Arise, shine; for
your light has come. (Isa. 60:1)” is the new logo of the
Dominican Evangelical Church (IED). “The new IED logo
reflects the growth and enthusiasm of the denomination,”
writes mission co-worker Tricia Lloyd-Sidle. “Congregations
are growing rapidly, and many pastors are under age thirty.”
Though the denomination is vibrant, the Dominican Republic’s
economic problems are inevitably reflected in church finances.
Church workers struggle to manage with low salaries and high
prices. Villa Consuelo is a vibrant congregation in a marginal
community of the capital city, Santo Domingo. Of its eighty
members, 50 percent tithe. When asked about financial problems,
Villa Consuelo’s members prefer to talk about God’s
abundant blessings but admit to being glad that their pastor
is single and lives frugally.
Another pastor, who is a married mother of two, serves a congregation
and works on the IED staff. To support her family, she teaches
full-time in a public school. If her husband could find a job
with benefits, she would be able to leave her teaching job.
The couple has considered his going to the United States to
work, as many Dominicans do to support their families.
Despite the economic uncertainty, the church is filled with
hope, and many young people are responding to God’s call
to enter the ministry. If your congregation or presbytery is
interested in partnering with the church in the Dominican Republic,
please contact Tricia Lloyd-Sidle at revtjls@yahoo.com. |
