DR Service and Learning Team

 

Location: In the Santo Domingo area of the Dominican Republic (DR)

Size: normally 10-12 individuals per team

Number of Teams: 12 -15 for the 2009/2010 season

CRCNA Ministry Involved: CRWM

Projects: Working with the National Church, La Iglesia Cristiana Reformada en la República Dominicana  (ICRRD - the Christian Reformed Church in the Dominican Republic), and assisting the local people in building small community churches, pastors’ homes and the 2nd floor of The National Ministry Center in Santo Domingo.

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

Dates Opportunity Is Available: Groups may choose from any period during the months of November 2008 and April 2009. Some opportunities are also available during the summer, dependant on staff vacation times.

Purpose: To facilitate mutual exchanges of resources and experiences between CRWM’s North American supporters and the evangelical community in the DR. Help to build relationships and form new partnerships between supporters, local Dominican communities and missionaries so as to continue the work of building God’s kingdom.  Pre-trip orientation is required.

Specific Responsibilities:

  1. Work alongside local labourers and volunteers on building a community church and/or pastors’ homes;
  2. Build relationships with the community by staying open and flexible to the culture around you;
  3. Live and worship with the community during the project;
  4. Complete recommended reading, and orientation before departure to the country;
  5. Provide CRWM and the community with an evaluation of the project;
  6. Write a story or final report for your church and/or supporters.


Qualifications:

  1. Open to individuals 16 years of age or older, who are a Canadian or US resident;
  2. General construction experience in the areas of brick-laying, painting, carpentry, concrete or general handy person – preferably one or two experienced construction workers per team
  3. Ability to do physical work in a tropical climate and sometimes under rustic conditions;
  4. Willingness to work under the leadership of the community;
  5. Conversational Spanish helpful, but not necessary;
  6. Raise prayer and financial support by inviting individuals, businesses and/or churches to give to your opportunity.


Budget:  The following is an estimated budget based on a per person cost. Prices are in US funds.

  • Estimated Travel Costs to Santo Domingo, DR -  $800
  • Materials Fee & Meals, Lodging, In-Country Transportation - $120 per day
  • Out of country medical Insurance - $35
  • Tourist card upon entry into the country - $10
    Total of Estimated Funding Needed Per Team Member: $2045 based on a 10 day trip


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 CRWM 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 CRWM 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: CRWM & the ServiceLink office agrees to provide ongoing logistical and orientation support to meet the needs of the volunteers, local community, and CRWM’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.  Pre-trip orientation is required.

If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please contact us today at volunteer@crcna.org.

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