Greetings in the wonderful name of our Lord Jesus. Here in Santo Domingo Sector #2, I work and live among two of the greatest cultures in our hemisphere and the oldest. Right here there are as many Haitians as there are Dominicans. Life is difficult for everyone but more so for the Haitians. Both Haitians and Dominicans have difficulties obtaining legal papers, if the born Dominicans were not declared by the parents, or Registered, they cannot get a birth certificate. This part of the story is told about the Haitians but not the Dominicans. I know and work with a number of these Dominicans who cannot vote, get a government job or a job from a large company. Firstly, like the Haitians, they cannot complete school to receive a diploma.
But here is why this is also very difficult for the
Haitians. Many of the undocumented Haitians who has worked for many years in
the sugarcane industry do apply for their papers with the Haitians government
here in Santo domingo and have difficulty getting it. Recent article in el Dia
a local newspaper shows many Haitians demonstrating at the Haitians embassy
demanding that they return $RD 4.6 millions of pesos that they have paid and
have not received the documents. So as you will see that both of these
government make it difficult for their citizen to participate in the society.
The Dominican govern has made it free for those born here to
receive their documents once the parents apply. This is for both Haitians as
well as Dominicans. Many Haitians are charging a fee to prepare documents,
adding new pressure on these impoverish people.
Many of these beautiful children who now come to our daily
VBS cannot read, and I found out when
I request children to volunteer and read.
Their parents do not register them in school. Some of these poor parents give
them to other Haitians who have a more stable life, with the hope that
they would send them to school but it does not happened either. Because of this
obvious need, I am planning to continue to provide basic education to both
Haitians and Dominicans even after the summer program is completed.
....Here is where you come in, please pray for these children that God will open doors for their future, and that they will have a mind to learn and that as they learn they will readily learn of the Messiah who loves them eternally. Prayer does open door to all kinds of other things, so just start by praying. I thank you for praying.
Now back to the 7th week of VBS
tomorrow, please pray for our strength as we prepare breakfast , the word of
God and Lunch for many children each day. Aslo pray for me and the helpers who
are with me daily.
May God bless you and your ministry, James 5.17-18
Your brother in the mission field
Cal Dunnon
