Dominican Republic
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) shares a uniquely ecumenical witness to the gospel in the Dominican Republic, joining other North American Protestant churches in ministry there. Congregations of the PC(USA) and Dominican congregations build relationships with each other on their shared faith, mutuality and respect, and commitment to learn from one another. Because of the proximity of the Dominican Republic to the United States, Dominican Christians work with many Presbyterian mission groups each year.
The PC(USA) has a long and continuing history of participation with Dominican Christians in their ministries of evangelism, health education and care, development of water sources, academic education and outreach to Haitian immigrants.
About our work
Mark Hare and Jenny Bent
At the UBL, Jenny and Mark collaborate with students, professors, administrators and support staff to create an integrated management plan that brings together the gifts and skills of the whole university community. A critical step in developing the plan will be creating a hand-drawn map of the two-acre property, a practical technique for strengthening community spirit that Mark and Jenny discovered through their CHE work in the Dominican Republic. A critical objective of this work is to nurture a common vision and mutual understanding as the group lays out workable strategies that lead the institution towards sustainable ecological practices.
In addition to working within the UBL community, Mark and Jenny have been called to help the university reinforce its links with the surrounding neighborhood to bring together more and more people with a passion for integrated agriculture. With the support of the larger community, the university hopes to create a safe place within the UBL grounds for testing holistic techniques to produce food, medicinal therapies and flowers. This work will seek to embody a practical theology that potentiates local resources, feeds the body and the soul, and challenges dependency on global food markets.
Read more about Mark and Jenny's ministry on their profile page, which you can find here.
The PC(USA)’s church partners in the Dominican Republic are the Dominican Evangelical Church and the Alliance of Presbyterian and Reformed Churches of Latin America (AIPRAL).
Mouvman Peyizan Papay (MPP) is a grassroots movement whose goal is to help small farmers improve their living conditions. It began in 1973 in the small community of Papaye and now has members throughout Haiti. Mark Hare works with the members, advising them on ways to increase food production. His work helps farmers provide adequate nutrition for their families and generate income by selling excess crops.
The Evangelical Dominican Church operates a community health program in bateys, company towns where sugarcane workers live. Many of these workers are from Haiti and work long days for low wages and live in conditions that often lack clean water and sanitation services. Jenny Bent, Mark’s wife, helps the Evangelical Dominican Church with their health clinics and with the development of its program to train health care leaders.
Mission coworkers serving in the country:
Mark Hare - mark.hare@pcusa.org
Jenny Bent - jenny.bent@pcusa.org