Although one of the first developed nations in the Americas, landed by Christopher Columbus and colonized by his brother Bartholomew in 1493, there lacks a serious treasure that the brothers first brought with them so many years ago… the ability to dream. Entrapped by a highly corrupt government that controls a majority of the wealth, a weak at best education system, and an unimaginable destitution that leads to desperation, it is easy to see why escaping the cycle of poverty looks impossible. Many nights of the trip I laid in bed frustrated, feeling the tied hands of a nation. Overwhelmed by the realization and devastation of how a lack of education stunts the development of the brain and causes an inability to hope, to dream for change and a brighter future.

My journey with IYI and the Biola Journalism team took me through all facets of culture including; a Haitian Batey so poor the kitchen consists of a rustic black pot atop of burning sticks outside of a dilapidated shack. Boca Chica, one of the most popular beaches in all of Santo Domingo, turning extremely dark and provocatively revealing itself as one of the most well known areas for sex tourism. The girls prison, where it is not uncommon to be sitting next to a convicted murderer. A desperate need for education, where the average Dominican receives 2.6 hours of learning (if they go) a day. Finally, an understanding of the immersion in the slim and unreliable hope that leads to the business of baseball. In a world where we focus on sensationalized stories, I realized that in the DR there are 9 million untold with a need to be heard.

However, as more of the week began to reveal itself, I discovered that for every story of sadness and devastation spoken, there was another one just like it filled with hope and miracle. Among each stop, God so clearly revealed HimseIf and how He is working through IYI to impact youth and change a generation. Stories like how girls from the youth prison, with once hardened hearts, now wait eagerly for Josefina (an IYI Youth Worker) because they now have the opportunity to learn about God, the Bible, positive character building and how He is working to change it all and give them true hope. Paola, a director from a baseball league in Los Tres Brazos, overwhelmed by the unconditional love and support he has received from IYI, in which he remarks, “the only people who have ever given me help”. Paola not a Christian, but realizing something different about IYI, now brings in leadership to conduct a Bible Study for his camp of boys. Then exclaiming to his interviewers when asked about his faith, he smiles, looks at Keith (Executive Director of IYI) and says, “you never know” as if to admit the Lord is indeed working inside him. In that moment, I thought back to earlier in the week as I stood in the monastery where the light shined powerfully through the building, masking the darkness and revealing the true beauty that lay within. Of all the struggle I witnessed that week, I was reminded that no matter how devastating a situation, God is the God of the universe and is much bigger than any country, government or it’s problems. He conquered death, can powerfully bring light to even the darkest situations and His awesome beauty will be revealed. We must continue to love people as we are called, make disciples of the Nations and share the incredible hope that is even bigger then baseball to the Dominicans…a hope in the only one who can truly save. A powerful reminder to never limit the size of your God by limiting the size of your expectations or dreams.

- Jen Hollingsworth, International Youth Initiative Global Teams

Biola University Journalism Department will release this fall a book entitled “The Dominican Dream: A Passion for Baseball, a Love of Family and a Hope for the Future,” as a result of their studies with IYI in the Dominican Republic this past Spring.

Read More about Biola Journalism in the Dominican Republic

Videos of their Experience:

The People of the Dominican

Six Times

From Their Point of View

The Translators

DR Reflections

This was just one of a handfull of day excursions that have been a part of this summer’s activities in the Dominican Republic with IYI Global Teams.

First, we would like to thank you for your continued support of International Youth Initiative in changing the lives of thousands of youth in the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Mexico. Doors in each of these countries continue to open to further impact the lives of youth. Though IYI continues to receive opportunities to impact lives, financial resources are desperately needed to make these things possible. Because of this we are excited to share with you 2 fundraising options that we want to invite you to be a part of. Both are no ongoing commitments or financial obligations and some products will also save you money!

#1: Buy Shaklee Products through IYI’s store. The economic recession has had a profound effect on the world of nonprofit organizations. To be healthy and productive, nonprofits like ours are forming strategic partnerships with companies that share a common vision. After careful consideration, we have chosen to partner with a company that has a long history of giving back to communities: Shaklee Corporation. Shaklee is the #1 natural nutrition company in the U.S. with a line of non-toxic cleaning products that are the official cleaning products of the White House and NASA. Shaklee quality products can easily replace products used every day in the home, including cleaning products, vitamins, and health and beauty aids. And because Shaklee products are backed by an unconditional money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose—and we have everything to gain.

When you make a purchase from our online Shaklee store, our organization will benefit. The program is entirely free for us, and we get a check each month based on purchases made through this Web site. To order from our online store, simply go to www.iyi.myshaklee.com. There you’ll find everything you need to know about the program and Shaklee products.

#2: Register your cards with the eScrip Program. The eScrip Program has created a system that contributes a percentage of purchases made using their grocery club cards and credit/debit cards. It’s simple, easy and safe! Sign up your club cards or/and credit/debit cards once and start having a percentage of the amount you spend go towards changing the lives of youth today without doing a thing!

Please pass this along to your family, friends and neighbors to invite them to be a part of making a difference in the lives of youth as well.

International Youth Initiative
714.493.9224
www.iyi.myshaklee.com
eScrip ID: 500025651

A local community leader and pastor (who also leads the IYI Youth Mentor Program) and IYI’s Youth Mentor Program will soon have a new home and location thanks to so many people from the local community and here in the United States working together to make this happen. IYI staff is on the ground building this multi-use home with the local community. More important than this building is the process of unity, character, and skill development that is happening. It’s reflective in the mutual sweat, learned skills, conversations over shoveling dirt, encouraging attitudes, words and gestures of deep appreciation, and the action being taken to help one another at so many levels.

I am so excited to bring you these stories over the next week as our staff team returns to the Dominican Republic on Friday. Keep posted this next week for more stories from the field!

– Betsy Osterink, IYI Associate Director

Clinic – Help run basic soccer drills for youth of all skill levels
Tournament – We will be dividing the youth into multiple teams and hosting an epic tournament

Investment

$30
Register Now

Donation Needs

• Soccer balls
• Cones
• Simple Team jerseys
• Sound system / Speakers

> Find Out More About Getting Involved
> Register Now for the Outreach Event

> Go to Mexico Outreach Events for specifics on our outreaches.
> Go to Mexico Main Page for an overview of our ministries.

The music workshop taught skills in guitar, percussion, and vocals. Talents ranged from absolute beginners to experienced musicians. The group practiced two songs – the Spanish versions of “Wavin’ Flag” by K’naan, which was well known from being a World Cup song, and “Me Veniste a Rescatar,” which is Hillsong’s “You Came to My Rescue.”

The photography workshop taught youth basic techniques in composition and photo-taking. They then had the opportunity to go throughout the community and take some pictures. Each youth got to choose their favorite picture and print it out immediately to display.

At the end, the music group was able to perform their songs, while the photography group showed off their photos. Everyone enjoyed it, and it really sparked an interest in both churches to explore creative arts as a means of ministry and engagement of the youth in their community.

Join us for our next outreach on Sunday, May 15, as we host soccer clinics and a tournament.

> See more pictures from this and other Mexico events

> Find Out More About Getting Involved
> Register Now for the Outreach Event

> Go to Mexico Outreach Events for specifics on our outreaches and information about the next one.
> Go to Mexico Main Page for an overview of our ministries.

> View more pictures from the Mud Run

> Signup to register to run in July

This was originally scheduled for Saturday, April 16, but has been moved to Sunday, April 17 only.

Join us April 17 for our monthly weekend outreach. This month’s theme will be focused on the Arts.

Workshops

Music – Teach basics in guitar, bass, percussion, and vocals. Youth will learn to perform two songs in Spanish, and will be the start of a music team for their church.
Painting – Teach basic skills in painting. Youth will go through a step-by-step painting, then create one of their own to display in the church and youth room. A gallery will be hosted after the workshop with a silent vote for the best painting.
Photography – Teach basic skills in photography and editing. Youth will go out into their community with digital cameras to take pictures. They will each choose one picture, apply some edits and/or filters on a computer, and have it printed immediately to display.

Other ministry opportunities include English classes and children’s ministry, with a youth event in the evening.
Stay for just Saturday, or stay overnight and join us for church and Youth Development on Sunday as well.

Investment

$30
Register Now

Donation Needs

Music Workshop
• Acoustic guitars
• Electric guitars / amps
• Bass guitars / amps
• Percussion – congas, bongos, cajons, tambourines, shakers, blocks
• Music stands
• Microphones
• Sound system / Speakers

Painting Workshop
• Paints (acryllic, tempra, water-based)
• Brushes
• Poster size butcher paper
• Canvases
• Newspapers
• Plastic/Styrofoam cups
• Styrofoam plates
• Rulers
• Pencils

Photography Workshop
• Photo paper
• Digital cameras
• Printer w/ photo ink
• Cardboard
• Black spray paint
• White poster board
• Newspaper
• Glue sticks

> Download the List

> Find Out More About Getting Involved
> Register Now for the Outreach Event

> Go to Mexico Outreach Events for specifics on our outreaches.
> Go to Mexico Main Page for an overview of our ministries.

> View more pictures from our Youth Dev Teams, including new ones from last Sunday.

> Find out more about our Youth Development Sundays