Mission Trips to the Dominican Republic

In 2004 Newlonsburg began a relationship with the church of Brisas del Este, located in a poor suburb of Santiago in the Dominican Republic (DR). At that time there was a Presbyterian missionary named Maria, a native Dominican, who served that church and community. Besides being a worship center, the church was used as a preschool and community center. A group of seven went on the 2004 trip (Sue Foster, Laura MacBeth, Ty Radcliff, Beth Tyson, Jack Metcalfe, and Kathie and Bill Lukitsch.) While there the group ministered to the community by remodeling a rented building used as the church, giving art experiences to the women and children, teaching rug braiding and container gardening, making dolls for the children and distributing over 2000 pounds of food to the members of the community. The biggest project undertaken was to build a set of 65 wooden steps from the lower gully of the area to the upper barrio where the church, more housing and the road were located. Everyone celebrated the week by participating in the first Communion in the church with a new Communion table, made by Hank Von Hollen. A bond of friendship and love for these people was begun.

In 2006 a medical and construction group of eight (Dr. Barb Haeckler, Val Guenter, Dr. Jeff Thompson and son Keith, Phil Adams, Beth Tyson, Ty Radcliff and Bill Lukitsch) continued our work there. There was no longer a permanent missionary to the community and the space that was formerly rented for the church was not available. Two of the community leaders, Nelly, who trained to pastor the church, and Danny, her husband, offered their land and house to the church. Their family would live on the lower level and the church would occupy the upper level. So the roof was raised and construction began. Working along with of the men in the community, the group managed to get the building under roof and do some of the inside work. During this same time, the medical group held 4 clinics and saw more than 400 patients. They treated people using many of the donated medications they took with them. Two of the highlights of the week were to provide a large food distribution to the community and to initiate a men's fellowship evening with dinner, hopefully encouraging men to come to church. 

In 2008 a team of six (Ann Rittiger, John Schmidt, Judy Radcliff, Ty Radcliff, Bill Lukitsch and Kathie Lukitsch) made improvements in the church lighting, shelving, electricity, cabinetry, and audio. Judy and Kathie led the women in painting a mural on the church wall depicting John 15:5..."I am the vine, you are the branches." The women were treated to an afternoon tea where safe preparation of foods, healthy eating and support for each other were discussed. The men's fellowship evening was held even with a power failure and was better attended than in 2006. The men were given flashlights that were to remind them the Christ is the "Light of the World." The children of the neighborhood made frames for a photo of themselves and were treated to a "Children in Worship" program. About 3000 pounds of food was purchased and distributed to 120 families, amounting to a two week supply per family. Many people were hungry and felt it was an answer to their prayers. 

In general, the church there is still flourishing. The preschool/tutoring program now serves breakfast and our Outreach contributions have helped to fund their education as well as support their pastor, Nelly, who is unpaid.