Go!

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3

The day has finally arrived. After months of planning and preparation, we are all gathered for the first leg of our three leg journey to the Dominican Republic. But not without some bumps along the way. We got word yesterday that our flight out of Sioux Falls had been cancelled, so our plans were changed. We ended up flying out of Sioux City at 6:20 which meant that we needed to meet at Shalom at 3:30 in the morning. Then we took the snowy, icy road to Sioux City. There were some vehicles in the ditch along the way, but we made it safely there. After a rough flight to Chicago, we arrived with plenty of time before our next flight. We are all in good spirits and looking forward to our arrival.

A friend recently shared the verse above at devotions. He reflected how it was such a powerful message for him as he was considering that there are potholes, even in paradise. The message wasn't because it was his assurance that nothing would go wrong or that there would not be any potholes along the way. It was more a reassurance that no matter what the potholes, God would grant 'perfect peace' throughout. 

While this caught my attention considering our planned travels and the work assignment ahead of us, but the 'perfect peace' was a real aha moment. The original Hebrew called it Shalom Shalom. For me, this was a wonderful reflection that the Shalom DR Team could have that same promise of Shalom Shalom.

So after a few changes and deviations from our plan, the verse and my friend's message are even more timely and appropriate. (Thanks Greg)

Pray for our team as we travel and pray that we would keep our minds steadfast and our trust would be in the Lord.

Get Set!

Today the DR Team was commissioned. The congregation of Shalom CRC showed their support through a litany of support, verses and prayer. The eight members of the team are eagerly anticipating departure on Thursday.

All of us covet your prayers as we make our final preparations for our mission trip. We also want to encourage you to pray for us and the congregation in the Dominican Republic that we will be partnering with to build a sanctuary.

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On Your Mark!

The team roster is complete. The tickets are purchased. All of the funds have been raised. Completed forms have all been submitted. The Shalom Christian Reformed Church team to the Dominican Republic is one week away from departure.

On Sunday, January 27, we will be commissioned at the Sunday morning service. Our flight leave on Thursday, January 30. Once there, we will be working with a Christian Reformed congregation to build a sanctuary. The foundation has been poured and awaiting our support.

We covet your prayers for us as we make our final preparations and while we are gone. Please stop back for updates and more details on our mission trip.