Phew!

The first month went by so very fast!  Amazing how much ministry happened in such a short time.  I am not a numbers type of person but I can confidently say, MANY lives were transformed this month!!!  It was a blast to be part of it all.

This week we enjoy a break from the teams and hope to catch up on some needed rest, play, and connecting with team and neighbors. 

I thought it would be fun to share our top 10 biggest adjustments to living in the Dominican Republic as missionaries:

                                        1. SPANISH!  language is a huge prayer need.

                                        2. Missing family and friends from home- but enjoying mgm team so much!

                                        3. Food- no pretzels on island??? really!

                                        4. No flushing paper down toilet.

                                        5. Transportation- sporting scooters to get supplies is always an adventure

                                        6. Don't drink the water!  Don't  put your toothbrush in the water! Try it for a day!

                                        7. Bugs- MANY of them and they are HUGE!

                                        8. Power goes out daily- sometimes up to 4 times a day

                                        9. Church- LOUD and LONG!!!  and SPIRIT FILLED!!!!  LOVE IT!

                                       10.There's no snow here. NONE! 

 So there you have it.  Hope you enjoy the playful list and look forward to your comments! 
                                                                                                        Dios te Bendiga
                                                                                                   Brian&Jen, Jamie&Elliott

First days in the Dominican Republic

We made it to Hato Mayor on Dec 30th around 5pm.  After a sleepless night we were thrilled to finally be home!  We were greeted by some of the staff with a wonderful dinner.  Right from the beginning we felt loved!

As we settled into our house that night the sounds of the Dominican Republic seemed extra loud.  We knew we were not in PA anymore!!!  Brian and I both wondered if we did the right thing but gave anxious thoughts and fears over to Christ and went to sleep. 

Our first full day was full of unpacking, cleaning, inventory, mgm meetings, fixing broken things, and trying to understand our roles as the following day the first group would be arriving.  It was quite overwhelming.  That night, we were invited to a bonfire to celebrate New Years.  It would be a New Years we will always remember, our first, as missionaries to the Dominican Republic!

Jeremiah 1:17 "Get up and prepare for action. Go out and tell them everything I tell you." 
"For I am with you, and I will take care of you." Jeremiah 1:19

Our prayer is when confronted with a task, that we be ready to be used by God as His instrument, knowing He is holding us close and will protect us.  We are ready for action!!!  No room for fear because God's promises are TRUE! 

It's Time!

These last few days were filled with family, friends, and food!  Lots of all of that mixed in with Christmas and packing...we are finally HERE!!!! We leave tomorrow for Pittsburgh then off to the Dominican Republic.  We hit the ground running with the first group coming the following day.  Just how we like it...busy! 


We are grateful for all the provisions to get us to this point and look forward to the next season of ministry the Lord leads us in.  We want to encourage all of you that we all are on a mission from God!  Make no mistake, you are exactly where He wants you to minister or He would move you.  Serve Him right where you are!  We look forward to hear how God uses you in your mission field for such a time as this!


As you think about New Years Reslolutions we encourage you to ask the Lord if He would lead you to go on a short-term mission trip this year. We believe Americans more than ever need this.  Why?  Come and find out!

Spread the word about our blog.  Please remind folks they have to sign up to recieve updates.     

                                                                     Until the Nets are Full,
                                                                    Brian, Jen, Jamie, Elliott



Christmas as missionaries

This Christmas season is proving very different!  How do you celebrate Christmas as a missionary?  Well there have been several adjustments for our family this year...
   1. limited space has cut back decorating
   2. limited space means no holiday parties to host
   3. leaving a few days after Christmas means lots of packing, no room for presents.
   4. missionary salary is limited so our list of who we buy for has been cut
   5. how do you buy a present for your kids and figure out how to pack it to take with us
How is it better?
   1.  Jesus!!!! Our eyes are focused on Him, not the activities we used to be busy doing.
   2.  More time to visit family and friends because we aren't running around decorating and shopping
   3.  Jesus left His home to be with us.  We are leaving our home to be with Dominicans. 
   4.  The music and food...we are living it up since I have more time on my hands to cook and bake!
   5.  The joy and wonder in our kids faces as we enjoy time together- watching movies, looking at Christmas lights, and sharing Christ's love with folks around us- priceless!

As you prepare for all the activity this Christmas Season, whatever your traditions, that it will be FULL of JESUS! 

Merry Christmas!
Brian, Jen, Jamie, and Elliiott

The Beginning of a new chapter

Welcome to our blog!  We hope that this will be a great tool for us to stay in contact with YOU!!!  So make sure you check it out often and RESPOND!  Enjoy the updates as we set out on our new season of ministry Dec 30th!