Paint The Church Lutheran Beige

Last week's team of go-getters from St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, probably could have painted the entirety of Las Américas red if I'd asked them to; instead, their marching orders had them stick to Iglesia Luterana Amigos de Cristo, inside and out. While there was also a seafoam green, a bright white, and a deep rust color, we went through "Colonial White" in 5-gallon increments and affectionately dubbed it "Lutheran Beige."

Receiving God's gifts from seminarian Kairo alongside the congregation before getting their hands dirty. 

The congregation provided hot dogs, and more importantly, Christian fellowship, following the service. 

Our cultural outing was a Sunday afternoon chocolate-making experience in the Colonial Zone. I've done it once before but was excited to have dark chocolate as an option this time.

Sisters in Christ from the US (left) and DR (right). 

St. Matthew had generously funded a bathroom renovation that was mostly completed by professionals, but the team got to tie a ribbon the project by painting the ceiling.

Pastor Lucas was present with us most of the time and was NOT afraid to get his hands dirty (or climb a ladder with a machete in flip flops...).

Sara (left) and Elizabeth (right) eagerly raised their hands when Pastor Lucas asked if anyone was artistic enough to attempt lettering (Bible verse inside, church name outside) on an angled section of the property wall. 

No. More. Pink. 

Like a good Kansas Citian, Elizabeth commented that the paint color for the window grates looked like BBQ sauce!

Pizza + jammin' on the Elberhardts' rooftop terrace. Rev. Ted (far right) & Becca Krey, in town for Ted's early morning flight the next day, even stopped by.

I'm not sure why we ended with an Advent hymn, but it's my favorite so you don't hear me complaining.

No one: "How are we ever going to know there's a Lutheran church on the corner?" 

The team enjoyed watching local professionals make progress on a sports equipment storage shed (also funded by their church) as the week wore on and joking with Junior, who spoke decent English.

Thursday, we enjoyed a homecooked Dominican meal and then joined the congregation for their weekly evening Bible study at Doña Maritza's house, about 1 km. from the church. 

Spaghetti-making AND cabinet installation: now THAT'S multitasking.

After cluttering up the sanctuary with everything we cleared out of multiple spaces (kitchen, cry room, sacristy), it was sweet relief for me when we finally began dusting and putting everything back in place Friday afternoon. 

Farewell lunch as a newfound family in Christ. 

Pastor Lucas did a great job of ensuring that all supplies were on hand, overall. I think I only made 1 hardware store run all week plus a trip to the supermarket with Kimberly (pictured) to replace some cleaning supplies we'd depleted.

Pastor Lucas met us at our pre-departure lunch spot Saturday to give each team member a custom mug (featuring the group photo from the rooftop jam session + Colossians 3:23-24) and a bag of Dominican coffee.

I could tell from conversations on the way home from dinner on our last night: this team truly "got" it. "It" is the fact that relationships come before "finishing" a project; and b) genuine hospitality is something we can all learn from our Latino brothers and sisters. I know I speak for all who make up the DRLM when I say we treasure their partnership in the Gospel and look forward to where & how the Lord will use them next for the extension of His Kingdom in this place. 

Until next time, blessings in Christ!