to squeeze in some salsa dancing, you should have seen Barbara doing her thing! A couple of our girls even buss out some Junkanoo moves and choreography - that was surely a show. Stay tuned for the video ;)
In the words of one of our students, "it really does not matter what culture you are from or what language we speak, the Gospel remains the same". This was one of the most powerful statements that was shared last night. The way that this trip is already impacting each person in the group as we all learn about one another and how to overcome the challenges that we so often took for granted, such as being able to speak to someone in the same language, will stay with us forever. This has been a learning experience relationally thus far and although each one of us are taking something different from this experience, we all have this one thing in common - learning how to stay positive and have an attitude of gratitude.
Tomorrow is our last day with our friends in this community and our teen Red Zone leaders are preparing some fun activities for about 75 kids, including a massive water balloon fight! It will be a sad moment to leave, we will sure miss some of them with whom we had a chance to really connect...
Yesterday had a great impact on everyone int he group. The first thing we did was get to know the community and the people who live in the Barrio Los Ramirez. There are many families and lots of children all over that village. So often they would follow us because they were so curious about us. Some of us felt like perhaps we were invading, but the people of the village were extremely friendly and welcoming. It helped that we were led and guided by some of their own - Hansel and Clara who themselves are from that community and serve at the community church.
Words cannot fully express what we saw. In many ways it was not easy to fully process everything as it was happening and it may still take some time to digest that experience. We absolutely love the children and it gave us a much greater purpose and meaning behind all the manual work that we did over the past two days.
Although the painting of the school was challenging and took us the majority of the time, we also had an opportunity to share and listen to some stories of those who belong and even serve at the church and at the school, sharing in their burdens and ministering to one another through the encouraging message of the Gospel! From the discussions on top of the roof last night many shared that they really wished they could share the Gospel with the people of the community had they been able to speak the language.
Today in the midst of all the work we did manage to squeeze in some salsa dancing, you should have seen Barbara doing her thing! A couple of our girls even buss out some Junkanoo moves and choreography - that was surely a show. Stay tuned for the video ;)
In the words of one of our students, "it really does not matter what culture you are from or what language we speak, the Gospel remains the same". This was one of the most powerful statements that was shared last night. The way that this trip is already impacting each person in the group as we all learn about one another and how to overcome the challenges that we so often took for granted, such as being able to speak to someone in the same language, will stay with us forever. This has been a learning experience relationally thus far and although each one of us are taking something different from this experience, we all have this one thing in common - learning how to stay positive and have an attitude of gratitude.
Tomorrow is our last day with our friends in this community and our teen Red Zone leaders are preparing some fun activities for about 75 kids, including a massive water balloon fight! It will be a sad moment to leave, we will sure miss some of them with whom we had a chance to really connect...
Monday, July 21, 2014
Out of Our Comfort Zone...
Out of our comfort zone... That is the overall feel. Emotions and thoughts are overtaking our hearts and minds in a very personal and individual way. Nothing is familiar, nothing is up for grabs to make us feel comfortable.
We are tired physically, but also mentally and emotionally. Coming into this trip out of our own individual worlds, we are forced to put those tribulations aside to encounter another set of feelings and emotions trying to process the new language, new surroundings, new forces, new culture, new church, new worship, altogether new experience. The unsettled feelings rush up but there is only one way that we can find peace and calmness and that is through Christ who is our Rock. He is the only thing that is unchanged.
Following our personal reflection times for the day, we sat together as a team and discussed the topics from the two church services we attended today: both spoke about compassion, giving back, and how the Bible, more so the Gospels, says about how to act as a Christian. Essentially, the evident message the Lord has laid upon our hearts is that a church service is meaningless, a church building is meaningless, being a Christian is meaningless unless we are helping others. This, as it was beautifully said by Pastor Robert of ICC, is "how Jesus makes us rich." He continued in his message, saying that success is not about how well you can go throughout your day without having to deal with "poor" people, but how well you practice the ministry of presence: the practice of interacting with the poor just as Jesus did.
Here are Clive and Davina's video-blogs for today!
We are tired physically, but also mentally and emotionally. Coming into this trip out of our own individual worlds, we are forced to put those tribulations aside to encounter another set of feelings and emotions trying to process the new language, new surroundings, new forces, new culture, new church, new worship, altogether new experience. The unsettled feelings rush up but there is only one way that we can find peace and calmness and that is through Christ who is our Rock. He is the only thing that is unchanged.
Following our personal reflection times for the day, we sat together as a team and discussed the topics from the two church services we attended today: both spoke about compassion, giving back, and how the Bible, more so the Gospels, says about how to act as a Christian. Essentially, the evident message the Lord has laid upon our hearts is that a church service is meaningless, a church building is meaningless, being a Christian is meaningless unless we are helping others. This, as it was beautifully said by Pastor Robert of ICC, is "how Jesus makes us rich." He continued in his message, saying that success is not about how well you can go throughout your day without having to deal with "poor" people, but how well you practice the ministry of presence: the practice of interacting with the poor just as Jesus did.
Here are Clive and Davina's video-blogs for today!
Saturday, July 19, 2014
We reach!
The long travels are now behind us and we have made our landfall in Santo Domingo! For some it is a journey into the unknown, for some the anticipation of a new adventure, for others - a great joy and excitement of reconnecting with familiar faces.
After all the waiting, filling out forms, luggage hustle - we are finally here to be welcomed by Alberti - the very familiar face to those few who had the pleasure of meeting the Endeavour crew in the past. Sadly, not all of us got our luggage - I guess that's a part of the experience...on the positive note, we were promised the bag will make its way home in the morning.
The ride to our temporary home was breathtaking. It was an eye opener. As we drove along the shore we saw the ocean which was quite different, the streets and the buildings were different - we knew we were no longer in Nassau. The strangest thing was to see the clothes drying on the line from four, five and even six-story buildings! Lots of bicycles roaming the streets and some really ran down cars.
Our first meal was delicious - some ham, cheese and tomato melt sandwich with an OFF DA CHAIN passion fruit juice, freshly squeezed on demand just for us! YUMMM! It was the first time for most of the group to even try it. Once we got to the 'Hostel Bella Epoca" Alfredo gave us an insightful orientation. The highlight of the evening was the celebration of a very special girl - our very own Tiera who turned 16 today! Wow - this is a very special time in a life of a young girl and we are all very happy to be able to share in that day with her. We love you Tiera!
At the moment everyone is beat and tucked in their beds. Tomorrow will be the official start to our week here in DR. Thank you for all the prayers. More to come to stay tuned :)
After all the waiting, filling out forms, luggage hustle - we are finally here to be welcomed by Alberti - the very familiar face to those few who had the pleasure of meeting the Endeavour crew in the past. Sadly, not all of us got our luggage - I guess that's a part of the experience...on the positive note, we were promised the bag will make its way home in the morning.
The ride to our temporary home was breathtaking. It was an eye opener. As we drove along the shore we saw the ocean which was quite different, the streets and the buildings were different - we knew we were no longer in Nassau. The strangest thing was to see the clothes drying on the line from four, five and even six-story buildings! Lots of bicycles roaming the streets and some really ran down cars.
Our first meal was delicious - some ham, cheese and tomato melt sandwich with an OFF DA CHAIN passion fruit juice, freshly squeezed on demand just for us! YUMMM! It was the first time for most of the group to even try it. Once we got to the 'Hostel Bella Epoca" Alfredo gave us an insightful orientation. The highlight of the evening was the celebration of a very special girl - our very own Tiera who turned 16 today! Wow - this is a very special time in a life of a young girl and we are all very happy to be able to share in that day with her. We love you Tiera!
At the moment everyone is beat and tucked in their beds. Tomorrow will be the official start to our week here in DR. Thank you for all the prayers. More to come to stay tuned :)
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Meet Our Team
Hi, I'm Matthew, the head pastor of New Providence Community Church and have been serving as a pastor in this church over the past 23 years. In this time, I have had the pleasure to share in the teaching, training, mentoring, counselling and leading of this organisation. I am looking forward to this trip to DR as a means of reengaging a historical connection with Red Del Camino, while building new relationships with those we meet. As we continue to take our church forward in the Bahamas, we continue to prayerfully seek God's direction and leading as we practice what it means to be holistically present in our own cultural context.
Hi! My name is Clive Guy. Born in Trinidad. My dad is from Tobago. I came to work and live in the Bahamas in 1998 and became a part of NPCC soon after. I have been serving with the Youth Ministry for over 10 years. It is my passion to give of my gifts and talents for the betterment of God’s Kingdom. This will be my second time serving with RDC communities. The first time I came I was impacted tremendously and look forward to seeing how God will work this time as well!
My name is Barbara Beneby-Hepburn. I am a banker. I enjoy reading and decorating. I believe in Karma..I believe whatever you do unto another will come back to you. My mission is to live out His commandment to love one another as He loved me. I have a heart for mission, for helping those in need, to be the hands and feet of Jesus, for the Bible says, “whatever you do unto the least of My children, I will do unto you.” I’m looking forward to the trip to DR, doing His mission, living community, doing His will.
My name is Tanisa Dean. My father is a musician at NPCC and I would often go to church with him. While at the church, I met new people, made new friends in Da Tribe - our youth group. I started to volunteer in Da Tribe as a Red Zone leader in 2013. Being a part of NPCC has changed my life completely! I now serve the Lord, I got baptised this year on April 20th and I'm going on this mission trip for a learning experience. My heart goes out to the people of DR who are in need and I want to make a difference in their communities, give a hand and serve them.
Hello. I am Alfred Sweeting. I have been an active member of NPCC (New Providence Community Church) for about five years. As a young guy growing up along side such a healthy environment within the church’s youth group I started to become more involved in serving and volunteering. I have served first in my own backyard at NPCC and afterwards I branched out. I have served NPCC community as well as other communities throughout Nassau. I am looking forward to this trip because I believe that’s where I will be able to lend my entire being to help others. Overall, it seems like it would be a great experience to witness.
Hello, my name is Reggie Stubbs. I became part of NPCC through a friend who suggested it and I loved it and since then keep coming. I'm looking forward to going on this trip because I want to experience God’s love in a way I never had before.
Hi! My name is Asja Dillet.
I started to come to NPCC when I was three years old. My mother brought me to church with her. I have served in the children ministry while I was still in primary school, and I stayed there until grade 7. After the children ministry, I went on to serving in the youth ministry, helping out whenever I could for roughly 6 years. In the past year, I devoted my service to the church by helping the media ministry for about 6 months. I am looking forward to this trip not only help others who are less fortunate, but also to learn from what they have to teach me.
Hello! My name is Davina Adderley and I am 17 years old. I'm from Long Island, Bahamas, but recently graduated from high school here in Nassau, Bahamas. I got involved with NPCC a few months back after being invited to worship with Da Tribe. Now, I serve and worship along with the Church family on a regular basis. I possess great passion and excitement towards the upcoming trip to the Dominican Republic. It gives me great joy when I am blessed with the opportunity to go and help persons not only in my home country, but in other countries, that share the same needs. At this time, I am most eager to work with and entertain the children in the Dominican Republic, experience a worship service in Spanish, and also enhance my interests for Hispanic culture.
My name is Kasia McCartney, I am 17 years old and I am a recent graduate of high school in Nassau, Bahamas. I rejoined New Providence Community Church this year along with my family and couldn't have been more thrilled to be apart of the NPCC family. When I first heard about the service trip to the Dominican Republic, I knew it would have been a great opportunity to meet and connect with people internationally. I'm hoping to be able to develop relationships and gain a new perspective on how others view Jesus and how they allow Him to play a major role in their lives. I know I'm going to the DR to serve, but I believe that this trip will also provide such a great learning experience, which will be something I'll remember for a lifetime. 
My name is Tiera Ndlovu and I am currently going into grade 11 this upcoming fall. I am passionate about sports, children, and helping the community. In my local community, I have assisted many different organisations and have fostered relationships with these groups. However, the connection sparked at NPCC during my sixth grade stands out the most. It was a true turning point in my life as a Christian and lead me to be born again the following summer at my grandmother'a church in Atlanta, GA. Ever since then my participation in the local community has been driven by my ongoing journey as a disciple of The Lord, which has inevitably led me to this trip to the DR. I am anticipating a wonderful, life-changing, work-filled, exciting trip!
Thank You For Your Prayers and Support!
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