Information/E-mails from Bob & Joan Nicewandwer
Dominican Republic Mission
Photo Gallery
On January 14th, Bob and Joan Nicewander will be joining a team
of almost 60 people to travel again to the Dominican Republic to serve with
Medical Mission International (MMI). Several people from Stark and Wayne Counties
will be on this team, with Dr. Christopher Chow of Massillon as the director
of this particular two week stint.
Bob and Joan express their gratitude for the response of members of FCF to
the needs for this mission trip. FCF has paid for their flight. Members of
the congregation have given generously of monetary support for medicines and
personal support, as well as donations received of toothpaste, toothbrushes,
children's vitamins and Ibuprofen.
Pray for the Nicewanders and this team, which will serve the people of the
Dominican from January 14th until the 28th. Watch for updates on the church's
website.
January 30, 2006
The past two days back in the U.S. has been a contemplative time for us
as we remember the experiences of the past two weeks in the Dominican Republic.
Transitioning from surroundings where basic needs are barely being met to
a home where we have many more things than we could possibly need is difficult.
On one hand you are so grateful and on the other you are humbled to the
point of sadness. The stories we have to tell cannot give a picture of what
we experienced. Each morning as the team of 60+ people gathered for breakfast
and had a morning devotional the prayer was that we would be the hands and
heart of Christ to the people we would see that day. Only He knows how that
was received. But we trust that God did move in and through us. Many people
at the mission sites trusted Christ as Lord and Savior for the first time.
An added blessing was seeing God's Spirit move among the team members. There
was much interaction with one another so God used this time to challenge
growth in team members. What a blessing to have served Him through these
past two weeks. Thank you once again to our church family for your prayers
and support.... In the Master's love... Joan & Bob
January 27, 2006
Hello to all, We are back in Santo Domingo. Spending the day
in the city seeing the sights and shopping. The trip has been wonderful, very
worthwhile. We believe we have touched many lives and in turn the people here
have touched ours. We have lots of stories to tell so ¨get ready¨.
Everything has gone well. No one has gotten sick other than a few colds and
coughs. Bob has a story to tell about his upper bunk and a small scar to show
for it...
We´re starting to think of home so I guess we are in the transition.
Church family, we have lots of stories to share with you to show how God continues
to bless the MMI ministry. Love to all... Bob and Joan
January 19, 2006
Just a quick note to let you know that all is going well. We
are already into our fourth day. Time is passing quickly. Yesterday we were
in the poorest town that we have been in either trip, last year or this.
Our accomodations are a bit crowded. I am in a room with 14
bunks. Double that and you get the picture. Now think of 20 women (not all
the bunks are full) using one toilet and two showers. Some how we manage without
any complaining. It must have something to do
with your prayers and seeing the poverty that we are seeing each day. (I'm
not even complaining about the cool showers - they actually don't feel bad
after the hot days.
I'm working with the childen again this year. Remember I had prayed for a
Spanish speaking helper. Well God answered that, but she doesn't speak a word
of English. But on day 2 He sent two delightful girls who are bi-lingual enough
that we can communicate. So that's going well.
Bob's pharmacy crew have filled over 300 scripts per day. Last night both
of us were really tired. We were in very tight quarters yesterday and during
a heavy rain we probably had the pharmacy, plus adults and children numbering
about 40 in a small classroom. Keep us in your prayers. We are with a great
group of people - over 65 on the team. God has blessed us, we
pray that we are blessing His people here... Love to all.
Joan... Bob's back at the camp but sends his love, too....
