LOCATION: Dominican Republic

MINISTRY FOCUS: My name is Claire VanderVelde and I will be interning in the Dominican Republic with EMDC ministries from January to May. My ministry focus would be kid’s ministry and worship ministry. I have always been passionate about kids ministry and helping kids at a young age. My mom would teach Sunday School, and even as a child, I would want to assist her. I have been working in Sunday School for the past five years and I love it! Additionally, I consistently babysit my five cousins and have varied experience from infants to teenagers. I want this to be an aspect of my ministry because I feel that God has given me a passion for caring for children, and I feel called to care and evangelize to them as well. Furthermore, my other area of focus would be worship ministry. I am passionate about music and I sing, and play multiple instruments. Along with classical training, I have trained vocally with worship leaders, and have sung on my church’s Young Adult worship team. At this point, I would love to use my abilities to teach people, especially children, about music and how it glorifies God.

MINISTRY HISTORY: Since Claire’s grandparent’s founded her church, and her aunt has been the pastor for the past thirty years there, she has been surrounded and inspired by those in ministry. From a young age she was involved in Sunday School and helping in the nursery. She recently became more involved at church, helping in the Young Adults and worship ministry. Her most notable experience was this past summer on a Missions Trip to the DR. Joining her church on this trip was a completely new experience and pushed her out of her comfort zone. She was given the opportunity to evangelize and pray for people face-to-face, tell her testimony, and work with children. During this trip God planted a seed within Claire to continue ministry in the DR and to return for an internship there.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

• Pray for my safety during my trip and that I won't be homesick.
• Pray that I will be confident and brave in my faith.
• Pray for the seeds that will be planted during my interactions.