House of Friends: 2011 mission trip to La Vega, Dominican Republic

House of Friends mission trip team: Pam Plattner, Ronnie Machado, Joyce Johnson and John and Dianna Gross. Mission Trip is from July 23rd through July 30th Our history in the Dominican Republic started with Ronnie Machado and John Gross taking a short term mission trip several years ago. They were doing bible distribution along with meeting with Christian leaders. Two things were evident, first, an open door for future ministry, and plenty of need. Last year John and Dianna went back, and built more relationships, narrowing down the needs. It is our desire this year, to return and pioneer a Womens and Children abuse center that would eventually make way for a Childrens Home. House of Friends have been working with Orphans in Uganda and Ethiopia and now the DR.

To the right is Bolivar [Moreno] and Damaris Reineso of La Vega. Bolivar is a Christian taxi Driver. He has volunteered for years at the ARC orphanage in Jarabacoa. His wife is currently going to college to be a teacher. They have 2 children. Bolivar played professional basketball and now coaches and leads several youth groups. Damaris is the Childrens church leader at their church.
To the right is Maria Suarez a widow who cares for many orphans. We have helped her out on the last two trips and will do so on this trip too. To the left is LaVega, where we will be. See the beauty of the terrain and poverty stricken buildings.

The Reinesos are a potential couple to help birth an orphanage and possible house parents. John talked to their pastor who said He would help talk with the city representing H.O.F. establishing a local orphanage. We will be traveling with Moreno doing bible distribution ministering to several widows who are sole caregivers for their orphaned grandchildren. We will also be doing some preaching.

We would request that you join us in prayer. The needs for prayer are that we would discern the Lords will concerning future ministry plans. On this trip in particular that would stay healthy and represent Jesus well. That we would walk through every open door that God opens and not those designed by man. That we would walk in love and unity. We still need to work out a lot of details of the trip, so lots of grace and wisdom for John while He connects by phone. We have purchased our plane tickets so that is taken care of. We still need to raise money for traveling expenses but most of all food for the widows and bibles for distribution so if you would like to give, and need a tax deduction you can make checks out to House of Friends and make a note mentioning team member by name and Dominican Republic Mission Trip. Checks can be sent to House of Friends, PO Box 228, Alma, MO 64001 For information about the ministry contact Judy at info@houseoffriends.org To be put on the prayer contact list contact Ruth at prayer@houseoffriends.org Web Site: http://houseoffriends.org Thank you in advance for prayer support and any financial gift is an added blessing, The D.R. Team = Pam, Ronnie, Joyce, Dianna and John