Dominican Diary

Our Mission  Partners

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

Dominican Diary

Episcopal Diocese of the Dominican Republic Web Pages

Click to enlarge picture

Is God Calling You to Invest in the Snow's Ministry in the DR?  If So, Mail your tax-deduticle contribution to:

The Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska

Snow Mission

109 No. 18th St.

Omaha, NE  68102

Note on the Check "Snow Mission"

"And how shall they preach (go),  except they are sent."

Romans 10:15

Some are called to "go" and others are called to serve as "senders".  Bob and Ellen answered the call to serve as missionaries in the DR.  They have been able to minister in the DR since 1995, because churches, individuals, and Christian organizations have answered the call to financially support their ministry.

Bob: In 1997 our mission account was down two months of expenses and the price of two airline tickets home.  Our mission organization told us we needed to return to the USA to raise funds.  We didn't want to because we felt we were finally getting the hang of being missionaries.  However, we knew if the situation didn't change, we would be forced to go home.  We prayed for the support we needed to stay at least another year. Near the end of August, a priest from Nebraska called.

"Bob, I have been trying to reach you. There was a death in the family of one of my church members and he wants to tithe a portion of his inheritance to your ministry." 

 With this contribution and the continuing support of several mission partners, the Snows were able to postpone our departure until the fall of 1998. 

Bob: This incident was a test of our faith and commitment.  We believe the Lord was telling us "If you do what you are called to do, I will do what I am called to do and that's take care of your every need." 

Bob and Ellen are appointed missionaries to the Dominican Republic by the Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold of the Episcopal Church of the United States (ECUSA).  Like nearly all Episcopal Missionaries, the Snows need to raise their own financial support.  ECUSA provides them with insurance coverage which is a sizeable investment.

Former Nebraska Bishop James Krotz formed a mission committee on within the Nebraska diocese level to be caretakers of funds and oversee how these funds are managed.

 The Snow's receive no salary or expenses from the Dominican Episcopal Church.  They are paid by the Diocese of Nebraska with donated funds.  Their monthly salary is established by the Nebraska Mission Committee.  Bill Pierce, a long-time friend, serves as the mission committee treasurer and works with the Nebraska Diocesan Treasurer in managing contributions and expenditures.

The Snows require a minimum of $45,000 a year to remain in the mission field.  This includes their salary, pension, social security, and all mission expenses. 

Ellen: "This is a third world diocese which is continually struggling financially. The diocese would pay our business expenses.  But our goal has always been to pay for everything."

On behalf of their supporters, the Snows also tithe 10% of all contributions to mission projects or individuals in need.  Here are some of the ways the Snows have used this tithe to help people in the Dominican Republic. 

+  Scholarships for children in Episcopal Schools + Assist students with university expenses + Purchased medicines for the poor + Purchased food for the hungry + Paid part of the expenses for a mother in need of kidney operation and other persons in need of emergency surgery + Paid diocesan summer camp expenses for several youth + Supported Vivencia (Happenings) & Cursillo + Paid emergency travel transportation costs + Purchase of materials for church projects + Help in many other situations involving individuals, churches, or diocesan activities.

The cost of living in the DR is equal to what it is in the United States.  During the last year, the Dominican peso has been very unstable.  This benefits the Snows, because they are paid in dollars.  Unfortunately, it adversely impacts Dominicans.  In 1995 when the Snow's arrived in the DR the peso per dollar ratio was 12.5.  In October of 2005, the ratio was 29.5 pesos per dollar.  The Snow's believe they will receive even more personal requests to assist families and individuals in the coming months. If God provides, they will take an even higher percentage of their contributions to help those in need.

HOW TO INVEST IN THE SNOW'S MINISTRY

The Snows have told their mission story in over 100 churches and organizations in all part of the United States.  They travel the United States in the fall of each year to visit their family.  However, they spend part of their time raising support for their ministry.  If you would like the Snows to visit your church or organization, you can contact them by writing bobsnow_2000@yahoo.com Because their personal finances are limited, groups inviting them to speak will need to pay their travel expenses.  They enjoy staying with families and would prefer not to stay in a hotel.  In many cases, churches in the same area have pooled their resources to pay the Snow's expenses.

All contribution made to the Snows are tax-deductible provided they are sent to the "Snow Mission Fund" Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska, 109 No. 18th St., Omaha, NE 68102.  Checks should be made out to "Snow Mission."

Some supporters send a contribution once a month, others on a quarterly basis, still others annually.  The Snow frequently receive one-time contributions.

ELLEN: The only way we can remain in the mission field is if people invest in our ministry.  To us the size of the check isn't important.  What matters to us is that people become involved with us both financially and prayerfully.  We try to return their confidence in us by serving our Lord with our heart, mind and spirit. 

During their first 8 years in the DR, the Snows did a very poor job of keeping their supporters informed. 

BOB: These web pages are an attempt to improve our communication with our supporters.  After all, they have made an investment in us.  We're hoping to provide regular updates to these web pages.  We're so very fortunate to have an opportunity to serve our Lord in this way.  And we want to share this ministry with those who are helping us.

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/