Meeting-God-in-Missions             Spring, 2007 Newsletter

 

I John 3:17 ~ If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need, but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?

 

 

New Ministry – Dental Care

 

 

 

In This Issue

 

New Ministry –

Dental Care

 

What’s Happening

 

A Letter from the      Kio Family

 

Looking for Ideas      from you!

 

Short-Term Missions Calendar

 

 

This past January three dentists join M-G-M in Hato Mayor to try their hand at dental missions.  Dr. Chris Cole went to La Vega in 2006 with M-G-M and had been on several trips with other organizations.  Dr. David Gordley had made several trips to Haiti.  He rented all the equipment necessary for a portable dentist office.  They were joined by Dr. Tim Hoban (first missions trip).  Months of planning allowed for an exceptional first try at dentistry for M-G-M.  The preparation paid off in blessings for both the M-G-M participants and the people they served in the Dominican Republic. Any new   ministry has a degree of added anxiety but these experiences provide the opportunity for participants to step back, say a prayer, allow God to lead, and enjoy the blessings that follow.

A portable dentist office was shipped to the DR for use by the mission teams.  The unit included a portable dental chair, dental instruments and lighting.  Combined with M-G-M’s portable generator the dentists were in business.

The need was much greater than originally anticipated in the Hato Mayor area.  In the Haitian villages, where dental care is non-existent, people use pieces of sugar cane as a wedge and a rock as a hammer to crush infected teeth and remove them.  The mission teams pulled over 50 teeth each day (no rocks or sugar cane), performed minor restoration and cleaning, and provided dental health education.   So many people experienced instant relief and were genuinely appreciative!   Everyone on the trip was blessed by the excitement this ministry produced.

The success of this trip has led M-G-M to include dentistry on future mission trips and this new outreach complements our medical and optical ministry beautifully.  The goal is to have 2–3 dentists, 3-4 dental assistants/hygienists on each week in January (see future schedule in this newsletter).  

If you are interested please contact Jim for more information.   Don’t forget to chat with you local dental professionals – let them know what an amazing experience it can be sharing faith and floss in some very unique working conditions!

 

What’s Happening…

 

 

HATO MAYOR & LA VEGA

Sister Church Relationship  Several churches have built “Sister” church relationships with our friends in the DR.  A Greenville church not only contributed to the construction of a new church, they sent people to help build the facility, provided hymnals, bibles, and children’s ministry supplies. Plans are to provide additional training for the pastor and build individual relationships with those who attend the church.  The church, located in Santiago, is growing rapidly as they enjoy the blessings their friends in Greenville have shared.  Over 200 youth participate in services and programs several times a week at this new church as well 500-600 adult regular attenders.

Sound exciting?  Your participation can begin with the construction of a new church or, you can start a relationship with one of the many churches we have befriended over the years.  An M-G-M representative is available to talk to your group about how you can enjoy this ministry. Contact Jim if your church group or organization would be interested in a sister church.

Missions Center Improvements  M-G-M has utilized additional property adjacent to the M-G-M center to build a garage for M-G-M vehicles and provide much needed storage.  A basketball/volleyball court was also built this year for the added pleasure of our missions groups and the local folks who spend time at the mission center.  Watch for pictures on the M-G-M website as these projects are completed.   You can also submit your ideas re: how to finish the wall facing the road – see next page.

Ladies February Missions

A note from Kate Confer, Ladies Missions Trip Leader:

Our group bonded almost instantly. We utilized our gifts and discovered gifts we didn’t realize we had.  We spent time together in prayer as a group, and, with the Dominican ladies (40-50 each day). Great relationships were formed and continue to grow.  We are looking forward to 2008 and hope to reach farther and wider.  Please contact me if you would like to join us in 2008 (see missions calendar in this newsletter).

Kate Confer (814) 898-2256

 

LA VEGA

M-G-M La Vega Haitian Church/Homeless Shelter  The shelter is now up and running. It houses 60 men with full lavatory and dining facilities. This is a wonderful start towards meeting the needs of our Haitian friends in the La Vega area. 

An Update from the Optical Team  The M-G-M optical ministry, birthed 5 years ago, experienced another great mission trip in January of 2007.  In two weeks they examined over 1,000 people, gave out 424 pairs of glasses, and referred 88 patients with physical eye needs to an eye doctor who was coming to the DR the following week.  Everyday they were able to serve all who came and in many cases miraculously find the glasses patients needed. 

It was exciting to pray with the Christian patients (some even prayed for us!).  Other patients accepted prayer and it was most rewarding that 11 Haitians accepted Jesus as Lord through our optical outreach.  What a privilege it is to serve these people in their villages and sugar cane locales as we build relationships that glorify God and expand His kingdom.  Please contact Carol Wurst @ (814)774-2184 for more information on ways you can work with or donate to the M-G-M Optical Ministry.

 

 

A Letter from the Kio Family

 

Hola from the Kios, and D'ios te bendiga.

All went well with Marissa's surgery and we hope she is now on the road to recovery. We thank all of you who have been so faithful in supporting us through this time in our life.     

Having successfully completed our three year term with Meeting-God-In-Missions in the Dominican Republic, this spring we returned to our home in Pennsylvania .  We hope to travel back to the DR with the June and July missions groups to allow closure for our family and friends here in Hato Mayor.

We are searching for God's plans for our future.  Our time spent with M-G-M has been invaluable for us to be able to receive God's best for our lives. There is no way we could have received the blessings of God and from you all had we not followed His leading us to the DR.  

Our calling remains the same - for us to follow God's will for our lives. For our journey to continue towards the Father we must continue on the path He has for us specifically.  We cannot stay where we first meet God and say we are at the place He has called us to be. It is our belief that God has sent His Son to show us the way to Himself, and that all believers are, or should be, on a journey towards Him if we are In Him and He is In Us. We had made the decision to follow Him no matter the cost over 8 years ago and are still in pursuit of that calling today.  As we look back, we see God in everything we've seen and done. We see Him in our present and in our future. 

It is our desire to bring hope to everyone we meet and to help others find a way to serve others where they are at, and to follow God’s plan for them whether in the DR or at home in the US. When we listen and look, we hear and know that He is leading us to the place He has prepared for us long ago and will champion us so were able to get there. We hear God saying “come, look, listen, share God's joy with the world around you today wherever you’re”. We may be the only missionary our neighbor will ever meet. How will they ever know if we don't go? So go or stay. Just stop and look. Meet God while doing missions in the Dominican Republic or in your own backyard today.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He look into your face and give you peace.

Love and God Bless You All.

IN HIS SERVICE, THE KIO'S 

P.S. Please send any future support for the Kio's to: Coudersport Alliance Church / Kio Missions, 1 Alliance Ave., Coudersport PA 16915

We’re waiting…any ideas…

 

 

These folks are looking at the newly constructed M-G-M garage/storage facility.  They are anxiously awaiting your suggestions regarding how to finish the wall. In 2008 we are planning to paint this wall with a mural of some sort.

 

This is your canvas!  We need artists and ideas.   This side of the building faces the road which runs parallel the M-G-M Center .  We will provide materials, lots of helpers, and a few basketballs for break time!

 

Please forward your ideas to Mary Lou via the website or call her at (814)838-4993.  She wants lots of options.  It can be a single picture, a series of pictures that tells a story, or anything!  The more creative the better!  She hopes to take all your suggestions and design an inspirational piece of art that all Hato Mayor can enjoy.

 

Our Mission Statement

Our Goals

Meeting-God-in-Missions (M-G-M) is a non-denominational ministry seeking to share the salvation message and help participants experience God through helping others in short-term mission ventures.

We are supported solely by voluntary contributions and we earnestly solicit your prayers and financial support.

- Provide a setting for a life-changing experience with God

-  Seek to serve God through His vision for Meeting-God-In-Missions wherever He leads

-  Aid the poor in every avenue God leads

-  Glorify God in all circumstances He provides

-  Honor the Lord with the time, talents and treasure He has given us

 

Short-Term Missions Calendar

Trip to…

* Tentative Dates

Trip Major Emphasis

Missions Included on All Trips

Deposit Amt / Due Date

** Trip Meeting & Final Payment  Due

Hato Mayor, DR

 

1/5/08 to 1/12/08

Dental, Optical & Heavy Construction(block layers) & Artists

All trips include:

 

Children’s Ministries

Discipleship

Music

Sports Evangelism

Village Care

Light Construction

Painting

 

Laborers and all-purpose helpers are always needed!

Deposit: $500 

Due: 10/15/08

 

11/15/08

3:00

1/12/08 to 1/19/08

Dental, Medical, Optical, Music  & Artists

1/19/08 to 1/26/08

Dental, Medical, Optical, Baseball & Artists

Hato Mayor, DR

2/16/08 – 2/23/08

Ladies Trip: Village care & discipleship

Deposit: $500

 Due: 11/17/08

12/22/08

La Vega, DR

3/5/08 to 3/12/08

Phase One: Heavy Construction: block layers, carpenters, laborers

Stay two weeks for an additional $150

 

Deposit: $500

Due: 01/05/08

02/10/08

3/12/08 to 3/19/08

Phase Two: Block Layers, Electricians, Painters, Plumbers, Carpenters

3/19/08 to 3/26/08

Phase Three: Electricians, Carpenters & Painters

Hato Mayor, DR

June ,08 &

July, 08

To be announced

Youth Trips

Deposit: $500   

Due: TBD

TBD

 

·        Dates may vary based on travel availability.  Approximate trip cost is $975.  The cost per trip may increase due to travel costs passed on to M-G-M by the airlines.

 

       **     Pre-Trip meetings are held at First Alliance Church, 2939 Zimmerly Road,  Erie, PA  16506

 

Monies put towards mission trips are considered contributions to M-G-M and maybe tax deductible.  The IRS prohibits refunds of these contributions.  In the event of participant cancellation, funds may be temporarily held for future trips.

 

PLEASE NOTE:  As of January 1st, 2007 the United States Government requires a passport for all travel to the Dominican Republic and Haiti.  If you need a passport, allow 6-8 weeks for processing.

 

Phone/Fax

(814) 838-4993

E-mail

Jmcdonald734@aol.com

 

 

 

 

Meeting-God-IN-Missions

c/o Jim MCdonald

5150 Annendale Drive

ERIE, PA  16506

 

We’re on the Web!

See us at:

www.meetinggodinmissions.com

 

 

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