2004 FIELD NOTES

Spiritually, Ellen and I are not the same people who arrived here in 1995. Because of our positions within the diocesan office, we have been blessed with opportunity to work with all our churches and outreach ministries. These Dominican brothers and sisters in Christ have influenced us in many ways. When we are asked to describe the Dominican Episcopal Church, here is how we do so.

The Dominican Episcopal Church is Fr. Smith Milien and the people of Jesus Peregrino. The church is located in Batey Central in Barahona. Like most bateys, unemployment is high, there is no water or sanitary sewers, the streets are dusty and poorly constructed houses.

Nine year ago, 20 members met in a windowless building no larger than a single-car garage. For months, they prayed that the sugar cane company would give them a piece of land where a community trash dump was located. Even though Fr. Smith’s life was threatened by two businessmen who also wanted the land, he and his congregation persisted. Their prayers were answered.

Today in a church that was built for 100 people, there is standing room only on Sundays. In addition, a children’s shelter was constructed next to the church. Where there was once a pile of trash and a 200-pound pig, stands an Episcopal Church which is a beacon of hope for Haitians and Dominicans who have very little else. The people of Jesus Peregrino taught Ellen and I that in life you need only prayer and faith to find joy.

The Dominican Episcopal Church is an educated woman who is the administrator of one of our schools in an impoverished area. When I asked her why she didn’t take a job that would have significantly increased her salary, she replied. “I grew up here and attended this school. They need me and I need them.” She taught us that Christ’s love is found in being a servant to others.

The Dominican Episcopal Church is Nelly Brito, wife of Fr. Napoleon Brito. She was troubled by the number of street children she saw in a barrio where she was leading a Bible study. With faith and borrowed funds they started our first children’s shelter.

Today the children’s shelter is meeting the nutritional and educational needs of 60 children in San Francisco de Marcoris. The Britos taught us what it means to be committed to the principals of the gospel and that we are called to serve those less fortunate than ourselves.

The Dominican Episcopal Church is Nunez who told the bishop that if the diocese would buy the necessary materials, he and two others would build a small church during their free time. They did so. A much larger church has since been built by work teams, but the old church is part of an Episcopal school in Montelleno. Nunez taught us that serving Christ means using the talents our Lord has given you.

The Dominican Episcopal Church is Father Bruno and his family. Father Bruno was a priest in Haiti for 27 years, prior to answering the Lord’s call to serve in the Dominican Republic. Though the Bruno’s are committed to Epiphany Church in Santo Domingo, they maintain and provide love to a school they started in Haiti. Because of their presence in Santo Domingo, Haitians residing in this country know they have a pastor and family who willingly share Christ’s love with those in need. The Bruno family taught us about Christian sacrifice and that ministry is not just a calling, but a way of life.

The Dominican Episcopal Church are Vivencistas (English - Happeners) who are committed to Christ and excited about sharing the gospel with other youth. There is already a waiting list for next year's Happenings. The youth in our church are on fire for the Lord.

During our time in the mission field, Ellen and I have not suffered physically. However, we have been emotionally overwhelmed by the needs of the poor and physically disadvantaged. We have seen the power of Christ’s resurrection through our Dominican brothers and sisters as they press on despite overwhelming odds because Jesus has made them his own. Our Dominican friends have also made us their own and in doing so we have experienced Christ’s love in a unique and profound way.