2025 El Dorado Trip Blog
In 2019, we started a partnership with the The Alliance in a Creative Access Country (CAC) that we've given the code name "El Dorado." The goal of this partnership is to come alongside the national church to support the work that God is doing in that region, as well as build relationships.
June 27, 2025
And they're off!
This morning, bright & early, our El Dorado team met for one final send off at our GP campus! With bags containing VBS materials, medical & construction supplies and plenty of sunscreen and bug spray, the team packed themselves into cars and headed out! While some of our team members are returning to El Dorado, for many on the team it will be their first time meeting our brothers and sisters at our partner church. ALL of them go, empowered by the words of the Spirit in their team verse:
And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
- Romans 10:15 (NIV)
Would you join us in praying over them as they go?
1. Spiritual Preparation and Protection:
Pray for the team's spiritual readiness, that they would be rooted in Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit, and discerning in their actions. Ask for protection from spiritual attacks, discouragement, and temptation. Pray for humility, wisdom, and a love for those they will serve.
2. Effective Ministry and Open Hearts:
Pray for boldness in sharing the gospel, for clear communication, and for opportunities to connect with people. Ask for God to work through them, opening hearts to receive the message of hope and transformation. Pray for wisdom in understanding and respecting cultural norms and for the ability to build trust and rapport with the local community all while submitting to the leadership of our IWs.
3. Unity and Support:
Pray for unity within the team & for healthy relationships. Ask for physical and emotional strength, and for the team to find rest and rejuvenation during their time in El Dorado. Pray for their families back home, for their support and encouragement, and for God's blessing on their lives.
June 29, 2025
Hello Daybreak! We are safely in Cuba! Sorry for the delay, this is the first we’ve had consistent power and a chance to get online.
Our travel days were eventful and full of firsts for some of our team. A first time flying, a first time in Cuba, and a first time receiving a Cuban citation!
We went straight from the airport to visit our friends. For many of us this was a beautiful welcoming home. The love and hospitality shown to us is hard to put into words. God’s love crosses all cultural and language barriers! After dinner we headed to the hotel for some much needed rest.
Sunday began with a team devotional and delicious breakfast at the hotel before heading out for church. As always, church was passionate, vibrant, and moving. Our friends have begun a ministry feeding children a hot lunch every Saturday and this week they moved it to Sunday so that we could help. What an incredible ministry, and we were so grateful to join them! After lunch we had the opportunity sit down with the pastors and hear about the work they’ve been doing and hear their (massive) vision for the future. Daybreak, God has led us to step into an incredible work and we have the opportunity to help make that vision a reality. We can’t wait to share that vision with you!
After hearing about the vision for the community, we had a chance to walk through the town, stop in a few houses, and surround the town in prayer. God is doing a big work here!
Our big projects start tomorrow. Please pray for health and safety in the work and in the heat. Please also pray for the children we will be serving at VBS in the afternoon.
Stay tuned for more updates. We love you and miss you all!
June 30, 2025
"They're coming for the relish"
Make sure you ask about it!
July 2, 2025
Happy Anniversary to Pastor Ned and Kim! Back at the hotel this evening Pastor Ned was surprised with cake and ice cream to celebrate 31 incredible years. Fortunately for the rest of us there was plenty to go around and we spent the evening laughing with our team and our friends here.
We had an incredible few days of service and ministry! The days were hot and long, but the team picked each other up and we accomplished everything that was set out for us. We also found out that the work we were doing is critical to an upcoming ministry event in a few weeks. It is really incredible to see the work God is doing through our friends here, and it’s humbling to know our church has been privileged to play a small role in that.
We had over 130 kids at VBS every day this week! We have some pictures and videos that you are definitely going to want to see!
Tomorrow we start the drive to Havana around lunchtime. That means we will have some very difficult goodbyes to say in the morning. Please pray for the team and for our friends as we share hugs and tears tomorrow.
July 3, 2025
Bienvenido a Habana!
As predicted, we had an emotional goodbye with our friends this morning. We had a chance to circle up as a whole group to express our gratitude and our love for each other. Joining hands, we then offered up a beautiful English/Spanish prayer to God thanking him for his blessings, our friendships, and the work being done here. After hugs, tears, and a few last-minute photos we were on the road to Havana.
We arrived safely in Havana this afternoon and after getting settled into our accommodations (the Mission House is pictured) we took a drive into the heart of the city for dinner. After a delicious dinner at Cha Cha Cha we were ready for bed. We look forward to having tomorrow to soak up the beauty and culture of Havana, but we are also excited to see you all soon!
