Winter DR 2024: Day 2

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 Hello everyone, it’s Noah Lowe! 

We’re so excited to tell you all about what happened today! To start off the day we ate breakfast with each other and some of the Dominicans, cooked by Abby Wall and Shu Shu Harp. After breakfast we convened with Pastor Tito about some of the things that are going to happen throughout the rest of the week. Pastor Tito then introduced\reintroduced us to Mendoza, a friend of Tito’s and deacon at the church. Mendoza then took us out into the community with coffee and crackers to give out to some of the locals, in addition to praying and preaching. This was such an awesome experience, and I can speak for the whole team when saying being able to pray for others in the community despite the language barrier felt so wonderful. Many of us broke out of our comfort zones and were so empowered by the Holy Spirit during this! We all could really feel the spirit working through us and so appreciate the kindness and generosity of the community. We went into several homes and stores whose owners welcomed us with open arms and even gave us spaces to sit and chat with them. Even though we did not fully understand them at times and did not have perfect translation, we still felt so connected to these fellow Christians as brothers and sisters in Christ. 

After getting back from giving out coffee and crackers, we had lunch. We had some AMAZING Pica Pollo (chicken, fries, and usually rice). After lunch, we had our siesta time where some of us rested, made bracelets, played games, listened to music, sung music, and everything in between. After siesta time, we all went to the basketball court to play basketball and volleyball. Several of us played with the Dominicans for around 2 and a half hours, where we built amazing relationships with some of them, despite not being able to verbally communicate almost at all. After playing basketball and volleyball for some time Pastor Tito had us pass out water to the Domicans and had two students give their testimonies. Joey Yarham and Abby Wall both shared their testimonies with the help of Pastor Tito and his daughter Joy to translate for them. From what we heard afterwards this was at least somewhat outside of their comfort zones, but they shared so well and really touched the hearts of some of the Dominicans! 

That sums up most of what we did today and we are so happy to be able to share this with you all! Thank you to the friends, family, staff, and whole Open Door community for your prayers for this trip and for things while we are on this trip! Today we ask that you pray for a few things. Firstly, for health and safety as we continue throughout the week both for us and the Dominicans. We met with some this morning who were recovering from sickness or had family members who were so I’m sure that they will appreciate your prayers immensely! Secondly, we ask that you pray for Pastor Tito and his family. Pastor Tito has worked so incredibly hard to make this trip happen and has worked so hard to minister to us and the community. We ask that you pray that he will be able to continue to minister to us as well as the community and that you will take all the stress of life away from him. Lastly, we ask that you pray for the team in general. Pray that we would be able to preach the gospel and be filled with the Holy Spirit when sharing with the Dominicans. I know that several of us are nervous about sharing the Gospel or the message that God puts on our hearts and minds, so your prayers for us will be greatly appreciated! Thank you all once again and have a blessed night!


Thanks, 

Noah Lowe













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