Why the Dominican Republic?

Resting between the crystal clear Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the island of Hispaniola is home to the Dominican Republic. Not only is it the second largest country in the Caribbean with upwards of 10.7 million people, the Dominican also has the Caribbean’s most geographically diverse countryside with stunning mountain scenery, desert scrub land, and breathtaking coastline.

The musical tones of bachata resonate in the air only to be muffled by laughter lingering around men playing dominoes on the street corners. Houses characterized by rough-cut tree limbs, low hanging roofs, and sheet metal painted with bright blues, yellows, and greens are staples in the Dominican countryside.

Its tropical climate and white sand beaches house some of the world’s most luxurious vacation destinations. While the Dominican’s $1 billion tourist industry may give the appearance of a thriving nation, the stark reality is that 40% of Dominicans live in poverty, surviving on less than $1.50 a day, and the unemployment rate stands at a daunting 60%. Families are left in desperation struggling to pay for food, safe drinking water, and adequate housing. Many families have to choose whether or not to put the majority of their income into housing, knowing that there will only be pennies left to provide other basic necessities. Heartrendingly, some families are forced to sell their children into slavery in order to survive. The human trafficking industry in the Dominican is a $9.5 billion a year industry.

By working alongside the Dominican church, Casas por Cristo volunteers help alleviate families’ financial burdens and bring the hope of Christ to this remarkable land. With the provision of safe and secure housing, the largest tangible gift anyone will ever receive, you can proclaim the truth of God’s love not only to a family, but also to the community at large. [1]

Purpose

Partnering with Casas por Cristo, in just one week our team will transform an otherwise empty lot into a safe and secure home - complete with cement foundation, electricity, windows and doors.  As a result of this experience, each family receives a tangible symbol of the faithfulness and unconditional love of Jesus Christ. As volunteers gain perspective on the extreme poverty that exists in our world, so do these families better understand God's plan for their lives and His deep desire to take care of their needs.[1]

Who Can Go

Anyone! No building experience is necessary and there is no age limit. However, team members under the age of 16 will need a parent/guardian to join them on the trip.

Even if you feel like you will not be useful on a construction-based trip, God may have the perfect spot for you on this team. In addition to building the home, we will also spend quite a bit of down time with the locals, including a community cookout and playing with the local youth.

Background on Casas por Cristo

Casas por Cristo relies on the labor and resources of full time staff missionaries, a board of pastors and community leaders from Juárez and Acuña, México, San Raymundo, Guatemala and Santiago, Dominican Republic and nearly 7,000 annual volunteers.  Through these cross-cultural partnerships, teams are presented with an amazing opportunity to build a home for a family in need.[1]

Driven by a desire to provide tangible expressions of God's love and provision, we began building homes along the U.S. / México border in 1993. Casas por Cristo (Homes because of Christ) creates important partnerships among various groups across international borders. To date, we have provided over 5,000 families with homes. But at Casas por Cristo, we go beyond building. We are dedicated to growing Christ's church one home at a time by helping meet the physical and spiritual needs of our neighbors.[1]

The local pastor is our link to the families we serve. A committee of pastors in each community solicit applications from both Christian and non-Christian families. Their discernment is the key to selecting those most in need. Our pastors collectively approve the applications, and our missionaries go to work pairing you with a family. The end result is a powerful voice from the local church to the community proclaiming Jesus Christ. The example of Christ that you show during the week allows the local pastor to challenge the faith of the families long after the trip is done. Casas por Cristo is simply one of many parts working within the body of Christ.[1]

Anticipated Itinerary

Saturday

Travel to DR. Leave Pensacola airport in the morning. We will fly into Santiago, DR and should arrive mid-afternoon. After making it through customs and immigration, we will be driven by van to the apartment building, which is approximately one (1) hours away. Once arriving at the apartment building, we will unpack and relax for the evening.

Sunday to Tuesday (tentative schedule)

7:00 a.m. — Breakfast

8:00 a.m. — Head to worksite

5:00 p.m. — Return from work

6:00 p.m. — Dinner

10:00 p.m. — Lights out

Wednesday

7:00 a.m. — Breakfast

8:00 a.m. — Head to worksite

4:00 p.m. — House Dedication

6:00 p.m. — Go to Church with Pastor Danny

10:00 p.m. — Lights out

Thursday

Fun day at the beach. Leave after breakfast and return late afternoon.

Friday

Return to Florida.

Cost of Trip

Approximately $1,500 per person (This covers plane ticket, lodging, meals and building materials. This is an estimated amount. Exact cost will not be known until group size is determined and plane tickets have been reserved.)

Children under the age of 12 will receive $500 off the cost of the trip.

Other items you will be personally responsible to pay for include meals during travel days, souvenirs, and gifts for family and tips for drivers, cooks, etc. as you feel personally led.

Passport books are required, cost approximately $110 and should be obtained at least six months before the trip.

[1] - https://casasporcristo.org/locations/dominican-republic-mission-trips/