Trip Description:
During this trip to the DR, we will be in 5 churches over 5 days doing simple clinics (no shots or procedures), treating all patients for free, and working with national pastors. A key component of each clinic is taking patient histories, which is done in partnership with bilingual nationals. After taking the histories, which are given to the doctors, the history takers then present the gospel to those who have given them permission. At the end of each day, we take time to debrief and pray for the next day’s activities.
Team Members Needed
- 4 to 5 team members total
- At least 2 doctors
- At least 1 nurse
- Other team members do not need to be medical professionals
Ministry Support Funds: $1,500/per participant
Ministry support funds cover all local travel, accommodations, meals, and medical supplies used throughout the trip. Instructions on how to submit the funds and the due date will be emailed to the team. These funds may be submitted by the team participant or by others on their behalf.
Airfare: Estimated cost: $1,300-$2,600
Participants are responsible for purchasing their own airfare. Information will be provided to each team member by the team leader to ensure that your ticket can be coordinated so the entire team arrives on the same flight or within 30 minutes of each other. Comprehensive details to prepare for this trip will also be communicated by the team leader.
Miscellaneous Expenses: $100+
All first-time healthcare team trip participants must complete specific online training ($75) and each participant must purchase team specific travel/emergency insurance ($25) through ABWE. Instructions to complete the training and secure insurance will be given once trip assignment has been made. Other miscellaneous expenses may include routine vaccines and/or specific vaccinations dependent on country requirements. Special instructions for the DR will be given to team members by the team leader.
The Need
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.
The Impact
Use your medical skills on the mission field to heal people physically and spiritually. In our nearly 90 years of ministry, we have seen compassionate medical care soften hearts to hear the message of the gospel, changing lives for today and eternity. But we can’t do this without you.
See if you meet our qualifications for short-term team service and are in agreement with ABWE’s Doctrinal Statement. If so, click “Apply Now” above. If you have previously applied and are interested in this trip, please contact healthcare@abwe.org and place the name of the trip in the subject line.
Meet the Team Leader
Dr. Stacie has been a practicing pediatrician since 1995. Beginning in 2002, the Lord has used her passion for serving people and sharing the Gospel overseas to participate in and lead numerous medical missions trips. She also continues to serve the ABWE missionary family by providing medical support to our littlest missionaries on the field.