Based on an update by Alliance international workers Zac and Julie Stutler who serve in the Dominican Republic
During a Bible camp this month at Alianza, an Alliance church plant in Punta Cana, God’s Word came alive to more than 70 children—many who do not yet attend the church.
There is no evangelical church in this resort community. In recent years many families have moved there to work in the tourism industry.
As a result, the population has increased dramatically since Alianza started five years ago. Church members have enjoyed numerous outreach opportunities that have resulted in strong relationships with neighbors.
Mounting Excitement
Of the more than 30 volunteers involved in the recent Bible camp, some took off from work or rearranged busy schedules to participate. A number of young teens, many who had attended Alianza’s camps as children, worked hard with great enthusiasm.
Even before the outreach started, excitement mounted in the community in anticipation of this annual event. “One young boy, whose family does not attend any church, participated in our camp during Holy Week and absolutely loved it,” Julie said. Since then, he has been telling his mother he wanted to return.
In the weeks before Alianza’s recent summer Bible camp, the boy’s mom gave him several activities to choose from, including other types of neighborhood camps being held that week. “I want to go to the Jesus camp,” he insisted.
Throughout the week, the children learned about God’s love as they sang songs, played games, worked on crafts, memorized Bible verses, and conducted science experiments. They also participated in interactive Bible stories featuring many puppets.
The kids helped Noah build the ark, entered the giant fish with Jonah, experienced the calming of the storm with Jesus and the disciples, and later saw how Christ forgave Peter and restored him after a miraculous catch of fish. The youngsters were even shipwrecked with Paul.
Priceless Moments
“Seeing the joy and amazement on the children’s faces as they learned Bible truths was priceless,” Julie noted. There were many opportunities during the week to pray with the kids and present the message of Jesus’ love and forgiveness.
The Friday night closing program for parents was standing room only. The children came up front to answer questions posed by Dorito® the forgetful fish, a puppet played by one of the youth. The kids enthusiastically reviewed the Bible stories and verses for the audience.
“But what happened after that really affected me,” Julie said. “Pedro, an adorable seven-year-old, tugged on my shirt to get my attention as I was walking back to my seat. He is very new to the church and had never been part of an activity like this before. Although the kids were ready to perform another song for their parents, he had to talk to me.”
“Tia Julia, Tia Julia (Aunt Julie),” Pedro said, “thank you! Thank you! I have had such fun this week. Thank you!” He then gave Julie a huge bear hug.
“I wish you all could have received that precious hug and seen the joy in his eyes and those of the other children,” Julie added. “Those words of gratitude are for you too. Because of your faithful prayers and sacrificial giving, little Pedro and many other children heard about and experienced the love of Christ in many ways during what became known as the ‘Jesus Camp.’”
For many, it was the first time they had heard these stories. “Their lives will never be the same after being touched by the love of Jesus,” Julie observed. “Your giving to the Great Commission Fund and our Work Special Fund (as well as other special projects) and your prayers are making a huge impact on many lives here in Punta Cana. Thank you so very much! We love and appreciate you.”
Pray
Join the Alliance family in praying for our international workers in Dominican Republic and worldwide, who are building Christ’s Church through strategic ministries to people young and old. Use the weekly Alliance Prayer Requests to assist you.
Learn More
Read about another Alianza Bible camp in “The Greatest Adventure of All.”