Diomaris and Allison also team-taught a women's ministry class, focusing three days on Nehemiah, Evangelism, and Discipleship.  Diomaris' gift is in evangelism and every morning she would rise up early in order to prepare herself for the day's class. Carolina and Milly also shared during these classes about their experiences in evangelism and discipleship and were able to complement the teaching. What a joy to see fruit producing fruit! 

The group also prepared an exciting, three-day VBS program themed, "Fiesta!" This is the VBS that our church first did a couple of years ago, so many in the group were well prepared to lead it for the Christian Baptist Church (Pastor Daniel's church). Our group learned right off that the Peruvian children are much more reserved than in the Dominican Republic. At one point, Miguel shouted out, "Do you want to sing some more?" The crowd in unison yelled back, "No!" Other than that humorous cultural adjustment, the group really enjoyed working alongside the seminary students in the local church. Friendships were forged over the sharing of ministry.

Another ministry highlight was the opportunity to minister in the Abundant Life Baptist Church, the church plant of missionaries Aaron and Debbie Karr. They graciously welcomed our group and allowed us to present a video purity conference for two nights to the youth group. On one night, more than 100 youth were in attendance. Then, on Sunday night, we were able to have a special praise and testimony service as our group, under the direction of Miguel Mercedes, provided a special selection of songs. The time was Spirit-filled, as Peruvians and Dominicans shared in heart-felt adoration of the Lord. There were plenty of shouts of "amens" and "hallelujahs," to go along with tears of joy as we experienced a small slice of Heaven's worship.

            The group also was able to participate in various local churches that have been planted out from the Christian Baptist Church. This was such a joy to participate in songs, testimonies and preaching. While we trust we were a blessing to those churches, we know they helped to expand our vision and deepen our fervor for God's work through the local church.

On the ride up to the mountains, the Peruvian missionaries passed out alpaca blankets, rugs, robes and more jackets as we traveled above 15,000 feet, in order to reach one of several ministries out of Pastor Daniel's church and seminary. Needless to say our group was colder and higher up than ever before in a bus. It is an unbelievable sight to travel inside the ancient mountainsides of the Andes range and to realize that there are so many people who know no other form of life.

Peru is a beautiful country offering a variety of landscapes and cultural contexts in which to minister. As we reflected on the natural beauty, we were lead to return our praise to the Creator. The challenge of the climate change was a great way for our people to move outside of their comfort zones and allow the Lord to work on their lives.

If you would like to learn more about the ministry of Arequipa, Peru and how you can get involved or visit, please contact Aaron Karr (left): akarr@abwe.cc An ABWE missionary, he and his team did a first-rate job of hosting our group and always keeping us on the move. The accommodations were very comfortable and the food was always delicious. Please pray for them.

This missions trip was another important step in the life of our local church in San Pedro de Macoris. In the coming months, the church's missions committee (team) will begin. This team will help guide the church strategically in our missions efforts as a local church, including continued preparation for future church plants and missionaries sent out from our church. Currently, the church supports three missions projects and will begin its fourth this August. Future trips and internships are being considered both to Peru and also Africa, as the Lord leads.

            We also praise the Lord that two or three from the missions trip are praying about returning next summer for an internship. Also exciting is that a couple of them have felt the Lord confirm a desire to study in seminary for possible future ministry. This is exciting to see as Dominicans are being equipped and empowered to participate in world missions. The funds are already in place in order to help send a couple of them back to Arequipa for a more intensive experience.

            The Lord also used this trip to expand the church's influence in missions. Two key pastors from established Bible churches and who are leaders in their association of churches were on the Arequipa trip and have had their missions thinking refined. There is a lot of interest in our church leading an internship in Arequipa made up of Dominicans from local churches across the island. This absolutely is a paradigm shift, as most all Dominican churches only see missions theologically. Practically speaking, though, the churches often rely on the North Americans and never really seriously consider sending out foreign church planting missionaries. In this sense, the trip was used to encourage other Dominican churches to think globally.