Words From Those Who Have Been There, pt. 1

The relationship between Nappanee Missionary Church (NMC) and Pastor Quina Ovalles of Moca, Dominican Republic, goes back to the summer of 2006 when NMC sent a team of high school students to work with Quina for a week.

Since that first team in 2006, NMC has sent three more teams of students, called IMPACT teams. The relationship also established a connection between Quina and Bethel College in Mishawaka, Ind. Two teams of basketball players associated with Bethel College have spent time working with Quina each of the past two summers.

For us, the Weiss family, our first experience with Quina was in the summer of 2011 as Dan and Katie served as leaders for an NMC student team. We returned the following summer with our children. Finally, we helped lead another NMC team in the summer of 2013 and spent extra time in the Dominican Republic as a whole family.

All this is to say that the relationship between NMC and Pastor Quina is approaching 10 years and has given many people a chance to get to know this amazing woman of God and the ministry of her churches.

We would love to let some of those who know Quina tell you about her and about their experiences in the Dominican Republic.

Cindi Lantz, a veteran of two mission trips to work with
Pastor Quina and her churches, hosted Eduardo Mora, a
resident of the city of Moca, for several weeks last summer.

CINDI LANTZ
Cindi, along with her husband Mark, have helped lead two NMC student teams to the Dominican Republic. They have special relationships with many of the people associated with Quina's ministry. Cindi has been a Small Group leader in NMC Student Ministries. She was also, for a time, the Small Group Coordinator. She has served as a leader at NMC summer camps and is a mentor to many. This is what Cindi had to say about Pastor Quina:

My first impression of Pastor Quina has remained my lasting impression. She is a servant of the most High God and she works tirelessly with all of her resources to increase the impact of the Kingdom. As someone who often hosts people in my home, the enormity of her hospitality to our IMPACT groups has always amazed me. She would oversee the provision of a wonderful breakfast for 30 people, administrate our ministry efforts to her three churches in three different communities during the day and then provide us with another delicious meal at her home in the evening (often followed by a church service at one of those churches). The logistics of all of this activity, let alone the energy it requires, is a testimony to Quina's dependence on the Lord. She epitomizes the person who has decided to pour out everything for the Gospel to be preached. When I think of a "servant leader," I think of Pastor Quina. It's a privilege to have been in partnership with her even in a small way.

Kory and Alison Lantz have helped lead two mission
trips to work with Pastor Quina. They have a deep love
and respect for Quina and her churches.

KORY LANTZ
Kory is the son of Cindi. He and his wife Alison have helped lead two NMC student teams. Kory also came to the Dominican Republic with a basketball team. Kory and Ali currently run Transformation Ministries in Keller Park, South Bend, Ind. Here are his thoughts:

The DR is near and dear to my heart as I took my very first mission trip there in 2004. I have been there three more times since. It really feels like a home away from home for me. And as I think about why it feels that way I am led to a few conclusions that have the same thing in common - people.
1. Pastor Quina, the church planting pastor, is very special to me and many others. She models the servant leadership of Jesus so well as she cooks, cleans and serves our groups when we are there. She has a huge heart for her community as she has planted at least three churches and strongly desires for people to know Jesus. Without applauding her too much, she is a modern-day Paul when it comes to church planting in the DR. With limited resources at times and no degree in pastoral care, she has managed to make a huge difference in the lives of the Dominicans through the local church.
2. Eduardo, a 13-year-old Dominican kid who my family loves dearly. My family met him around 2006 and we were instantly drawn to his contagious personality and heart for others. He loves Jesus and wants others to know Him too. Eduardo actually came to visit us this past summer. As I saw him interact with kids in my neighborhood it brought so much joy to my heart - two worlds were colliding!
3. Victor, a man who serves the youth of his community through sports, is your average man trying to make a difference in the lives of youth. I love sports and I love youth so Victor and I are kindred spirits in many ways. While Victor does a great job investing in youth, there is something missing - he is missing Jesus. Victor was raised Catholic and knows about religion, but is missing that personal relationship with Christ. I believe Victor will know Jesus personally at some point and once he does his whole town will be rocked through his impact.
The neat thing about these three people is that the Weiss family knows all of them. They have a relationship with them. And I can only imagine how much deeper those relationships will go as they live in the DR for an entire year. I am excited that God has given them the opportunity to pursue His calling on their lives in this way. I am praying they can provide support and encouragement in the ways that Quina, Eduardo, Victor, and many others need!