This Christmas.

It has been quite a while since I last posted on the blog. I apologize. I was very sick for a couple of weeks and simply did not take the time to write anything; however, I am much better now (thanks to the gentle adamant urging of the school nurse, a chest xray, blood work, a nebulizer, and medications!) and I am finally on the way back to full health. That is another story for another day. 

Does anyone know what today is?! (guesses?) Today marks ONE WEEK until I get to fly home for Christmas. I cannot even wrap my mind around the thought of being about to spend Christmas at home! This year leading up to Christmas has been quite out of the ordinary. This is the first year that I spent any holiday away from my family (Thanksgiving in San Pedro was great! I got to see all the kids from my trip this summer!). This has also been the first time that I was not in the US to “get in the Christmas spirit;” however, I have mixed feelings about it. At first it was a struggle because I wanted to be able to shop for gifts for my family and go to Christmas plays, musicals, etc. I wanted to see all of the Christmas lights and enjoy my mom’s most amazing Christmas tree.  I wanted it to be cold and maybe snowy (quite unlikely in NC). I wanted to be able to sing Christmas songs at church and hear them on the radio. Here it is different. 

While wrestling with this problem (In my mind it was quite the problem because it didn’t “feel” like Christmas...), I realized that my thinking was all wrong. I realized that I too “commercialized” Christmas in some ways. I was brought back to the realization that it is not Christmas because it feels like Christmas. It’s not Christmas because I get caught in the hustle and bustle of the holiday and have many presents under the tree. Its not even Christmas because of the ornaments, the lights, the tree or the songs. Its Christmas because   my Abba Father saw it fit to show mercy on his sinful people and send His precious Son to come into the world as a tiny baby to be the Savior of all mankind. That is why it is Christmas. 

So while it may not feel like Christmas (especially in this 70-80 degree weather). This Christmas is about “God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which he has loved us.” (Ephesians 2:4) I want to share a quote that speaks so much truth in this holiday season. I pray that the Lord would change your thinking and direct it straight to the cross. 

-Madison 

“It is here, in the thing that happened at the first Christmas, that the profoundest and most unfathomable depths of the Christian revelation lie. 'The Word became flesh' (Jn. 1:14); God became man; the divine Son became a Jew; the Almighty appeared on earth as a helpless human baby, unable to do more than lie and stare and wriggle and make noises, needing to be fed and changed and taught to talk like any other child. And there was no illusion or deception in this: the babyhood of the Son of God was a reality. The more you think about it, the more staggering it gets. Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as is this truth of the Incarnation….The Christmas message is that there is hope for a ruined humanity--hope of pardon, hope of peace with God, hope of glory--because at the Father's will Jesus Christ became poor and was born in a stable so that thirty years later he might hang on a cross. It is the most wonderful message that the world has ever heard, or will hear.”

-J.I. Packer

Gracias a Dios.

This past weekend I had the privilege of going to stay with the wonderful missionaries in San Pedro (where I took the group of girls this summer!).  For me this was a huge blessing because this was my first Thanksgiving away from my family and I was able to spend it with people that I know doing something that I love.  I left for Santo Domingo (the capital) on a bus Wednesday morning. I have never ridden the bus here so I was a little nervous. It turned out to be really simple, a nice ride and fairly quick. Josh and Toni (one of the missionary couples) greeted me at the bus station to drive me to San Pedro (the place we went this summer).  It was so nice to see people who I knew before arriving in the Dominican in October.  We spent the next couple of days visiting with each other and going to the sugar cane villages.  

The first day we went to the village, I was so surprised that many of the kids remembered me! It blessed my heart! I was so happy to just love on the kids and play with them once again.  This time in the batay, I was about to try the sugar cane (that is grown and processed to make Domino Sugar in the States!). It was delicious- if you have someone cut the bark off the outside first! I was also able to visit the village that we purchased shoes for back in July. I was overwhelmed when I saw a group of them with their shoes on their feet-much more worn than when we left. They all greeted me with hugs and were quick to find my hand to hold. 

I spent Thanksgiving day cooking with Pam, smelling the sweet aroma of apple cider and playing cards with friends. We all gathered around one table and enjoyed a wonderful meal together! Also while I was in San Pedro, Jason and Pam took me “black friday” shopping (ok, so nothing like shopping in the States...). We went to one strip of vendors to buy a cheap canvas painting that is very popular in the Dominican.  

As I was riding the bus back from the Capital, I realized how the Lord continues to remind me of His goodness and faithfulness in my life. The Lord has blessed me beyond what I could have asked or imagined. He continues to give me opportunities to share His love with those around me. I stopped to think “how is it that I see this so much more here than when I am in the states?” How do I miss his blessings when I am surrounded by anything anyone can ask for in the connivence of the United States. I am convinced that the Lord is still present just as He is here in my life, but when you CHOOSE to see His hand you will. When you let the materialism and things fade away, you realize that Jesus is right there blessing after blessing. When He is all you have, you start to see that He is all you need. I pray that we would be able to see the little blessings that He sends us in every moment of our lives. Thank you for reading! Hope to write more soon! 

-Madison 

Dominican Address: 

Santiago Christian School 

Madison Wheeler 

8400 N.W. 25th ST Suite 110

BM # 2-30555 

Doral, FL 33122

No Agua.

You would think after four weeks of living in the Dominican Republic and all the crazy things that have happened, I would be not be surprised by anything. On Friday, we were told that there was going to be a “huelga”- a national strike- due to some people’s issues with the government. This means that on Monday they would burn tires, vandalize and such unless the government appease their complaints. [While this is an issue getting to school, I live in a VERY safe neighborhood. We are just advised to stay in our apartment.] So Sunday rolled around and we received the final word that we would not have school Monday due to the huelga. Hooray, right? Until Sunday night when we realized that the water in our apartment building was out. We spent all day Monday at home- with no water. It is funny how I would forget and go to wash my hands or wash something off and realize that we did not have water. Over and over, I would try to use water or do something that I needed water. Getting frustrated, I sat down on the couch and a still small voice whispered to me, “Madison, this is how much of the world lives, and never expects to have water.” In that moment, a feeling of guilt washed over me knowing that I take advantage of the daily things that the Lord has given me. 

The theme of the last four weeks of my life has been “the little things.” In such a short amount of time, I have had to adjust, deal with, figure out and readjust so many things in my life. From the sink that broke and flooded the apartment below us to the water going out randomly, the Lord has allowed little things (that may be normal in the DR) to teach me how blessed I am; to teach me that I still have so much to be thankful for. These little things could have built up and turned into a big thing, but through the grace of the Lord I have been able to look at the situation through the eyes of Jesus. Its amazing how “first-world problems” often create in us a frustration or anxiousness. Many times, the Lord wants us to step back and realize that the little things remind us who all of trust should be in. Just like I have said so many times before and I will say it once again: Jesus is enough. always. 

Thank you for reading! I pray that the Lord would bless you today! Continue to pray for me as I learn the language and adjust to the culture. Thank you to those who have sent me encouraging emails and letters. I love getting things from “home.”

-Madison  

mwheeler@scs.edu.do 

Mailing Address: 

Santiago Christian School 

Madison Wheeler 

8400 N.W. 25th ST Suite 110 

BM #2-30555

Doral, FL 33122

Refocus of Purpose

Today I have been in living in the Dominican Republic for four weeks. In some ways it feels like I have lived here for months and in some ways it feels like I just got here yesterday. In just four short weeks, the Lord has allowed me to experience a myriad of emotions and situations that have tested my faith in Him. There were days when I was overwhelmed with the task that I have been give, lonely because i am in a land where everything and everyone is new, and I even questioned why I was here. 

“But it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him’. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.”

 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 

(Aren’t we so thankful for those two little words...) Just when I am longing for some encouragement, for some direction, for some confirmation, the Lord so graciously reminds me that He doesn’t need me; however, he chooses to use an empty, broken vessel like me to share His love with the world. (Here is where my story enters the picture)... 

[Background: There is such a need for special services in the DR. I currently have 20+ students that qualify for special services, 10 of which I see every day one on one. I received 8 referrals last week of students who could qualify. I was a little overwhelmed; however, I LOVE my job.] One of my new students that is beginning to receive services met with me today. It just so happens that he comes from a Buddhist background. We were working on World History and the Reformation of the church with Martin Luther. During my instruction, he asks me “Miss (this is what all the students refer to their teachers as), what is salvation?” I was overcome with joy as I was able to explain the gospel starting from John 3:16 through the Romans Road. It was such a refreshing feeling to carefully explain to him about the Jesus that has rocked my boat (to say the least). He ask several more questions before we moved on. 

After he was dismissed, I couldn’t help but think about this young man who is lost. He needs Jesus. The Lord was so gracious to remind me that I need to be ready. I need to be soaking in His Word, so that at all times it is pouring out from my life. I need to “be ready to give an answer for the hope that I have, with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) I ask that you would pray with me for this young man. Pray that conversations are sparked, doors are opened and that the Holy Spirit speaks through me. Pray for his salvation. Thank you for all your support and love! I love hearing from each of you in emails, letters and skype! It definitely makes my day! 

-Madison 

Teaching in the Dominican Republic

Today I realized that while I have given a few updates since arriving in the Dominican Republic, I have yet to update you on my job! Many of you know that I am a middle school and high school special services teacher. I coordinate all of the special education students for the secondary school.  When I arrived I was informed that I would have around 20 students that i would either teach directly (I teach two guided studies for Pre-Calculus and Algebra I.), Push into the classroom with or I monitor their grades/dictate their test. I am basically the advocate for many of these students between their parents, teachers and sometimes for themselves. 

When I first arrived I was able to meet most of my students right away. They were very welcoming and kind. They immediately noticed my accent (what accent?!) and my age. Most of my students were failing or severely struggling before the SST program, but now they are becoming successful students! I have an amazing assistant/co-teacher, Alba, who actually graduated from SCS. She is so intelligent and helpful.  She has even helped me to learn more Spanish! 

I am very blessed come to a place where there is such a need for special education teachers.  I have been a little overwhelmed at the great need because there is only one of me. The students, staff and parents are so grateful for the program and have been really supportive of the work that I am doing. Please continue to pray for me as I invest in these students, not only in academics, but in their spiritual lives as well. I want to see my students succeed, but even more I want to see them come to know and love Jesus. Also, please pray for the Special Education program at the school because there is a growing number of students that I am receiving referrals for assistance. This is a wonderful problem, however there are only two of us. Thank you for reading and praying! Dios le bendiga! [I have included several pictures of my classroom! I finally got a bookcase for my students things and I made a banner for the wall!] 

-Madison 

Longing for a heavenly home...

These last three weeks have been very challenging and trying to many different ways. When I lived in the Philippines (for 17 weeks), I did not get homesick very much.; however, this time around has certainly proved to be different. I could not settle the feeling because I know that I am right where the Lord has called me to be. Whether it is because I spent the last five months at home with my family and friends, serving at my amazing church or because I am longing for a different home this time around; the Lord has been faithful to remind me of my ultimate “home.” 

I was reading a passage from a wonderful author that was talking about being homesick. She quoted Ecclesiastes 3:11b that says, “He has planted eternity in the human heart.” She continued ask what are we to do when we feel homesick for a place where we feel safe, wanted and cared for. What should we do wen our hearts are restless when we are far from home. 

I am reminded that in the arms of Christ is my ultimate home. That no matter where I go I can take my “eternal” home with me.  She explained that “When the Israelites were waiting for God to lead them to their new home in the Promised Land, He had them build a tabernacle for Hs presence to dwell right there where they were, wherever that was on their journey.” It is so comforting to think that the Lord will bring His presence right to where we are, settle down in our hearts and abide in us. 

In all this, I have been reminded that I need to have a hungriness for a heavenly place, but while I am on this earth the Lord promises to make his “home” in me. 

I Corinthians 3:16, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” 

-Madison 

10 memories from the first 10 days...

Ten Memories from the last Ten days...

1) Arriving in country at 9pm (and meeting my WONDERFUL roommate Lindsey) and going to school at 6:45 the next morning. Talk about transition.

2) Going to La Sirena (kinda of equivalent to a Walmart... sort of.) for the first time. It was very overwhelming and weird to see prices in the hundreds for small things (38 Dominican Pesos is equivalent to $1.00)

3) Staying home on Thursday to unpack and waking up to no power. no water. no internet. no phone. What an interesting day.

4) Trying to communicate with the Internet guy who was speaking very fast Dominican Spanish. Only to find out that he is a pastor and loves Jesus. (Which mind you was the only part of the conversation that I could put together.)

5) Meeting my amazing students and my wonderful assistant- Alba. Such a blessing.

6) Going to the bank three times before they will actually give me a bank account. Thankfully my precious roommate translated.

7) Deciding to paint a few walls in our house to add some “home-iness” sounded like a good idea. Realizing that our laundry sink is broken (no one told us) and the water flooded our downstair’s neighbors whole house was a bad idea. [Side note: We were able to meet her and develop a friendship that will hopefully lead her to Christ.]

8) Going to a Dominican church for the first time. I didn’t understand very much (because Dominicans speak FAST!), but being brought to tears by the worship-even though it was in another language.

9) Visiting “La Playa Sosua” (a beautiful beach) for the first time with the Koster’s (my family away from my family)! The beach was beautiful and the water was crystal clear!

10) Realizing that the Lord has called me to such a place for such a time as this. I am able to reflect on the goodness of the Lord and his providence in all situations.

Flooded with emotions.

I don’t think I can even begin to describe the emotions that I have experienced over the last five days. Anything that could happened in attempt to discourage a person has happened; however, in the midst of the craziness the Lord has been so faithful to bring Scripture after Scripture before me and give me such a precious peace. Knowing that serving the Lord is not always an easy, beautiful task, I have come to realize that it can at times be a daunting charge. Instead of sharing with you all of the emotion (which might take hours), I want to share with you Jesus’ words that have sweetly comforted me.Isaiah 43 says:

“1 But now, this is what the LORD says—

he who created you, Jacob,

he who formed you, Israel:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

2 When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze.

3 For I am the LORD your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

I give Egypt for your ransom,

Cush[a] and Seba in your stead.

4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,

and because I love you,

I will give people in exchange for you,

nations in exchange for your life.”

[Click on the link to finish reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2043&version=NASB]

Psalm 90:14-17

14 Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love,
so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.
15 Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery!
Replace the evil years with good.
16 Let us, your servants, see you work again;
let our children see your glory.
17 And may the Lord our God show us his approval
and make our efforts successful.
Yes, make our efforts successful!

The cry of my heart is that I would wake up each morning allowing the Lord to satisfy me with His unfailing love. That he would give me gladness in my service. I pray that He would send down His glory so that I may see His work in this place. Most of all I pray that the Lord would show me His approval and make my efforts successful. Not so that I may be praised, but that He may be made famous among the nations. So that all men might praise the Lord. I pray you are encouraged today knowing that you are precious and honored in the sight of the Creator.

-Madison

Mailing Address

Wonderful Readers,

It has been a crazy few days here in Santiago, DR; however, God has been so gracious to me! Just a quick post with my mailing address. This is the address for cards and small packages ( I have to pay $1 per pound for each incoming package-not letter). If you are sending support, please send that to my home address-listed below. Thanks again for all of your support and prayers! God is going to do big things here!

Dominican Address:

Santiago Christian School

Attn: Madison Wheeler

8400 N.W. 25th St. Suite 110
BM # 2-30555
Doral, FL 33122

Home Address:

Madison Wheeler

PO BOX 209

Stantonsburg, NC 27883

Dios le Bendiga,

Madison

Nothing without Jesus.

Thank you for all of those who have been praying for me and following my blog along the way! Yesterday was rather overwhelming, but equally as refreshing to have such a peace of knowing I am right where I am supposed to be! In the last 36 hours, I have probably heard two times more Spanish than I have heard English. This makes me more excited and more urgent to learn the language. Today, I spent the day in my new Dominican apartment unpacking my stuff and trying to settle in (with the few things I have). I am so blessed to have a bed, queen size!, two couches, a kitchen table and some random dishes! Yesterday, I was able to get a shower curtain and other random toiletries so I could use my own bathroom! After waking up this morning, I quickly realized that we did not have running water. It wasn’t until later in the day that I realized we didn’t have power which is why we didn’t have water. The school provides an inverter that runs the fans, praise the Lord, and several lights; however, we have been without water, no toilets, most of the day!

On a funny note, the internet man FINALLY came today while I was home. This was great since we have not had internet yet (its funny how we rely on it so much!). The great part of this story is the man who came to install it did NOT speak English. (Side Note: Dominican’s speak very fast Spanish.) I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know and how much confidence I lacked until this very moment. Needless to say, we ended up laughing at the dilemma and trying to make it work. He saw my Bible on the table and began to ask me about church and God’s Word (which surprisingly I could understand most of what he was saying). Praise the Lord for the few Scriptures I had learned in Spanish and was able to share with him. I was reminded of my desperate need to learn the language fast if I want to reach these people for His Kingdom. After spending all day with this man trying to get our internet fixed, it finally works. and then.... this great monsoon (normal dominican rain...) comes and breaks the connection. Oh, well.

I wanted to share a verse with you today that the Lord reminded me of this morning. John 15:5 says, “Apart from Me you can do NOTHING” (emphasis mine). How quickly I forget that I can do nothing without Jesus. Even something as simple as getting internet installed. You would think that leaving my own country and making my home on a foreign island would nail this truth into my head, but as humans we think we can do most things on our own and when we get into a bind we dial J-E-S-U-S to come rescue us. In reality, we need to be rescued by Jesus every moment of every hour. There is a sweet hymn that I have always loved called “I need the every hour”. How true the words to this song are in our daily lives. So, my prayer for today is that I would learn to let Jesus rescue me in everything; that I would learn never to try to do things on my own even the small things. Jesus is enough. May God teach you this too.

Thank you for your prayers. I will be trying to post my address soon!

In Christ,

Madison

Hit the ground running.

The past 24 hours have been a whirlwind. I flew out of RDU yesterday at 1:30pm. I was blessed to have a friend (thank you David Manning!) happen to be on my plane to Miami! God is just good like that. I arrived in the Dominican at 8:45 pm and was picked up by my principal and her husband. I was quickly given instructions, keys and information. Quickly overwhelmed. I finally made it to my NEW apartment (For those that weren’t aware, my housing was iffy leading up to my departure; however, God’s promise rings true that He works ALL things out for good. We were assigned a nicer, safer and bigger apartment! Praise the Lord!) I met me new, wonderful, roommate Lindsey, who welcomed me so well with the little things that are nice to have upon arrival, toilet paper. We are going to have such a wonderful time together and I am blessed to have her!

Today, I left for school at 6:40a, (much earlier than what I have been used to for the last 5 months!), but I was reminded how much I love mornings! I have spent most of the morning receiving instructions and tasks that I will soon take over at the school. The people are wonderful and so welcoming! I have such a peace that this is exactly where the Lord wants me! I can’t wait to dive right into learning Spanish and making new friends! On a side note, I have a amazing Dominican girl, Alba, working for me who is going to be such a blessing! She has already been so helpful, ordering me a dairy-free lunch!

Thanks again for all your prayers and support! God is going to do BIG things! Pray for a smooth transition, continued health and calmness as I take on this huge task the Lord has called me to! May God bless you too! I want to share a verse that I am clinging to today:

“From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint [overwhelmed, submerged, weak, anxious]; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:2

-Madison

Beautiful Struggle.

I am just 4 days away from beginning my journey to the Dominican Republic. I have spent the day packing. one of my least favorite tasks. It has to be done, but boy do I dread it. While I was packing, thoughts were racing through my head. A bittersweet emotion of obediently following the Lord's call to go to the DR, but sad to leave those I love and my ministry here behind. I was wrestling with all of this trying to find contentment and rest. I turned on Pandora and just began to worship. I was reminded of the goodness of the Lord. That He is the "I AM". He holds me when I don't know what to do next. He doesn't give happiness, He gives sweet joy. What began as a dreadful process, the Lord slowly turned into a worship from the bottom of my heart as I try to prepare to make this huge step. I came across a quote that I want to share. Pray for me as I make the final preparations, establish the last of my support and get ready to GO, just as He has said.

"We can make the right answer sound old hat, but I guarantee this: God will surprise you. He will make you stop. You will struggle. He will bring you up short. You will hurt. He will take his time. You will grow in faith and in love. He will deeply delight you. You will find the process harder than you ever imagined – and better. Goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life. No matter how many times you’ve heard it, no matter how long you’ve known it, no matter how well you can say it, God’s answer will come to mean something better than you could ever imagine." -David Powilson

-Madison

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Take time to Rest. In Jesus.

Over the last several weeks, I have been faced with a feeling of lack of purpose and direction. I am aware that this feeling is not from God because I have been spending my time speaking with people about my mission, babysitting, taking care of sick family members, and doing random jobs for friends and family. I have been busy to say the least. But I can’t help but be reminded of the verse in Luke chapter 10 that says, “you are worried and bothered about so many things;but only one thing is necessary..” In the midst of feeling like I need to be doing something or checking things off of this grande to-do list, I catch myself wondering what I am doing. My version of productive is being remolded to that of Christ. I am realizing that I may have a list of things to do and not one of them be something the Lord would will for me to get done that day. One of my sweet friends reminded me of a verse in Hebrews chapter four that talks about resting. She went on to say how it says that we must be diligent to enter that rest. Sometimes, we just have to slow down, take a step back and realize the Lord may have us in a place in order to take a deep breath and rest. As I am continuing to raise support, speak with those about my mission, and getting things ready to leave for the mission field, I pray that I don’t forget to rest in Jesus; to sit at his feet, pour my heart out before him and allow him to change me from the inside out to look more and more like Jesus. I want to share a quote by one of my most favorite pastors, John Piper. Thank you for reading. God bless.

“And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word’" Luke 1:38

"Can you say: ‘Let the Holy Spirit do with me as he pleases’? Do you trust the Spirit enough to say: ‘I am your slave; take me; use your omnipotent power to put me where you want me, when you want me there, doing what you want me to do’? Do you know why we can entrust ourselves to the Holy Spirit? Because he exists to exalt the glory of Jesus Christ. Therefore, if the heartbeat of your life is the glory of Jesus Christ, the Spirit will empower and help you with all his might. Let’s live and speak so that men and women might know that Jesus Christ is a great Savior, the Son of the Most High, and the never-ending King of kings. That’s the passion of the Holy Spirit. To be full of that is to be full of him.” ~John Piper

-Mads

Ps- check out my previous post to watch my support video! :) Thanks!

Video Update: My Journey to the Dominican Republic

I want to share with you guys a video that my sweet friend Megan made for me documenting some of my time in the Dominican Republic and a vision of what I will be doing for the next two years! I wanted to share it with you guys. I pray that the Lord uses it to bless and encourage you! Simply click on the link below and it will take you to the video! Thanks for watching!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dcmaOmxGJ4

-Madison

Two Months.

I woke up this morning and glanced at my watch. August 11. To many of you this may not be a day of great significance, but to me this marks exactly two months before I fly out to Santiago, Dominican Republic. These last three months have gone by so fast, but God has done BIG things to prepare me to go to the Dominican Republic. I had the opportunity to speak at Camp Lapihio to the Middle School and High School students. I was given the privilege of speaking at New Hope Baptist Church and First Free Will Baptist Church. I had the honor of leading 7 precious women to San Pedro, Dominican Republic to serve in the sugar cane villages (previous posts). I have also had the opportunity to participate in Silent Worship at my second home, Fort Caswell. The theme of the serves was “From the Cross to the World.” This service definitely hit home with me because I have such a passion and desire for my life to scream “From the Cross to the World.” A verse that has been resounding in my heart for the last few weeks is found in Acts 20:24: “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.”

As I am continuing to prepare to leave the United States and head to the Dominican Republic, I would ask that you would join me in prayer for the ministry that I am about to join. Pray that the students I am going to work with would have softened hearts to learn and hear the gospel. Pray that the Lord would continue to do a work in my own heart to remove the things that keep me from becoming more like Jesus. I would also pray that you would consider supporting my mission financially. I am currently at about 60% of the monthly support that I need to be able to serve in the DR for two years. If you would like more information about how you can join my mission, please email me at madison.c.wheeler@gmail.com or visit www.crossworld.org. Thank you once again for reading and I look forward to updating again soon! Stay tuned for an awesome video to come!

-Mads

To God be the glory.

After a week of ministry in the Dominican Republic in the Batays of San Pedro, our team made it back to the United States safe and sound. Many of us came back different than when we left just 6 days before. Relationships were built, trust was established and God was brought all the glory.

On Thursday, we were able to measure and count the children in Batay Pinones, so we could purchase the shoes we needed to give the children. On Friday, we loaded up 35 pairs of shoes, 8 pairs of gloves, 4 towels and some buckets in order show the children the love of Christ through a simple act of kindness. The team was overflowing with anticipation as the time came to explain to the village our heart and purpose. Seana began by telling the children that we enjoyed spending the week with each one of them and how we love playing games with them. She explained that we wanted to bless each one of them by giving them a pair of shoes. Jason translated this and added how we want them to experience Christ’s love through these shoes. We lined up the kids from smallest to largest shoe size and brought each one to a bucket one at a time, washed the dirt and sores on their feet, dried them with a towel and placed the new pair of shoes on their feet. The smiles on their faces showed how a simple pair of shoes could make someone’s day! Each of the children walked away with an excitement. Each member of the team walked away knowing we had just experienced something special. We got a glimpse of the glory of God right here in this village in the middle of the Dominican Republic.

If I had to sum up this week in just a few words, it would go something like this: to God be the glory. The desire of my heart is to use the gifts and abilities God has given me to bring him all the glory and make God smile.

-Madison

No Bare Feet.

July 21,2011

Thursday. I can’t even believe that our week is almost over. The Lord did some amazing things in the hearts of our team and among those we are ministering to in the Batays (villages). God has challenged us to a newer level of living for His Glory and what that looks like in each of our lives. One way that the Lord has challenged us is in the way that we us our talents and abilities that He has given us to reach those that need Jesus. One of the girls in our group has a medical background, which has given her a different perspective on some things. Seana had the idea that our group put our money together and buy one of the village’s shoes. The team agreed and collaborated on how to make this happen. Today, when we went to the village, we were able to line the kids up from the shortest to the tallest (even the little ones that could barely walk!) and measure their feet. This was an interesting task because the kids don’t really know how to make a proper line or stay in some order without pushing. We took paper and had the kids step on the back and drew a line to measure about how big their feet were. After we left the village for the day, we went to the local “Jumbo”-grocery store- and purchased 35 pairs of “croc-like” shoes. The team was just beaming as we were thinking of specific children who would wear the shoes. As I walked away from the store, I was filled with this overwhelming feeling of the goodness of the Lord. For about $150, we were able to put shoes on an entire village of children-in Jesus Name. No longer do they have to walk the paths with broken glass and rocks with their bare feet. They have shoes.

His Love.

July 20, 2011

I find it amazing how each day we are here is better than the day before! It seems like the first day we had several spare moments to take pictures or take a breath; however, as our bonds are growing and relationships are getting stronger, the kids latch on don’t ever let you go! As we arrive at the villages, the kids gather around and follow the bus until it stops. The kids swarm us as we get off of the bus, wrap their arms around us as we share the love of Jesus with these precious little ones.

Every day after the adult teaching (which happens while we are playing with the kids), Jessica has been teaching English to the adults. I had the opportunity to watch her teach the few that were there. She went through the greetings, basic questions, and colors. It was so exciting to see the people from the village, who have never really had proper English teaching, begin to understand the language she was teaching! The people were so appreciative and thrilled to be able to ask someone their name in English! Overall, the time we have spent and the relationships we have developed have blessed the hearts of all of us on our team!

-Mads

In the Villages of San Pedro

July 17, 2011
We finally made it to the Dominican! Despite all of the security checks, TSA, and airports, we have arrived to SCORE International-Juan Dolio where we will stay for the next week! We were so blessed to be switched to the AIR CONDITIONED campus- free of CHARGE! Praise the Lord! The whole team is settling in and we are ready for God to do BIG things this week! Continue to pray for our safety, health and the salvation of those we love on! More to come soon!

July 18, 2011
We left the complex this morning with intentions of loving the people of the villages we would visit; not with our own love, but with the powerful-life changing love of Jesus. We spent our day at two different villages playing games, teaching the truths of His Word, singing songs, and doing crafts with the precious children. The kids were craving attention and love. The Lord poured out through our lives and allowed us to take a sweet hand, give some piggy-back rides, and lavish the love of Christ on His little ones.

July 19, 2011

Wow. What an amazing day! God has been so good to us. As we drove up to the first village the children all lined the path waving us into the field. They were so excited to see us again! We piled out of the bus and began to love on the children. The relationships that we began the day before only grew stronger as the day progressed. We played jump rope, volleyball, soccer and took tons of pictures-which to the kids is just as fun as some of the games! About an hour after we arrived, it began to rain, so we all ran to the shelter to begin the Bible study. The kids listened much better today and were much more organized during the craft. Our confidence in our own Spanish abilities grew, so we were able to communicate on a much better level.

As we entered the second village, we opened the back curtain of the van to see some of the excited children running behind us! The second village is much smaller and more difficult to get the kids involved. One little boy in specific, Achocho, was very withdrawn and timid. He would sit alone and only play with a few of the other kids. Today, he became interested in one of our girls and wouldn’t let her hand go. As we were leaving, she had to say goodbye and he threw a fit. Relationships like these make ministry much harder, but completely worth it. God has been so gracious to our group and we pray that He continues to do a work in us for the remainder of the week!

Thanks for your prayers!
-Mads