By Zac and Julie Stutler, serving in the Dominican Republic
The Stutlers minister at Alianza, a church plant that opened its doors in April 2011 in Punta Cana, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean. In June, the church took a step of faith and rented additional space across the hall from their ministry center. As a result, they invited more children for the third annual Bible camp.
From August 5–9, Alianza was the site of an unforgettable excursion during our 2013 Bible Adventures Camp. Our newly expanded ministry center was transformed into a “theme park” where more than 50 children, ages 3 to 11, enjoyed many exciting attractions, including face painting, carnival games, and visits from puppet friends. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as the children worshiped the Lord and sang about how following Jesus is “the greatest adventure of all.”
Colorful Characters
The kids divided into teams, each with a group of teen and adult helpers, and visited six “Adventure Zones” daily. One of these featured a thrilling virtual roller coaster that transported the children back to biblical times. There they experienced the adventures of Peter and Paul as told in the Book of Acts. On two days, the apostle Paul (in the form of a puppet) visited with the preschoolers, who delighted in talking with him and hugging him.
In the “Science Explosion Zone,” one of our local believers, an engineer, became the “cientifica loca no tan loca” (crazy scientist who is not too crazy) and amazed the children with experiments that communicated spiritual truths. On another day the local vet, also part of the Alianza family, brought in two beautiful parrots and shared about God’s creation.
The camp theme was trusting Christ. The children learned two slogans that they repeated continually throughout the week: “The adventure begins with Christ” and “When Christ is BIG, my fears are small.”
Our wonderful local volunteers were not alone; they were joined by a great team of four dedicated people from Community Alliance Church in Butler, Pennsylvania. As they worked on decorations, crafts, games, songs, puppets, and a variety of other ministries alongside the Alianza family, relationships were established and families were impacted by the love of Jesus—a wonderful example of living the call together.
The camp concluded on Friday evening with Parent’s Night. More than 120 people, many of whom were not yet part of the Alianza family, crammed into our main meeting room, which presently seats around 85. Children sat on their parents’ laps and people stood in the back and the aisle, but no one seemed to mind.
No Stage Fright
Cell phones, electronic tablets, Blackberries, and cameras came out when the children assembled in front to show their parents what they had learned during the week. There was no stage fright as the kids shouted into the microphone the Scripture verses and biblical slogans forever engraved on their hearts. They also sang song after song that spoke clearly of God’s love, including one with a powerful gospel message. It was apparent that these children were in love with Jesus.
God did marvelous things in the lives of the children and their parents. New families have started to visit the church. We know that God is going to bring great fruit from this event as He has done in the past.
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Full-Circle Ministry
Many in the Alianza family sacrificed greatly, giving of time, talents, and resources to make this camp a success. Some had been part of Alianza since it was planted, but many were new. During conversations with some of the adult volunteers, we realized that many who were now working in this camp were products of previous camps or children’s outreach events. They had come to Alianza through their kids and now were volunteering in an event to reach families. For many, this was their first time serving the Lord.
Another great joy for us is that after the camp, some teens and adults have asked to start discipleship programs. This ministry has served not only to reach children and new families but also to help people within the Alianza congregation to strengthen their relationship with Christ.
You, too, were an integral part of the adventure! All these exciting things were possible because you are living the call together with us. Your faithful prayers and sacrificial giving to the Great Commission Fund, the Punta Cana Project Approved Special, and our Work Special makes this ministry a reality. This, too, is the fruit of your ministry and your partnership. Word cannot express our gratitude.
The camp may be over, but the true adventure—walking with Jesus—continues. Please pray as men, women, teens, and children in Punta Cana continue serving the Lord.
What You Can Do
Pray
- Pray that God will multiply the work He began through this camp outreach and that people of all ages will continue to meet Jesus at Alianza.
- Pray for Alianza’s next phase of expansion, which will start in mid-September.
- Using our weekly Alliance Prayer Requests, join other Alliance family members to pray for Alliance workers around the world.
Give
- When you give to the Great Commission Fund (GCF), which supports Alliance workers like the Stutlers, you partner with them in reaching those who otherwise would never hear about Jesus and His love.
- Give now
Learn More
- Read another story by the Stutlers about a summer camp outreach.
- Read about Alianza’s children’s Resurrection celebration.