Mission trip to Dominican Republic, Caribbean, August 6, 2011 to August 12, 2011

Ministry Description:
Culture and/or State Information
The Dominican Republic comprises the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. Long known for its dominance in sugar production, the Dominican Republic has one of the largest economies in the region. But despite living in one of the Caribbean's leading tourist destinations, the Dominican people are suppressed by unemployment, government corruption, and inconsistent electric service. The power sector in the Dominican has traditionally been, and still is, a bottleneck to the country's economic growth. A prolonged electricity crisis and ineffective remedies have led to a vicious cycle of regular blackouts, high operating costs, electricity theft, and a considerable fiscal burden on the government.

The country is also faced with the migration of an overwhelming number of Haitian refugees, for which they are not financially nor logistically capable of dealing with effectively. Faced with a limited number of jobs and a large influx of Haitian immigrants searching for work, many Dominicans are forced into unemployment or relocation. Also with this large flow of migrants, comes a significant clash in cultures. Often times, Haitians living in the Dominican are subject to human trafficking, slavery, and racial violence.

Ministry Description:
Many of the poorer areas of the Dominican Republic have many towns and villages with little or no gospel presence. Your group will be involved in fortifying existing churches in these towns and working alongside local laborers to plant churches in areas that have not had access to God�s word.

You'll have opportunities to work with the local church to provide training and encouragement to its members. Other possible ministry opportunities include street and sports outreaches, evangelistic mimes and dramas, children's ministry, door-to-door evangelism, and prayer ministry.

Recommended Prayer
- Pray that God would show favor to the Dominican people, that they would be blessed and encouraged by the growth of their nation
- Pray for peace and tolerance between the diverse cultures on the island.
- Pray that God will open up opportunities to share his love with the Dominican people and soften the hearts of those who have rejected the gospel or might be resistant to your message of hope.

Lodging will be provided at the local AIM base, schools, camps, or hotels. Electricity is intermittent and power varies. Please bring air mattresses, bedding, and towels. Mosquito netting is recommended.

Dress Code:
We require all trip participants, leaders, and staff to adhere to a dress code on each of our EDGE mission projects. We do this to show respect for God, respect for ourselves, and respect for others. Please help us achieve this goal by teaching your group that our dress code isn�t because we�re extremists, but because we love God, we wish to honor His creation, and we don�t want to cause others to stumble. You can find specific guidelines in your M101 manual or by contacting your EDGE representative.

Airport & Transportation:
We'll pick you up and drive you to your location. During the project, we will use public transportation or rented vehicles. Cost of ground transportation is included in the price of the trip.

Shots & Vaccinations:
An updated Tetanus shot is Strongly Recommended for ALL projects. Hepatitis A is recommended.

Suggested Travel Agency:

Angie Lepley, CTC
Tangerine Travel, Ltd.
16017 Juanita Woodinville Way NE, #201
Bothell, WA 98011
Phone (800) 678-8202
Direct (425) 354-6910
Email Angie@tangerinetravel.com
www.tangerinetravel.com

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.

Project Leader:

Lindsay Moore

Location Description:

The Dominican Republic comprises the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with
Haiti. Long known for its dominance in sugar production, the Dominican Republic has one of the largest
economies in the region. But despite living in one of the Caribbean�s leading tourist destinations, the
Dominican people are suppressed by unemployment, government corruption, and inconsistent electric
service. The power sector in the Dominican has traditionally been, and still is, a bottleneck to the country�s
economic growth. A prolonged electricity crisis and ineffective remedies have led to a vicious cycle of regular
blackouts, high operating costs, electricity theft, and a considerable fiscal burden on the government.
The country is also faced with the migration of an overwhelming number of Haitian refugees, for which they
are not financially nor logistically capable of dealing with effectively. Faced with a limited number of jobs and
a large influx of Haitian immigrants searching for work, many Dominicans are forced into unemployment or
relocation. Also with this large flow of migrants, comes a significant clash in cultures. Often times, Haitians
living in the Dominican are subject to human trafficking, slavery, and racial violence.

The Dominican Republic comprises the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with
Haiti. Long known for its dominance in sugar production, the Dominican Republic has one of the largest
economies in the region. But despite living in one of the Caribbean�s leading tourist destinations, the
Dominican people are suppressed by unemployment, government corruption, and inconsistent electric
service. The power sector in the Dominican has traditionally been, and still is, a bottleneck to the country�s
economic growth. A prolonged electricity crisis and ineffective remedies have led to a vicious cycle of regular
blackouts, high operating costs, electricity theft, and a considerable fiscal burden on the government.
The country is also faced with the migration of an overwhelming number of Haitian refugees, for which they
are not financially nor logistically capable of dealing with effectively. Faced with a limited number of jobs and
a large influx of Haitian immigrants searching for work, many Dominicans are forced into unemployment or
relocation. Also with this large flow of migrants, comes a significant clash in cultures. Often times, Haitians
living in the Dominican are subject to human trafficking, slavery, and racial violence.

Dominican Republic, Caribbean Mission Trip