Ministries
Adopt-a-village
For many groups or churches who visit the bateys (sugar cane villages) in the DR, they want to make a personal impact in a specific village where they have begun to build lasting relationships. When possible, we try to customize a plan for that specific village, based on size, need and budget. The plan would include support for a Pastor or missionary, training materials and Bibles, ongoing food and clothing for the poorest of the village, orphan care and possible scholarships.
If your church or organization is interested in this, please contact us for more information. Our hope is to have many villages “adopted” by American groups who will support, pray and visit them regularly!
Pastoral Training and Education
As the ministry grows and reaches more lives in the Dominican Republic, the need for men to help carry the vision grows as well. As God leads us to local men who have a heart for ministry and a willingness to serve, they will be enrolled in a training course at our small training facility. American Pastors and teachers come here on a quarterly basis to offer much- needed training in pastoral ministry, theology and discipleship. The purpose of this three-year training course is to equip potential pastors with the tools they need to continue the ministry in the sugarcane villages, and to make disciples of the Gospel. By giving to this ministry, you are enabling these men to devote all their time and energy to learning.
Scholarship Ministries
Once a person comes to faith in Jesus, God begins to give them a vision for what He desires for their life. As we are making disciples, we find many who desire to get and education for the purpose of glorifying God. (What a novel idea!). However, very few have the means required – even though it is relatively inexpensive. There are many programs for teachers, lawyers, doctors, etc. which these disciples can attend for as little as $60 per month. We have begun a student sponsorship program which is custom-designed to mach an American person, church or organization with an eligible candidate. Sponsors receive monthly update letters as well as reports of grades each semester.
The picture featured here is “Lawyer to Lawyer” – American attorney Christin connects with her scholarship law student Rosa.
If you have a desire to invest in the infrastructure of the DR, contact us!
Audio Bibles
Money designated for this ministry will be used to purchase audio Bibles – twenty dollars will buy the Bible on an MP3 player, which is ideal for individual use, and one hundred dollars is enough to buy a Proclaimer, a solar-powered speaker system which is better for group use. These Bibles are available in Spanish and Creole, both of which are useful in the villages (Creole is the native language of the Haitians).
Village Care and Food Buckets
In the heart of the Dominican Republic lie vast acres of sugarcane fields – these fields are home to thousands of Haitians who make their living from this sugarcane. Because of the extremely low income level, and very limited access to the conveniences of the towns, the villagers live in poverty-like conditions. The village care and food bucket ministry was implemented to help take care of basic necessities. On a very practical level, buckets are valued for their capacity to transport water (most villages don’t have running water) and various other items. Along with the food in these buckets, which is typically enough to feed a family of four for fifteen days, each family receives both immediate and continued practical supplies for their needs.
The hair washing ministry is also included in village care, which involves shampooing, styling and/or cutting hair. This has become a very effective tool for sharing the gospel, as the villagers see a willingness to serve and want to know why.
Orphan, Widow and Elderly Ministry
Many have asked us about widows and orphans in the DR – and there are plenty. We considered building an orphanage, but after learning the situation, we found that many in the villages took an the responsibility of raising them – even without the means. This means that with a little help, children can grow up with family members in their home village, and receive care and Christian training – for a whole lot less money! We are just in the beginning phase of establishing sponsorship for these orphans, as well as widows and another unique group – older, invalid men. These men live in the villages – too old to work, no family and destitute. We are praying that God will help us to help them! If you are interested in this ministry, please contact us.
