The Spiritual Need in the Dominican Republic

Marred by centuries of harsh colonialism, oppressive regimes, economic and political instability, and devastating natural disasters, the Dominican Republic has experienced great hardship. The physical needs in this Caribbean island nation are matched by a dark spiritual climate. Colonized by the Spanish in the late 1400s, the Dominican Republic has strong religious, ethnic, and cultural ties to Roman Catholicism, clearly reflected in the historic cathedrals, monasteries, and hospitals still serving the local population. Catholicism is the official religion and holds special privileges not granted to other religious groups.

While the number of evangelical believers has been growing in recent years, the strong political and cultural ties to Catholicism—as well as voodoo practices common among lower class communities and Haitian immigrants—presents challenges to spreading the gospel.

Empowering National Partners to Minister in the Dominican Republic

ABWE GO and Live Global have partnered with committed national believers in the Dominican Republic to equip pastors and reach impoverished communities. Live Global supports and assists local pastors sharing the gospel through mercy ministries in orphanages, schools, and medical clinics, and in developing a unique ministry to Haitian immigrants working on sugar cane plantations known as bateyes.

There is a large need for theological educators to train Dominican pastors, leaders, and church planters to reach both the Haitian and Dominican populations on the island.

While there is not currently an ABWE missionary presence in the Dominican Republic, the harvest is ripe, and many creative opportunities are available for ministry. Consider how you could use your gifts and passions to work with national partners in the country on a short-term or long-term basis.