Mission to the Dominican Republic
Pews in the mission church of San Marcos were built by members of the Commission on World Mission
See photos of the
August 16th Consegracion
Download an application for 2008 (Deadline is October 15th)
The Coastline September 2007
By Geary Gaston
Special to The Coastline
Mobile, AL
Excitement for the work of Christ is abundant and infectious in the Dominican Republic. Sadly, the country is unimaginably poor and poverty is at levels far, far below anything most of us can conceive. Naked children can be seen playing in drainage ditches. Caring parents lock their small children in the house while they are at work so that the children will not roam the neighborhood unsupervised.
Sanitation is a luxury and throughout the country stomach parasites, due to the bacteria ridden water, are a constant problem. Even when health care is available a family will commonly be faced with the decision of buying either medicine for the sick or food for the family, as there is simply not enough money for both.
There are 42 active Episcopal clergy in the Dominican. However, the Diocese has only 19 homes for clergy in the entire country. Even so, there are 65 churches and “preaching stations”. The Diocese also has 7 fulltime missionaries and operates 21 schools, 2 clinics, and 2 children’s shelters. All of the 65 churches and “preaching stations” are missions and must be supported by the Diocese as the congregations are too poor to support the church by themselves. The clinics will not turn away anyone for lack of financial ability, and the children’s shelters seek out children of the poorest of the poor and provide them with daily baths, hot meals, and education.
How is it possible for all of this work and ministry of the church to continue in a country where for most worshipers’ one day’s wage is barely a day’s sustenance? It is made possible because of the prayers and gifts of time and money by many, many missionaries throughout the United States, and now the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast.
It is possible to have full time missionaries, who live and work in the Dominican, because they are financially supported by their home dioceses in the States. It is made possible by generous donations such as a recent $80,000 grant from UTO and private individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of others. It is made possible by the time and expense of part time missionaries such as the Construction, Medical, and Dental teams that went from our own Diocese in February, March and July, 2007.
But, most importantly, this work and ministry is made possible by people who have never been to the Dominican Republic, many of whom can’t speak a single word of Spanish....people like the missioners throughout our Diocese who went to the Dominican earlier this year to build church pews and hold medical and dental clinics.
How can you help? First and foremost, pray. Pray for this ministry. Pray for the clergy, Bishop, and people of the Dominican. Pray for the part-time missionaries from our Diocese who pay their own expenses to travel to the Dominican and give of their own time in God’s service. Then, look deep into your heart and give generously. Any amount you can give will enable missionaries from our Diocese to deliver medical and dental care, provide badly needed medicines, and help build churches, schools, shelters, and clinics. You can make a difference.
If you would like to financially support this exciting work simply make your check out to the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast and note that it is designated for the “Diocesan Mission to DR” and mail it to the Diocese at PO Box 13330, Pensacola FL 32591.
The Construction Team is now planning its next mission to the Dominican for February 23 – March 4, 2008. Deadline for making application for this Team is October 15, 2007. If you would like to join this Team or find out more about its work please call Team Leader Geary Gaston at (251) 649-7327. You may obtain an application by going online to www.diocgc.org/mission08.pdf.
The Medical and Dental Teams are also planning missions to the Dominican in March, 2008. If you are interested in joining these missions please contact either Mission Director Borden Morrow at (251) 626-6616 (H) or (251) 990-0420 (W) or Commission Secretary Jane Shoultz at (251) 621-0227.
The Commission on World Mission also has videos of past missions and is willing to speak at a Sunday school class or other parish gathering to show the video and talk about this exciting mission of our Diocese. Arrangements may be made by calling Mission Director Borden Morrow at the same numbers listed above.
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From Marta, (the Secretary/principal of the Inglesia San Marcos) regarding the consecration of the new church which took place on Aug. 16, 2007:
"Enclosed I am sending a few photos of the consecration of our new church, built with a lot of Christian love put forth by your time, talent and money which made the pews look beautiful. Our deepest thanks and may the Lord reward you in many ways for your good deeds, especially to us. To your group and the Florida-Alabama group; may God bless you richly."
Consecration on August 16, 2007
View more photos of the consecration and procession.
Geary Gaston is a Parishioner of Trinity, Mobile and a member of the Diocesan Commission on World Mission.
Email him: gearygaston@bellsouth.net.
