Portavoz

Portavoz (n.)-- someone who is entrusted with representing a higher body or being; a spokesperson

Last weekend, all of the university movements throughout the Dominican Republic came together for a time of fellowship, training, and spiritual growth during Vida Estudiantil's Summer Camp 2013. Appropriately titled, Portavoz, the Summer Camp encouraged students in their personal relationship with Jesus, challenged them to be leaders for Christ on their universities, and equipped them with ministry tools to launch a Vida movement on their campus. Five different universities (UASD, UTESA, UNPHU, UCE, PUCA) participated, and it was cool to experience the unity, love and friendship between the students that weekend. 

"There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:4-6

The Regional Directors for the CRU Latin American movement led the discussions each day on the importance of abiding in Christ in all situations (John 15) and the need for honest surrender of one's self to the Lord. We ended the weekend with a candlelight worship service, personal testimonies from the students on how the Camp impacted them, and a spontaneous merengue dance party on the beach. 

Below is a testimony from one the Vida Estudiantil student leaders from UNPHU as she describes her experiences during the Camp--

Every moment in “Portavoz” was such a gift for my edification and I received so many answers to prayers that I had prayed before. Sheri Onishi’s [CRU Regional Director for Latin America] talk was something that I really needed to hear—how the way that we view ourselves affects our relationship with God. This helped me remember that my identity is based on more than just being a good friend, being generous, or offering something worthwhile to others, and that I can easily be deceived because all of these things can fail me. However, God will always do the opposite: if I fail Him, He will always forgive and accept me. It really challenged me to meditate on how I was directing my life and where I was going with it.

I also learned how to share the Gospel in a much better way using the Four Spiritual Laws and I got a lot out of Leyla’s [DR National CRU Staff] breakout session on follow-up. Beforehand, I had prayed that, more than just sharing the Gospel, I wanted to learn how to give follow-up to the people who had received Christ, but I didn’t know where to begin or how to do it correctly. Also, the strategic planning time that forced us to think about where we were at and what dreams we had for the future in our campus ministry was excellent in helping us know where we need to go from here and how many more things we could do in the future with God’s help.

After team competitions on the beach for the students

With Luz Marlenis, who'll pioneer the movement at PUCA

Franchesca and Leyla, participating in Lectio Divino by candlelight

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and encouragement this year, in particular for the Summer Camp. I appreciate your partnership in the Gospel here in the Dominican Republic!

xoxo,

kme