As you read this, a group of major league baseball players are providing an incredible Christmas surprise to children in the Dominican Republic.

How did some professional ball players end up at one of our projects? It's something only God could come up with... a way to reach children through the love of sports, sparking an interest in the hearts of a group of stellar athletes who could win an audience in this baseball-crazy country.

But they won more than audience -- they won the hearts of the community. Two years ago, a group of major league players helped dedicate the “Field of Dreams” in the Dominican Republic.

In addition to a baseball field, the community was provided with a two story building which houses classrooms that will include a computer lab and library in the near future.  A basketball/volleyball court and an open meeting area also provide learning opportunities for the 200+ children in the project, and acts as a central location for activities and summer camps for children of 8 other projects within close driving distance. 

Justin Masterson of the Cleveland Indians; Kyle Gibson, newly signed to the Minnesota Twins; Aaron Myette, former MLB Pitcher; and Randy Rowley, an MLB Player Agent helped dedicate the facilities and spent time with the kids. You can see a video of that ceremony below.

But today, Justin, Kyle, and Randy are back in the DR to take 80 children to a baseball game for the first time, as well as conduct mini-camps for the kids. And their wives will be engaged with the children in craft activities, including making all of the decorations for a Christmas tree. A free community dinner is being held so the players can share their testimonies. 

In the past two years, we've been amazed at how God has used this field and the programs it hosts to make an amazing impact on hundreds of children and the community of Moca. And the best part is it will only continue for years to come!

You can read more about the players and this trip on MLB.com by clicking this link. Or watch the video below to see the Field of Dreams for yourself!

Dominican Republic - Baseball Field Dedication 2009 from Mission of Mercy on Vimeo.