The month of June just did not feel the same without being in the Dominican Republic serving alongside our mission partners – you are greatly missed! We pray that you, as well as our family in the DR, experience peace and good health. In times like this, I need a reminder of who we are as an organization. I want to share with you a testimony of one of the values upon which Mission Emanuel is built. This ministry is a family. It is built upon friendships resulting in beautiful relationships. One of our missionaries, Jennifer Calvert, recently shared with my wife, Cindy, about her friendship with one of our Cielo Cooperative members named Angelita Reyes. Recently, with the help of generous gifts, we were able to completely renovate her house and make it a home. At the end of this email, you’ll find a link to a video of Angelita’s home dedication.
Thank you for your continued support of Mission Emanuel, especially in this time of uncertainty. Our hope is that Mission Emanuel remains a reliable source of comfort, truth, and provision in sharing the gospel when it seems all else is in chaos.
Blessings,
Jim Sweeney
Executive Director
Jennifer’s Story
The first conversation I had with my future husband was about missions. We both have a heart for mission work. It was something we knew had to be a part of our married lives.
Fast forward to a serendipitous meeting with my sister’s sister-in-law, Gayle Edwards, who started the annual Women’s Trip to the Dominican Republic. In sharing about the trip, Gayle explained the activities and the ministry that takes place with the Dominican women. Although I am not the “arts and crafts type,” I felt God prompting me that I could be used, if I were willing to go.
As a trained counselor, I enjoy listening to other people’s stories and learning what is important to them. During my visits over the last six years, I have been able to sit and connect with multiple women and children.
One of the very first women I connected with was Angelita. Angelita is well-educated and works with people with disabilities. However, her life’s story has been anything but easy. She was born with only one fully developed leg and several digits missing on both her hands. Her husband died at a young age and she raised her son alone. What fascinated me about Angelita was that her physical limitations do not slow her down in any way. When I first started visiting Mission Emanuel, the church was on the top floor of the Cielo school; she could navigate those stairs faster than me!
Through the wonders of modern technology and my continued visits, Angelita and I have developed a very deep friendship over the years. She recently shared that she was fighting multiple bronchial issues and asthma. During our February Women’s trip, Javier took me and Sheila Edwardson, a trip leader from the Wisconsin group, to see her house. In visiting, I could see why she was fighting multiple infections. Because of damage from multiple hurricanes, her roof was filled with black mold and termite damage.
The group from Wisconsin donated money to help Angelita but the damage was more extensive than originally thought. I prayed about it and felt led to finish this work because I did not want my dear friend to continue to fight infections. The work she does with the disabled community is very important, and I wanted her to be able to continue her ministry without breathing issues.
Angelita means “little angel.” Angelita has been an angel to me and I consider her to be one of my closest friends. She frequently checks in with me, prays with me, encourages me, asks about my family, etc. The cliché about giving is so true; her friendship has given me a priceless gift.
Jim once remarked as I was going to the airport when another Dominican friend showed up to ride with me that she was doing this because I was “family.” That is one of the highest compliments I have ever received.
And, to any that may be reading this and wondering if there is a place for you, I can assure you there is a place for you at Mission Emanuel. Your future Dominican friends/family stand at the ready to welcome you with open arms.
