Derick and Jill Dillard confirm mission location, say locals gawk at baby Israel
The mystery has been solved! In a new blog post, Derick and Jill Dillard said they are doing a long-term mission in Central America.
“We are so excited to announce that we have safely arrived on the mission field and we can now tell you that we are in Central America,” Derick said. Although he didn’t confirm it, multiple sources report they are in El Salvador — the site of past Duggar missions.
Derick said the transition is going well — especially for their three-month-old son, Israel.
“Israel seems to be adjusting to the new climate, culture, food (via mom’s milk), and language faster than Jill and I are,” he said. “In fact, he has been the talk of the town. Everywhere we go, people here about and want to see and hold the, ‘big blue-eyed, white baby’ LOL. Israel is definitely growing and developing fast. It has also been wonderful to make contact and talk briefly with family back in the US to share updates.”
After brother-in-law Ben Seewald got in a bit of hot water following an El Salvador mission last year when he talked about Christians facing “bitter persecution from the Catholics and those in Voodoo,” Derick did a more tactful job of explaining how they are trying to convert people.
Just 7 days ago, I had the joy of witnessing one elderly woman give lordship of her life to Christ. This transpired just one day after her Christian son was restored to fellowship in his local church. We were at the man’s house ministering to him with encouragement from God’s Word when the opportunity was presented to share the hope of the Gospel with his mother. It’s our prayer, and we ask you to please pray with us, that many more would repent of their ways and turn to God’s way for their life.
The couple again asked for “financial partners” to help them make their “vision a reality” — even though they are still very vague on how funds are used.
The post is the latest since 19 Kids and Counting was officially cancelled last week. Upon making that announcement, TLC said Jill and sister Jessa Seewald are participating in a documentary about survivors of abuse. That hasn’t been filmed yet, so Jill is either planning a trip back to the U.S. within the next few weeks or a TLC crew is heading to El Salvador.
