During our fourth Christmas in the D.R., we got to engage in one of our favorite ministry activities: Christmas at Piedra Blanca. This is an event where we get to partner with other ministries that provide Christmas gifts, a pizza meal, arts and crafts, PLENTY of candy, and most importantly, the Gospel message to 80+ children living in a Haitian community just outside of Jarabacoa.
Doing this for multiple years means that we are able to see many of the same smiling faces and reconnect with the kids we’ve seen in years past. In debriefing with our children, Brennan stated that he enjoys this time because it is a cool opportunity to give something special to kids whose families normally couldn’t afford something like this. Putting a smile on the faces of the kids is the reason that Ava really enjoys this tradition.
For Mike, it is the embodiment of the joy of giving. Being able to bless numerous children with a simple gift, but then being able to connect it to the gift of Jesus, the miracle of His birth, and the beauty of His gift to us in terms of eternal salvation is a special time. The reality of the Gospel is always prevalent on the mission field, but takes on such a special meaning at this event.
