Breaking New Ground

The Bethel Baseball Team conducted several clinics with the youth
of Guanabano, and each time shared a message about God's love.

One of the privileges we've enjoyed during our 10 months here in the Dominican Republic is watching God open new doors for ministry. Whether it's because we're Americans, because we're part of Pastor Quina's church or because we have hosted several groups, the people here have shown us favor and have welcomed us with open arms.

This past week yet another door was opened when several members of the Bethel College Baseball Team came for a missions trip. Bethel College is already a recognized name as the basketball team has made a few trips over the last few years. But this was the first time the baseball team - led by Coach Seth Zartman and his family - visited the Moca area.

The baseball team took on the difficult task of digging a
9-foot square hole by hand. The dirt was hard and difficult
to dig, but they worked very hard and made great progress.

The team came to serve in several ways - baseball clinics, work projects and blessing others with their testimonies. They went above and beyond in all categories and have left a lasting mark among the youth and many adults. 

Six players from Bethel College took on some large tasks during their time here. They conducted several baseball clinics, played a few softball games and one baseball game, built and sanded bookshelves for a local school and dug a nine-foot square hole so a family in Moca could have a septic tank installed.

Needless to say, there were some long days and the team was very tired much of the time, but they put forth an amazing effort. They were very flexible as the original plans didn't always work out. They showed a real willingness to learn about and adapt to the culture. They loved with their actions. They shared some amazing testimonies and messages. They blessed the people in many, many ways.

We were also blessed to be able to host this team. It was really fun to watch God open doors for a new avenue of ministry. We are physically exhausted, but spiritually refreshed.

Now we have less than two weeks to prepare for the arrival of the next group - another group of high school students from Nappanee Missionary Church. We appreciate your prayers over this youth group and its leaders. Thank you for your continued support and love!