Dominican Evangelical Church
Duverge, Dominican Republic

Strengthening a Relationship One Child at a Time in the Dominican Republic

Since January 1999, St. Luke’s has sent mission teams to the Dominican Evangelical Church in Duverge , Dominican Republic . Over the past ten years about 100 different people on ten teams have traveled to our sister church and helped complete a new concrete block sanctuary, offer health education, lead Bible School programs for children, and plan worship with youth from both our congregations. We intentionally set out to create a long term relationship with this growing congregation. We would love to have your help in making the next move towards are next goal.

Hurricane Noel impacted parts of the Dominican Republic as well as Haiti. We support not only a congregation in Duverge but a missionary (Connie DiLeo) in Bombita. They got an incredible amount of rain and have had flooding. She sent us this picture to capture the experience.

Destination: Duverge Dominican Republic and St. Luke's UMC in Orlando, Florida

Purpose: To sustain and strenghthen the ten year relationship with the Duverge Evangelical Church

Goal for 2008 and Beyond: To begin a child sponsorship program to bridge the two congregations of St. Luke's UMC and Duverge Evangelical Church.

Challenge: Funds from child sponsors will go directly to the children in need and to help build a new school

Opportunity: Be part of the ministry team through prayer, planning, brainstorming, and/or participation

Time Commitment: One hour or many hours, depending on your interest

How to start: Contact Carolyn Green, Director of MIssions

	The Dominican Evangelical Church (Iglesia Envangelica Dominicana or I.E.D.) was founded by Methodist, Presbyterian and Moravian churches in the United States . Churches from most all Protestant denominations work in partnership with the Dominican Evangelical Church . With thirty-seven organized Dominican
Evangelical Churches and a growing number of chapels, the Dominican Evangelical Church has locations in most all of the major provincial centers and in many rural areas.

The Dominican Evangelical Church is a Protestant Denomination. Its partners in the USA are the Presbyterian Church (USA), the United Methodist Church , and the Moravian Church . However, work groups from other denominations have also come here to help this economically poor but spiritually rich church. The Dominican Republic is a very poor country with many educational, medical, and vocational needs, which the church is attempting to address.

During the May 2003 mission experience to Duverge, Dominican Republic, the mission team was fortunate enough to be a part of the Ordination Service of Pastora Cledia, who is now Reverend Cledia. It was an exciting event!