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From July 5th through August 12th, 2005, our own Ian Salsman went to the Dominican Republic on a mission trip as one of the leader's of the Xtreme Team ministry. Ian blogged his experiences HERE on this page with occasional updates and notes as the Lord guided him through this adventure and ministry experience.
Important: Be sure to visit the Xtreme Team website to view the "official" team blog pages with reports and photos from the participants.
 8/11 - Efficiently Meaningless
The World Mission Conference is soon coming to a close and I will be returning home to my wonderful wife, Carol, not to mention the Arizona heat. By the time many of you will read this, I may already be there (arriving early afternoon on Friday Aug 12).
While my schedule has slowed down and shifted considerably during the last couple of days as the Xtreme Xperience ends, I have had some valuable time to sit and reflect and reminisce. This "decompressing" time is invaluable for me and for anyone who has served in some capacity. To take the time to meditate on "where you have seen Jesus" and evaluate your priorities and walk with the Lord, is so necessary to ensure we are living the life we claim to be living.
One of the missionaries who spoke at the conference worship service on Sunday morning talked about how we in the "first world" countries and, in particular, the U.S.A. have learned - with the aid of cell phones, email and generally just about anything - the ability to multi-task in order to squeeze more and more into our lives, accomplish more and more things and keep ourselves from being completely content. We have truly learned to live life more efficiently. But in the end, all we have really learned to do is live efficient meaningless lives. After having a cross-cultural Xperience as we have just had in the Dominican Republic, that statement becomes so evident -- evident and saddening.
I have been reflecting on the Xposures from the trip and on the personal growth of each team member. As I continue to "decompress" and process the past 3.5 weeks, I am continually amazed at the growths, revelations and "Xin Chos" that occur when we put away those cell phones, e-mails and busy-nesses that stand in the way of communion with the Lord. As I think about this and as I write this final blog, I realize that I have learned to love these 5 young adults and fellow staffers in a deeper way than I anticipated. There is something about the common bond in Christ that makes that connection from one to another.
Life in the Dominican Republic has taught us that as well. Certainly the culture and country has plenty of struggles and sin abounds as strong as it does anywhere man is present, but there the tension of trying to live efficient meaningless lives is of little concern.
As is bring this blog to a close, I recognize that it will be a challenge to merge back into a "normal" life routine. As always after any Xtreme Xposure, the task at hand is to integrate new growths and understandings into what you once thought you knew -- "unlearning" old to "learn" the new.
Are you living an "efficient meaningless" life? Has Jesus shown you something today that had made you "unlearn" old ways in order to "learn" new ways? Have you looked?
I thank each and every one of you for your prayers and support this summer. It has been very evident to me that the "community" is a VERY powerful force for Christ which, in itself, has given me some food for thought when we head into FBCS's focus this fall.
God bless and I look forward to seeing you SOON, or if I have seen you by the time that you read this, I enjoyed it tremendously.
In Christ,Ian
Matthew 28:18-20
8/8 - Presentations abound
I haven't posted anything for a couple days as we have been very busy at the World Mission Conference preparing for our team's 1.5 presentation of our trip. Actually, the team is preparing and planning - we leaders are supporting them with the technical know-how and advice. However, the editing of video, the assembling of powerpoint, the coordination of equipment is VERY time consuming and requiring some late nights.
Yesterday, the Georgia team did their's. We also presented a "teaser" during the evening program to encourage people to attend our presentation this afternoon. It sounds like the teaser was a highlight for the program last night. Even this white Canadian boy received comments that he should have been a black, latino dancer (hee hee). I hope, though, that is a sign that people will come today.I am always amazed how God continues to work. I know that over the next few days when our schedule slows down quite a bit, I will have more time to reflect upon some of his workings. Each day there are new discoveries, new revelations about self, and new excitements in the world around. I hope that I can share some of them with you.May the Lord continue to bless and protect and guide you daily.Ian
8/05 - Decompressing
Well, this is our second full day here at Green Lake, Wisconsin. Both teams are madly preparing their presentations that they will share at the conference Sunday and Monday. With limited computers, the teams are sorting through their highlights and "Xin Cho"* moments. The staff is here to help guide them to support them with all the technical know-how. There is a lot of enthusiasm and anticipation.But more to the point, the team members (and leaders) are "de-compressing". As they assimilate back to life as "normal" and reflecting on all the Xperiences over the last three and half weeks, they are discovering changes and seeing God and His world in a whole new light. It is a learning Xperience for me as well as I have discovered that they have been much more impacted than I thought that they were as of the last day IN the Dominican Republic. And then again, perhaps they did not realize the fullness of their Xperiences until they have had time to truly process the trip as a whole.I guess that it goes to show you that you cannot always tell when, who, or to what Xtent the Lord is working in anyone's life. It seems, at times, that no progress has been made and that, perhaps, your efforts are futile when suddenly it all unfolds and you realize that the Lord has been hard at work all along and simply simmering until the time is right for the harvest. Thus, I guess, we must always stop and give thanks to God at ALL times because He is ALWAYS at work.Where do you see God at work in your life? Where has He been "simmering" in the life of your family or friends? Take time to "decompress."Note: "Xin Cho" is a Chinese word describing that "Ah ha" moment. It is that moment when you witness or experience something and it all makes sense at last - when all the pieces seem to come together to complete the puzzle and you see a portion of God's great glory clearly.
8/03 - Green Lake
Well, we arrived in Green Lake, Wisconsin for the World Mission Conference which begins this weekend. Our final team blog has been posted http://xteam-dr.blogspot.com/.I don't have anything of great significance to post at the moment as I have been travelling from Santo Domingo all day but I hope that I can add some thoughts over the next few days. Perhaps I can share some of what is going on here at the World Mission Conference.I do want to thank each and every one who has continued to pray for me and the team. I cannot begin to tell you how much of a difference it has made. I don't think that a single day went by that I did not feel that support. I would hate to think what the misson would have been like without. May the Lord continue to watch over you, as well, as you walk close to He who gave you life in abundance.Ian
8/2 - Adios, Republico Dominican
This trip is about to come to an end. Tomorrow we fly back to Wisconsin to the World Mission Conference. It is hard to believe that it has been 3.5 weeks here and what all we have done, seen, smelled, heard and touched. God's world is so fascinating. Whether it is beauty and comfort or the ugly and depressing, the Xtremes of God's creation all point to the fact that it is His world and that He is God and we are not.
It has been a joy and a challenge to watch these 5 young adults grow and struggle. Although there is a ways to go as their Xperiences here will take time to process, I am sure each and every one will have a new set of tools as God continues to work in their lives and call them to whatever He has in mind.
Although the trip was focused on the five young adults who made up the team, I feel that I have had an Xtreme Xperience of my own. To be able to lead people this age on a type of mission trip that I have never taken, to a country I have never been and for purposes that I had never before considered, was a tremendous stretch for me -- and I would not have wanted it any other way.
I may have mentioned it before, but one thing that I will be able to bring home with me, is the question "Where did you see Jesus today?" For in truth, if He is everywhere, He is in every situation and in every Xperience. The joy of the Lord is completely irrelevant to the surrounding set of circumstances. And it is about time I became more proactive in setting that concept into practice.
The Dominican Republic is and can be a beautiful place. The people need help. The people need our relationships for they already have Jesus.
And as for Amber Beanblossom, Nikki Seniff, Marie Humenczuk, Dan Umstead and Zac Sawhill, please keep them in prayer -- that the Lord will continue to work in their lives.
8/2 - Advertisements
It is hard to believe that we leave the Dominican Republic tomorrow en route to Green Lake, WI for the World Mission Conference. We are ready. I am sure that it will take time to really process everything that we Xperienced down here. It will also take time to see what sort of changes will have been made in our lives as we merge back into the society and lifestyle to which we are accustomed.
As I sit here typing this, there is a TV playing near here. Someone is watching a New York Police Department show. As normal, there is the assortment of advertisements. I watch these advertisements from the USA and an uneasy feeling comes upon me. I almost feel guilty and want to divert attention away from the TV for fear that the locals may see them and resent me and the wealthy nations for having so much. Advertisements that assume that we are not satisfied or have enough or worry about things that are not crucial to the necessities of life
I never know what to do with it because it is so much part of the fabric of our lifestyle. You wonder if it is right or wrong. It seems wrong to suddenly stop it. You read in the Bible how much God wants us to enjoy the bounties of His creation. The only thing that I can surmise is that we have failed to stop and be grateful for all the Lord has given us, to re-evaluate our real priorities, and to share these glories with all our brothers and sisters around the world.
It is a beautiful world for our Lord has made it all.
7/31 - Jimani
We have just left the town of Jimani (He-man-ee) where, on May 24, 2004, two whole barrios (or neighborhoods) were completely washed away while people were sleeping in their beds at 3:00am. Homes and entire businesses/livelihoods gone in the blink of an eye. 3,000 people in total including those washed down the river from up stream. Extremely heavy rains and a small earthquake caused a wall of water to come down from the mountains. I never could find out exactly where the source of the water suddenly came from other than "from the mountains" but it does, in no way, diminish the tragedy that occurred here.
We talked with some of the survivors of the catastrophe. Amelia lost her brother, sister, nephews and nieces. Although she could not hear the water rushing down the mountain when it came since the rains were so heavy anyway, she was awake as she felt God saying that something was going to happen that night. As the waters came and she and her daughter were hanging on for dear life, she felt Jesus close by telling her just to hold on, that she would be alright. And she was. As I started thinking, I became aware of the faith and the relationship she must have already had before the crisis struck. If I stay close to the Lord today, when things are good, then when disaster strikes, I have no need to fear.
Another young man, Jesus, is 16 years old. He lost his 4 brothers and mother. Only the body of his mother was ever found and identified. It must be hard to be unable to say "good-bye," not just because of the sudden unexpectedness of the event but that there is no body to bring closure and know that they are "resting" well.
The governments of Haiti (since this affected both countries) and the DR helped the community for 3 months. They helped build "temporary" homes until a barrio could be prepared and they could start rebuilding. But the aid stopped. Now they are left to find food on their own. Most are without work, for not only were the homes destroyed and washed away, but the businesses -- their very livelihood and income -- were washed away for good as well. Many are surviving on whatever savings that they had accrued until then.
What lies ahead for these people? I do not know. What I do know is that everyone we met, gave glory to God for life. When asked "What can we share and say with our friends, families and churches back home and what can we do to help," they said to remember God -- there are many people all over the world who are undergoing catastrophies and experience great loss like this. While they feel forgotten, they do feel that God is still in control.
Amen, brothers and sisters of Jimani.For pictures and more information:http://xteam-dr.blogspot.com/
There are many olds news pages about the disaster. One is http://www.gesource.ac.uk/worldguide/html/869_articles.html if you are interested in learning more. You can also search the internet under "Jimani Dominican Republic disaster."
7/30 - Liturgical Dancing
Friday evening we attended a youth service of a Baptist church in San Cristobal. There were plenty of youth but not any adults -- there was no need.
I was truly moved by the young liturgical dancers who danced with ribbons and tambourines throughout the praise and worship singing. Of particular note were their faces. I felt blessed just to see the smiles and joys in their faces. I am of the belief that the dance is only a dim reflection of the face, the face a dim reflection of the heart and the heart, a dim reflection of God's glorious grace.
7/29 - Video
If you haven't checked out the team's blogs recently try now! http://xteam-dr.blogspot.com/ We have posted some short video clips of their work/time down here. They are short and, perhaps limited, but should give some flavor of the mission.Ian
7/29 - VBS
After our XTRACTing session (scheduled times when we discuss the various Xposures we have Xperienced) this morning, I began to see "new" things. Things that have always been TRUTH and, indeed that I have known, but now I see them in a whole new light.
One of the major subjects of discussion were the last two sessions where the team led VBS (Vacation Bible School). I heard the team's frustration that we did not have lots of "resources" and only 24 hours or less to prepare. But they were able to rise to the occasion and, in truth, came out on top.
I did observe a great disparity between expectations in the USA and the Dominican Republic. It is evident that we expect great amounts of resources, planning and "themes" in our American society when all that is really needed is a Bible, a few songs and the love of God in our hearts. Without these basic elements, all else is in vain. Without these basics, all the money, the curriculum, the costumes cannot touch where it needs to touch. One of our Xtremers mentioned that her church had to cancel VBS because they did not have the money. It is an amazing thing but the churches here have no money for "programming" and still offer VBS to the children of their neighborhoods.
It seems that one has to step out of our "American" circles and into a 2nd world environment to see this. Perhaps, then, when we do, we can carry the simplicity back home with us.
"And now these three remain faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." I Cor 13:13
7/28 - Leprosy
Before you read this note, please read the following passage from the Bible: Luke 17:11-19 We just returned from spending time at a local leper colony -- the only active one in the country. There were not a lot of residents but the ones who were there were active and vibrant children of God like you and I.I feel that this was the most impacting Xposure for the team so far. In part, I think, because they had not an inclination of what was to lie ahead. It was not until we actually arrived and got out of the vehicle that they knew they were visiting a leper colony today. We learned a little bit about leprosy at the beginning of our time from one of the nurses. She shared some background and history of the place and the disease. These people were too far along to be cured but their leprosy is under control and not contagious - when diagnosed early enough, there are medicines to cure us from the illness. I had not realized that it is a disease that affects the nervous system -- especially the areas of greater sensitivity such as the hands, feet and face and while one cannot die from leprosy itself, you can die from complications brought on over time.At first it was hard to see "people". Their pain is visible. Some have been there for many years, others have been "dropped off" and abandoned by family. Yet when you gather enough courage to meet them one on one, learn their name and observe their eyes, you feel yourself shifting from seeing a "colony of lepers" to "people who just happen to have leprosy." People with identity. People who laugh. People who feel. People who need our joy and smiles -- not tears and empathy. We sang a few choruses with them. They clapped and smiled. One near the back grinned from ear to ear as he clapped and raised his hands -- or what remained of them -- in worship to God. When I met him, it was evident that he had more joy and peace than I could dream of. The fact that he was in a wheelchair and destined to remain the rest of his days in this place was insignificance. I learned from him. . . . I learned from him. "And ONE returned to give thanks"
7/26 - DR Time
I am not sure what I will share with you particularly at the moment. We are early in our third week here and are quite used to the culture, the language, the sights, the smells. It is likely that we have done so slowly enough that we have forgotten what life will be like when we return home to the familiar. What was familiar will seem quite strange, I am sure -- at least for a while. I hope that I will continue to appreciate what I have been given from the Lord in the lifestyle that I am most accustomed to.
One thing that my "American" mind still has a hard time wrapping around is that TIME here is not measured in minutes and hours but in people. How often we are late because people are chatting with friends or visiting. Time is not stressful to the Dominican. Getting things done or not done is stressful at times but never at the expense of each other. Trying to operate within that can be frustrating for the American mentality but then again, we ought to able to learn to slow down and see God in each other.
7/25 - a note
I hope that my postings make sense. I am not a "writer" by nature and I usually don't have a lot of time to thoroughly proof things before posting. If I did, then I may never get to ACTUALLY post.I hope and pray that you all are able to seek God in ALL that you do and everywhere that you go because, beleive it or not, He is there. In Christ,Ian
7/25 - Take me out to the Ballgame
Yesterday morning, our Sunday School class, The Bridge, delivered these Xtremers an Xfile across the many miles that separate the DR from Arizona. The class sang "Take me out to the Ball Game" (Thanks class).
Though the connection was so very poor, they did understand the song and immediately jumped to the conclusion that we were off to watch a professional baseball game here in the Dominican Republic. The truth of the matter was that that was the clue leading them to actually play baseball. The team learned Dominican style baseball which includes a simple stick that can be found anywhere on the street for a bat and bottle caps for balls. There are no bases...You simply gain points for hitting the "ball." They played with some of the youth from the Baptist Association that we are working with this week. Find out more on the site....http://xteam-dr.blogspot.com/
7/25 - More prayer requests
Please continue to pray for the team. For the last week we have been working primarilty with the Haitian Baptist Association and have since moved to working with another Baptist Association here in the DR. As we made the transition, I Xperienced a sudden release from something that I did not know to which we were subjected - a real spiritual oppression that would be part of the baggage that the Haitian culture carries with it. We all need Jesus -- we must always be strong.
We are entering our last week of our time in the DR before heading off to Green Lake, Wisconsin for the World Mission Conference. I am praying that we can and will Xperience new things and with a freshness like we did the first week.
7/24 - Behold....
"Behold I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed" - Rev 16:15
Voodoo is a religion which places Satan as head. It is practiced extensively in Haiti but is not limited to its borders or the Haitian people. There are signs of it here in the DR if you know what you are looking for.
However, in the voodoo belief system, the Devil is NOT all powerful. He only has the power that we give him. Without that, he has no power.
At least that is according to a gentleman who recently shared with us a little about his life. He spent many years practicing voodoo and now has given his life with a real passion over to Christ.
I am not sure about all he shared with us but he did say that he entered voodoo completely unaware one evening when 7 spirits entered him. He was not a Christian and really had no spiritual direction and that is the most dangerous position to be in. No one seeks the religion. The person most likely to be drawn into voodoo worship is one who is complacent and unaware.
Voodoo is based on fear. Christianity is based on hope. In fact, voodoo religion is aware of the saving presence of Christ. They can sense a person is a Christian even when the Christian is not wearing any outward signs (ie Christian T-shirts/holding a Bible/etc) because they sense something they have never experienced - a sweetness and a love that can only come from Christ.He also reminded us that the Lord fills us with living water which flows down from above. Satan tries to fill us with the blood that comes up from the earth. Christ tells us to ALWAYS be alert, always be awake in our spirit. He tells us too, not to hid our lamp under a bushel. The active presence of the Holy Spirit does cast away the powers of Satan that we have given him. The world does see our sweetness and our life just as Christ has given it to us.
7/23 - Electricity
The electricity in the Dominican Republic is not as reliable as it is in the USA. At home, we take it for granted that we will have electricity at ALL times. Here, however, there are times every day that it goes out in certain communities or cities. I don't know if it is a lousy supply source or if it is because there are so many people who illegally tap into the electrical grid.Tonight, in our neighborhood, we do not have electricity other than for brief moments that tease us. We are on candlelight power. I need to go to the restroom but there is no light there. I pick up the candle from my room to take it with me. As I walk gingerly so as not to cause the flame to extinguish, I am reminded that I must carry the light with me - the light of Jesus everywhere I go. Carrying the Light before me, I bring light to a very dark world so ALL can see.Just a thought to ponder....In Christ,Ian
7/22 - Pray for Dan
As always, please continue to pray for these five young people (and the 7 or so on the Georgia team) as God continues to work in their lives. They learn and grow almost daily as they Xperience God's world and develop a sense for mission. Pray for Dan as he senses the desire to do more mission work. Read his "story": http://xteam-dr.blogspot.com/
7/22
 I will have to think twice if things in our sanctuaries in North America are quite perfect -- there is a stain on the carpet, or the pews get crowded with people, or the lighting is not quite what would be ideal. What if the power suddenly failed? What if the band had no instruments?
We attended a church service in the batey's of the Dominican Republic. This church was a make-shift structure which consisting of palm fronds for walls, six wooden benches for pews and a blue tarp as a roof. As with most of the batey's there is no electricity. Hence the service was held under the light of a single oil lamp. The only instruments to accompany the singing was a tambourine and native percussion instrument. While the space and facilities were limited, there was plenty of space for the Holy Spirit. The people were few -- the pastor and assistant, three other adults, several children, and Xtreme team members -- but the focus on and passion for worship was as loud as any large gathering of people.
The heart -- that is the sanctuary. A healthy heart for God and His people will provide all that is needed for true and passionate worship and the people of the batey's will be there, too.
Note: The batey's are small pockets of communities amongst the sugar cane fields in the Dominican Republic. The residents are those who have been brought in from Haiti to work the fields with the promise of a better life. While life in the batey's are better than at home in Haiti, these people are still the poorest of the poor given $4-$7 a day, given no or little medical attention and expected to fend for themselves. The international sugar cane companies turn a blind eye to the conditions of these people claiming that they provide jobs for many who may not have any.
CHECK OUT THE TEAM'S PAST BLOGS TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT LIFE HERE IN THE BATEYS: WWW.XTREMETEAMONLINE.ORG
7/20 - also at San Pedro
Also at Pedro Brand, we met a young lady of 14 years old named Maria. She was very beautiful with a pleasant smile, exceedingly polite and a truly joyful spirit about her. I understand she has two older siblings and one younger one but she handles the caretaking for them while the parents work. We gave her a ride to a rendezvous point to be taken by someone to the National Youth Retreat (which we would be going to in a couple of days). This young lady ALMOST did not come because her one pair of shoes were in the shop to be fixed. Her brother was supposed to pick them up but had forgotten. Fortunately, at the last moment, the brother went and got them so she would be able to go to the retreat. At the retreat though she was presented with a second pair of shoes -- a simple but true blessing to the young eyes.
7/20 A prison
Last week, you may have noticed, if you have been following (www.xtremeteamonline.org), that we visited Pedro Brand -- a former prison during the time of the malicious dictatorship of Trujillo. Today it is home to many Dominicans who cannot afford to live anywhere else. The prison cells are just that -- prison cells -- but each one is home to two, three or more families. The halls were damp with streams running down them. It is dark and poor lighting -- if indeed they have electricity. The place has not been renovated or kept up for years. One little girl was spotted with some lumps on her legs -- likely worms from having to walk in the water all day.
One cell, though, is a mission church. About a 10x20 foot room with 100 or more chairs and a table to act as a podium and alter table. There is a fan that would blow to keep things cooler. When we were there, the place was filled with children for some sort of children's service. They were happy to see us.
Now, are you ready to hear this...one member of our team asked what it would cost to build a church? Their answer: about $2,000 (US dollars). That would at least provide cement walls and a tin roof. What about land? $10,000 (US dollars) and that would include not just the land, but a concrete building with a concrete roof! Only $10,000 for a place of worship. Of course costs rise and fall regularly and it might change if you wanted to provide more amenities.
7/19 The Flag
The Dominican flag is made up of four rectangular fields separated by a white cross and a crest in the middle. Each piece has a significant meaning and reason why it is part of the design.
First the rectangular fields are anchored to the four corners. The upper left and the lower right fields are BLUE. The blue represents the blue sky representing Heaven. The upper right and lower left RED. This is to represent the blood that was shed for the country. The WHITE cross is Christ's cross of PEACE. The official flag also contains a crest in the center. This crest consists of a cross and an open Bible. The Bible is open to the verse John 8:32: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Now I don't know how Christian the country is in following that as stated in the banner that represents them as a country -- I haven't been here long enough -- but I do think that it is significant that Christ was considered a central part of the core of their identity. If Christ is Lord of all, would it not make sense that He would -- or should -- be Lord of the country too? Can one really separate church and state?
I don't know...it just made me think, that is all.
7/17 - Children of the world
 Why do Dominican babies have to look so dang cute -- every single one of them -- with the wide eyes, pony tails, big cheeks and an innocent sparkle in the eyes. It does not matter who they are, from where they come or what their living condition, they look up at you with unbiased curiosity and sweet purity. When you are amongst the rubble and decaying homes that may lack a front door or have leaky roofs, and one of these children looks up at you, it is always with a sense of complete trust unaware that stands before you.
I suppose, though, that is an illustration of why the Lord sings when we comes to Him as children. He can look in our eyes and simply appreciate our innocence with complete trust in Him...a look that, amongst the ruins and chaos in this broken world due to man's sinfulness, gives Him a ray of hope and a moment of joy.Please continue to follow the team - Las Mariposas as we affectionately call ourselves: www.xtremeteamonline.org
7/16
We are attending the 2nd Annual Baptist Youth Retreat in the DR. It is quite fun to note that it does not matter where you are, people are people and youth like to laugh and be goofy. We have not been here the entire time but have had the opportunity to worship and then participate in a talent show. Granted, it is hard to fully appreciate the great "talent" when you do not understand the language but laughter and joy are international idioms understood by all.
You are probably wondering what our five "Mariposa" Xtremers contributed to the affair...they did a short skit that poked fun at themselves learning Spanish. I did not understand it all as they were completely on their own to write and execute it. The general gist was that someone would ask a question and the answer would be something completely different such as "I play baseball with cheese." I don't know if you have ever attempted to communicate in another language, but if you have, you, too, have likely embarrassed yourself at one time or another. They enjoyed the opportunity and the skit was a highlight.
I do commend the group for having the courage to get up in front of a crowd of strangers who do not speak your language and you do not speak theirs. Yet this same Xposure is what we all need to overcome if we are to share our faith and Christ's love with others who either do not speak our physical language, or, even if they do speak our language, they do not know Christ's "language."In Christ's global love, Ian
7/15
I am constantly aware, now, of the disparity of our world. Contrasts can communicate so much. We recently visited a prison. Well, in truth it was a prison back 40 or 50 years ago during the reign of Trujillo (the dangerous dictator for about 30 years). Even though it had been one of the nicest prisons of the time, it was a prison. This prison held the Mirabel sisters. (I think I have mentioned them -- three of the four sisters were killed by Trujillo because of their rebellion against his rule). Once Trujillo was assassinated, many things of his doing were destroyed or abandoned. Pedro Grande (this prison of which I speak) was one.
Today, the prison has disintegrated into slightly better than ruins. Leaky roofs, cracked walls, dim lighting, and so on. But the prison has also become home for many families living in an even harder prison because these are not prison terms that will one day end. The walls they live in are even worse than when the prison was a prison. You see, each cell holds one or two families. One "home" I caught a glimpse of was dark with a single light bulb, a bed, a stove next to the bed, and a curtain that appeared to separate the room between families.
When we left, we took one young girl with us who was going to the National Youth Retreat that we would be attending the next night. This young girl had almost had to cancel her attendance because her ONE pair of shoes were in the repair shop and, only after her brother had remembered to do what he was supposed to do earlier -- pick them up -- was she able to come to her first retreat.
That is one thing that really had an impact on Zac as he realized he had three pairs of shoes just for this trip alone and many more shoes at home. Go to the website www.Xtremeteamonline.org to read his impressions, first hand.
7/13
God does find ways to remind me that He is not far away...and indeed he is not. I cite a small "insignificant" incident that happened this evening as case in point. We had given the team the night off to allow them some space and some freedom from HAVING to be in the presence of their leaders and because they will have a couple of full days and evenings ahead (which, of course, they do not know). Amber decided to stay with Bill and I instead of with her peers. As we were walking back after dark from a nearby mall of sorts, her sandal broke making it impossible to use. At the very moment I had convinced her to use my sandal in its place until we got back "home," a man walked up to us from out of nowhere and saw our plight. It is not that he took her sandal to find some homemade remedy fix, but it is that while he was doing that, he praised the Lord and talked about his gratitude to the Lord. He finished jerry-rigging the podiatric attire and we were on our way as though nothing had happened...well almost nothing.
Finally ... an update
We finally have a decent internet connection -- and a couple of moments. This entry is a compilation of the last couple of days. We have experienced many things in the city of Santo Domingo from capturing the sites, sounds and smells of this country to working through cultural barriers. July 11, 2005
The team spent their first day Xperiencing the Dominican way of life. We had a historian share about the country's past. Then we sent the five young adults off to meet at El Conde (from the Count of Monte Cristo). This was their first Xperience with public transportation. We gave them cryptic directions to a meeting place along with a few pesos for the ride. Although we had them shadowed the entire way, they were pretty much on their own. They made it thorugh alright. I guess the Lord, though, has his own Xposure planned because He also provided an English speaking lady from the International Peace Corp to guide them and show them a short cut. Oh well, it is all about Him, not us. The team said it was a little scary not knowing where they would end up but felt that it was an exercise in faith and trust - especially since they realized that they were being shadowed.
There are a lot of people from the International Ministries and the Baptist Conventions here that are working behind the scenes to help make this all run smoothly. The Xtremers, I know, are not aware of all the volunteers who help make arrangements and provide the various pieces. That is okay. Between the bus ride earlier and these "behind the scenes" people, it makes me more aware of how much the Holy Spirit is at work all around us to ensure our lives are safe and runs "smoothly" even when it seems bumpy. Yet all we know is the immediate world around us. Think about this.
Please continue to check the pictures and the daily blogs to the team’s website: www.XtremeteamOnline.org and click on the appropriate link. That is where you will get a better and more vital update of the heart of the mission adventure.
As far as we are aware of here, there is no new news regarding Niquita. If you remember she became ill the night before she was scheduled to come to training. The doctors were to have run more tests today but we do not know the results. Keep praying.
July 12, 2005
This morning we had the opportunity to meet and talk with the Director of Women's Affairs, a very prominent cabinet position in the government here. It was encouraging to hear about the strides that have been made in protecting women against abuse and neglect over the last couple of decades. The Public Relations lady talked with us in greater depth shortly afterwards. One thing that reached deep in my heart causing a shift in my understanding is that many men are coming asking "Am I being violent in my family...is what I am doing violent?" You see, they have no concept of violence. They have ways of raising and disciplining their children but do not know that their ways are actually destructive. Or perhaps that is the way there parents or their peers have treated their families.
The afternoon was an opportunity to tour the National Palace (similar to our Capitol Building in the USA). Quite an impressive place. What the team did not know was that we had arranged a short time to meet the President of the country. The disappointing thing was that he was unable to meet with us in person due to important tasks. He was aware of our visit and desire to meet him. The other thing that the team did not know was that the letter we handed to them as an X-file was a letter they were to deliver to the President. The letter was a letter from a church asking the President for land so they would not have to rent any more. They had to pass it to the guide to pass to President Dr. Leonel Fernandez.
(Note: No international incidence was created when a certain Canadian spilled his glass of Coke all over the President's banquet table)
I am sure their insights will show in upcoming blogs for the team (www.xtremeteamonline.org) but we arranged for them to meet with some prostitutes in the evening and have an opportunity to share, ask questions, etc. Now remember, this morning they met with the Department of Women's Affairs promising great things to help women who culturally take a backseat. These ladies in the "red light" district, who have children at home, are very angry that the government has done nothing for them despite the promises.
The team, including myself, was very touched and stunned by the sheer contrast experienced in one day. We closed our time with these ladies with words of prayer and hugs and blessings. A moment in which I could simply and unequivocally sense the presence of the Lord and the touch of the Holy Spirit.
Ian
7/10 arrival
We are here. Tomorrow begins the fun and excitement. Stay tuned. Chcek out the team's blog-site...
7/10 morning in Chicago and then...
 Finally en route to Santo Domingo! Five excited, enthusiastic young people and four just-as-excited leaders all charged up and ready to go. It is a good choice, I think, to wear our Xtreme Team Tshirts as we travel. We were barely on the plane in Chicago and the team has been able to share what we are doing and the mission that we are embarking on with the people in lines at the airport, the flight attendants on the plane and several other passengers on American Airlines. Several business cards have been handed out to several "strangers." With each of these interactions, they are able to give just a little glimpse, or a little introduction to our Lord. I trust this is only a beginning of great things to come.
We are off....
I don't have much to say since I just talked to you. I appreciate your strength while I head off. I trust that theLord will watch you very closely. Xtend my greetings to everyone at church and, expecially fellow classmates in the Bridge (assuming you go). Will be in touch later. The stage is set, the curtain's drawn and the lights are dimmed. The notes of overture are about to strike for when the dawn of day comes once again, we will be leaving this Land of Lincoln enroute to a destination ordained by God. The teams have prepared their Covenants that they will hold dear to them as they operate as a unit. A Commitment to each that will define themselves as they Xperience their walk with the Lord over the next few weeks was signed by the members of each of the two teams and witnessed by their staff. This was composed and written entirely by the young adults for their trip and you can see it on their blog page ( xteam-dr.blogspot.com). We have had a final worship service, packed and are ready to go. Please check back here and on their page to watch and share their journey. In Christ, Ian
A prayer request
Tomorrow, we head off from our time of orientation and training at Judson College in Elgin, IL. I really feel the presence of the Lord going with us and guiding our every footstep. I would like to ask for the prayers of anyone reading this blog for a couple of things in specific relating to the trip. One, of course if for the physical safety of the team. The other is for a smooth journey through security as we travel not just from Chicago to Miami but as we leave the US borders from Miami to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. With the present "Code Orange," security will be higher than normal and we have several pieces of equipment that are vital to the workings of the mission that needs to make it through. Nothing extraordinary but necessary. We certainly do not want to slow up the journey and miss connection due to extra searches, but we do want to make sure that the airlines carry out their necessary tasks to ensure protection for all travelers. So there, by the Grace of God, we go. In Christ, Ian
Projectors for the DR
We received some projection equipment today that was donated by Judson College (where we are doing our training) and a local church. This we will take to a poor community church to use as an evangelism tool. It includes the movie "Jesus" which is a Spanish re-enactment of the life of Jesus. They will have to hook up the equipment to a generator since there is no electricity in the area and will use a bed sheet strung between two trees for the screen. They say the people in that community, whether Christians or not, will come simply because it will be the only electricity in the area and likely the only movie they will see. May the Lord go with us and the team and pray that customs will not be nervous as we cross the border into the DR on Sunday. On a more personal level, I am amazed at the tremendous capacities we humans have. Regardless of our backgrounds, values, cultures or beliefs, the level of craftsmanship possible is incredible. Take, for example, the ornate architecture and ornate decorations at the Hindu temple the teams toured today as part of their preparations for Xperiencing other ways of life. 44,000 pieces of pure marble hand carved, brought to the states and assembled here. Walls of finely carved artistry inside and out that took 400 craftsmen many months and years to carve without the aid of computer guided tools in wood that is seasoned to last for centuries without the need for artificial protection from the elements. Every piece has a significance and plays a role in honoring their "god." All is design as an act of service and respect for love and peace. What saddens my work, though, is that it is all to honor a "false" god. A god that doesn't exist. All the craftsmanship, professional engineering... Then I think of Exodus 28 where God calls all craftsmen in fabric, gold and silver and all to create artifacts of beauty that truly are to honor the one true God. Then I think of the church today or our own offerings to the one true God and wonder how many times we say "it is not perfect but it's for the church" instead of offering the very best as a means of honoring He who gave us life and saved us all only through His eternal grace.
Two more days and counting
...still in Orientation in Chicago (at Judson College College). It is hard to believe that the day after tomorrow we leave! Anticipation is rising, nerves are shaking and energy is exploding. Already we have begun to learn that life is bigger than our previous understandings...that there ARE different ways of thinking and behaving and expressing our faith. More and more questions arise as to God's real sense of worship. But it is not until you are willing to take that step to step out of your own understandings, circles and "comfort zone" can you really Xpect to see the fullness of God's world. The stage is being set for Xperiencing God's world. Please continue to pray for Niquita as her situation is on hold until the doctor's do tests on Monday. She will be joining us late at best.
First full day of training
We have completed our first full day of training and orientation. This afternoon, I had the opportunity to guide them through developing their "story" - where Jesus is in your life. It is funny, but it forced me, in preparation, to write mine. In doing so, I had to focus on my own walk with the Lord and where He is in my life today and where He has been throughout my life. But in the process, I believe each one had a moment that they each have a story to tell. In telling it, there is fear -- but there is joy in knowing that others feel the same way. ...and if you ever feel that the things we share at any one moment only have an impact at that moment in that place: we tuned into www.fbcscottsdale.org to share Patty McFadden's story and it truly had an impact on these young people - both in what she shared and in the effect that sharing one aspect of our lives can have on others. Thank You, Patty, for helping us here. We have posted pictures and short bios of each of the team members on the www.Xtremeteamonline.org website. Please continue to pray for each of these young adults.
Together at last
The team members arrived here at Judson College. They arrived to a flurry of X-files that guided them all over the place, assembling, meeting each other etc., all before they laid eyes on any of us leader types. It was interesting to hear their various reactions - all positive - as we debriefed (or Xtracted in the Xtreme lingo). All of our precious new friends seem eager to meet the challenges that lie ahead. The first pictures are posted to the website blog: http://xteam-dr.blogspot.com/ and the first of the journal entries from one team is posted there too. Tomorrow, sometime, we will be posting their pictures with a little about each one so that you may keep them in prayer. I would ask you to keep Niquita in prayer. As she was being prayed over and commissioned by her church the night before, she had a sudden peak in fever and had to be sent to the hospital and so was unable to join us today as scheduled. We are hoping and praying that she will be able to join us in the next day or two in time to leave for the Dominican Republic.
Hmmmm...a note from Micah
I was reading the fourth chapter of Micah on my trek from Arizona to Chicago. I was pondering the words of wisdom/warnings/prophesies (whatever term you wish to use) and I was just reminded how God has instructed us throughout the generations - sometimes they are instructions for us to follow, others are warnings to "get our act together", others are simply foretellings of things to come. But each time, it is only a piece of the puzzle. Never do we humans have the big picture. We MUST rely on these small morsels of words and simply remain obedient to them, trust and wait with complete faith that God is in control and does have the "big picture" at hand. I think the reason this struck particularly at this time is because they are X-files. You see, the use of X-files or "clues" are a significant tool in the Xtreme Team Xperience. We'll be guiding our team through their trip to the Dominican Republic mostly by creating X-files leading them to their next "stop" - either a physical instruction or a "word" for them to contemplate preparing them mentally for the Xposure. As long as we listen and pay attention to God's "X-files", all will end up JUST AS HE SAID and it will be beyond our wildest dreams. All Satan has to do is keep our minds occupied with our own agendas, our human logic and our limited understanding in order for us to try to do it all our own way. Thank you to Micah. Peace, Ian
Chicago
Arrived in Chicago and the staff is commencing planning for the arrival of the TEAMS! We are jazzed - or should I say Xcited!
...and the Journey begins!
Well, tomorrow morning I depart from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to embark on a 6 week "adventure". An adventure that will see me spend just under a week in Judson College in the Chicago area for orientation and preparation, 3.5 weeks in the Dominican Republic and end up in Green Lake, Wisconsin for debriefing and participation in the American Baptist World Mission Conference before returning to my life in Phoenix. I use the term "adventure" on purpose because I believe whenever you embark on anything to which the Lord calls you - whether a specific mission/ministry or just your daily walk with Him, you never know what will happen or what He will ask of you the moment you walk out the door. In short, an adventure... This is my first of, hopefully, many "blogs" that will help share what the Lord is doing in that part of creation during this six week period. My chief disclaimer, though, is that I am not a "writer" so I hope that anything that I post will make sense (ugh) and hopefully be inspirational. My biggest request is that you will not stop here only and see this as secondary to the mission to the young adults that make up the core of the trip. I urge you to continue to check out (and even bookmark) the mission's website: http://www.xtremeteamonline.org/ where one of the team members will share photographs, insights, reactions, and so much more on a daily basis. That is where you will be able to share and track, first hand, what the Lord is doing. I guess you can consider it REALITY TV (or Reality Internet) for God! Am I excited? You betcha! Am I nervous? Absolutely, and without a doubt. For ahead lies grand times mixed with challenges as we learn to deal with the unexpected, the things that seem to go awry and are outside our, shall I say, comfort zone. But in the end, at the close of a day, we will begin to understand that it is not "all about ME" but "all about the Lord." Talk with you you later!
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