One current TFA Father, Mike Zizmer, and one former TFA Father, Kent Sterchi were the driving force behind our Spring Break mission trip to the Dominican Republic. As soon as Middle School Principal Carol Grosshans heard of the trip possibility, she was on board. Unfortunately, the Lord had other plans as Mrs. Grosshans and her daughter Faith were unable to go on the trip due to some health concerns for Mrs. Grosshans. Mike, Kent, and Carol’s passion for an awesome ministry, Mission Emanuel, was experienced by the group of 29 who traveled to the Dominican Republic from March 28-April 1, 2011.
The mission team finished a house for a special family, built relationships in the Cielo and Nazaret villages, passed out water cards in the villages, had a special first ever movie and popcorn night, worshipped with the Dominican people, and were able to bless a young men’s discipleship group with their very own Bible’s in Spanish and English.
TFA mom Angela Dempsey describes the discipleship group, “While we were there, we also dedicated men to the first Boy’s Bible Study. There are 13 young men that have joined. They meet once a week and study God’s word. One other day a week they simply play together – baseball, soccer, etc. Quarterly, they are taken on field trips to see other areas of the country. These young men have never left their communities. The goal is to raise a generation of Godly men that will lead their communities and their country. “ Hearing TFA students Vic Thomas and Garrett Williams and many others pray for this group was indescribable.
The team also visited the Mission Emanuel’s water treatment plant and medical clinic. These ministries have been key in this community where clean water has saved many, many lives and provided healthcare has made a huge difference, especially to many special needs children. Praise the Lord for this special trip. The Mission team was very blessed to be able to serve and received a great blessing from the Lord serving alongside the Dominican people. Kent Sterchi was the trip’s spiritual guide and led the group in studying about living daily how Jesus would live. “I was blessed and felt the Lord moving me to a deeper relationship with Him while listening to the different people share how God was moving in their hearts,” said Middle School Assistant Principal Chris Mayberry.
Headmaster Steve Whitaker comments , “The family mission trip to the Dominican Republic was a powerful experience for Stevie (my son) and me. Serving the poorest of the poor gave us the opportunity to be the hands of feet of Jesus as we worked alongside other TFA families.” The First Academy is excited about a continued partnership with Mission Emanuel, stay tuned for more information regarding future trips. “This is a trip I will never forget,” said TFA Father Alex Vastardis, who attended the trip with his daughter Alysia.
Join me in celebrating the 2011 Spring Break Mission Team:
Vic Thomas, Mike Zizmer, Delaney Zizmer, Carolyn Berger, Lexi Berger, Duane Kuck, Cassi Kuck, Ken Kupp, Kristie Kupp, Kali Kupp, Carson Kupp, Angela Dempsey, John Dempsey, Allie Dempsey, Bryce King, Megan Dempsey, Kaitlyn Dempsey, Alex Vastardis, Alysia Vastardis, Laurin Cash, Hannah Rose Cash, Stephanie Williams, Garrett Williams, Bo Barnes, Kayla Barnes, Kent Sterchi, Chris Mayberry, Steve Whitaker, and Stevie Whitaker
Story By: Chris Mayberry
Assistant Principal of The First Academy Middle School
Orlando, FL
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