Published Wed, Jul 09, 25.
Written by Sondra Dellaripa.

Oakland Mission Team Diaries: By Dharling Cruz, Juan Tomas

On Sunday June 8th, 2025, the Oakland Christian School mission team landed in the Dominican Republic for their ten days of service in partnership with the Fountain of Life School in Juan Tomas.  Awaiting them that evening was a delicious, warm dinner, lovingly prepared as their first taste of home away from home. The night didn’t end there. At 7 PM, we gathered for a Welcoming Night filled with joy, laughter, and shared anticipation. It was the perfect way to break the ice, set hearts in the right place, and prepare the team spiritually and emotionally for the week ahead.

Monday was intentionally slow-paced, giving space for connection, reflection, and preparation. We began with a tour of the campus, learning about the powerful legacy of the McMillan family—their missionary journey, sacrifices, and unwavering obedience to God’s call. The story of how Fountain of Life came to be deeply inspired the team and brought purpose to every step taken across campus.
Later in the day, we organized materials and tools for the week ahead—craft supplies, lesson plans, and everything needed for VBS (Vacation Bible School). Every item placed, every plan made, was soaked in intention and prayer, as we mapped out a joyful and impactful experience for the children of Juan Tomás.

After preparations, the team stepped out into the community to invite families and children to VBS. We walked through the village, visited homes, and stopped by the public school to personally extend the invitation. Each encounter was an opportunity to plant seeds of joy, hope, and curiosity about God’s love. And then came the highlight of the day—Carnival Night. After dinner, the campus came
alive with lights, music, and laughter. There were games, prizes, candy, and unforgettable moments of fellowship. We danced, we played, and we celebrated simply being together—missionaries, students, families from the village, and members of the local church. It was one of those nights that fills your heart and stays with you forever. A beautiful reminder that the Kingdom of God feels a lot like community, joy, and shared purpose.

As we reflected on these first two days, we were overwhelmed with gratitude for the friendships forming, the work being prepared, and the Spirit of God moving in every detail. This is just the beginning—and we can’t wait to see what else God has in store.