Dominican Republic - March 20-30, 2017 |
Click Here for the Reports and Photos from our trip.
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The Whitehorse Church of the Nazarene is preparing to go to the Dominican Republic for our next Work & Witness trip during spring break of 2017 (March 20-30, 2017). Previously we had been to Haiti and found that to be an incredible experience (you can read about that one here).
Who Can Participate? The participants will mostly be members of the Whitehorse Church of the Nazarene, however, followers of Christ from any church will be welcome to come, upon recommendation from their pastor. Furthermore, we are happy to report that children are permitted to participate on this trip, so long as they are accompanied by their parent(s). Schedule: We will be leaving Whitehorse on Monday March 20, connecting through Vancouver. We will almost certainly need to fly overnight, arriving into Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on March 21. We will expect to work from March 22 to March 28 (with Sunday off). We will fly out of the Dominican Republic on March 29, staying overnight (possibly in Vancouver) and arriving back in Whitehorse March 30. Costs: There are several aspects to the cost:
The Church Board is prepared to cover the cost of the Project Fees from its annual budget. This leaves the air travel and the living expenses. For those who are participating in our fundraising efforts, the living expenses will be covered by fundraising. Those not part of the local church will need to pay their living expenses ($750) in addition to their travel. Travel will most likely cost at least $1,250, and hopefully no more than $1,500. Participants should be prepared to pay up to $1,500 for travel. Payment Schedule: Every participant is expected to make payment (to the church) of $250 per month, with the first payment due on or before September 1st. In addition, those who are not part of our fundraising efforts will need to make their first payment $1,000 (to cover the living expenses as well).
Any deposit made is fully refundable provided we have not yet made any payments on your behalf. Once tickets are purchased or living expense funds are sent, we can only refund that which we receive back. What is the Project? You can read about our potential project (on the right) or you can download the full information package. Once again, thank you for considering the Dominican Republic. Be sure to read about about the potential project and if you are even somewhat interested, please do let us know below. |
Our Project
Camino de Vida is a Nazarene child development center (NCM project). It is located in a community of Los Alcarrizos, located in the western part of Santo Domingo. Children from the ages of 5-17 attend the center, and they are attended to in 4 major areas: spiritual, cognitive, social/emotional, and physical. Most of the students live in one parent households or with a grandparent or family member other than parents. Nela, the pastor and director of the center, started the center because of the need she saw in the community. Students receive reinforcement in school subjects, Bible training, a time of recreation, and a snack. There are morning/afternoon classes Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and a Saturdaynight class for teenagers. The pastor and other leaders also work with the children with socio-emotional issues. If an entire family has a problem, they work with the whole family as well. The purpose is for children to be able to learn and grow in a healthy environment, so that when they grow they will be able to leave the center more prepared for a healthy adult life, knowing and following Christ. The vision of the leaders of Camino de Vida is the following: "To transform the childhood of our community into a different kind of generation, worthy of admiration.” Their mission is: “To instruct children and adolescents in the spiritual, physical, socio-emotional and intellectual areas, for healthy growth, as our Lord Jesus himself grew.” Luke 2:52 The greatest need of Camino de Vida at this time is space. Right now about 100 children attend the center, but there are many more waiting to be able to attend who can’t because there is simply not enough room for everyone. The center is located right next to Alcarrizos I Church of the Nazarene, where director Nela is also pastor. She and her family live above the church on the 2nd floor. There is space next to the current center/church to build, and Work & Witness wants to build the pastor’s home in that area, then renovate the current pastor’s home (that already has a kitchen and several bedrooms that can easily become classrooms) to create appropriate space for the center. With more space, more children will be able to attend the center and receive better care. Your team would be starting the construction of the pastor’s home next to the center. You would have the opportunity to be involved in activities with the children at the NCM site, and activities within the church and community along with the construction. The church has been praying for this much-needed space and has made a great effort to raise funds and buy some supplies, but they need help to be able to continue. God is doing a great work through them with the children in Los Alcarrizos. Your team would stay at the Work & Witness house (located about 20 minutes from the project site). |
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Fundraising
We have three major fundraising efforts.
In addition to this, we will be applying for a $2,000 grant from the Canada Pacific District Church of the Nazarene. |
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