They're back. . .

So Ryan and the gang have been home for almost a week now. He promises to update the blog soon. We've been busy enjoying the Thanksgiving holiday with our friends and some out of town family too so no apologies, just excuses!

They have arrived

I spoke to Ryan yesterday and things are going good so far. They arrived Monday afternoon without any major problems during their travels. The team had quite a few member that had not travelled outside of the country before and they were all settling in and busy at work. They were a bit disappointed to discover the house wasn't as far in completion as they hope so they will not be able to move the family in this week. However, there still is plenty of work and they are excited about serving. God has really blessed the team by sending a professional landscaper, Jason Lucas with them. It appears that landscaping around the home will be a large part of what they hope to accomplish. I will continue to keep you updated as I am updated too.

Headed to the DR

In just five days Ryan will be departing with a work team from New Hope Christian Church to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The team is excited to be working on the final projects for the parsonage located on the new church site in Punta Cana. Please keep the team in your prayers as they travel to the DR to serve the people there. Please also pray for Franklin, Ilonka, Christopher and Alondra, the family that will be moving into the new home so that they may better serve the church of Punta Cana.

Ilonka and Franklin with their children Alondra and Christopher last year.

Ryan ,Micah and Christopher at the construction site in August. - Plans for the work team this upcoming week include the completion of the house and helping the family move into their new home.

We will update you with more pictures after Ryan returns.

Last week, I (Erin) wished my co-workers farewell as my part-time position as a parent educator with First Steps ended. This is an exciting time for us as we go out in faith that God will continue to provide financially for our family since we no longer have an outside income beyond the support from churches and individuals giving to EDCM. I am surprisingly calm about our finances. I guess it is because I look forward to seeing the way God will meet our needs. Please pray specifically for our finacial needs as we are still waiting replies from a few churches as to if and how they may be able to support our ministry. Love, Erin

EDCM at Work

Here are some pictures of the work of Eastern Dominican Christian Mission: 1. Construstion Picture:The construction is our church plant in Punta Cana where Franklin and Illonka are ministering. This particular building will be the parsonage that they will live in while ministering in Punta Cana. 2. The Map: This map just gives you an idea of the the location of La Romana (where we will be living) and the surrounding cities. 3. The Man Picture: The men in the picture are the elders at the La Romana Church. These are Godly men that see through the eyes of Jesus. Please pray for these men as they try to lead their congregation to Jesus. 4. Party Picture: This pic was taken the last night we were in the DR in August. We had the elders and Victor's family over to Rick and Suzanne's to celebrate anniversaries. We had a great time!

Please continue to pray for EDCM and the work God is doing through them in the eastern part of the Dominican Republic.

Welcome!!

Hello readers and welcome to the VandeLinde Family blog!! We are new missionaries serving the Dominican Republic and we are going to use this blogspot to keep our friends, family, and partners informed about how God is moving in our lives and in our ministry. We are excited about where God is taking our family and what He is going to do through us in the future. We thank you for reading our blog and being interested in what God is doing in our family and in the Dominican Republic. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!