Brief Historical Background
Hispaniola, the island discovered by Columbus at the time it was occupied by peaceful Taino Indians, is now 2 nations, 2 languages, 2 countries – Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Having experienced Spanish conquests, massacres, disease, piracy, French settlement, civil war, long and oppressive dictatorships, assassinations, U.S. occupancy, the country has evolved into a reasonably free and democratic nation under the current presidency of Dr. Leonel Fernandez. But ethics need improvement and corruption defeated before the DR is a true and developed democracy.
Dominican Republic Today
Largely agricultural, sugarcane is the chief crop and sugar the chief export. Sugar production has sharply declined recently. Other major crops are coffee, cocoa, tobacco, rum, rice, bananas, flowers and pineapples. Mining of copper, platinum, zinc, gold, silver and nickel has gained importance in recent years.
But, despite the country’s steady growth, the majority of the 10 million plus population still live in extreme poverty. Unemployment is rampant for the majority, and the most vulnerable, the children, suffer through malnutrition, disease and illiteracy. Many of these children, at a tender age, are forced to be the breadwinners of the family unit and thus the cycle of poverty perpetuates.
Roman Catholicism is the principal religion; however, many who profess the faith are nominal Catholics. Evangelicals are slowly making inroads into the country, providing medical assistance, child sponsorship and Christian teaching. Transportation for the locals is by mini-bus and motor cycle. Most of the people live beyond the main roads in the villages. The village roads are rough and are mainly accessed by trucks and motor cycles.
The Beauty of the Dominican Republic
Located in the West Indies, the Dominican Republic (DR) is the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola. The land ranges from mountainous to gently rolling, with fertile river valleys. Beaches, bays, ocean and waves are breathtakingly beautiful. It has a moderate subtropical climate, ample rainfall and fertile soils.
Its towns bustle with activity with those eaking out a living from tourism as well as with the tourists themselves.
Share yourself!
· Your time
·Your talents
·Your treasure
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you ”Matt. 28:19-20a
Be an Ambassador for Christ
Bring hope to people of the DR
Bring help to those who meet the needs of the poor
Bring encouragement to the church in the DR.
Bring love and friendship to the people of the DR.
Bring Jesus Christ to the nation!
Join a Team
To help the Dominican church reach out in the love of Christ to those in need
Through evangelism
Through helping families
Through working in the community
Through teaching and training
Through helping medically
To impact the lives of others
To see an impact upon your life!
Short Term Mission DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
April 19th to May 4th, 2008
Serve: Pastor Pedro helping develop and facilitate a conference for 12 to 15 local pastors; By helping set up a Women’s ministry in a Haitian community church situated in the DR;Teaching ESL, health & safety;Children Singing and sharing testimonies. Cooking for the team.
Needed: Big-hearted, motivated, flexible people. People eager to use their gifts - music, crafts, yard work, teaching, organizing, nursing, evangelism.
Tell us your gifts and skills – we will use them in Canada & the DR! Ideas:
Help us seek those who should go!
Mentor team spiritually – prayer & Bible study
Administration/fund-raising
Develop ministry
Cost: $2000 includes food, accommodation, insurance, in country travel and project funds. Tax-deductible receipts will be issued. For information call Len Lane at 905-684-1401 or Judy Dancer 613-230-7763.
Dominican Republic
