Thursday, August 6, 2015

Dillards on a Mission

 Jill Dillard, Derick Dillard, and Israel Dillard shop for groceries in Central America


Israel Dillard, 4 months old
In a recent update, Jill Dillard shared how she and Derick have been making an eternal impact in several Central American countries since their arrival on July 5th. 

The Dillards have worked with various mission teams to share the Gospel in villages across the region. They have performed plays, met with government officials, worked on construction projects, led youth conferences, made home visits, and even organized a soccer tournament.

Gang violence is prevalent in Central America, but Jill and Derick have been able to minister to gang members and lead them to a relationship with Christ. The Dillards are working to provide young people with education and/or jobs so they can break the cycle of poverty. 

With his beautiful, blue eyes and friendly smile, four-month-old Israel Dillard has opened doors for Jill and Derick to connect with locals.

One day in particular, Jill stayed behind at the base church with Israel while Derick hiked to a remote village. This gave Jill a chance to chat with a group of ladies and brush up on her Spanish. 


What's next for the Dillards? During August, the couple will be taking language classes so they can better communicate with the people of Central America. They will also return to the United States for a short time before returning to the mission field. 

The Dillards


Photos courtesy of duggarfamily.com

42 comments:

  1. Beautiful family. I'm so happy for them & what they are able to accomplish.

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  2. He couldn't look more like Jim Bob.

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  3. Why would you go become missionaries without learning the language first??

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  4. I would imagine the adjustment must be hard for Jill with a small baby and the drastically different living conditions compared to home.

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  5. Thank you for so many updates., especially since the show was cancelled :-(

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  6. God bless y’all. Baby Israel is a doll baby!! Stay safe & prayers for y’all.

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  7. God bless! You all are such an inspiration!

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  8. Blessings to the Dillards! I am in awe of such wonderful dedicated Christians. Can't believe how brave you are to go off and do missionary work while building your family. God bless you all and keep you safe.

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  9. Jill and Derek my husband and I are not able to go on a mission, so we want you to know we support you and pray for you daily. God has a mighty plan for you and Derek and little Isreal, one day not to far off you will be speaking Spanish and dreaming it. May God continue to keep his hand on your lives. God Bless your precious little family

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  10. I think Israel is beyond cute, he looks like he will be a very smart person, he has curious eyes!! Maybe you guys should of called him Skylar after all, LOL!!!!!! I am very proud of your decision to go to South America, I think this time that your away, will be a time to heal, to regroup, and feel free!!!!!! I do HOPE you two will make something of yourself's, and don't worry after a while you won't feel like you two are swimming in a fishbowl!!! I care about you two, and WISH YOU WELL!!!!!

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  11. They ministered to gang members and led the to christ over a few weeks? While moving around? That is difficult to understand, logistically.

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  12. Israel is so cute!

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  13. Israel`s sooooooooo cute! He is a very, very handsome little boy! So glad things are going well for you in Central America, Jill and Derrick.
    Hope that things keep going well and that you stay safe!
    Lily S.

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  14. Jill should carry Israel in a more ergonomic way. It looks like the little guy will get a sore neck by hanging there. He's either too tall or the carrying device is not used correctly.
    I am amazed by how you tamed the violent gangs - wow!

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  15. They are awesome!

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  16. So nice to see an update so thank you so much Lily & Ellie.
    Great to see pictures and so glad their work is helping others. I do hope Jill is pacing herself as she appears a bit worn in one picture shopping and much thinner in her face in both. Recovering from child birth is an on going process the first year. I must agree about the carrier. I am sure she was just doing the best she could at the time but bless his little heart.... what a trooper.
    It is rarely easy serving but so rewarding despite the hardships in the end. They are always in our family prayers as they help others.

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  17. I wish all parents would set an example of serving others as well as the example Jill and Derek are setting for Israel. May God walk with them all in their journey. And thank you Lily and Ellie for sharing their journey with us.

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  18. Jill nerds to concentrate on holding Israel's head and not posing tor pictures. I can barely look at this!

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  19. Oh wow, Israel's expression, in the picture of him with the orange-checked shirt, looks just like his Grampa Jim Bob. Sweet baby!

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  20. I understand that the people of El Salvador are Catholic. That means Christian. Why swap one sort of Cristianity for another?

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    1. Catholic is not Christian. Nor is Baptist or Jews or Jehovas or whatever. Christianity is a Relationship not a religion. We go straight to God not to a person. We are baptised not christened, Christians are what is taught in the New Testament, there who Paul tried to change Jews and Gentiles to. Not to Catholics.

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    2. Isreals head looks uncomfortable. Cute baby though

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    3. Oh, you are sooo wrong - Catholics certainly ARE Christians! So are Baptists. The two main branches of Christianity are Catholic and Protestant. Baptists, Lutheran, Methodist, etc al are all on the Protestant branch of Christianity. They evolved during the middle ages when they broke away from the Catholic Church in protest, hence the term Protestant, and various other offshoots formed, which is why there are more protestant religions. But they are ALL Christian!!!

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  21. Good for Jill for babywearing! She should really look into a better carrier though. That one is not ergonomic for baby and it doesn't look like she's even using it properly. Tell her to look into a Lillebaby. They have them on their site on sale right now.

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  22. think jill needs tips on carrying a baby ! poor kids head needs to be supported. also how can they so quickly change gang members lives around so QUICKLY, have not been there that long . esther graber mom of 13 loves GOD from nappanee indiana mennonite

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  23. Ouch, second carrier fail! I don't think it's the baby carrier's fault. It looks like an Ergo, but she needs to adjust the straps

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  24. Wow. Exciting for you all. Thank you for all you do. Keep bringing others to Christ. Keeping everyone in my prayers.

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  25. To Irene.....the Christianity Derrick and Jill are sharing provides Eternal Life, that is, the Bible teaches that if we are trusting Jesus Christ as our Savior, then when we die, we will be with our God and Savior, not in purgatory. Read Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9, 10 & 14.

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  26. Their work is great..however I feel they are doing to much to fast. I do pray for their safety, but this is extreme with a 4 month old.

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  27. Put The Duggars Back On TV

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  28. UP just has to get them on TV. Even though I feel bad for what Josh did, we all need to forgive sinners and let God judge. Josh does not need to be a part of the growing Duggars, because they seem to do good for people to really know that God is in control and portray a life of servicing and compassion.

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  29. Jill's back is sure to give out soon if she continues to carry that child as she is doing in that sling she is wearing..and improperly at that. The baby should be facing OUT, not towards her and hanging there like his head is going to flop off...What is she going to do when number 2 comes in a year from now?

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  30. @Anonymous

    Amon. 22. For your edification; Catholics are Christians! We believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior and in will live eternally with Him in heaven.

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  31. I'm happy to hear that Jill and Derrick are witnessing for God. I've missed hearing of what they're doing. Praise to God for their work in another country. Praying for your family.

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  32. Its a shame that so many folks feel the need to nit pick and complain about something so ridiculous. Why oh why, do I ask? Really,what good can come of it? People are more likely to listen to constructive feedback than negative know it all insults.Let's just all lift each other up instead of tearing each other down for a change and just see how good your soul feels afterwards.Please be considerate and kind to each other...Thanks!

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  33. God Bless you! I am so HAPPY for you.
    Try to visit Dominican Republic one day.

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  34. Love this family and love that little boy. How cute! Wish they could read our well wishes.

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  35. I just love the duggars. Was so sad you were taken off tv. Everyone makes mistakes.

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  36. This is a special family. I feel as if they could be kids of my own..... Be safe Dillard's, miss U. Your beautiful.......

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  37. You are a beautiful family.... I miss you and hope you stay safe. You are a wonderful influence on your son, and I think you are the perfect two people to walk through life's journey together.

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