I fell in love with the people in the Dominican Republic in 2005
on my very first trip to an orphanage there as part of a work team sponsored by
my church and I have returned to spend time there every year since
then. I knew on that first trip
that God had more in store for me and that I was given a heart to serve in the
Dominican Republic long term.
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The question has always
just been when and how.
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Fast forward to
Now! I just spent 3 weeks in July
in the Dominican Republic with Solid Rock Missions and specifically their Child
Nutrition Program. I spent time
with the Dominican medical staff . . . traveled the dusty mountain roads to
visit the families . . .got to know the other Solid Rock staff . . . served as
translator for US medical teams doing clinics in remote communities … and LOVED
IT!
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Imagine with me for a
moment: the birth... first steps... birthdays... for
children living in what the World Health Organization has identified as one of
the poorest areas per capita in the western hemisphere... children with swollen
faces, feet and bellies... eyes with blank stares... emaciated bodies.
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These are the children
served by the Child Nutrition Program of Solid Rock... children who live in
inadequate housing... children who sleep 8 in one bed... children like Leani
who weighs 15 pounds at 2 ½ years of age and Jose who is eight and just weighed
in at 33 pounds... 100’s of children who are not receiving proper nutrition...
children who live in the mountainous region of Dominican Republic near the
border of Haiti.
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Currently, over 100
children near El Cercado in the Dominican Republic are receiving milk,
vitamins, medical attention, access to potable water, and health education
through the Child Nutrition Program.
Children’s lives are being changed! Their small bodies are gaining weight and smiles are shyly
emerging.
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This is a Self-Funded position... which means that I am writing not just to tell you
what I’m up to, but also to raise financial support. In order for me to serve in the Dominican Republic, I need
to raise $1800.00/month. At times
I wish that I was independently wealthy and could do this on my own. However, I have learned the importance
of community and the beauty of shared laughter, tears, faith, and the blending
of gifts and abilities so important to sharing God’s love with each other and
around the world. So... one idea
for me to imagine making this $1800/month a possibility is a combination of
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2 monthly pledges of $200 each
4 monthly pledges of $100 each
10
monthly pledges of $50 each
10
monthly pledges of $25 each
25
monthly pledges of $10 each
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There are two ways to
donate:
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1. Solid Rock’s website at www.solidrockmissions.org. Click on
“Donate” icon that leads to a donation page. “Laura Demastus” can be found under the “Staff Support”
option. 2. Send check made out to “Solid Rock Missions” – memo
line “Laura Demastus” to Solid Rock Missions, PO Box 20867, Indianapolis,
IN 46220.
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One-time gifts are also
welcome! Solid Rock will provide
Tax Deduction receipts for ALL donations.
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My
goal is to return to the Dominican Republic at the end of October 2011.
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I LOVE using my Social Work skills and serving God
both here at home and far away, and I don’t think it comes as a surprise to
anyone who knows me well that I am heading to “do life” in the Dominican
Republic. I am BLESSED to have
friends and family in different cultures and different languages that inspire
me and encourage me to follow my heart to serve others.
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So
thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your generous support that will make it
possible for me to join this life-changing ministry. I cannot wait to
be a part of the work that is happening there!
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Peace,
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Laura
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