Testimonials

2009 Summer Tour - Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico

Christian Reformed World Missions Newsletter:
(Written by Pastor Mario Matos, Caribbean Director for the Center of Transforming Missions & the Strategy of Transformation)
"A Symphony in the Neighborhood"
Working with marginalized people and communities is not an easy task, especially when resources are limited. It is only in partnership with other ministries that we really can touch different areas of people's lives that otherwise we wouldn't be able to reach. In our effort to communicate the news of God's saving grace and love among Dominicans and Haitians, the use of art is a key way to touch and move their hearts. Jubilance Singers & Orchestra from Ontario Canada composed of 34 artists, proclaimed the Gospel through music, performing the most beautiful concert I've ever attended in places like Los Guaricanos, La Caleta, Los Angeles, Batey Central in Barahona - all very poor and marginalized neighborhoods. Some of the people that attended said it was the most beautiful artistic event they have ever seen in their community, and it was for free! People were prayed for, testimonies were given and God was glorified!

Comments from Tour Group Members:

"The tour was really good - it's personal what you put in and what you get out of it."

"The tour was an experience I will never forget, and I will treasure the memories, friendships and things God taught me through the trip."

"The tour really helped work some things out in my life. I will pray and see where exactly God is leading me. I realized that I was so busy doing what I felt was expected of young people that I really wasn't taking time to let God lead the way. I needed to be on that tour for so many reasons."

"I felt God had prepared me for this trip. I knew it was going to be a lifestyle change with everything normal being out of order and learning how to interact with many different people. I enjoyed our group devotions and worship with one another in true fellowship. Praying for one another and bearing burdens was encouraging and strengthening. It was such a blessing to praise the Lord with people from a different culture and language. I wished they would have kept singing before we played. I really enjoyed the trip and believe God did great things, some of which we saw and some which we did not see."

"Overall it was a good trip. The bus driver in Puerto Rico rededicated his life back to the Lord and it was worth it all just for that. The Lord has brought me so much closer to Him because being out of your comfort zone, you intend to lean on Him more. I have learned so much!"

"God used us to bless the people in all the different places we went. What really struck me was hearing homeless people get up at 4:30am to worship. Puts me to shame! I thought there was a party going on somewhere. God showed me that though these people are very poor, I am no better than any one of them. In Puerto Rico, God gave me words to say to a couple that "there is no fear in death." I did not know the woman had been diagnosed with cancer and was full of fear. I really enjoyed being with everyone and there was a real peace and unity amonst us."