Spring 2019 Highlights
This Spring we welcomed groups from Orlando, Jupiter, Nashville, Dawson, and Ventura. Over 170 people joined us to impact the lives of Dominicans and Haitians in Cielo and Nazaret.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength that God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 4:10-11
The Christ School (Orlando, FL)
A message from Emmanuel Corsino, Director of Family Ministries:
“The 8th grade class of The Christ School gives out Bibles to the 8th graders of the Nazaret School every year on their annual trip. After an hour of physical activity, every Dominican student sat down to receive a Bible and prayer.
One boy’s prayer stuck in my mind: ‘Lord I pray that these Bibles are not just put away, but that they are used to learn more about you.’
How often do we just put away our Bibles or even read a single Bible verse? Are we spending our time on something worthwhile like God’s word? You know where to look; don’t get distracted!”
Jupiter Christian High School (Jupiter, FL)
This first-time group from Jupiter, FL joined us with their returning leaders, Joe and Jen Zambrano.
They worked on the walls around a new septic system for the Cielo Preschool, a retaining wall for the Mission sidewalk, and spent a lot of time playing with the Cielo School children at recess.
Harpeth Hall School (Nashville, TN)
These ladies worked super hard alongside their partner school, MBA. They also spent time at the baseball field playing with kids.
Their special project was working with the Cielo Cooperative. They taught the women two new crafts, and the women shared their testimonies with the girls.
Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville, TN)
This all boys school returned to put in some serious manual labor. They worked on three homes in the community and at the Mission. They also spent time at the baseball field hosting sports camps and hanging out with kids. Their leader, Will Norton, was honored by Mission Emanuel for his many years of service and leadership.
Dawson Memorial Church (Dawson, AL)
Here is a testimony from Abbie Johnson, Associate Minister to Students:
“I have been on countless mission trips around the world but there is something different about Mission Emanuel. This year marked 3 years of bringing a group of teenagers and adults to serve with Mission Emanuel in Cielo. We work in the mornings and play with children in Cielo each afternoon. There is nothing quite like seeing the Lord work in the lives of teenagers when they encounter Him in a new way. Mission Emanuel provides various projects which enable us to share the gospel and pray for the families that will eventually live in the homes we are building. Everything we do is for a purpose.
This year I had the opportunity to meet the little girl I sponsor. I was so excited to bring her a doll and a children’s Bible in Spanish and to see her life in Cielo. The day came where I got to meet her and as I couldn’t have been more excited. The family warmly welcomed me in. It was a powerful moment for me to be connected to them in this way and excited me to be able to come back and see them after this year.
Mission Emanuel truly does an incredible job reaching the community of Cielo by meeting their spiritual, mental, physical and social health. I would encourage anyone to go to the Dominican Republic and serve with Mission Emanuel and see the work God is already doing. Please consider being a part of this story.”
Ventura Vineyard Church (Ventura, CA)
This small group of 8 people worked on a bond beam, laid block, painted buildings, and moved floor filling. They also spent time with the students of the Cielo and Nazaret Schools. They brought crafts to teach the students and spent time making them together.
