Trip Report
August 5, 2000

Dear Friends,

           Thank you so much for your support of Team Dominica 2000.  Our trip was a success physically, educationally and most of all spiritually. 

            Our trip was a success physically.  We were able to lead four Vacation Bible Schools in two weeks.  Each morning, we would get up, drive to a club, run a 2-hour Awana Style program, and drive back to Roseau for lunch.  After a short break we would head off to our afternoon club and get back about seven o’clock.  We would eat a late supper, plan the next day, and then go to bed, only to start all over again.  God gave us strength. We had between 40 and 103 children at every session.  It was difficult at times running a game time, book time or council time with undisciplined one through fifteen year olds.  Often we would run game time with the smallest children on our backs.  We couldn’t leave then on the floor to get trampled.  Many of the older children were the babysitters and couldn’t come unless they brought their younger siblings.  Saturdays were a time of physical refreshment with hikes to Trafalgar Falls, Fort Shirley and snorkeling in the Caribbean. 

            Our trip was a success educationally.  We were able to instruct the children with Scripture, Bible stories, Awana games, and discipline. The workers and the children learned about  the five count for the first time.  We demonstrated to the nationals how to run the Awana program in their churches.  They had read some materials on how to run the program but felt much more confident after seeing it done and being able to ask questions.  Our team also learned a lot about flexibility, working with each other, effective planning of each ministry, working through exhaustion and much more.  I additionally learned about commitment and God reconfirmed His direction of missions for my life.  I don’t have to go to the mission field but I feel God has called me and that is enough.  I don’t know yet where He would have me serve or His timing but He does and I will trust Him.   

Most importantly, our trip was a success spiritually.  During our clubs, 42 children believed and trusted Christ personally that when Jesus shed his blood on the cross it paid the penalty for their sin.  I personally was able to pray with two girls, Metsi and Leeann.  It was wonderful to see them understand the Gospel, and such a joy to be the tool that God chose to use to lead them to Him.  Even if no children had been saved through our ministry we would have been a success because of all the seeds that were planted and children that were discipled.  Please pray for those who heard the Word and have not yet responded.  You are personally responsible for each of the 42 salvations.  You made it possible for our team to go.  Our team wasn’t really just 13 people.  It consisted of countless people around the States, and even the world, that joined in prayer and financial support.  You were on my team.    

Here is one cent from Dominica from one sent to Dominica.

           Rachel Tarvin 
           Ephesians 2:8-9
             2 Corinthians 5:4