“When you are invested in the community, you are not just invested in the church, you are invested in the greatest need of the community.” -Josue Silverio

A small community in the DR, Constanza, has been a church partner of ours for a little over a year. Through this partnership and working with the River Church on their most recent mission trip, lives have been changed, both in Constanza and the US.

When Constanza first started out as a partnership, 7 different house churches met weekly. These house churches were set up by Pastor Rafael to bring the community together. Every week, churches would meet, and relationships continued to grow. The name of Jesus was preached, and people began to give their lives to Christ. When these groups met initially, there was barely enough juice and bread to go around at each meeting. Thanks to the partnership, church services can take place weekly and there is dinner provided at every house church; even birthday cake to celebrate people of the communities' birthdays. These house churches have become so much more than just a time of talking and breaking bread, but a time of intentional fellowship and growth within the community.

During the summer, there was a youth camp in Constanza where seven children came to know the Lord! Recently, the River Church traveled to Constanza and had the opportunity to spend a week with these kids, many were baptized and the church grew their relationship with the community. There was a time of teaching, eating, and overall companionship during this impactful week. The difference a community partnership can make is much greater than just sending funds internationally, but rather a chance to connect on a deeper level. Serving and loving the same God and getting to worship together is a blessing, and we are so thankful for this opportunity.

By partnering with a community in the Dominican Republic or Haiti, it is taking an active step into a relationship and a communal need. It is more than a donation, it is giving a “yes.” A yes to partnering with a community, like Constanza, for a year or more, and recognizing that there is a need to be met.