Timothy Christian School 2005 Senior Class Missions Trip

Another note from 5B - Mrs. Richards's class

2005-06-08T10:41:00.000-04:00

We watched the rest of the pictures. Wow! We know God used each one of you on your trip. We wish we could hear every one of your stories. We talked about how many of the students in fifth grade look forward to going on the exact trip when they are seniors. Thanks again for serving our Lord!

Mrs. Richards's 5th grade class

Photos to share?

2005-06-06T21:38:00.000-04:00

Anyone else have photos they would like to share? We'd be glad to put more photo albums and slide shows together if you have some.

On the sidebar, go to the 'Contact Us' section and click on the 'Contact Administrator' link to send an email. We'll get in touch with you to arrange a convenient way to get your photos up on the blog.

Thanks!

2005-06-06T19:04:00.000-04:00

A big thank you to Joe and Jon for all their work on the blog. Guys -- thanks for taking time out of your class trip to share your adventure with the rest of us!

2005-06-04T19:04:00.000-04:00

The photos are fabulous! Thank you for making them accessible to us all! God bless the TCS class of 2005!

- From a parent who is praying for you all.

New photo albums and slide shows available

2005-06-03T22:35:00.000-04:00

New photo albums and slide shows from Wednesday and Thursday are available. Click on any of the links below:

Catalina Island (photo album, slide show)
Pastor Victor's school (photo album, slide show)
El Seibo construction crew (photo album, slide show)
Life in the DR (photo album, slide show)

These will be available on the side bar shortly as well.

** - If you were having trouble with the slide show links, they've been repaired.

2005-06-03T22:30:00.000-04:00

On the way to Catalina Island

2005-06-03T22:27:00.000-04:00

2005-06-03T22:25:00.000-04:00

Enjoying free time at the resort.

2005-06-03T22:21:00.000-04:00

He does it all - construction guy and computer genius!

2005-06-03T22:20:00.000-04:00

Construction on the dorm at El Seibo

2005-06-03T22:19:00.000-04:00

A happy work crew at Pastor Victor's school.

2005-06-03T22:18:00.000-04:00

At Pastor Victor's school on Wednesday.

2005-06-03T22:17:00.000-04:00

2005-06-03T22:15:00.000-04:00

2005-06-03T12:09:00.001-04:00

Players of the Timothy/Dominican baseball game.

Thursday

2005-06-03T12:07:00.000-04:00

We went to a village across from Casa de Campo to minister in there school. We made balloon animals, sang, and performed skits. Then we played with the children while some of the guys played baseball with the older Dominican guys. We then went to a restaurant for dinner and then handed out tracts while performing a mini concert in the square in La Romana. Later we went to Alto de Chavon (which is a replica of a Roman city). We had devotions and sang in the ampitheatre.

2005-06-03T12:02:00.002-04:00

The Timothy Project. Building the frame.

Wednesday

2005-06-03T12:02:00.000-04:00

The group split again, one section going to the La Romana School, the sister school to Timothy, and the other to the Timothy Project. The people at the school painted rooms, game court, and parking lot lines. The band also played and the drama team performed. Those at the contruction site were able to finish roughly half of the work. On friday freetime can optionaly be given up to finish the construction.

2005-06-03T11:56:00.002-04:00

The beach at Catalina Island

Tuesday

2005-06-03T11:56:00.000-04:00

In the morning we packed our bags and moved from the Score hotel to Casa de Campo. Then we went to Catalina Island where we snorkeled and spent the day o the beach relaxing. Then returned to Casa de Campo.

Monday

2005-06-03T11:55:00.000-04:00

We woke up early and left for one of the schools in a sugar cane village. There we gave out candy and balloon animals. The band played and the drama team performed skits. We later went to a children's hospital and then to the Dominican American Center. The band performed a small concert and the drama team also perormed some skits. We then split in to groups to speak to the students in their english classes.

Sunday

2005-06-03T11:54:00.000-04:00

The class split into two groups to attend "local" churches. The first group went to Jair's church and the second to Manny's, one of Jair's disciples. We played with the children and some of us gave testimonies during the service.

Jessica -

2005-06-03T11:37:00.000-04:00

Hi Jess!!
I know it's already Friday, but we all wanted you to know that we miss you
and hope you're having a great time! Take lots of pictures so we can see
everything. Haley says hi too - she's been kicking a lot lately
Love You!
Jen, Mom. Jeff, Kim, Miles, and Jeremy

Reggie

2005-06-03T11:18:00.000-04:00

We missed you so much the house is so quiet without you. Marc can't wait to see you so you can pick him up and throw him in the air and shake him upside down. We are praying for you. I pray Luke 22:31-32 everytime I think of you. "Simon,(Regie) Simon!(Regie) Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren. I love you Mom. Remember His LOVE is greater then mine. See you Sunday I am leaving for Women's retreat with Michele another miracle of God.
Bonjour to Rickie.
MOM.

Friday

2005-06-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

"Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.” (James 1:23-25)

Although today's schedule is light with plenty of open time, the evening’s time on the beach may be the most important part of the week for your senior. This is their time to think through and discuss all that they’ve been seeing and learning, everything that God’s been trying to show them, the convictions that God has been laying on their hearts. If you can, plan to stop and pray with your family for your senior during this time. Call someone and pray with them. Or even get together with another family and pray together.

- Pray for open hearts ready to listen intently to God’s word.
- Pray for understanding and acceptance of what God has been teaching them.
- Pray for decisions and commitments that may be made tonight, especially that they will be remembered and honored after the return to the US.

Also, pray for the team that has chosen to return to the Timothy Project to complete the dorm this morning. Pray for their safety. Pray for them to know the joy that comes from using their gifts and abilities in the way that God intended for them.

Jason

2005-06-02T21:43:00.000-04:00

Jason

Jay- We're praying for all of you and the Lord's work in the DR. Walk with the Lord and He will do exceedingly abundantly more than you can ask or imagine.

love you & miss you,

Dad & Mom

JJIV

2005-06-02T21:38:00.000-04:00

JJIV,

come back with souvenirs
don't be a fancypants
-ryu

JJIV

2005-06-02T21:31:00.000-04:00

Hello JJIV,

We miss you and hope you're having fun. Ryu and Xeo said play with the animals and bring back a wooden deer statue:)God Bless You an be Safe.

Love,
Mom and Dad

Dave

2005-06-02T21:27:00.000-04:00

Hey Dave!

We really miss you, it's so quiet here when you're not around LOL. Oh well, I guess God is just getting us ready for next year :(

We've been praying for you every day, and we can't wait to hear how God has been using you this week. Mom sends a hug, and Dad sends one too. Ben and Mark would send one too, but it's not cool :)

Have fun! We'll see you on Saturday.

With all our love,

Dad, Mom, Ben & Mark

We're Proud of you Reg!!

2005-06-02T20:21:00.000-04:00

Reginald,

We look forward to beautiful pictures and the wonderful ministry work you’re doing there. See you when you return!

Cuz, Ginger

hi johnathan

2005-06-02T17:38:00.000-04:00

Hey Johnathan-

We miss you. Pray for you constantly. Look forward to hearing of the blessings of this trip. Thank all the leaders - give hugs and handshakes all around. Max misses you too. Oh yeah, by the way - you won't recognize your room! (JK!)

Love you, GBY, Mom

Sonam

2005-06-02T11:42:00.000-04:00

I am praying for you!! God uses everything for His glory!!!

Love you

Aunt J. Ü

Rachel C.

2005-06-02T11:03:00.000-04:00

Been thinking of you and praying for you and all the seniors. I know that God is using you mightily to accomplish His desires in the Dominican. Know that He is with you wherever you go. The strong right arm of the Lord upholds you, for He loves you! Looking forward to your return.

Your staff prayer partner

Greetings from Home- Katiebird

2005-06-02T10:14:00.000-04:00

Hi sweetheart- Hope you're having fun. We miss you so much. I'm sure time is just flying by. Can wait to see you and hear all about your trip.

Uncle John and the kids all say hello.

Love Aunt G-

2005-06-02T09:56:00.000-04:00

Seniors – Especially Ricky and Dave!

It’s Thursday already here and we’re still praying for you. I know that you have been busy all week, and probably haven’t missed us much, but we have missed you. Hope all is well. We’re praying that your time at Boca de Chavon is effective today. Also hope that the construction went well yesterday. I can’t wait to see the pictures!! (Hope Mr. Barr is surviving!!!!)

God Bless you all. See you on Saturday!

Mr. and Mrs. McCaulley

Thursday

2005-06-02T06:46:00.000-04:00

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:19-21)

This morning the seniors will minister in the village of Boca de Chavon. Although it’s only a few minutes away from the resort where the seniors are staying, it’s a world away when it comes to living conditions. Casa de Campo is a resort for the affluent and mobile; Boca de Chavon is a poor fishing village built of cinder block, tin sheeting, and castoff wood. You can look across the lagoon from Boca in the direction of Casa de Campo and see a shoreline dotted with expensive homes. The contrast could not be more striking.

Pray that the seniors will examine their hearts today and decide what they treasure.

2005-06-01T23:31:00.000-04:00

Dear Joey,

The pictures are great. Hope you're having as much fun as the pictures indicate.

We pray for you daily along with all the seniors and staff. We miss you around here.

Mandy says school isn't the same without all the seniors and she misses them, especially you.

Have a safe trip back. Trust the Lord is doing a mighty work in your class and the DR.

Love, Mom, John, Mandy, Josh, Megs

Chrystal

2005-06-01T23:10:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone is having a Great & Godly Day.

These verses are for everyone - Enjoy looking them up & sharing.

1Thes. 5:17-18; Jam.1:5; Prov. 3:5-6; 2 Pet. 1:5-8; Ps.121:7 & 8; Jude 24-25.

We miss you. Noah keeps calling. Love & Prayers, In Jesus' Name

Mom, Dad, Sis, Mom M., Auntie...and the list goes on

A (little) bit of news

2005-06-01T23:02:00.000-04:00

Thanks again to everyone who's joined in on our experiment with this blog. We hope you are enjoying this as much as we are.

You've probably noticed lately that all of the messages have been coming from the home front and that it has been quiet on the Dominican front. Some of us are going through photo withdrawal at this point.

There's nothing wrong, other than technology. It seems that the move to Casa de Campo did, in fact, cut our seniors off from their internet access. While this was expected, we had hoped to be able to work around it. There are still a few options being explored for posting some news for you, although it may not be possible to share photos until they return. But, less time on the internet probably means more time with classmates, God, and the mission field - a very good tradeoff. We may just need to be patient for our pictures.

In the mean time:

- Please do keep sharing your words of encouragement with the seniors. The blog will stay up and running after their return, so they will get a chance to catch up after they return.

- If your favorite senior returns with photos that haven't made it onto the blog yet, contact me. Use the 'Contact weblog administrator' link over on the right side of the page. We'll make arrangements to share your photos with the TCS family.

Also, we got a report from the construction crew that went to the site of the new Timothy Project being developed outside of El Seibo. In just a half day's work, the crew was framed the walls and ceiling of the first dorm to be added to the facilities, completed half of the roof, and put up half the sheathing on the walls. The team has decided to return to the job site during their free time Friday morning to complete the work.

If we get news from the team that went to Pastor Victor's school this morning, we'll share that news tomorrow.

Some of you may have received calls and news from your seniors who took advantage of the calling cards that are available down there. If you have news you'd like to pass along, why not post the news using the 'Comments' button at the bottom of this message? Use the 'anonymous' option if you don't have a personal Blogger account.

matt

2005-06-01T22:45:00.000-04:00

Dear Matt,

Things have been quiet around here the past few days. I know you are blessing people down there and being blessed by them. Have fun and stay safe. We miss you!

Love, Mom, Dad, Jared and Colin

Chrystal

2005-06-01T22:41:00.000-04:00

Hi!

Hope everyone is having a Great & Godly Day. 1Thes. 5:17-18; James 1:5;
Proverbs 3:5-6; 2 Peter 1:5-8; Ps.121:7 & 8; Jude 24-25. We miss you. Noah keeps calling. Love & Prayers, In Jesus' Name Mom, Dad, Sis., Mom M., Auntie...and the list goes on.

Hi Julie, Kristin,Sarah,and Stephanie

2005-06-01T21:35:00.000-04:00

HOW ARE THE FAB 4?
MISS YOU GUYS..
JULIE , I WAS FELLOWSHIPPING WITH ALL THE PHOTOS IN YOUR ROOM TODAY....
AS I CLEANED IT FROM TOP TO BOTTOM... OH BOY.. HA
SHAMPOOED THE RUG AND EVERYTHING,
YOU KNOW ME AND CLEANING

DAD AND I AND SNIFFLESS MISS YU MUCH
SEE YA SATURDAY

YOUR BED IS WAITING FOR YOU, AAAHHHHH
LOVE MOM AND DAD

Lil D Y

2005-06-01T21:18:00.000-04:00

Ahoy, I'm blogging! I'm a blogger!

Praying for everyone. Miss you very much. It is so quiet around here!

Make the most of the time. Praying you will have an impact and that you too will be impacted to grow in the Lord.

We love you.

(Dan goes to bed every night crying that he's not there with you.)

Love,
Dad, Mom and Dan

Reggie

2005-06-01T19:19:00.000-04:00

Hey,

We just wanted to send you a little note. We are praying for you and your class that the Lord will do great things over in DR. I hope as is well and that you all return home safely. We love you very much.

Love,

Mom, Dad, and Rachele

Jer. 29:11

Hey Gabe

2005-06-01T19:06:00.000-04:00

Hey Gabe,

I ,personally,must confess that I wish I could be down there with you guys having an awesome time down there, doing ministry and helping kids "smile" The school isn't the same without the seniors-home is too quiet. As a matter of fact this morning I missed you so much I couldn't bear it and played "Come Fly with Me"-that's right Frankie himself. You are in our prayers and we can't wait for you to come back with all your stories!

- Te quiero mucho

Andre

ps: tell Ricky to behave

Dave & Rachel

2005-06-01T19:04:00.000-04:00

Hi Guys,

We miss all you both (but especially Bethany)! We are praying that God is using you mightily and giving you wonderful opportunities to share the love and grace of Jesus with the Dominican people.

We love you,
Mom, Dad, Steve & Beth :-)

Thinking of You

2005-06-01T18:59:00.000-04:00

Dear TCS Seniors,
I'm thrilled that you have this opportunity to be in the D.R. and to
encounter so much that will allow you to learn and grow in marvelous
ways! May you embrace each new experience with an open and willing
heart, not only to give of God's love but also to receive all that He
desires to teach you. What a privilege to serve in this way. I enjoyed
your slide show, and I only wish that I could be there, too!! The middle
school students and I are praying for you.
In His love,
Miss Gergulas
"For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those
whose hearts are fully committed to Him." ~ 2 Chron.16:9

Hi Gabe!

2005-06-01T18:44:00.000-04:00

Hola hijo! It was great to hear your voice today in the TCS update hotline,what a treat! We are praying for all of you.We love you and miss you, Mom, Dad and Andrea

Hey Nathan!

2005-06-01T16:59:00.000-04:00

Hi Nathan! We love looking at the pics so far, and are glad that you
are having an awesome time! We pray that God will be putting in your
heart His heart for the people you see and serve! We love you,
Melissa...and family =)

STEPHANIE D.

2005-06-01T16:40:00.000-04:00

Hi Steph!
We miss you so much and pray for you and your class daily. Buy another phone card and update us on how the trip is going!
I can just imagine how red you must be by now. The weather looks great!
Love,
Mom & Dad

Note to Jessie

2005-06-01T15:52:00.000-04:00

Jessie Dear: We miss you and love you. We pray you are having a wonderful time. We are praying according to the itinerary. Enjoy every opportunity of the whole trip. We pray the Lord blesses you and your classmates and those to whom you minister. We pray for an open door for the gospel and the Lord’s love. Looking forward to seeing you and hearing all about the trip. Take lots of pictures, stay safe and remember – no nuts. Loving you - Mom, Dad, Les, Dave, Holly.

Larry M.

2005-06-01T15:23:00.000-04:00

Hope you are having a wonderful time! Rocco insists on it!

Take lots of pictures.

Call your mom ;)

Sonam, Sarah and Kate

2005-06-01T11:39:00.000-04:00

I miss you girls-- its strange around here!
I am praying that you are really letting the Lord teach you this week! Open your hearts to Him.
Take lots of pictures!

Love,
Miss R (Aunt J.) Ü

PS Melissa misses you very much

For Mrs. B (Mom)

2005-06-01T11:24:00.000-04:00

We missed you at lunch today! Hope you are safe and having fun.
Make sure Sonam behaves Ü. We miss you alot!!

Love,
Elizabeth and Annie

From Mrs. Richards's Fifth Grade Class

2005-06-01T11:11:00.000-04:00

Hi seniors!

The pictures are great! We miss Julie and Nyrie's help in the classroom, but are happy that they are both there blessing others on behalf of Timothy Christian School and our God! We are very proud of you both and the rest of the people there. We are praying for your health, safety and effectiveness. See you when you come back!

Mrs. Richards

(The class was quite intigued with the insects.)

Wednesday

2005-06-01T05:55:00.000-04:00

“You are the light of the world.” (Matt. 5:14a)

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16)

Today the seniors head out for another busy day of ministry, with many of them involved in construction at the new SCORE Int’l facility in El Seibo or at Pastor Victor’s school, while others hold chapels in the school. Pray for their safety in the construction work. Pray for their eyes to be opened to the needs of the world we live in. Pray for them to serve the Lord today in a way that glorifies our Heavenly Father.

We are praying for you

2005-05-31T22:43:00.000-04:00

Jaison D. & classmates:

This is an amazing journey that you are taking. God is giving you full cover and your good deeds will not go unoticed. We pray for you every day but most of all we pray for those that you are there to help.

may God continue to bless and keep you. we miss you.

Love,

Mom D., dad, shawn and

Isaiah

Voicemail updates

2005-05-31T22:24:00.000-04:00

Don't forget to check in on x512 at the school for voicemail updates from the seniors about their trip. Gabe has recorded a message for you about Monday's full day of ministry.

Melinda & Seniors

2005-05-31T22:12:00.000-04:00

Great shots Melinda! It's not making it any easier not being there. You are in great Hands! Don't fight over the rooms at Casa de Campo. Did you listen about the sun screen at Catalina? Tell Jair, Mely, Manny, Pastor Victor, Ricardo, and Alex I said hi. How are your mom and dad in the DR doing (Don & Janis)? We are praying for you to hear God's crystal clear voice. Speak to God at the beach on Friday night. Miss you all very much!

Love Dad

2005-05-31T22:02:00.000-04:00

Hi Kerrie - Its Tuesday and I miss you. We were so happy to talk to you on Sunday. Its 10PM and I cant sleep.

I hope you guys are having a great time. You know me checking the site everyday to see you...

Thinking of you and love you and big hello to everyone!

See you Saturday!!!

Love,

Mom

A gentle reminder

2005-05-31T19:43:00.000-04:00

Thanks so much to everyone who's been keeping track of what the seniors have been up to and sharing their words of encouragement!

Please be careful to use only first names or initials when you send your greetings; thanks!

-- Admin

Hi Julie!!

2005-05-31T17:49:00.000-04:00

Hey Julie,
I thought I would see if you get this....hope you are having a wonderful time!! How cool that we can see on the website what you're up to each day! Mom called and told me that you arrived safely...Well, just wanted to say hi....talk to you soon!
Love you,
Nancy & Mike

Larry M.

2005-05-31T17:41:00.000-04:00

Miss you, Larry

Love
Mom

For Suzanne and Jessica L.

2005-05-31T17:11:00.000-04:00

What's up my wizzer!!!! (Jess) ... Suzanne i saw the picture with the beetle on your face, your crazy! I hope you guys are having sooo much fun in the Dominican! I miss you both so much and I can't wait until you come back! I am praying for you and I know God is going to do something great down there. I love you guys!!! Oh and my parents say hi and they miss you :)

Love, Sara

(no subject)

2005-05-31T16:52:00.000-04:00

Thomas and Melinda,

We miss you both very much! We love the pics and tell Thomas to roll down his sleeves (from Danielle lol)! We love you both very much and we're praying for you guys! In two hours we'll be home and can't wait to see you guys when you get back! Love your older, wiser, and beautiful respective sisters!

Love, Danielle and Megan

For julie and Sarah

2005-05-31T13:23:00.000-04:00

I miss u guys a lot. Schools boring w/o seeing u guys. hope ur having fun. love you guys so much come back soon and well.

Melissa

2005-05-31T13:16:00.000-04:00

Hey seniors!

Isn't it great when people are open to hearing the truth! Their hearing has not been deadened by materialism. My prayer is that you all stay well and become excited about sharing your faith. Have you noticed that the students at school don't have books? Have you noticed that they don't have paper? Think of how that limits the teacher and what she can teach. Also think about how you can be instrumental in bringing these people what they need. May God bless every ministry moment!

Love in Christ, Mrs. Patterson

Seniors

2005-05-31T12:04:00.000-04:00

Seniors--

I pray that you use this week to meditate on God's purpose for your life-- to love and to serve Him .

Make this your prayer--

Open my eyes so I can see,
The wonderful things that You do.
Open my heart up more and more,
And make me wholly devoted to You.

He has blessed you with so much-- HE IS ALL YOU NEED!!

Love, Miss Ramunda Ü

Praying for you

2005-05-31T08:10:00.000-04:00

Hi Seniors,

Just wanted to let you know that we are praying for you. We hope you are having a great time. God Bless!

Love,

Mr. and Mrs. McCaulley

Tuesday

2005-05-31T06:48:00.000-04:00

"For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose." (Phil. 2:13)

Today's activities center around fun, with a snorkeling adventure and the move to the resort area. Continue to pray that God's purposes will be evident to the seniors, and that they will allow His will to become their will and their actions.

With the move out of SCORE's ministry center, we expect the seniors to have less access to the internet. Pictures may be less available, but we'll share any that are received.

Columbus described the D.R. as "the most beautiful land humans had ever set their eyes upon".

Stephanie D.

2005-05-30T10:05:00.000-04:00

Hi Stephanie D.& the class of 2005!
Have a great mission trip serving our Lord in the Dominican. Your family and friends are all praying for you. Don't get sunburn! Steph, open your heart to the people and the Lord will use you in a mighty way. We miss you, Love Mom & Dad

Monday

2005-05-30T09:02:00.000-04:00

"There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore, I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land." (Deut. 15:11)

Today should be a full day for the seniors, with school visits and a stop at a hospital. Pray for them as they get a closer look at the needs of this country, where 1 in 4 lives below the poverty line, 1 in 6 is unemployed, and inflation ran at 55% last year. Pray for them as they work to understand how to respond to such needs and as God asks them to think about what it means to be a good steward of His resources in the face of such needs.

2005-05-30T08:49:00.000-04:00

To all those seniors I taught in A.P. English – God bless you as you have the experience of a lifetime. This week can truly impact your future, so I am praying for you and look forward to hearing what God is accomplishing through your ministry. Have fun, and make wonderful memories.

Love,

Mrs. Martin

Saturday Photos Are Available

2005-05-29T23:54:00.000-04:00

The seniors have sent back many pictures from their first day in the Dominican. A slide show of these photos is available through the link below. Enjoy!

Saturday slide show and photo album.

FROM BRIAN PHILLIPS

2005-05-29T22:49:00.000-04:00

TO ALL:

MAKE SURE YOU MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TRIP.

A FEW THINGS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF:

1. GO HORSEBACK RIDING AND ASK FOR P.DIDDY'S HORSE

2. MAKE SURE THE GUYS MAKE BREAKFAST FOR THE GIRLS

AT LEAST ONCE

3. TAKE DANCING LESSONS ON THE BEACH

4. DON'T CRASH YOUR GOLF CART

AND LET DANIEL KNOW THAT I HAVEN'T TOUCHED HIS CAR...........YET.

ENJOY YOURSELVES AND KEEP AN OPEN HEART

Brian W. Phillips

Movies

2005-05-29T17:43:00.000-04:00

In the future we will be posting digital video from down here. The quality may not be of great caliber but we think it wil be something you all will enjoy. The movies will be available in the future here:

http://www.jcnetworking.ampedhost.com/tcsdr2005/

If you have a slow internet connection ou may not be able to download them. We will post a message telling you if there is new video. Enjoy!

2005-05-29T16:29:00.000-04:00

Briefing for the day in the airconditioned meeting room. Within minutes of arrival we were out on the streets witnessing and handing out invitations for a local church outreach.

2005-05-29T16:28:00.000-04:00

On arriving our class has unexpectedly bonded with the natives.... aka Beetles. This is Suzanne and her pet beetle George. He is the smallest member of his immediate family.

2005-05-29T16:26:00.000-04:00

Missions at its best. Dean of students hard at work planning for the safe arrival of the TCS DR team.

We Arrived

2005-05-29T16:23:00.000-04:00

Due to internet problems down here we were unable to tell you of our safe arrival sooner. We arrived safely and then went to SCORE. We then went to the city to hand out invitations to a local outreach. After attending the outreach we returned to SCORE, ate dinner, and went to bed.

Sunday

2005-05-29T06:56:00.000-04:00

'This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.' (1 John 1:5b, 6)

Pray for our seniors today as they worship God this morning with their Dominican brothers and sisters in Christ and as they share their faith this afternoon in the capitol, Santo Domingo. Pray for them to be bold in their witness.

Prayer & Praise

2005-05-28T15:03:00.000-04:00

Dear friends.

First of all, I want to thank you so much for the website for the D.R. trip 2005.

What a wonderful blessing this technology, to be able to know things about what the class will be doing.

Knowing that art 2 pm this afternoon I could see you all arrived safely and even a little early.

Phenomenal, Lord bless you

To my dear daughter Julie,

Honey we love you and are so proud that you are serving the Lord with your class on this trip.

We are praying for you.

Love Mom and Dad

Tonight's ministry

2005-05-28T13:23:00.000-04:00

"And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'" (Romans 10:14,15)

Tonight the seniors will be participating in an evangelistic outreach program. Please be in prayer for the effectiveness of this ministry, for the unity of the seniors and chaperones, and for the way God will choose to use this opportunity to teach His truths.

Flight has arrived

2005-05-28T13:20:00.000-04:00

Continental Airlines is reporting that our senior's flight has arrived! They even got in a bit early.

Chaperone Q&A

2005-05-27T18:21:00.000-04:00

Don and Janis C. are heading to the Dominican with the seniors this weekend as chaperones. In fact, they’ve been on many of the TCS senior class Dominican trips; this will be their ninth time!

We caught up with Don this week to find out what keeps them going back year after year.

TCS: Don, you’ve been a TCS parent and a senior class trip chaperone for a while now. Tell us a little bit about your involvement at TCS.
Don: We’ve had 4 children attend the school, Janis and I have been involved with PTF for about 10 years, and we’ve been blessed to be a part of each of the senior class Dominican trips.

TCS: Is that why you and Janis first decided to be chaperones? Because one of your children was going?
Don: No, actually, we had already been on six trips before we were fortunate enough to go with one of our kids.

TCS: Then what was it that made you want to get involved?
Don: The school felt challenged to make the senior class trip into something that would allow the seniors to grow spiritually, to really think about how God might want them to use their lives in His service. Mr. Giglio, Mr. Gottshall, and Mr. Morris discussed the idea of allowing them to be involved in a missions trip. With their previous experience in the DR, they felt led to transform the senior class trip into something that God could use to spiritually challenge the seniors. As PTF parents, Janis and I were offered the chance to go, and we knew this was something we wanted to get involved with.

TCS: Do you have any impressions of that first trip?
Don: The poverty spoke to us a lot. Imagine the worst living conditions you’ve ever seen here in the States. But we were amazed at the happiness we encountered. So many of these folks had learned to be content without all the stuff that we find so important.

TCS: You had a powerful experience on that trip, didn’t you?
Don: Yes. One particular day, we went into a small village where Pastor Jair was helping to start a church. He told us not to expect much – it was a small village and the church was small as well. Don’t expect more than 15, 20 people at the church service.

When we got there, we met the church’s pastor, Pastor Julio, and his wife Anna Marie. Pastor Jair asked us all to go inside and sit down, to make it look full. Before long, there were 25, then 30, then 40 people there with us. Pastor Jair started asking some of us to slip outside to make room and to start praying. “God’s working here – pray!” We went outside to pray for the service, then started walking through the village, inviting anyone we could find to come to the church. I found a young boy named Eddie, and he held my hand as we walked back to the church. When we got back, we looked up to see another 40 to 50 people coming to join the service. Over 280 people attended that service! At the end of the service, Pastor Jair gave an invitation - more than 200 hands went up to accept Christ as Savior!
When the service was over, Pastor Jair invited them to go outside and meet with “the Americans”, or stay in the church and learn more about Jesus Christ. Over 200 stayed right where they were.

I saw Eddie as he left. He didn’t speak English, but he smiled, pointed to his heart, and said “Jesu Christo!” I knew exactly what he meant.

TCS: That must be what keeps you going back each year.
Don: Exactly. We saw the Lord work in powerful ways that year. Each year God shows Himself in so many ways to so many of us. God will use this week to speak to anyone who will listen and see Him. Janis and I are thrilled to go and help these seniors through their first experience.

TCS: What would you like the parents to be praying about for their seniors while they are away?
Don: First, that their son or daughter will really let God work on their heart – He will. There are no mistakes in this trip. God put this trip here for a purpose, to talk to each and every one of them. I’d be praying that my child would see the Lord and make a commitment to love the Lord and to be used by Him.

Second, they should pray for next Friday night’s meeting, our last night in the Dominican. That’s when the Lord takes that ‘last shot’ at them, to reach them and change their hearts. It would be tremendous if parents would get together next Friday night and pray together that God will work on their kid’s lives.

TCS: Don, thank you. We'll be praying for you through this week.
Don: Thank you!

Still packing?

2005-05-26T21:27:00.000-04:00

For all of you who are still packing for the trip, here's a quick reminder of what to bring:

Enough to fit in one large suitcase and one carry-on piece.
Plenty of modest length shorts and loose shirts for warm weather (no bare midriffs or low-cut shirts please!).
A sweatshirt for the evenings.
For ministry days, guys should have pants (not jeans) and collared shirts. Girls should have knee length skits or dresses. Shoes / sneakers with socks should be packed instead of flip-flops and sandals.
For construction team members, appropriate work pants (jeans are fine).
Towels for the pool.
Plenty of suncreen and beach stuff.
Toiletries, including bug repellant and anti-bacterial hand cleaners.
A watch and an alarm clock.
Bible and journal or notepad.
Snacks, games, sports equipment.
No more than $100 spending money.
YOUR PASSPORT!

See you Saturday morning!

Digital camera?

2005-05-22T20:35:00.000-04:00

Seniors -- Are you planning to bring a digital camera with you on the trip? Find Joe and Jon when you've got some pictures you want to share. These guys have volunteered to help you get your trip pictures out there for friends and family to see and enjoy. They'll be sharing your pictures in the online missions trip photo albums that we'll be compiling each day. Thanks guys!

Mom & Dad -- a just-completed Photo Albums area has been added to this blog. It's over on the right hand side, and it's got a couple of sample photo albums from past trips to the Dominican. Try one out to get an idea of what's to come.

New photo albums will be added each day the seniors are away and can get on the Internet. Keep checking back here for updates!

Note: You may need to install the Macromedia Flash Player to see the slide shows. If you find that the photo slide shows won't play, click here to go to Macromedia's Download Center and get a free copy.

The New Timothy Project at El Seibo

2005-05-22T20:23:00.000-04:00

Since the current Timothy Project's location is such a great distance for most of the young people, SCORE and Pastor Jair have been able to purchase 13 acres in the town of El Seibo, centrally located in the southeastern portion of DR where Pastor Jair's ministry is focused. The first meeting hall was built on this property last fall. The seniors will be putting up one of the first of several dorms nearby, since this location will also be used as a summer camp facility and conference center.

El Seibo's circled in red on the map below.

The Timothy Project in Santo Domingo

2005-05-19T22:24:00.000-04:00

If you attended the Spring band or choir concert, you heard Mr. Bevier, Dean of Students, speak about The Timothy Project and share that it is one of the projects TCS has supported for years through the senior missions trip and through other means. But you might be interested to know a bit more about it.

The Timothy Project is one of the passions of Pastor Jair, a missionary whos been in the Dominican for about 10 years now. His desire is to train young men and women from the sugar cane villages to grow strong in their faith and then to return to their villages to share that faith with their family and neighbors. Every Saturday morning, 80 to 100 young people gather in the small library that you see in the photo below and spend most of the day studying God's Word with Pastor Jair and other leaders he has trained. Most Saturdays, there's scarcely room for all the elbows and knees! Old groups, like this one, will study doctrine and theology. Younger groups might also spend some time copying chapters from a book of the Bible in order to earn a much-coveted Bible of their own.

What's truly amazing is the distance that most of these young folks cover to receive this training. You see, most of them are from the far-flung sugar cane villages that are in Pastor Jair's ministry area, but the Timothy Project is currently located in the capital, Santo Domingo, which is an hour or two away for most of them. For many of these young believers, this Saturday of training involves a Friday night walk of an hour or more to a central pickup point, staying overnight with another believer in the area, riding a SCORE bus into Santo Domingo for an hour or so early Saturday morning, and then reversing the route on the way home Saturday night!

Which brings us to El Seibo, a town centrally located in the midst of the sugar cane villages where Pastor Jair ministers. More about that tomorrow ... and stay tuned for more about Pastor Jair!

Who is SCORE?

2005-05-18T22:49:00.000-04:00

The senior's trip to the DR will be facilitated locally by SCORE International (www.scoreinternational.org ), so you might be interested in knowing a bit about them.

SCORE, which stands for Sharing Christ Our Redeemer Enterprises, was started in 1985 by Ron Bishop when he resigned as basketball coach from Tennessee Temple University. Ron had been to the Dominican years before and had a heart for the people there. After taking a basketball team to Mexico on a sports missions trip, Ron got a glimpse of how God could use his gifts to share the Good News with the Dominican people. SCORE was born from that vision.

Since that time, SCORE has expanded from its beginning as a sports missions ministry and now facilitates missions trips for church youth groups, construction teams, choirs, class trips, and medical missions trips. Athletes have traveled to 14 other countries beyond the Dominican, sharing Christ and exposing young people and s to the ways that God can use them to fulfill the Great Commission.

Your hosts at the SCORE Int'l hotel

2005-05-17T21:35:00.000-04:00

This is Kevin. Kevin and his wife Kendra and their 3 little ones will be your hosts at SCORE's hotel in Juan Dolio, about a half hour east of the capitol, Santo Domingo, where your flight will be arriving. Kevin's been running the hotel for about a year now and is looking forward to your arrival. And here's the inside scoop - Kevin would be thrilled if you brought a box of breakfast cereal for his kids to have a familiar taste of home. The word is that Honey Nut Cheerios, Mini Mini-Wheats, Lucky Charms, and Raisin Bran are all family favorites.

Dominican Republic quiz

2005-04-18T22:57:00.000-04:00

How much do you know about the Dominican Republic? Give this quick quiz a try and see how you do!

1. What is the Dominican Republic's national sport?
2. What is the Dominican Republic's official language?
3. What is the official currency of the Dominican Republic?
4. What is the name of the country's capital?
5. What famous explorer's bone's are said to be buried in the capital?
6. How many people live in the Dominican?
7. How many of these people are Roman Catholic?
8. How much does the average Dominican make each day?
9. Who is the president of the Dominican?
10. What country does the Dominican Republic share the island of Hispaniola with?

Click on the 'comments' button' below to give your answers!

Hispaniola

2005-04-14T23:13:00.000-04:00

Here's a great map of the island of Hispaniola. The seniors will be flying into the Dominican capitol of Santo Domingo on the southern coast of the island. Click on the map below to see a larger view of the map.

Dominican Republic newspapers

2005-04-14T22:50:00.000-04:00

Interested in news from the Dominican? Here are some daily DR papers that are available online. Brush up on your Spanish!

Posting a message to this weblog

2000-01-01T02:00:00.000-05:00

This blog supports a publicly accessible email address for posting messages. If you'd like to share a word of encouragement with the seniors, simply send an email to 'timothychristianschool.dr2005@blogger.com'. If you use a PC-based email program such as Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express, try clicking on the link below, which will bring up your default email program with the email address of this blog pre-populated:

timothychristianschool.dr2005@blogger.com

Otherwise, just cut and paste the email address above into the 'To:' field of a new message in your web-based email program (e.g., Yahoo, Google, or Hotmail).

Your message will appear at the top of the blog the next time you visit it. You may have to refresh your browser in order to see your message if you have visited the blog recently. There have also been some delays recently in the delivery of messages to the blog, so be patient if your message doesn't appear immediately.

You can also use the 'Comments' link at the bottom of each post to add your note to any message that already appears on the blog.

Some general guidelines:
- Don't use full names - first name, first name and initial, or simply initials are best.
- Avoid phone numbers, addresses, email ID's.
- No specific, personally identifying information please.
- Remember that your message can be seen by all.

Need help?

2000-01-01T01:00:00.000-05:00

Need a little help using this blog? Here's our FAQ.

1) How do I send a message to this blog?
2) I'd like to respond to one of the messages. What do I do?
3) Can I forward one of the messages on the blog to a friend?
4) Some of the pictures are kind of small. Is there a way to make them bigger?
5) Where can I find pictures from the trip?
6) I have pictures from the trip that I'd like to share. What do I do?
7) How can I find out more about Timothy Christian School?
8) Someone has posted some objectionable material on this blog; what can I do?