Posted July 2, 2024
120 Friends of the ministry gathered on Sunday, May 19, to hear about and celebrate the ways that God is moving in the Dominican Republic. This year’s event was hosted at Uniontown Bible Church and featured wonderful gospel music shared by Jessica Snyder. A delicious meal was served by Kountry Kafe & Katering, from Westminster.
The theme for the evening was “Faithful Endurance,” based on Hebrews 12:1-2, highlighting our desire to maintain a focus on Jesus as we seek to do His will in serving communities in the Dominican Republic.
This year’s program used a panel discussion format, featuring speakers who covered important ministry topics and updates. Board member Dale Howard presented a current initiative to provide new concrete floors to many families through a gift from his Rotary Club. Dale also discussed a new project to seek grant funding to provide concrete floors to as many additional families in these communities as possible. He is working with Ricardo Beltre, our Operations Manager in Barahona, to gather information needed for the grant requests.
“…Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us,
keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith….”
–Hebrews 12:1-2 (CSB)
Ricardo attended the banquet with his wife, Anny, and their son, Daniel. Ricardo led a discussion on recent outreach activities conducted by the ministry.
Board member Jacki Stranathan announced her plan to serve on mission in Barahona during 2025. And board member Mel Arbaugh led the panel in an update on the Ministry Hub project. Our Executive Director, Marty Hogan, shared the goal to have the ground floor work completed by early next year. This will provide a quiet, air-conditioned meeting space and an operational kitchen. Marty shared that we need mission team members and financial support to ensure the progress continues.
A special thanks to the banquet planning team for their hard work in putting together a wonderful event, and to Run Moore in downtown Westminster, for their generous donation of shoes used for the centerpieces. These shoes will be taken to Barahona on an upcoming trip and donated in the communities we serve!
We’re grateful to the following businesses that provided in-kind donations to support this year’s Banquet. Please visit them and show your appreciation by supporting their business with a purchase (or several)!
- Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
- Carroll County Farm Museum
- Cousins Ace Hardware—Thurmont, MD
- Kountry Kafe & Katering—Westminster, MD
- Magic Mountain Chimney Sweeps, Fireplaces & Grills—Westminster, MD
- Minuteman Press—Hanover, PA
- Ole Mink Farm Recreation Resort—Thurmont, MD
- Run Moore—Westminster, MD
- The Vine on Main—Sykesville, MD
- Wait, What? Sauce Co.—Thurmont, MD
More photos from the event!
All photos courtesy of Stephen Hogan.
Click on any photo to enlarge & scroll.
Information and registration now available for our upcoming Mission Trip.