Students International
Occupationally Focused Christian Missions

Country Site Info

STUDENTSInternational
Ministry Site Prayer & Donation List

Dominican Republic (Jarabacoa)

Thank you for your willingness to donate items to the ministry of SI-DR. In our relationships with the nationals here in Jarabacoa, we are intentional about not fostering dependency in our giving and also in treating those we minister to with dignity and respect. To this end, we have a few simple guidelines that we would like to suggest as you consider your donations.

First, we ask that all donations be given through the site leader. We collect donations in the donation room when you first arrive, where they are logged into our system. Once items are cataloged we attempt to have them out to the site leader within the first day or two of your outreach. Our site leaders know best how to distribute or use these items � please trust their judgment.

Please label your donation if you would like them to go to a specific site. If they are not labeled we will distribute items to where they are needed the most.

To better aid you in choosing donations, we have a site specific donations list that is updated according to the needs of the sites 3 times a year. We know that you have worked hard to raise support and have to consider the cost of bringing donations in bags that cost you extra luggage fees. It is perfectly understandable that you need to consider if the value of the item you are bringing exceed the cost of bringing the item to the DR. You may want to peruse the donation list and pick your top 10 items to collect since the list is fairly extensive. Another suggestion could be to ask each outreach participant on your team to collect some specific items for the ministry site they will be working in from the list of donation suggestions.

If donating used items please be sure that they are gently used (in good to excellent condition). If clothing or household linens, please be sure they are free of rips, tears, or stains, that all zippers work and that buttons are in tack. All cosmetics and personal hygiene items should be very gently used to new in condition. Some types of cosmetics go bad or can foster bacteria growth after a period of time and will not be able to be distributed.

Please consider the culture you are giving to. For example, items that are in English or that are specific to cold weather climates may be more useful at a local charity in your home town.

When packing donations, please pack liquids in a bag that seals well and be certain to wrap breakable items in protective packing material. Be sure to place both of these types of items in the center of the suitcase where they will be less prone to leakage or breakage.

Again, we are so blessed by your generosity. Our ministry sites continue to run smoothly because of your willingness to partner with us! If you have any questions, please contact Chelsie Miller (chelsierae.miller@gmail.com)

  • Appropriate Technology
    • Site Description:
      • A basic necessity to life, safe clean drinking water is surprisingly unavailable throughout many parts of the under-developed world. Jarabacoa, is no exception. Although there is an abundance of water provided through rainfall and the nearby rivers, most if not all is unsafe to consume. Ingesting this bacterial contaminated water results in many various health conditions and illnesses.

        Our focus is to meet this critical physical need by providing Biosand water filters to families in the communities. These filters have been proven worldwide to reduce waterborne diseases.

        Our desire is to enter these families homes by meeting immediate physical needs, recognizing opportunities to minister spiritually, and allowing the truth of scripture and the Holy Spirit to enter their hearts.

        Our goal is to initiate long-lasting relationships for the purpose of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and His kingdom, resulting in their eternal salvation and pursuit for further spiritual growth through discipleship.

        There is also a real possibility to expand this ministry by implementing fuel efficient smokeless stoves in place of the traditionally used "fogon" (wood burning stove).
  • Dentistry
    • Prayer Requests:
      • Pray that the electricity can be regulated and for protection for the electrical and pneumatic equipment.
      • More opportunities to share with and disciple the dental assistants in their walk with God.
      • God given opportunities to minister to both students and community.
    • Suggested Donations:
      • Antibiotics – Amoxicillin
      • Ibuprofen
      • Face masks
      • Dental bibs
      • Gauze – 2x2, cotton rolls
      • Hand sanitizer
      • Latex gloves
      • Lysol wipes & spray – lots!
      • Rewards for kids – (small coloring books, crayons and small toys for kid’s rewards)
      • Toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss
      • Liquid Soap
      • Restorative Materials (Examples include temporary dressings, dental restorations (fillings, crowns, bridges), endodontic materials (used in root canal therapy), impression materials, prosthetic materials (dentures), dental implants)
    • Site Description:
      • The dentistry site in Jarabacoa provides dental care to people in a traditional dental clinic setting. Vanesa performs cleanings, extractions, and normal dentistry care, while also sharing with her patients about God’s love. She also leads outreaches in rural communities where dental care is less accessible and affordable, as well as teaching dental hygiene to children in the public school system.
        Students at this site will work alongside Vanesa assisting her in clinical visits. Another key responsibility is calming fear in children who visit the dentist site by reading books, praying, and playing. An outreach participant in this site will be offered a chance to experience many facets of ministry, thru practical ways as well as relational care.
  • Education — El Callejon
    • Prayer Requests:
      • Pray that the children & their families would be touched by the love of God.
    • Suggested Donations:
      • Construction paper
      • Prizes
      • Balloons
      • Children’s vitamins
      • Pencil sharpeners
      • Kids videos about bible history
      • Kitchen towels
      • Sheets
      • Nail Polish
    • Suggested Donations for Christmas gifts for the preschoolers:
      • Shoes
      • Blankets or quilts
      • Towels
      • Coats, hats, scares, gloves for colder weather
      • Pillows
      • Soaps
      • Socks
      • Bags for children
      • Composition notebooks
      • Pencils
      • Pens
    • Site Description:
      • The Learning Center of El Callejon is located in a rural community just outside Jarabacoa. The center started as a preschool to prepare children for public education by equipping them to be successful students. Over time we noticed a need for greater literary skills and resources --especially for students in the third grade, an age that many students begin to fall behind in the public system. So the idea of a community library was born. Our goal is provide an environment where children don't just learn to read, but that they begin to read to learn. Our great hope is to see a new generation that can read, understand, and share God's Word. Participants will help organize and shelve library books, assist in tutoring, prepare literacy games and activities, read stories, and direct dramas. They may also visit local houses and/or schools to share stories and books. The center serves children of young children up to teenagers.
  • Education — Los Higos
    • Prayer Requests:
      • Pray for financial support for the site and for Hector.
      • Pray for the fundraising of the new school building.
      • Pray for a woman’s social work site for the mothers of the students.
      • Pray that the children would be able to learn more about God and that their parents could see Christ through the kids.
    • Suggested Donations:
      • *** important: Toner Cartridge MLT-D118L
      • Play-dough
      • Storybooks (in Spanish)
      • Educational toys
      • Sharpie markers
      • Coloring books & crayons
      • Glue
      • White board markers
      • Construction paper
      • Foam sheets/paper
      • Glitter
      • Blocks
      • Puzzles
      • Toys & games for the Prize box
      • Paper
      • Legos
      • Hand sanitizer
    • Suggested Donations for Christmas gifts for the students:
      • Dolls
      • Tea set
      • Table games
      • Candies
      • Magic boards
      • Small toys
    • Site Description:
      • Pre-Escolar – Los Higos is a preschool in the small farming village of Los Higos, located in a mountainous community just outside of Jarabacoa. Kids in this school are taught basic educational skills, as well as being introduced to the gospel. In the afternoons the teachers also offer English,music classes to a variety of ages. Participants assist the teachers in daily activities including classes, tutoring, and visiting with local families.
  • Education — Mata Gorda
    • Prayer Requests:
      • Pray for Johana, that she can continue to form good relationships in the community of Mata Gorda.
      • Pray for the children in the preschool program, that we can reach them and their families for Christ.
    • Suggested Donations:
      • School Notebooks
      • Play Dough
      • Children’s books in Spanish
      • Spanish education DVDs or computer games
      • Construction paper
      • Tempura paint
      • Art supplies
      • Children's Gummy Vitamins
      • Baby Wipes
      • Kleenex
      • Tennis Balls
      • Thermal laminating sheets (9x11.5 inches)
    • Suggested donations for Christmas gifts for the students:
      • Hair accessories for girls
      • Matchbox cars
      • Socks
      • Underwear
      • Children’s books (Bible stories) in Spanish
    • Site Description:
      • Students International preschool at Mata Gorda is located in a poor farming community with a beautiful view of the mountains. Generations of families without a relationship with God have produced drug and alcohol problems and fractured family structures. Our school exists to help shape the next generation of families by providing education and the knowledge of who God is. Our teachers focus on creating an environment that encourages learning, and sharing the truth of God’s word to the kids at a young age. Participants help with daily school activities as well as tutoring in the afternoons.
  • Health Care — Community Health
    • Prayer Requests:
      • For God to open doors for more school health talks.
      • The health of our patients (especially those with hypertension and diabetes)
      • That participants will develop their call for medicine and missions.
    • Suggested Donations:
      • Pain medications (acetaminophen, ibuprofen), cold medications, chewable antacids, allergy meds (Benadryl)
      • Children’s Acetaminophen & Ibuprofen
      • Clorox wipes
      • Glucometer needles and test strips (Bayer brand)
      • Wound care supplies (gauze, tape, cleaning supplies) & gloves
      • Eye drops (any type over the counter for rewetting or irritation)
      • Stool softener pills
      • Vitamins for adults and children (please no gummies as they melt)
      • Stethoscopes
      • Blood pressure cuffs
      • Adult Diapers - Size Medium
      • Hydrocortisone Cream
      • Neosporin
      • Clotrimazole Cream
      • Reusable otoscope pieces
      • Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer
    • Site Description:
      • The community health site operates in the local rural communities surrounding Jarabacoa. In addition to regularly scheduled medical clinics, the site also helps to educate people on healthcare, nutrition, baby care, personal hygiene, and other health related issues. Students can expect to participate and plan medical clinics and presentations alongside the site leader. Students will also have many opportunities to experience the Dominican culture through home and community visits.
  • Media & Communications
    • Prayer Requests:
      • Pray that God would continue to guide our ministry site into what He intends for it to be.
      • Pray for God to continue building a media team for the future.
      • Pray for the media site to continue building relationships within various communities in order to share the Gospel.
    • Suggested Donations:
      • Flash drives (8G and up)
      • SDHC Memory cards: Class 10 (a # found within an unclosed circle in the card itself) 16G or higher
      • Printer ink – HP 662 (black or color)
      • Microphone T-5i
      • Any used IPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S5 or newer.
      • • Any used iPads, tablets, or laptops.
      • • Cameras that you no longer use or any lenses.
      • • Used GoPro hero 3 that you no longer use, or newer.
    • **SEE LINK TO WISH LIST BELOW
      • https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/giftlist/2EVVA821UCRKO/ref=cm_gl_huc_view
    • Site Description:
      • The goal for our Media Site is to involve team members in the area of multimedia communication; documenting each outreach through video, photography, web, and graphic design. There are many avenues of service, not only to the teams that come but also interacting with the people of the community, the SI staff, and their ministry sites. One of the main projects that the students will work on is putting together a outreach video. This will require students to visit all the areas where outreach participants are serving.
  • Microfinances
    • Prayer Requests:
      • Prsy for the upcoming transition in the site of a new micro finance leader, that God would show us who he has chosen to be a part of the team with Heidy.
      • Pray for spiritual growth and wisdom.
      • Pray for more faith and spiritual guidance.
      • Pray for the personal fundraising of the site leaders.
    • Suggested Donations:
      • Liquid bath soap
      • Kitchen Towels
      • Kitchen aprons
      • Towels & Sheets
      • Cosmetics/makeup/perfume/face & body lotion
      • Devotional Bibles for women in Spanish
      • Acrylic paint
      • Jute
      • Scrapbooking materials
      • Colored/patterned fabric
      • Candles
      • Small gifts for teens
    • Site Description:
      • Our microfinance ministry works with women in several communities around Jarabacoa. The site provides savings accounts, small business loans, and financial education to women with the deliberate intention of sharing The Gospel. Women in the program go through an education period of 4 weeks and then receive small loans averaging $200. In weekly meetings thereafter, they have a Bible study, discuss issues in their businesses, and pay back their loans. In addition to the weekly meetings, the site reaches out to the women thru personal visits and spiritual care. Participants help in every aspect of the site, and can expect to be challenged both spiritually and socially, as you visit some of the poorest areas where SI ministers.
  • Physical Therapy
    • Prayer Requests:
      • For more supporters for Silvio’s support and the site also.
      • May God be glorified each day in the lives of my patients.
      • Give me wisdom to administer the position that God has put in my hands.
      • May God give a word of integrity for my students for when I have an outreach team in my site.
    • Suggested Donations:
      • **important: electronic personal weight scale
      • Towels
      • Massage cream with menthol
      • Ultrasound gel
      • Electrodes for TENS unit
      • Exercise mats
      • Ankle support braces (medium, large)
      • Foot flat beds
    • Site Description:
      • The physical therapy site treats members of the community from all ages with varying disabilities. Through serving in love we want to establish, build, and nurture long lasting relationships
        with those in the community in order that they see Christ’s love in us. Students on short term mission trips are involved with patients and family members during physical therapy in many different ways such as: performing stretching and strengthening exercises, apply ultrasound/electrical stimulation, make hot/cold packs, maintain the cleanliness of the clinic, assist with patient transfers, and learn about the importance of physical therapy. The main goal for our students is to open their hearts to the people they have come to serve and show Christ’s love through their service and realize the gifts God has given them to use in their occupation.
  • Special Education
    • Prayer Requests:
      • Spirit of cooperation for the benefit of the students and to the glory of God.
      • For God to use our devotional “Jesus Storybook Bible” to save lives.
      • Ministry of Education involvement in supporting our School.
      • Future property plans
      • Finances
      • Health of the students and teachers
    • Suggested Donations:
      • Wet wipes
      • Clorox wipes
      • Hand sanitizer
      • Latex gloves
      • Adult diapers
      • Basketballs
      • Construction paper
      • Crayons
      • Whiteboard markers
      • New/gently used dolls
      • New/gently used trucks
      • Toddler Diapers (medium)
      • Two pocket folders
      • Play-Doh
      • Toothbrushes
      • Toothpaste
      • Laminator (see Amazon Wish List)
      • Autism Weighted Vests (see Amazon Wish List)
      • Amazon WISH LIST!
    • Site Description:
      • Students International’s Centro Especial Genesis is a school for mentally and physically challenged children and is the only school of its kind in the area. There are twenty-five children with a variety of learning disabilities that are given the opportunity to learn in a loving and accepting environment. Outreach participants assist teachers in achieving specific educational and behavioral goals set for each child by working as a classroom assistant, interaction during recess, and activity preparation.
  • Sports — Mens Baseball
    • Prayer Requests:
      • That God would continue helping and giving wisdom with the goal of connecting more people in the community to the gospel.
      • That God would give us new strategies of sharing the gospel in an effective and passionate way.
      • For the youth in Buena Vista that have been presented with the option of signing with a higher level team.
    • Suggested Donations:
      • Wooden Bats
      • Metal bats
      • Jaeger bands for pitchers
      • Baseball cleats (size 7-10)
      • Baseball gloves (size 11-12 inch)
      • Batting gloves
      • Baseball Socks/uniforms
      • Baseballs
    • Site Description:
      • The purpose of this site is to use sports, particularly baseball, as a way to develop relationships with the young men and boys through which the Gospel can effectively be communicated. Although the site typically concentrates on baseball, it sometimes can include basketball and soccer. Daily bible studies and home visits contribute to achieving the goal of changing lives. Participants will be used to help with the bible studies and practices, as well as share their own testimony to the boys in the site.
  • Sports — Womens Volleyball
    • Prayer Requests:
      • Megan Smith as she is preparing to come in staff later this year.
      • A new volleyball court so we are able to continue practicing.
    • Suggested Donations:
      • **See Link to our WISH LIST below 🙂
      • https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/dl/invite/9imkixj?ref=cm_sw_em_r_wl_dp_aWie0frpVu42S
    • Volleyballs (molten, tachikara, mikasa)
      • Tennis shoes
      • Shorts (soccer length or longer)
      • Volleyball shoes (new or used)
      • Water bottles
      • Gym bags/backpacks
      • Journals
      • Sports bras: the girls love colorful ones in sizes Medium and Small
      • Spanish Bibles and teen devotionals
      • Face and body lotion
      • Cosmetics
      • Perfume/body spray
      • Nail polish
      • Hair ties
      • Headbands
      • Vitamins
      • Deodorant
      • Volleyball net
    • Site Description:
      • Through the women’s sports site, SI is able to visit rural communities and reach young girls who would otherwise already be looking to start a family and get married. With that, we offer a program where the girls can be involved with a group of similar young women who want to break the generational norms of this culture. Through hard work and faithfulness, the girls are also offered a chance to play for the varsity team, which competes with other teams in the area. In addition, the site assists girls in being accepted to private schools so they can receive a better education than that offered in the public school system. Participants will help with practices, English classes, and bible studies, as well as get a chance to participate in public school classes.
  • Women's Social Work — El Callejon
    • Prayer Requests:
      • Direction and wisdom to continue to develop the ministry in the site.
      • For the Lord work in the hearts of the women of the community that they would walk in His ways.
      • For the Lord to raise up one or two persons to work in the site and support the site leader.
    • Suggested Donations:
      • Personal hygiene products (shampoo, body wash, etc)
      • Key chain rings
      • Hygienic wipes & deodorant
      • Shampoo
      • Notebooks, pencils, pens, permanent markers
      • Kitchen utensils (cookie sheets, cake pans)
      • Make up
      • Spanish Bibles
      • Christian movies in Spanish (teens/kids)
      • Felt & burlap
      • Acrylic paints
      • Accessories for sewing
      • Fabric (preferable large pieces)
      • Christian books for teens (Spanish)
      • Colored paper
      • Clorox wipes
      • Paint brushes
      • Computer, Table
      • Nail polish
      • Kits for nail art
      • Backpacks
      • Form paper (large)
      • Sewing machine
      • Sewing serger
      • Strong for macrame
      • Used cloths for boys ages 4-12
      • Table games
      • Puzzles
    • Personal hygiene articles
      • Adornments for the house
    • Site Description:
      • The social work site in El Callejon builds unity among women and teenage girls through home visits, Bible study, craft projects, and various other activities. Most women in the site come because of brokenness, abuse, or neglect in their home. By teaching biblical principles concerning self-confidence, responsibility, sexual purity, wise decision-making, and character development, the women’s lives are transformed. In no other site do we see such radical changes in lives and homes. Participants can expect to be challenged in relating to women of another culture, and will be challenged to do so in a very personal manner.
  • Base Team Directors� Ministry � Chelsie Miller & Alberto de los Santos - Prayer requests
    • Pray for wisdom and discernment on behalf of Chelsie & Alberto.
    • Pray for Chelsie & Alberto to lead with humility, joy, and intentionality.
    • Pray for transformation in the hearts of the students & short term staff that come.
  • Base Team Suggested Donations
    • Gift bags and tissue paper
    • Paintbrushes (smaller for painting on cement blocks in the Chapel)
    • Acrylic paint � all colors
    • Face paint
    • 9-volt, AAA, and AA batteries
    • Bean bags for the yard game, corn hole
    • Table/Board games
    • Guitar Strings (Martin, Fender, Elipse)
  • First Aid Donations
    • Cold medicine � day time & night time
    • Cough syrup
    • Nasal decongestants
    • Cold packs - that can be put in first aid kits for the sites
    • Heating Pad
    • Vitamin C - for kids and adults
    • Benedryl
    • Ace wraps � various sizes
    • Arm sling
    • Anti � fungal cream
    • Anti-biotic ointment
    • Bandage tape
    • For children: cold medicine, Tylenol, vitamins
  • Kitchen Donations
    • *Unsweetened Kool-Aid packets in popular flavors*
    • Dish towels
    • Scotch Brite sponges with green scrubbers
    • Hot pads & hot mitts
    • Rubber spatulas
    • Plastic serving tongs
    • See wish list on Amazon (link above)
    • Queen & full sized sheet sets (with 2 pillow cases) � new or gently used
    • Non-skid bathroom rugs in tan, blue, and green
    • Pillow protectors (standard size, cotton/poly blend, zippered
    • Non-skid bathroom rugs in tan, blue, and green
    • Duct tape
    • Small flashlights (that take AA batteries)
    • AA batteries
    • Sharpie markers � medium & broad tip
  • Office Donations
    • Canon 137 Printer Toner,Canon 126 Printer Toner
    • Envelopes
    • White Out Tape
    • Masking Tape
    • Sharpie Markers
    • White board markers, erasers, and cleaner
    • Pens & Pencils