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IGLESIA EPISCOPAL DOMINICANA EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Dominican Development Group Executive Director - Dr. Bob Stevens |
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Diocesan
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For More Information: Dr. Robert Stevens Dominican Development Group c/o DaySpring P.O. Box 661, Ellenton, FL 3422 Tel: 941-776-0405 Fax: 941-776-2678 E-mail: ddgstevens@aol.com
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Since the mid-1990's several churches, schools, and other projects have been completed with funds raised by the DDG. The DDG is essential if the diocese wants to sustain its growth. The primary goal of the DDG is to seek human, material, and financial resources that are required to maintain the diocese's rate of growth and to provide the diocese with the ability to maintain "quality" programs. The DDG is a unique approach and was the first organization of its kind in the Episcopal Church. Organizationally, the DDG is incorporated in the State of Florida, and is recognized as a 501(c)3 organization. This is important, because contributions sent directly to the Dominican Episcopal Church by individuals are not tax-deductible. Donations sent to the DDG are deductible. The DDG is governed by a Board of Directors which is composed of clergy and lay leaders. The current president is the Rev. Sandy Key, Chaplain to students at William and Mary. Bishop Holguin serves as a vice-president. Dr. Robert Stevens has served as the DDG's Executive Director from its inception. Bob was Planning and Development Officer for the Dominican Episcopal Church from 1993 through 1997. Though he now lives in Florida where the DDG offices are located, he is still considered a missionary. DDG Initiatives Dr. Bob Stevens, working with church leaders in the Diocese of Southwest Florida, developed a new approach to mission development. Southwest Florida is divided into deaneries. The idea was a simple one. Often it is difficult for one church to obtain resources for a significant mission project. However, a deanery by combining the resources and talent of all its churches, could undertake a significant mission project. In 2000, the Tampa deanery initiated this idea by agreeing to build Divina Gracia Church in a remote sugar cane village near Puerto Plata. The deanery sent five teams, representing 9 congregation to construct the church. These churches raised $32,000 for construction materials, plus the cost of airline tickets, lodging, food, and ground transportation costs. The following year, Tampa sent 58 persons in five teams to build El Nino Jesus, a preschool also in the Puerto Plata area. The idea caught on and in 2002, Clearwater and Venice deaneries developed their own projects. Other deaneries and diocese have since done likewise.
The experiences gained during these deanery
projects has been collected in a
The Dominican Church has a companion
relationship with the Dioceses of
Western Louisiana, Southwest
Florida, South Carolina,
Georgia , and the
Diocese
of Southeast Florida. The DDG is serving as a model for other mission dioceses and their mission partners. The DDG and the Dominican Episcopal Church are willing to share their experiences and knowledge with other dioceses or groups who believe this approach might work for them. Support the DDG Administrative costs for the DDG are kept at a minimum. Dr. Bob Stevens is the only paid employee. However, the DDG must depend upon the support of Dioceses, churches, Christian groups, and individuals to maintain its meager budget. The DDG is receiving financial support for the United States Episcopal Church, each of the DR's companion dioceses, and even the Dominican Episcopal Church. However, additional financial assistance is needed. Please pray about making a contribution to the important and unique work of the DDG. Contributions are tax-deducible. . |
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"You Are My Witnesses" St. Luke 28: 48 Telephone #: (809) 686-7493; (809) 688-6016 FAX: (809) 686-6364 E-Mail: iglepidom@codetel.net.do |
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