ThanksGiving thoughts

   The Revolution Tour is completed, what an amazing experience.

Revolution Update Tour 

   Over one month ago Stacy and I began a journey visiting eleven different churches that have been very involved with Solid Rock and the Revolution project.   The purpose was to bring over 530 individuals and organizations up to date regarding what has happened over the last two years since ground breaking in November of 2014 and what the the future holds. 
It was a wonderful time visiting an amazing array of different type of churches and meeting many people who have be very involved with Solid Rock for decades.
What I now better understand and appreciate is the variety of faiths involved with Solid Rock. Even though there are differences in how each church might praise the Lord or reach out to those in need, all of these churches are each praising and doing with the same underlying reason - to fulfill the message Jesus delivered asking that we recognize Him, the blessings God has placed on every one of us and that we are to serve others. 
Whether we praise thru contemporary or conservative services, rockin' electric music or traditional organ music, pews with kneeling bars or chairs arranged in a semi-circle - we are all acknowledging Him, trying to live our lives as He asked, searching within ourselves to find the unlimited love we all possess, and reaching out to those in need. 
From providing meals to thousands day after day, planting churches in far away places with church members relocating to be the roots of the new churches, reaching out to neighbors offering food clothing and shelter to people going through a difficult period in life - all of these things are being done by groups of people who really all belong to the same thing - the Body of Christ.

The hand of God lifting the Dominican Republic from turbulent waters

So as I told the interesting history of Solid Rock and explained what has happened with the project and then most importantly why this project is needed, it really came down to just one simple thing: This project will ensure that for decades to come the Poorest of the Poor have a place to go when they need health care, and they will be provided that care with loving, open arms and in the name of Christ the Lord. Care, love and hope will be provided to people with no expectations who have no feeling of entitlement, continuing many years of serving others. What an amazing gift to provide to people in need, and the Revolution will be the vehicle though which these works will continue for generations, raising so many, changing and saving lives.
   This Thanksgiving we are all fortunate to be celebrating the abundance that our blessed country provides to each of us, please stop, take a moment and communicate your love and appreciation to not just your friends and family but to everyone you encounter this holiday, we are the Body of Christ.    
   Thank you to all of the people and organizations that have made this project go from only a dream to a project well underway.
   So I ask if you would support people in the DR,  this project and help us ensure that the amazing works that have happened in these first 27 years will continue for 27 years and beyond.
   We are blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving!
   

Touring

November 1, 2016
We've been "on the road"!
Stacy and I have been in the States now approacing a month and we have visited several churches who have been supporters of the Revolution Project.

Illinois Farmland

Roanoke, VA - 2nd Pres

Concord, NC - Glorieta Baptist Church

Nashville, TN - 1st Pres

Peoria, IL - Northwoods

Indianapolis, IN - 2nd Pres

Ft Wayne, OH - Pine Hills

Wauseon, OH - Crossroads

It has been very meaningful to meet many of the people who have helped with the project historically, financially, prayerfully or physically! 
Historically - It was truly special to meet many of the people who have been an important part of the history of Solid Rock. The accomplishments of life-changing and life-saving events that have happened over the past 27 years is remarkable, so meeting some of the people involved in serving others has been very meaningful. 
Financially - It is amazing that because of the generosity and vision of 530+ people and organizations over $2.7M has been raised so far. These people and churches have invested in a dream that truly is becoming a reality, and it is only because of their investment that it is happening.
Prayerfully- The spiritual support is so appreciated, there have been numerous "God-coincidenses" while working on the project and I thank everyone for keeping the project and everyone involved in their prayers.
Physically - Thanks to the 100's of volunteers who have spent their money and limited vacation days to offer their time and talents helping onsite. The work done at the project by these teams has been a necessity, and going forward there is much to be done and some neat projects for teams to help with as we get closer to needing outbuildings, grounds and work on the building itself. 

It was extra special to see Dr Diller (87 yrs) at Crossroads, he was ready to build a new clinic soon after the hurricane and flood in 1998, so it is nice to be a small part in helping see his vision become a reality. His life's story is one of meeting the call of Christ, he has led an extraordinary life of serving others.


SRI has been a conduit thru which so many positive things have happened in the San Juan area, and with the completion of this facility we can ensure that the mission of Solid Rock and everyone involved can continue for many generations - SERVING THE POOREST OF THE POOR.  

The Reality - Higher Cost but same Vision  & Need

Being in-country has allowed Frank and me to arrive at a realistic construction estimate which is now $4.5M ... $1.5M more than the original campaign. We have a new campaign target but the same vision of why this facility is needed. We are building the fully equipped facility at a very efficient cost of $98 per square foot and are working daily to find ways to minimize costs.

So we are continuing to press forward but cautiously watching that your donations go as far as possible.

Very few capital projects by non-profits can pass 100% of donations on to the project, Solid Rock is doing that - there is no better way for you to help people in need. 

Perhaps you cannot take the time to offer your talents and travel abroad - please consider trusting that we will use your gracious gifts very carefully with a simple goal - building a facility from which people may Serve Others ... changing lives medically, spiritually and giving wonderful but very poor people a sense of hope.

And He sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.” Mark 12 41-44