The intent of my blog is to journal my daily thoughts and post photos during my mission trip to the San Juan De La Maguana in the Dominican Republic from February 18-25, 2006.

Solid Rock Missions came into being officially in 1992 as a 501(c3) organization to support two Dominican-run minsitries--medical clinics and schools. They are a non-denominational group of individuals and organizations that have partnered to help meet the needs spiritually, physically, socially, and educationally, in the name of Jesus Christ. Their volunteer board comes from the U.S. and Canada. They also have a small North American staff which is headquartered in Wauseon, Ohio. In addition to the two schools and medical clinics, they operate a Guest House which is used to provide lodging and meals for the teams which come from all over North American to serve the Dominican people, like us. Currently, Rod and Sandy Nofziger are the Guest House hosts. They are awesome servants. What a blessing they have been to us!

Rod and Sandy Nofziger have been on staff at the guesthouse since January 1, 2004. They had lived in Pettisville, OH all of their married life, and had been on many short term missions trips themselves. During the two years prior to their decision to serve with Solid Rock Missions, they had an interesting chain of events that made it clear that God was asking them to make a life change. After processing their decision with their family and close friend in their church, they sold their businesses and their home and made their way to San Juan de la Maguana. They very much enjoy their role as guesthouse hosts, welcoming all the people who come to serve the Lord in the Dominican Republic. During their trips back to the U.S they share time with their four married children and eight grandchildren, Rod's mother as well as extended family and friends. Rod and Sandy are thankful for the support and prayers of the many persons who have made it possible for them to carry out this ministry. You can e-mail the Nofzigers at rsnof@solidrockmissions.org.

Our team consists of three men from my men's small group from Trinity Church--Jim Goble, Christopher Thompson, and me--Michael Goble (the pastor from The Church of the Good Shepherd in Adrian, Michigan), Dr. Monica Goble (Jim's wife), Jamie & Graham Goble (Jim's two sons), Judy Hoeve (Jim's co-worker), and Rose Aguilere (friend from Judy's small group).

Our mission to continue a construction project at the Jim Smith School in El Rosario, Dominican Republic which we began last year. Some of our team left a week earlier than the rest of us. The purpose of this project was to provide the necessary security for the school grounds. This security is in the form of high walls consisting of cement block and chain link fence. The reason behind the chain link fencing became more apparent to me this year than last. Surrounding the school is a beautiful countryside that our Dominican friends want their children to gaze upon, seeing God's glorious creation. As last year, we will work alongside paid Dominican workers who have become our friends.