Work and medical teams play an essential role in the life and development of Iglesia Episcopal Dominicana.  Teams have provided the sweat equity and financial resources to build new churches, schools, and children's shelters.  Medical teams have treated thousands of people in some of the poorest areas of the country. 

These accomplishments are important.  However, the greatest benefit comes from the relationships developed between Christians from two different cultures.  It is through these opportunities that Dominicans and our visitors have discovered that our faith and commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ has been strengthened.

To encourage visits by foreign Christians, the Diocese has an office to coordinate arrangements for all visiting groups.  The office is managed by Ellen Snow, an English and Spanish-speaking missionary from the United States.  Ellen's major responsibility is to serve as a bridge between two cultures whose languages might be different but who share a commitment to the same Lord Jesus Christ.

The types of teams coming into the diocese fall into one of the following categories.

*  Work teams – Groups interested in doing maintenance jobs, painting, minor or major construction projects, etc.

*  Field Medical Teams – Teams of medical professionals are assigned to work in  areas of poverty where there is a church.

*  Clinic Medical Teams – These teams are assigned to work at one of our two clinics in San Pedro.  These teams are smaller than field medical teams and offer specialty medical services. 

*   Summer Bible School Teams – Visiting teams work with local churches to present summer bible schools. Teams provide the music, handicrafts, games, snacks, etc.

*   Mission Exploration Groups – The diocese provides guided tours of the diocese for those who want to know more about foreign mission and are looking for mission projects which they can support financially or are looking for potential projects for work or medical teams.

*  Workshops & Special Meetings – Because of its location the Caribbean, Episcopal organization often meet in the DR.  The Diocese also makes arrangements for these groups.  

If you are interested in bringing a group to this diocese, contact Ellen Snow at bobsnow_2000@yahoo.com or call the diocesan office (809) 689-7493.  Tell Ellen the type of team you would like to send, proposed dates for your visit, the approximate number of people on the team, team talents or skills, etc.

The placement of all teams is approved by Bishop and is based on diocesan priorities.  Once the Bishop has given his approval, Ellen will contact you to begin a detailed planning process.  Arrangements for all visiting groups are coordinated by the diocesan office to avoid confusion and obtain better prices with hotels, transportation companies, and even souvenir vendors. The diocese will ask each group to join them in signing a mission agreement which will outline the responsibilities of the diocese, local church community, and the visiting team.  

The diocesan office will handle all in-country logistics and will coordinate details with the church community where the group will visit.  The diocese will take care of all housing arrangements, ground transportation requirements, work-site meals, the purchase of materials required to do projects, sight-seeing side-trips, etc.  If required, the office will arrange for one or more translators. 

Each group is required to raise the necessary funds for the project and pay housing, food, and transportation costs.  The diocese and our churches do not have the financial means to purchase the items necessary for team projects.  We ask that teams budget a minimum of $175 per team member to accomplish their project.  This are funds which will be dedicated toward accomplishing the project and does not include meals, transportation, or housing.

The months of January, February, March, June and July are our busiest months.  We suggest you contact us 6 to 9 months in advance of your proposed trip.  For many reasons, we have a self-imposed regulation that we will not host more than four teams on the same day.  This isn't a problem accept for the months above.  It is first come, first serve.  To find open dates check our team calendar at http://calendar.yahoo.com/bobsnow_2000    

Go to these pages for more information:

*  Team Tips

*  The Airport Shuffle

*  Work Teams

*  Medical Teams

*  Summer Bible School Teams

*  Mission Discovery/Meetings