by Scott Norvell
Thirty people representing eleven families from FPC spent months preparing for a two-week outreach working alongside missionaries from Students International (SI) in the Dominican Republic. We had studied the people, the history, customs and economy of the Dominican Republic and on July 13 we headed for Jarabacoa, in the center of the country. For some, it was their first time out of the country and they were a bit anxious about what it would be like to live & work in a different culture.
When we arrived other churches and individuals from Texas, Southern California and Paso Robles joined us as we worked in various occupational ministry sites that included young men’s social work, women’s social work, preschool, special education, women’s sports, men’s sports, microfinance, dentistry, physical therapy, community health, communications & media. Some of the sites were in town, while others were in remote, rural areas. In the 2 weeks we were there, we got a taste of what it is like to be a missionary as we served with Dominican, Columbian, Nicaraguan, and American missionaries and interns.
I had been to the Dominican Republic three years ago and was excited to return again; but as the time to leave approached, I was wondering if I maybe I should not have gone. I had been working on a huge project and it was not yet complete. I recalled that God had called me to go on this trip and work would always be there.
So when we arrived, one of the first things we discovered was that there was limited internet service and our phones did not work there. God used this to show me that I have an issue with online social media that had become an idol to me. Through our personal Bible study time and devotionals led by ministry site leaders, God showed me that He is active and spoke to me through His Word and His people. I came away from this week with a renewed calling to be “salt of the earth,” “the light of the world,” and “a city on a hill” (Matthew 5:14,15).
As a member of the media & communications team, I was able to see all the ministry sites in action and saw God do amazing things, bringing hope and light to people through these occupational ministry sites. In an interview, one site leader explained that the people here are poor and do not have much. If you give them a piece of rubber, they can make a ball out of it. They are content with what they have. They do not need things, they need Jesus. The greatest poverty is to not be close to God.
Returning home was somewhat challenging – brushing my teeth with tap water instead of bottled water, a quicker pace of life, and driving down the street without traffic passing on the right or left. After being home almost a month, the experience is becoming a memory; however I know that I am changed and have a different perspective on life, work and will never be the same again.