DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MISSION TRIP

Five members of Community Church of Providence traveled to the Dominican Republic for a week in February 2008 to bring assistance to Haitian sugar cane cutters and their families.  For Dr. Elihu Wing, it was his 15th trip; the others were also veterans.  The workers live in squalid villages in the midst of the cane fields surrounding the city of La Romana.  Each year the Community Church group joins other New Englanders who pay their way or are supported by their churches.  Rodney Henrikson of First Baptist Church, Abington MA, coordinates the program. Other groups also go throughout the winter.

About 20 years ago a Haitian minister named Jean Luc Phanord came to town to pastor the Maranatha Baptist Church.  Brilliant, energetic, and charismatic, he devoted great energy to building a program to help the Haitians on the bateys (those small villages).  He encouraged the building of churches and schools on the bateys and a hospital in La Romana.  He found support in the United States from many churches, chiefly Baptist.  The present mission program for medical help to the bateys and the building of the hospital originated with him.  Sadly, he was killed in the American Airlines crash in 2001.

 The good work continues.  The hospital is in active use, though not completed.  The situation on the bateys has improved but conditions still shock the average American first encountering them.  Those who make the trip to La Romana divide into two groups:  the construction crew who work at the hospital and the medical teams that go to the bateys.  Some, especially the teenagers, often choose to do a little of each.

This program offers an eye-opening and rewarding experience.  The cane cutters and their families have none of the conveniences which most Americans take for granted yet their deep religious faith and  many smiles make many visitors feel they have received more than they could possibly give.  For more information about this very satisfying mission work, contact Dr. Elihu Wing at (401) 274-2284 or David Burnham at (508) 252-3442.