Missions
Why Build Churches?
The building of churches has been a God thing! Years ago, an elderly Haitian man asked me to pray with him that God would send someone to build a church on the property he donated. I said, "Sure!" and we prayed. I never realized that God would use Ramos Ministries to answer that prayer. As I was walking back to the group of young people that were with me, the Holy Spirit spoke to me, "I want you to build them that church." I started laughing and said, "Lord, I do not have $15,000." He answered me, "I know, but I do." "Lord, I don't know where to begin." He answered, "I will show you." That started a journey that led to the building of several churches and purchasing of several properties for churches. Wow!
Again, why build churches? I'm not talking about building just to build. I'm talking about building to have a minister faithfully preaching the Word to encourage, bless, and pray for people to help them realize that God values them. They are important to Him. The church becomes the "focal point" of the community in order to provide food, clothing, and medical assistance. The church should be a place for nurturing and training to help people discover and use their God-given gifts and talents to break the cycle of poverty. I don't mean a lack of material things, I mean broken relationships with God, self, others, and creation.
Dominican Republic
There over 500,000 illegal Haitians living in the Dominican Republic. They are denied government social services and access to public schools for their children. A few years ago the government allowed illegal Haitian children to attended public schools; however, there is much "government red tape." About 20 years ago, the Church of God began ministering to the Haitian Community. Today, there are over 60 Haitians Church of God congregations. These churches service as places of worship and teaching of the Word of God. And during the day, they service as schools for the children to learn to read and write.
One can not image the poverty these people live in. Since they can not be employed legally, many have found work in the sugar cane plantations for a meager wage of $10 (US) for three 12-hour days of hard work. The sugar-cane plantation shuts down for 5 month each year and workers are not paid during that time. Not all of the illegals work in the sugar-cane fields. Some have found employment in construction in the city for half the wages that a worker makes.
Current Project in the Dominican Republic
Our current project in the Dominican Republic is Iglesia de Dios Villa Jaraque de Neiba.
Up to this point, the building process is coming along nicely. To donate to this current project, click "Donate" below. To see other completed projects, click "projects".