Celebrating five years of ministry and expansion in the Dominican Republic

Fri, Mar 25, 2011

Good News from the Field, International, Latin America

This ‘Good News from the field’ story was shared by Rev. Walter and Ana Ries, serving in the Dominican Republic.

“It seems hard to believe, but, by God’s grace, we are celebrating five years of ministry in the Dominican Republic as a Lutheran mission team supported by the LCMS, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil and other faithful partners. We began our celebrations this year with the ordination of Vicar Willy Gaspar on March 12 in Las Americas. Vicar Willy is the first Dominican pastor to serve in our growing church. In the same divine service, we signed a protocol document with the Argentinean seminary, committing us to establishing our very own independent seminary by 2017 for the training of pastors, deacons and deaconesses.

“The day after, March 13, was the inauguration of our group home, Good Shepherd Lutheran Home, in Palmar Arriba. We thank God for the opening of many doors for the completion of this project, and for the privilege we have to care for these six orphans with developmental disabilities who are His children. Other celebrations will be the dedication of a sanctuary in Las Americas, which is yet to be built, and, in August, the celebration of five years of ministry in Palmar Arriba. Finally, we plan to conclude our anniversary year of celebrations with a joint service on Reformation Sunday.

“Our anniversary projects include building our first sanctuary in Las Americas, building a second group home, buying property for our mission in Santiago and buying property for our church/seminary in Licey. Give thanks together with us to our Lord Jesus from whom all blessings flow!”