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Dominican Republic, Caribbean Mission Trip
June 14 to June 23, 2009
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| Ministry Detail |
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Project Overview:
The Dominicans divide their country into three regions; North, East, and South. This southern region consists of the entire area south of Elias Piña, and everything east of the Haitian border over to the bay of Haina (see map). This area is the poorest of the country, and has many towns and villages with little or no gospel presence. While trips to other locations are possible, most groups will head into the least reached area of the south. “El Sur”, as the locals call it, is one of AIM’s major focuses.
One of the major cities in the south is San Juan de la Maguana. AIM has estabilished a base in this town to be a launching pad for teams who can spread out into various communites throughout the south. Groups will be involved in fortifying exisiting churches in these towns, and working alongside local laborors to plant churches in unreached areas.
Ministry Description:
We'll work with the local church to provide training and encouragement to church members. Other possible ministry opportunities include street and sports outreaches, evangelistic mimes and dramas, vacation Bible school (VBS), door-to-door evangelism, and prayer ministry.
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| Trip Requirements |
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Participants must:
1. have accepted Jesus as Savior and have a living, personal relationship with Him.
2. be willing, experienced, and comfortable with sharing their testimonies and a Gospel message.
3. be willing to submit to authority.
4. demonstrate a servant's heart.
5. acknowledge Jesus as Lord.
6. have prior ministry and field experience.
7. accept more difficult ministry and living conditions.
8. have a desire to minister to nationals.
9. have a commitment to identify and utilize individual spiritual gifts.
10. be willing to seek out adventure, try new things, and leave negative attitudes at home.
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| Food & Lodging |
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Your team will stay in schools, camps, or hotels, depending on location. Electricity is intermittent, and power varies. Please bring air mattresses, bedding, and towels. Mosquito netting is recommended.
Food will be prepared by a local cook, and safe drinking water will be provided.
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| Dress Code & What to Bring
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Dress Code:
Dress Code:
Even though it is a hot climate, the Dominicans are used to looking good while there out. To them that means jeans or pants. While you work in the DR, it is important that you look like one of the people. Jeans and t-shirts or polo’s for men and long capris or jeans are preferable for the women. Being the passionate culture that it is, it is important to maintain a high level of modesty at all times. That means loose fitting, not revealing clothing will be expected.
Please refer to Missions 101, AIM's training manual for more details.
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| Travel Information |
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Airport & Transportation:
Plan to fly into Santo Domingo. We'll pick you up and drive you to your location, 30 minutes to five hours away. During the project, we will use public transportation or rented vehicles. Cost of ground transportation is included in the price of the trip.
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Visa & Passport:
You must have a passport.
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Shots & Vaccinations:
An updated Tetanus shot is Strongly Recommended for ALL projects. Hepatitis A is recommended.
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Suggested Travel Agency:
- Donna Booth, CTC Domestic and International Travel
Consultant
MTS Travel
9440 Philips Hwy, Ste 3
Jacksonville, Fl. 32256
Phone (800) 888-8292 ext 208
Email donnab@mtstravel.com
- Karol Fleming, CTC Domestic and International Travel
Consultant
MTS Travel
9440 Philips Hwy, Ste 3
Jacksonville, Fl. 32256
Phone (800) 888-8292 ext 208
Email karolf@mtstravel.com
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Suggested Travel Insurance:
We highly recommend all program participants have health insurance coverage for international trips. It is important to know that most regular health insurance plans do not cover you overseas. Health coverage is not a requirement for domestic trips, but still recommended.
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| Location Information
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Location Description:
The Dominican Republic is part of the West Indies island chain. It comprises the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, with Haiti occupying the western one-third. The Dominican Republic is bounded on the north by the Atlantic Ocean; on the east by the Mona Passage, which separates it from Puerto Rico; and on the south by the Caribbean Sea. Its area is slightly more than twice the size of New Hampshire. Santo Domingo is the capital, as well as the largest city.
Weather:
The Dominican Republic has a semitropical climate, tempered by prevailing easterly winds. During the summer months, temperatures range between 80° and 95°F in the lowlands. The highlands are considerably cooler. Annual precipitation averages about 60 inches, with significantly more moisture in the northern mountainous areas. The wet season is from June to November.
Area Attractions:
European traditions remain strong in the Dominican Republic, the first permanent colony established in the western hemisphere. Some of the old colonial buildings are still standing, with fine examples in Santo Domingo. Most of the country's major cultural institutions, including the National Fine Arts Gallery, are also in Santo Domingo.
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| People, Culture and Religion
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Arawak, or Taini, Indians, the original inhabitants of Hispaniola, engaged principally in farming and fishing. They were exploited and literally worked to death by Spanish colonists. Black slaves were imported to take the place of the Arawak laborers.
Later, the Spanish migrated from Hispaniola to South America, and for about a century the island was sparsely populated. In 1697, Spain ceded to France the western portion of Hispaniola occupied by French adventurers, now called Haiti. The remaining Spanish portion became the Dominican Republic.
The descendents are mostly mestizo (a mixed Spanish, Indian, and black-African ancestry), with 64% living in urban areas. Spanish is the official language, although English is also spoken. A French dialect can be heard along the Haitian frontier. Art, music, and literature developed from both European and African influences. African heritage is most noticeable in the folk culture, particularly through music.
The population is 95% Roman Catholic, blended with African religion.
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| Government and Economy
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The Dominican Republic is governed under a 1966 constitution, with a popularly-elected president serving a four-year term. The president appoints a cabinet, and may also introduce bills in congress.
The economy of the Dominican Republic was traditionally based on agriculture, and 25% of the workforce is still employed in farming or raising livestock. But today, 46% of the working population is employed in the service industry. The country also has an important mining sector.
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| Statistics
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Population:
8,721,594 (2002 est.) |
Poverty Rate:
25% live below the poverty line.
(www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbooks)
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Literacy Rate:
82.1% ages 15 and over can read and write.
(worldfactsandfigures.com/literacy.php)
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Average Annual Income:
$2,100 U.S.
(news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/)
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