Dominican Diary

2003 Field Notes

”Whatever you do to the least of my brothers, you do to me.”

Dominican Diary

Episcopal Diocese of the Dominican Republic Web Pages

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Snow Mission

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2004 Notes

The year 2003 has been our most difficult year in the DR since our arrival on Dec. 7, 1995.  The church is growing and diocesan ministries continue to expand.  However, many of our Dominican friends are suffering, because the economy in the DR is in free fall.  However, this was a year filled with many blessing.

Wow - that's the only way to describe the month of January 2003.  The diocese hosted medical and work teams from all parts of the United States.  The Caribbean is the place to be in the winter and everybody north of us seems to know it.

In late January the Executive Council of ECUSA along with Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold visited the DR. Dominicans are known for their hospitality. Ellen and I were proud of the way the diocese hosted the Executive Council. 

The Diocese of Georgia, one of our companion dioceses, helped us produce a 13-minute video on the diocese. The Somerville's, a young, talented couple from Nashville, did a great job, and convinced me to narrate it.  We've used it in many different ways in promoting the diocese.

Ellen and I were invited to meet with the Council and relate our mission experiences.  The Executive Council and Presiding Bishop attended a noon Eucharist at Epiphany. I served as deacon. A picture of Epiphany's Fr. Bruno and I serving at the altar appeared on the cover of the ECUSA General Convention's Budget. I had the honor of giving communion to the Presiding Bishop.

The Presiding Bishop served as celebrant at a special mass. Over 4,000 people attended.  It's difficult to put into words what an inspiring service this was. I read the gospel in English.

A week later, the Diocesan convention was held in Puerto Plata. We hosted visitors from Canada, New York, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.  The Canadian Primate Michael Peers attended, along with Bishops Skilton, SC, and Bishop Loutitt, GA.  Bishop Peers preached at Epiphany church, so in less than two weeks I served as deacon for the Primate of Canada and the Presiding Bishop. Only in the mission field could this happen.

Here are some  2003 highlights:  

--Miguelina Espinal,  our “adopted” Dominican daughter, was ordained to the priesthood, along with our dear friend Ercilia Peralta Canela.

--Two new churches were consecrated.  The Bishop Kellogg Retreat Center and the Jesus Peregrino Children’s Shelter were opened.  San Mathias School was officially opened.  Construction began on a home for elderly persons living in poverty.

--This year Ellen coordinated the logistics for nearly 60 visiting groups. Field medical teams treated over 5,000 people.

--Enlarge this picture by clicking on it.  Then look for Bob  “Esperanza” Snow among the clowns?  This is a new ministry started by a couple from the diocese of Southwest Florida.  Esperanza means “Hope” in Spanish and this is Bob’s clown name.

--The Dominican Episcopal Church Women surprised Ellen when they honored her at their annual meeting for her work and support of women ministries.

--A Dominican priest nominated and Bob received the “St. Stephen’s” award for his work with the poor. The award is presented by the North American Association of Deacons.

--This past year 507 students from poor families received scholarships to one of our Episcopal schools.

In the fall on our way back to visit our families we were given the opportunity to visit churches in the Naples, Florida area, Buford, SC, and Charleston, SC.  We attended the convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida.  We took a Greyhound from Naples to Buford, a 17 hour journey.  What beautiful and historic churches.

When we arrived in Nebraska we met with the diocese's new Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Joe Burnett.  He's a strong supporter of mission, and plans to bring a group to the DR.  We also attended the convention of the Nebraska diocese.  Feeling the support of our diocesan friends always rekindles our desire to return to the DR and continue with our ministry.

We spent Thanksgiving with Bob's side of the family and our five grandchildren.  Seeing our family only once a year is truly the only sacrifice we have made by serving as missionaries. 

In the past year, we were blessed time and again by the way our lives were touched and enriched by our Dominican friends and by those coming from the USA to participate in the life of this diocese.

Even so, 2003 was a very difficult year.  The largest bank in the country failed and the economy plummeted.  In January there were 19 pesos to a dollar.  By November it had climbed as high as 40 pesos. High unemployment, an earthquake and severe  tropical storms added to the misery.  When people become desperate, crime increases.  Our apartment was entered, as was the diocesan office.  Tragically a friend of ours was murdered when robbers entered his home.  New computers were stolen from one of our schools.  The country continues to suffer from frequent electrical blackouts.  Living conditions for the poor have deteriorated even further.  All this has resulted in public protests in nearly every part of the country.  Some of them have been violent. 

During times like this, the church plays an even more important in the lives of people.  Please pray for this diocese, the Bishop and our clergy.  Also, pray that we will have the energy, courage, and wisdom to carry out those ministries the Lord puts before us.   

During the past year, our mission support fund also took a beating, partly because we did not effectively communicate with our mission partners.  In the fall of 2004, we will return to the USA and spend three months visiting churches with hope of raising the support we need to remain in the DR.  Our goal is to spend a minimum of four more years here.

Thank you for your continued  prayers and support. 

Sharing Christ's Love in the Dominican Republic

E-Mail:  bobsnow_2000@yahoo.com

Diocese of the Dominican Republic Web Page: http://www.dominicanepiscopalchurch.org/