The D.R. Mission of EBC

In June of 2007 a small group of members from Evangelical Baptist Church felt called of God to go on
an exploratory trip to the Dominican Republic. Their purpose was to find out if a small New England
church could successfully partner with a Dominican church and impact the Kingdom of God in ways
that they could not alone. The trip was a success and a partnership has been formed between Evangelical
Baptist Church (EBC) in Sharon, Massachusetts and the Haitian Missionary Baptist Church in San Pedro de Macoris.

Our vision is simple. We believe that God has called EBC to the Haitians of the Dominican Republic
to show the love of Jesus and to act as His ambassadors. Primarily, we do this by distributing
food in the bateyes* and poor barrio's, and partnering with the established and planned ministries of the local church in San Pedro.

Here's a report on the D.R. Mission Trip of 2008 by Andre, a member of the EBC Missions Committee-

As part of both the Missions Committee and the Dominican Republic Mission team, I am speaking on behalf of both. The D.R. Mission is an independent ministry but the Missions Committee helps support the ministry by being their accountability partner. The Missions Committee has given three months of the designated giving to the D.R. Mission the past years, and plan on doing so this year as well.

The D.R. Mission is our ongoing partnership with a local church in San Pedro De Macoris. This year’s trip is intended to re-establish ties with this church and continue the ministries started last year.
Last year seven adults traveled to the D.R. and helped distribute 2,500 pounds of rice, 1,100 pounds of beans, 900 peanut butter sandwiches, 505 pounds of corn meal, 432 bottles of cooking oil, and 600 articles of clothing.
We purchased 3 sewing machines and a shearing machine along with tables. This was donated to three women to start their own business. They have been saving a portion of the money they make monthly, and once there, the D.R. team will re-use the money to help others start home-based businesses.

We provided power tools to a carpenter, several boxes of clothing, and school supplies including approximately 100 notebooks.

This year’s team traveling to the D.R. includes seven people. When the team arrives, they will provide food, basic supplies, and the hope found in Jesus as they minister in His name. They want to help start more business opportunities, including possibly more sewing machines and work permits.

Because the D.R. Mission is separate from the Missions Committee, they do not receive monthly mission money. The Missions Committee does help the D.R. Mission when possible, but each member who wants to travel to the D.R. must raise the money themselves. This year each member must raise a minimum of $1200. This is to cover airfare and the supplies needed for the weeklong ministry. Every extra dollar counts. The money is raised by asking family and friends for support.

It is through your prayers and donations that it is possible for the D.R. Missions team to travel to the Dominican Republic to distribute food, clothing, school supplies, and build lasting relationships with national Christians.
I ask that you would consider partnering with us in praying for the team who will be serving in Christ. Pray for them: that they would be effective in their ministry and safe during their travels.

If God puts it in your heart to do so, I would also ask that you would consider supporting the D.R. Missions team financially. If you would like to support this way, please make your gift by check payable to Evangelical Baptist Church with the name of the team member or D.R. Missions in the memo line.

Another form of financial support is located in the entry way. There is a tin can setup where you can provide a family in the D.R. with some basic needs; deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes for just $2.52. Pat, Patty, or Reta can purchase these at their workplace.

We thank you for your support.