Dear Friends,
Happy New Year! I want to update you on some important changes taking place at Mission Emanuel and our exciting vision for what’s to come in our ministry in 2021.
After over 27 years in ministry with Mission Emanuel, Javier de la Cruz announced his retirement at the end of 2020. When they identified a need for a quality, Christ-centered education for children in their neighborhood, Javier and his wife, Rosario, established the Nazaret school in 1993. Two years later he co-founded Mission Emanuel with Jack Larson.
Javier has been a core leader of Mission Emanuel in the DR over the course of its history. For many years, Javier served as a leader in the community and in this ministry, helping build and repair homes for our neighbors in need in Cielo and Nazaret. Mission Emanuel’s longstanding, trusted presence in the community is a testament to Javier’s faithfulness to God’s calling. While growing and leading their shared ministry in the DR, Javier and Rosario also raised four daughters to know and love Christ, each of whom now brings their own gifts to the kingdom in unique ways.
We know Javier is a friend to many of you and we are so thankful for the connections and friendships formed over the years through his ministry with Mission Emanuel. In December, we honored Javier with a small celebration in the DR. When we are able to safely gather together again with groups, it is our intention to host a celebration for Javier with both his Dominican and American friends.
Rosario will continue in her role as Head of School for our Nazaret campus. We have been preparing for Javier’s transition away from leadership at Mission Emanuel for several years. As we continue to face new challenges and new opportunities as a ministry, we are thankful that God is equipping our staff to accomplish the work that He has set before us throughout these transitions. We are excited to continue serving in Cielo and Nazaret and are so thankful that you are on this journey with us.
Blessings,
Jim Sweeney
Executive Director
Javier & Rosario de la Cruz
Emmanuel & Javier with a local family at the dedication of their new home.
Javier received a plaque recognizing his years of ministry at the staff Christmas banquet in December.
One of the early classrooms at Nazaret school.
