May/June ’26 in Pictures

On June 26, 2026June 26, 2026 By MitchenersIn Dominican Republic, Family, Indiana, Photos of the MonthLeave a comment

At the end of May, we flew to the Dominican to celebrate with the first graduating class of Freedom Christian School! Check out some of the experiences we were privileged to be a part of that week.

Sponsorship Luncheon

The morning after we arrived on campus, we walked over to the multi-use for breakfast. As I looked around, my heart was overwhelmed with gratitude; I saw sponsors and others who have invested in Freedom for many years. I’m convinced that I got a small glimpse of heaven. It’s going to be an amazing thing sit in Jesus’ presence someday with other saints who have given much to see the gospel go out!

The Freedom sponsorship crew put on an amazing luncheon; missionaries, students, and sponsors shared about the impact that this program has made in each of our lives.

Batey Tour

Throughout the years, we’ve always given our visitors a tour as we travel out to the villages to do ministry. As part of our programmed time in the afternoon, we visited Lima. It was an incredible thing for me to witness our seniors as the tour guides! Instead of missionaries sharing stories, the young people who actually live in these places spoke to us about their experiences and how Freedom has made an impact in their hearts and lives.

In Lima, we visited the Nazarene church building “where it all began.” Several people prayed and thanked God for the many ways He has worked over the last decade and a half.

Graduation

The graduation ceremony was incredible! What a full-circle moment! The entire ceremony, I had flashbacks to bygone memories- some difficult, and some beautiful. God carried us through each day and allowed us to see the result of His work in kids’ lives.

Freedom rented an event room at a nearby resort in order to house all the visitors and parents.

Catching Up with Friends

We stayed a couple extra days to catch up on some hugs and laughs with the team! Thankful for the relationships that have held strong over the years!

Leyton and Noah with Aylin, Yuleisy’s oldest

I serve a good God! Thanks for following along with me!

February/March ’26 in Pictures

On March 31, 2026April 17, 2026 By MitchenersIn Dominican Republic, Family, Indiana, Photos of the MonthLeave a comment

I do not understand how time continues to pass in a blink! Enjoy 30 more photos from these last two months of 2026.

Ministry

Family

See you on the other side of April!

January ’26 in Pictures

On January 31, 2026April 4, 2026 By MitchenersIn Dominican Republic, Family, Indiana, Photos of the MonthLeave a comment

It’s the start of a brand new year. In 2026, there will be some milestone events that we’re very much looking forward to – namely, Freedom’s first high school graduation! But until then, we’re doing our best to take advantage of the days we’re given. Check out these 31 photos from January.

Ministry

In the Dominican, it’s tradition for senior classes to go through what is called “Senior Promotion” where they “introduce” themselves to the student body as they get ready to graduate.

Family

Thanks for coming along with me! On to February!

September ’25 in Pictures

On October 1, 2025October 31, 2025 By MitchenersIn Dominican Republic, Family, Indiana, Photos of the MonthLeave a comment

September was pretty special! Krista and I made it back to the DR for another week-long work trip. It was awesome to be able to connect again with the ground team and with our student body. Enjoy these fall photos – both from Freedom and from our family!

Ministry

A new schoolwide photo was taken for the ’25-’26 year

Family

Noah had a birthday at the end of August, but we celebrated on Labor Day with some cookie cake! So proud of this guy.

October is up next! Thanks for following along with us!

God Wins.

On September 11, 2025September 12, 2025 By MitchenersIn Angela6 Comments

Recently, someone hurt my feelings. Hah! Now that some time has passed, I can objectively say that the comments uttered to my face were not meant to be a huge malignment of my character. However, the words spoken were based on assumptions about my intentions, and to be honest, the interaction stung a bit. Sadly, I’ve been replaying those words a little too often in my mind – even stacking them on top of other unthoughtful comments from previous conversations.

And then, a reality check.

Yesterday, my heart broke as I learned the news that the rest of America is buzzing about: Charlie Kirk’s death. Suddenly, my little problem – being hurt because someone tried to “put me in my place” without actually knowing my heart – seemed so small. I’ve experienced criticisms and more, but never death threats, much less an attempt on my life. I cannot fathom how Erika and Charlie’s two children will walk this painful path in the coming days.

Proverbs 19:22 says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

This little nugget of wisdom has been a support for me today as I buckle under the sad reality of the state of our country. Our forefathers founded the colonies 250 years ago so that their children’s children could worship God all the days of their lives – not murder each other because of fits of rage or differing ideologies/political views.

Like David did in so many of his psalms, I’m praying that justice will be served now. That evil will be squelched today. That God and His character will not be maligned any longer.

I’m not exactly sure what it looks like for the Lord’s purpose to prevail this side of heaven. Sometimes, it feels like He’s being so silent in the face of evil. But the comforting truth is that God wins in the end. I rest in the fact that His timing is perfect.

Ultimately, every knee will bow before Him. Oh, the harvest is ripe! May I continue to see those around me as human beings, made in God’s image and in desperate need of Him. And may I always find ways to courageously share the Good News of the abundant life available in Jesus Christ.

July/August ’25 in Pictures

On September 1, 2025September 17, 2025 By MitchenersIn Dominican Republic, Family, Indiana, Photos of the MonthLeave a comment

Whew! What a full summer. Here’s a combination of July and August 2025 from the Mitchener point of view.

Ministry

We had several teams join us this summer. They helped immensely in VBS. Here, one of our seniors, Alfredo, is translating a testimony from English to Spanish.

Family

This is not a sight that I see too terribly often, so when I do, I’m documenting it!

Ready or not, here comes September!

June ’25 in Pictures

On July 1, 2025September 6, 2025 By MitchenersIn Dominican Republic, Family, Indiana, Photos of the MonthLeave a comment

I forgot how much I loved summer in the States.
Enjoy 30 June pictures from our perspective!

Ministry

How many of these visiting teams photos have I posted over the years? It may just seem like random faces, but each person is an answered prayer.

Family

We went camping with the fam one weekend! Check out that pile o’ chicken.

Thanks for following along on our picture journey!

May ’25 in Pictures

On June 1, 2025August 29, 2025 By MitchenersIn Dominican Republic, Family, Indiana, Photos of the MonthLeave a comment

May happenings – both in the DR and in Indiana!

Ministry

Our Juniors are already beginning to think about life after graduation

Family

Caleigh had one final choir concert to end the school year here in IN!

Up next? SUMMER!

April ’25 in Pictures

On May 1, 2025May 19, 2025 By MitchenersIn Dominican Republic, Family, Indiana, Photos of the MonthLeave a comment

Wow! April flew by! So thankful for the arrival of spring and for God’s continued provision. Thirty pictures from the thirty wonderful days God gave us this month.

Ministry