Announcing Our New Executive Director
Mission Emanuel celebrated 20 years of ministry in Nazaret and Cielo in October 2015. We start 2016 with new and exciting news: As of January 1, 2016, Jim Sweeney is our new Executive Director.
Jim has been on staff serving as the Director of Short-Term Missions since 2011. During that time, Jim was responsible for all of our mission teams hosting over 500-600 people each year. He spent many weeks on the ground and thus was able to develop strong relationships with our Dominican and Haitian staff, families, and community. It is the kind of trust that can only be built over time and consistency of character. Jim will continue to split time between Fond du Lac, Wisconsin and the Dominican Republic.
“When I first came to the Mission Emanuel campus five years ago, I knew instantly that I wanted to be part of this ministry in Cielo of the Dominican Republic. Through Jack Larson and Javier de la Cruz, God has made himself known to Dominicans, Haitians, Americans, and others from around the world for the last 20 years. I am so excited to see what God has in store for Mission Emanuel as we continue to seek His will for us. I’ve had the distinct pleasure of serving as the Director of Short Term Missions for Mission Emanuel since 2011. This has enabled me to build relationships with the Dominican people and teams from all over the United States. I am excited to continue the work alongside Jack Larson and the entire staff of ME as we serve the Lord together.”
A Word from Jack Larson
“I am so grateful to God after 45 years of ministry, the last 35 in the Dominican Republic, and 20 years with Mission Emanuel. What a joy it has been to focus all my energies in one small area of the world called Cielo “Heaven.” In 20 years, we have hosted approximately 6000 Americans and seen lives transformed in both Dominicans and Americans through relationship-building with God and others. We have built over 70 homes, water and wheelchair factories, pediatric medical, dental and therapy centers. What a privilege it has been to pass the torch of Executive Director to Jim Sweeney whom God has raised up within our own ranks. I am humbled and happy to continue to serve with Jim and Mission Emanuel in any capacity I can help to continue to grow and flourish. Jim has been the Director of Short-Term Missions and has done an excellent job and is a man of deep faith. He has my wholehearted support.”
Thank you to Jack Larson for his vision and resilience in founding and forming Mission Emanuel. And thank you as well to all of our supporters. We are very excited about the future and are confident in Jim Sweeney and the Mission Emanuel team to lead us into our next chapter of serving Dominicans and Americans.
2016 Board of Directors:
| Mike Zizmer |
Joe Budd
|
David Shaw | Jeff Alexander | Bret Allen |
| Jess Bailes | Steve Blomeley | Lia Erickson | Rick Fletcher | Dino Lanno |
| Steve Lineberger | Steve Rowell | Kent Sterchi | Dayne Williams | Margaret Wray |
