From the mission field: Youth ministry in Dominican Republic

Youth cook supper in Santiago, Dominican Republic, during a fellowship event organized by Deaconess Caitlin Ramirez. (Caitlin Ramirez)

Deaconess Caitlin Ramírez serves the Lord as an LCMS missionary in the Dominican Republic (DR). In her work, Ramírez serves as a congregational deaconess, mentors Dominican deaconesses in training and works with the seminary in the DR. She also supports the work of mercy houses in the DR, seeking to strengthen their relationships with congregations. One of the programs she works most closely with is Amigos de Jesus (“Friends of Jesus”), a disabilities outreach ministry.

This past fall, Ramírez partnered with another deaconess to hold joint activities with the youth from two congregations in Santiago, DR. “We have about 20 active youth who gather together twice a month,” Ramírez wrote in her missionary newsletter. “We’ve been studying Genesis and learning about God’s plan for His people and His love for us. … We eat, play, laugh, serve our neighbor and join together as youth in Christ.

“I love getting to work with these young people and watching them grow in faith and discipleship. Please pray for their spiritual growth and protection from the attacks and temptations of the devil.”

Posted Jan. 14, 2022