The Dominican Development Group

• Dr. Bob Stevens, working with church leaders in the Diocese of Southwest Florida, developed a new approach to mission development. Southwest Florida is divided into deaneries. The idea was a simple one. Often it is difficult for one church to obtain resources for a significant mission project. However, a deanery by combining the resources and talent of all its churches, could undertake a significant mission project.
  
  
• The experiences gained during these deanery projects has been collected in a report booklet called "Deanery Project Organizer" which was prepared by Bob Stevens. A copy can be obtained by contacting the DDG Office.
  
  
• The DDG serves as a model for other mission dioceses and their mission partners. The DDG and the Dominican Episcopal Church are willing to share their experiences and knowledge with other dioceses or groups who believe this approach might work for them.
  
  

In 2000, the Tampa deanery initiated this idea by agreeing to build Divina Gracia Church in a remote sugar cane village near Puerto Plata. The deanery sent five teams, representing 9 congregations to construct the church. These churches raised $32,000 for construction materials, plus the cost of airline tickets, lodging, food, and ground transportation costs.

Iglesia Divina Gracia (Mosovi)

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Education:

The following year, Tampa sent 58 persons in five teams to build El Niño Jesus, a preschool also in the Puerto Plata area. The idea caught on and in 2002, Clearwater and Venice deaneries developed their own projects. Other deaneries and diocese have since done likewise.


San Matias Episcopal School

-Three clinics & two medical dispensaries, annually serving over 25,000 people in poverty


Clinica Esperanza

-Over 9,000 Dominicans receive medical services from 10 field medical teams from the United States.

Medical Mission Teams

Medical Mission Teams: Dental Care



                                                                                                                                                                                             

"Helping People Help Themselves":  The DDG helps to fund community projects involving residents, the Church, work teams, and foundations.

Community Latrine and Sanitation Projects

EpiscoPan – A Church Bakery Providing Income to the Church And Individuals

Micro-Business Loan Program Focusing on Women

 
Mission Teams aid with construction projects