The Latest News
June 2011 trip to the Dominican Republic
A group from Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church of Richmond, Virginia traveled to San Jose Adentro Dominican Republic to minister to a family by rebuilding their home. They served in the community by having meetings with the children on a daily basis. They taught about the love of God through lessons and crafts. It was highly rewarding time for all who went. The lives of many were impacted for a life time because they obedient to a call. Thank God for hot, sweaty, buggy days.
January 2011 trip to the Dominican Republic
A team of about 20 individuals traveled to the Dominican republic to work with several other ministries, including The Good Samaritan Hospital, The Mission To The Children, and Jim White. We ministered in the sugar cane fields of La Romana to the Haitians who live in the "batyes."
Our Mission was to help those in need with dental problems, eye sight issues, and various other medical issues. Jesus Christ was presented those who were waiting to be seen. It was an incredible trip as we saw God at work in the lives of those who went.
October 2010 trip to the Dominican Republic
On October 23, 2010 six men went to San Jose Adentro, Dominican Republic to help this small community to have a more reliable source of water and to challenge the men in the community to be better fathers, better husbands and better Christians. A cistern that holds 12,000 gallons with a hand pump was installed. It was given to the community for their use. There were meetings in the evening where as many as 40 - 50 men showed up to hear David Pinckney share what the Bible teaches about being Christian men. Dave challenged them with there faith, with there commitment, and with their daily walk.
One of the men on the team stated this has been one of the best weeks of my life, God has used this trip to have a big impact on my life. And it has been reported that the wife of one of the men in San Jose Adentro has said her husband has changed and is a different person.
We thank God for the opportunity to go and serve this small community.
Mozambique 2010
Christian Medical Mission partnered with The River of Grace Church to bring eyeglasses to a remote area of Mozambique served by Phil and Elin Henderson of New Tribes Missions. The Mwinika language is now in written form thanks to the Henderson's diligence, and now they are concentrating on teaching the tribe to read. The trip can be best summarized in Phil and Elin's own words. Read on for a synopsis of the goals for the trip, the eye clinics, and the aftermath.
The Goal
This visit is a good PR boost for us. We have been telling people that you are coming, and it is a great opening to talk to people again about why we are here. The summary is this: we want to teach them God's message, but we are afraid that if we speak they won't listen to us, thinking that we are just spouting our own ideas. We want to translate God's message and teach them to read it in their own language so that when we teach, they can look at God's message and see that we are not just spouting our own ideas. But what good will it be to give them God's message in their language if they don't know how to read? And what good is a literacy program if they can't see well enough to read the page? So we told them that there is a group coming to help the people who can't see well. If they can see better then they can learn to read God's message and believe us when we teach about it. So that is a boost to us and helps them see we are serious about them having access to God's message.
I just found out that the one doctor in the whole province of nearly 3 million people who can do cataract surgery will be in our district right after your visit. We are hoping to tell the people that those that we find need the surgery will be given a letter to go ask for the surgery when the doctor is here. So that is good news for the people who need surgery.
The Eyeglass Clinics
The eye team arrived safe and sound. We worked together for 5 straight days, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. With the help of our workers we were able to assist almost 500 people in that short period of time. We had four groups working simultaneously. Several local guys would take down the names and organize the crowds outdoors. Another group helped in the screening process - vital to being effective in our service. One group saw the worst cases while another worked on fitting people for glasses - both readers and distance. In between were workers shifting people from one location to the next, serving as translators, and keeping the well oiled machine running smoothly. Under and over it all, was the Lord guiding, directing, and giving strength!! To Him we give the glory and praise! We look forward to having many well-seeing people for our upcoming literacy classes and beyond!!
The Aftermath
We finally got our report of your visit done and handed out to the local officials. People in government really liked it. It was a practical help to the community that they could wrap their heads around. The spiritual side of our work which is important to us is unfathomable to them. Literacy is also up and running and the glasses are being useful. The big news is that a cataract surgeon came to the district this week and all the people who we screened for cataracts were seen. Some of them he couldn't do anything for but lots of them did get surgery. They are trickling back in as they get seen.
Thanks again for coming. It was and is and will continue to be a big blessing.
click here to watch our Mozambique Video
