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Gerald and Rebecca Baile Crouse Mission Coordinators in the Dominican Republic c/o Lynx Air SD-DR PO Box 407052 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33340 February Gatherings Celebrate First Graduation and Ordination Services Several hundred members of the Dominican churches gathered February 12 at the Los Guaricanos church in a northern Santo Domingo suburb to witness the first graduation ceremony for 5 women and 11 men who successfully completed the five-year theological training program. Dressed in black graduation gowns, caps and capes of blue (men) and red (women), the graduates were challenged by interim coordinator of theological education, Guillermo Encarnación, to strive for excellence as they share their gifts in the pastoral ministry. Drama, music, joyous singing and spontaneous applause were shared with the congregation as the diplomas were handed out to each graduate by Jerry and Becky. One week later, on February 19, 9 men and one woman, who had completed the qualifications for ordination were ordained to the ministry by Allen Hansell, Director of Ministry for the Church of the Brethren, in the evening worship at the 10th annual assembly of the Dominican Brethren churches. Following the worship, Hansell said, "This is a very sacred and historic moment in the international Church of the Brethren and a special joy in the Dominican Republic." Relationships Begun With Heifer Project International In January, Jerry, Becky and youth mission worker Amy Rhoades, met with the local staff of Heifer Project International in Santo Domingo, Carlos Zometa and Nidea de los Santos. The meeting was held to discuss this year's new proposals for communities to receive HPI animals. Two Dominican congregations, Viajama and San Jose, were selected to be in the three-year program to receive animals and training. These Brethren churches are excited about the possibilities for families in the church and community who will benefit from the economic and educational aspects of the Heifer Project program. Members of the churches have participated in two training sessions of preparation and administration of the program. Many U.S. Brethren have contributed to the HPI ministry throughout the world and now, the program is enabling Dominican Brethren to develop their own skills and improve their economic situation. Doctor Project Completes First Year Anniversary Dr. Hilcias Ricardo completed her first year of work on March 15 in Sabana Grande de Boya through the Commission of Dominican Ecumenical Work (COTEDO) who developed the health project among the poor bateye (sugar cane worker) residents. A complete article about Dr. Ricardo's life and faith will be published in the April MESSENGER. Dr. Ricardo's faith is shared freely along with her medical visits. In a recent interview, she said, "My work here is a great experience. I'm like a missionary and I'm very happy to be here." Dr. Ricardo is working under a two-year contract and is being supported by interested US Brethren including key support by the Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren. Crouse's Summer Itinerary Following 18 months of work in the Dominican Republic as Mission Coordinators, Jerry, Becky, along with our children Steve, Jacob and Christy will be returning to the U.S. for a visit from June 27 through Aug. 17. We will be speaking several times at Annual Conference in Kansas City July 15-19. Besides visiting with family in their respective home states of Missouri and Florida, the Crouses have thus far scheduled the following mission interpretation presentations:
For more information on the times of these presentations, please contact the host churches. New Brethren Mission House Project Becomes A Reality A joint effort between Brethren Revival Fellowship, Brethren Volunteer Service and the Global Mission Partnerships Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board has come to fruition after more than a year of planning. The Dominican Brethren have invited volunteers to come and teach English as a second language (known as ESL) in the churches realizing that many of their high school and university students can enhance their job possibilities by knowing the English language. Two Dominican homes located beside each other were rented in February in the city of Azua and will be home for the house parents, the ESL program coordinator and up to five volunteer teachers. The house parents, Earl and Barb Eby, and their children, Christopher and Bryan, who have been ministering with the Germantown, PA., Church of the Brethren, plan to move to the Dominican Republic to begin their work by June 1. It is hoped that the ESL coordinator will be in place by mid-August and volunteer teachers will begin arriving late summer or early this fall. All of the volunteers will participate in an orientation through BVS as well as a cultural orientation in the DR. Jim Myer, BRF representative, Dan McFadden, BVS director and Merv Keeney, Global Mission Partnerships director have worked together on this project in coordination with Jerry and Becky. Also key help in locating the project housing was provided by Luis Céspedes, pastor of the Camino de Esperanza (Walk of Hope) congregation in Azua. Reflections On My First Dominican Christmas I would like to share with you some of my thoughts on my first Dominican Christmas. In early November we went to a neighbor's house for a barbeque. When their son Tony showed us upstairs, we found a really nice Christmas tree already decorated with blue ribbon and gold ornaments and a silver star at the top. The tree was seated on a table and below the table sat a wonderful manger scene. The manger scene was decorated by fragile figurines of the shepherds, the wise men, Mary, Joseph and of course, Jesus in the manger. Lights encircled the entire manger scene on the floor beneath the tree. In school we did a program of Christmas around the world and my class did a Kwanza Celebration from Africa. We did a large gift exchange game in my class which was called angelitos (little angels) and was really fun. Our family hosted the entire Peniel Church of the Brethren (a new church start we attend) for a Christmas potluck one Sunday evening. Mom and I went and bought a large roasted pig because that's the traditional meat used here for Christmas. Near Christmas day we counted at least 25 roasted pigs being sold on street corners near our home. Before we had this wonderful "feast" we did some rejoicing by singing and praying. We used the common Dominican instruments: the guira (like a grater), tambourine, maracas and bongo drums. I thought it was a wonderful experience to have the church over for dinner before Christmas. Our family opened our presents as usual the 25th of December. But neighbors Calvin and Brian, like most Dominican children, opened their gifts on January 6 which is called Three Kings Day. The morning of Three Kings, Brian and Calvin came over and handed us a bag of gifts and said, "The Three Kings left these at our house for you." Before Christmas day, we saw Santa in the stores talking to kids. And before January 6, we saw the Three Kings in stores talking with children about what gifts the children wanted them to bring to their homes. One thing I really enjoyed before Christmas was when my family went for three days to Bavaro, a popular beach resort with one of the best beaches in the country. It was really fun and exciting, especially when some people found some starfish on the beach. My first Christmas here was wonderful. I can't wait until next Christmas! Who, me? Editor's note: Amy Rhoades, member of the Trinity Church of the Brethren in Virlina District, came to the Dominican Republic January 10 to spend 6 months assisting with the work of translation for the Mission Coordinators and workcamps, teaching English classes, learning more about the church and culture, and improving her command of Spanish. Amy has spent 3 months living with a family from the Los Guaricanos church in a suburb of Santo Domingo. She will also spend 3 months living with two families in the rural community of Los Toros where there is a large Church of the Brethren congregation. Amy is the daughter of J.W. and Suzanne Rhoades, Daleville, Va. She has an older brother, Jeremy. She will begin her studies at Colgate University in Peace Studies this August. She returns to the U.S. July 10. One unique aspect of the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic is their interpretation of the scripture, "So let everyone of you minister according to the gift he has received from God...." (I Peter 4:10). Here in the Dominican Republic this means that all members of the church are regularly expected to lead part of the service. Some choose to share in a song; some in prayer; others in scripture reading. Not only does this promote involvement and further relationships, it also aids in discerning a person's spiritual gifts. True to this tradition, it wasn't long before I, as their new American sister, was invited in front of the church to share with my congregation, "Fountain of Life," in Los Guaricanos. Perhaps invited is not the correct word. As it happened, I was just sitting and enjoying the service when my host brother, Pastor Wilson Nova, announced from the pulpit that I was next in line to share. Now, generally speaking, I like having forewarning about being asked to do something, especially in front of many people, especially in a foreign culture and new language. My mind was racing. I decided my safest bet was a song. I chose a well-known praise song, short, yet filled with meaning: "Sanctuary." Standing in front of the church, I began to sing the familiar words. And as I sang, other voices joined me. Their tune I recognized as my own, but the words were new. "Dios transformame..." I was awestruck. Despite coming from different cultures and languages, we could lift our voices in harmony to praise the same Father. "...Puro y santo..." My fears dissipated as I sang with a heart of gratitude--grateful for the opportunity to share with these Dominican Brethren. "...Santuario para ti." Returning to my seat, I thanked God for His richness that we, as His children, can share together.
Two Pennsylvania Churches Team Up to Construct The Paraiso Church Two work groups from Springfield and New Fairview Churches of the Brethren in Pennsylvania traveled to the Dominican Republic to serve the Lord. Both groups worked continuously to construct a building for "Brothers and Sisters in Harmony" Church of the Brethren in a southeastern village, Paraiso. In addition, a Bible School for the neighborhood children was held daily. The Springfield group, consisting of 20 people, arrived February 19th in time to share in the final activities of the Annual Assembly and stayed until February 27th. The New Fairview group, with 22 people, arrived two days later, February 29th, and departed March 7th. The first service to be held in the new church was an ecumenical footwashing and love feast service on March 6th, involving Dominicans from various community churches and Americans. Our heartfelt thanks to the participants of both groups and all those who contributed to this project through their prayers and gifts for this tremendous blessing of having a lovely new facility for the Paraiso church pastored by Dario Rubio. Upcoming Mission Teams in 2000 The following seven mission teams have been scheduled for this spring, summer and fall:
Recent Visitors to the Mission Coordinator home/office Since December 1, the following persons have been hosted by the Crouse home/office for meals and visits: Merv Keeney, Global Mission Partnerships Director; Ron and Harriet Finney, Bethany Seminary; Allen Hansell, Director of Ministry; Marcos Inhauser, Brazilian Mennonite pastor; members and friends of the Peniel church for Christmas potluck dinner; Sally Jo Caracheo, former BVSer now living in Azua, DR; Judy Mills Reimer, Executive Director of the General Board; Guillermo and Gladys Encarnación, Theological Education coordinator and translators of Theological Education materials; Amy Rhoades, youth mission worker; Sally Cripe and Carl Detwiler, workcampers from the Union Center, Indiana church; Walt Wiltscheck, General Board Communications; Jim Myer, Brethren Revival Fellowship; Yvonne Dilling, former General Board staff now working in El Salvador; Jeff and Peggy Boshart, Brethren working in Haiti with ECHO, an agricultural non-profit and their intern, Steven Lackey; as well as numerous Dominican youth and pastors who travel to our home/office for meetings. Hosting and facilitating mission trips to the Dominican churches is an important part of our mission and ministry. Highlights of the Ninth Annual Assembly As Moderator Tomás Rubio presided, approximately 175 delegates, family members, friends, and guests of the Dominican Church gathered for the weekend of February 18-20 to form the Ninth Annual Assembly of La Conferencia de las Iglesias de los Hermanos en la Republica Dominicana (Conference of the Churches of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic). The meeting was held at the Mennonite Campamento Betel (Camp Bethel) near San Juan de la Maguana. Highlights of the Ninth Annual Assembly included:
Youth to represent DR Church in US Camps For the second year in succession, young adults from the Dominican Church have been elected to fill staff positions in US Brethren Camps during the summer months. A number of US Camps have extended invitations for Dominican youth to join them in a summer of service. The Dominican National Youth Association and National Board have elected three young people to serve this coming summer. They are:
These young people are presently engaged in the process of soliciting visas from the US consulate with hopes of traveling to the US in late May or early June. They are very excited about this possible once in a lifetime experience of going to share the faith and learn among our sisters and brothers in the US. We are grateful for all of the US Camps who have generously offered this opportunity to us in the DR! Youth invited to Young Adult Conference Two members of the Dominican Church have been invited by the National Young Adult Steering Committee to participate in "Finding Common Ground," the 2000 Young Adult Conference scheduled for May 27-29 at Camp Harmony. Miladys Figuereo de los Santos (Los Guaricanos congregation) and Elizabeth Feliz Marmolejos (Villa Nizao congregation) have been elected by the Dominican National Youth Association and the National Board to accept this invitation. The hope is that sisters Miladys and Elizabeth will have some additional time before or after the conference in which to visit among US Brethren. They are presently engaged in the process of soliciting visas from the US consulate. Both are humbled and honored to have been selected to share in this opportunity for spiritual growth as, amidst cultural differences, they find common ground with their sisters and brothers in Christ. Codependent or Mutual Partners in Faithfulness? "The young man said to him, 'I have kept all these; what do I still lack?' Jesus said to him, 'If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions." Matthew 19:20-22 What does it mean to be faithful partners in mission with sisters and brothers who have an annual income that is 1/15 of ours and who don't have enough money to send their children to school or to buy medicine, shoes, clothing or to fix the roof? An obvious interpretation of Jesus' instruction to the wealthy young man (us relatively "rich" guys) would be to say, we've got to give our wealth away to the poor (our materially "needy" neighbors). It seems clear that to do justice and love kindness according to Jesus' way means that we choose to share from our abundance with our sister and brother who lacks the bare necessities. But as our love for Christ and neighbor impels us to move deeper into relationships with one another cross the economic divide ... we soon discover that the choices we make to give or share our goods and treasures can lead to problems as well. In the relationships that we share between the Church in the US/Puerto Rico and the Church in the Dominican Republic, money is a big issue. According to calculations based on the 1999 Treasurer's report delivered at the Annual Assembly here last month, the Conference of Churches here depended upon the church in the US or Puerto Rico for 86% of all funds used by the Conference in 1999. This does not include three new church buildings that were built with 100% of funding from US churches. This financial dependency is and will continue to be a serious spiritual issue for the Church. Financial dependency is a spiritual issue for the Church in the DR because we are depending more and more on the money flowing from our US sisters and brothers. Like the young man who encountered Jesus, our dependency on material possessions and money can distract us from an uncompromised devotion to the Lord alone as our hope and strength. Not only "rich" folks can lose their souls to earthly treasures, "poor" folks can too if we allow ourselves to be dependent on anything other than the one God. The generous and abundant sharing of financial resources is a spiritual issue for the Church in the US and PR as well. This sharing can be an expression of faithfulness to the way of our Lord. This sharing may also lead us into a relationship of co-dependency. By co-dependent, I mean that we in the US/PR church feel like we need to give all this money to support our DR brethren in order to be faithful to the Lord's call and the DR brethren need our money to survive. Sometimes our invested treasure can harm rather than edify. Like the young man, we are tempted to try to control our spiritual future (and that of our sisters and brothers) by "doing" all we can. Jesus invites us to give up all of our controlling efforts and to only depend upon God to provide for us. Amidst the complexity of these issues, by God's grace, the relationships we share in the Church on both sides of the Caribbean are a mutual partnership in faithfulness. Let us pray that God will continue to bless us with wisdom to discern a balance in our sharing of financial resources that avoids the spiritual damage of codependency while inviting us all to depend solely upon God's faithful provision! - Jerry For Your Prayers * The church as we work together to discern a long range economic plan that will enable the DR Brethren to fulfill the vision of becoming more financially self-sufficient. * The young adults as they seek visas for a summer of faith sharing among US Brethren – that all might fulfill God's will as the gospel is proclaimed and the Church built up through this sharing. * For the Eby family as they prepare for their ministry with the Brethren Mission House project in the Dominican Republic. * That God will bless the process of calling out volunteers to serve as teacher coordinator and as teachers of English as a second language through the Brethren Mission House project. * For all of the US Brethren who will be journeying to the DR for faith sharing in the coming months, that God's Spirit will provide an experience that inspires and strengthens their faith and the faith of the Church on both sides of the Caribbean * Thanksgiving for God's abundant blessings. Specifically we are grateful for the generous spiritual and financial support we continue to receive from the Church, friends and family; support given to the ministries of the General Board, ministries of the Dominican Church and for the nurture and well-being of our family.
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