Bob's Ministry

BIRTH DATE: January 4, 1943, Great Falls, Montana

ORDAINED DEACON: Nov. 8, 1985 (First class of vocational deacons in the Diocese of Nebraska)

FAMILY NOTES: Parents: Gerald & Alice Snow - Omaha, NE - All Saints Episcopal Church; Brothers Rick, David, & Dan - Omaha NE.

CHURCH HISTORY: Baptized & raised in the Episcopal Church; Confirmed by Bishop Beecher at Christ Church, Sidney, Nebraska - Served as acolyte at Christ Church, Sidney, NE and All Saints Church, Omaha Nebraska. Until entering the mission field in 1994, served as deacon at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Lincoln, NE; For 5 years served as part-prison chaplain at Lincoln's maximum security prison; served as instructor for Chuck Colson's Prison Fellowship ministry; served as volunteer Lincoln Police and Fire Chaplain; member of Nebraska Commission on Ministry.

CAREER PRIOR TO MISSION SERVICE: Bob was an employee of the City of Lincoln for 22 years. He established and directed the City of Lincoln's Citizen Information Center, the public information office for the City of Lincoln, which was part of the Mayor's office. He served five Lincoln Mayor's. Prior to this, he was public relations director for the Lincoln Chamber of Conference. From 1966-1972, he was senior editor of NEBRASKAland magazine

MISSION RESPONSIBILITIES: Bob and Ellen are part of Bishop Julio Cesar Holguin's diocesan office staff. Bob is administrative assistant to the Bishop, and is involved in all areas of diocesan life.

He established and coordinates a scholarship program. Last year over 700 students from economically disadvantaged families received assistance. In 1996, the Bishop asked Bob to assist the priest in San Pedro de Marcoris with the development of a regional medical clinic. The clinic opened in 1998 and is dedicated to providing health services to the poor.

Bob also works with Dr. Bob Stevens, Dominican Development Group director, in developing resources for diocesan programs. In this regard, he provides tours of diocesan projects to bishops, priests, and lay leaders who are interested in investing in diocesan programs and ministries.

Bob is deacon and assistant pastor at Epiphany Church, Santo Domingo since entering the mission field. He received the St. Stephen's award from the National Association of Deacons.

"I am an assistant to many - the Bishop, the priest of the church where I serve, and my wife when coordinating teams becomes overwhelming. A deacon is called to serve others, and my ministry here has allowed me to do so.

OTHER MINISTRIES: Bob is also a member of the Diocesan Budget Committee, the Companion Diocese Committee, and a board member of the Dominican Development Group. Along with two other Dominicans, the Snows brought Happenings (Vivencia) to the DR.

WHAT MY MISSION EXPERIENCE HAS TAUGHT ME: My Dominican friends have taught me the meaning of faith. I have watched this diocese grow, build churches, schools, children's programs even though our financial resources are very limited. They have taught me that if what you are doing is God's will, He will take care of your every need.

A MEMORABLE MISSION MOMENT: Clínica Esperanza in San Pedro was the first assignment given to me by the Bishop. We struggled for over two years trying to secure the funds we needed. Thanks to many people, but especially Foundation Esperanza, the resources we needed slowly started coming together.

In 1998 Ellen and I left for the USA in mid-September to raise funds to remain in the field. Before leaving, we set an October date for the Clinic opening. Hurricane George hit the island in late September, 10 days after we left. As God would have it the clinic opened as scheduled five days after the hurricane. God's timing is always perfect.

I came back to the DR to help with hurricane recovery efforts. When I went to the clinic the first time, several people were waiting to be seen by the doctor. I became emotional and will never forget that moment or feeling. I could hear our Lord whispering in my ear: "See I told you it was possible, you of little faith."