DR Service & Learning Teams

Location: In the Barahona area of the Dominican Republic (DR) - building of latrines OR in the Batey Chene area - building a water cistern

pdf brochure / pdf flyer

Size: maximum 10 individuals per team

Number of Teams: several teams for the 2009 spring and summer season

CRCNA Ministry Involved: CRWRC

Projects: CRWRC’s major area of focus is working with the Haitian immigrants that live permanently in the Dominican Republic. Through CRWRC partner programs like Diaconía Reformada, CRWRC is working to improve the well-being of these people. You will have an opportunity to support the efforts of Diaconía Reformada, a program of the Christian Reformed Church of the Dominican Republic. This program trains local churches to reach out to communities with a variety of ministries.

Time Commitment: Up to 10 days (including a weekend) in the Dominican Republic, plus 5 -10 hours of reading and orientation before departure.

Dates Opportunity Is Available: Groups may generally choose from any available period from April to November 2009.

Purpose: To facilitate mutual exchanges of resources and experiences between CRWRC's North American supporters and the evangelical community in the DR. To help build relationships and form new partnerships between supporters, local Dominican communities and missionaries so as to continue the work of building God’s kingdom.

Specific Responsibilities:

Work alongside local labourers and volunteers on building latrines or a water cistern;
Build relationships with the community by staying open and flexible to the culture around you;
Live and worship with the community during the project;
Complete recommended reading, and orientation before departure to the country;
Provide CRWRC and the community with an evaluation of the project;
Write a story or final report for your church and/or supporters.

Qualifications:

Open to individuals 17 years of age or older;
General construction experience preferable, but not necessary.
Ability to do physical work in a tropical climate and sometimes under rustic conditions;
Willingness to work under the leadership of the community;
Conversational Spanish helpful, but not necessary;
Raise prayer and financial support by inviting individuals, businesses and/or churches to give to your opportunity:

Budget:

Materials Fee & Meals, Lodging, In-Country Transportation - $120US per day
Plus Travel Costs to Santo Domingo, DR, Out of country medical Insurance, Tourist card upon entry into the country, tools, immunizations, and other miscellaneous expenses

Benefits:

Growth in your faith and relationship with God
Fellowship and the building of new relationships with the local community
Serve as an encouragement to Christians in the DR
Partner with CRWRC missionaries, learn about their work and encourage them in their efforts to serve the people of the DR. A chance to learn from, serve and be served by a different culture;
Through the efforts of your service and partnership, help make a difference in assisting the Dominican church in spreading the Gospel
Develop a personal perspective on poverty and missions
Learn about the history and culture of the DR;
Gain satisfaction of seeing how your prayers and contributions to CRWRC have impacted communities in the DR.
Assist in educating and raising awareness within North America about the social/political situation in the DR.
Expenses directly related to volunteer opportunity are tax-deductible.

Support Services Provided: CRWRC & the ServiceLink office agrees to provide ongoing logistical and orientation support to meet the needs of the volunteers, local community, and CRWRC’s DR staff; reading and orientation materials, consultation and/or visits by missionary staff when available; opportunity to help work teams link their individual/church’s mission and vision to work being done.

If you or your group is interested in participating in this opportunity, please contact us today. In Canada, volunteer@crcna.ca, or in the US, servicelearning@crcna.org

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