As the pandemic continues and countries begin to open back up, our work in each base is looking different every week. However, we are blessed to continue finding ways to serve God in the communities to bring light and hope. Today’s story comes from our Santiago Field Director in the Dominican Republic, Alvaro Linan.

Broken homes, limited education, lack of resources, undocumented immigration, low-paid jobs, high teenage pregnancy rate, lack of water, lack of electricity, lack of hope…

This is the context where our ministry center is located here in the community of Quinigua, and all those are powerful reasons to explain why a significant percentage of its population lives under the poverty line.

Our mission works tirelessly to bring together participants to serve in mission trips and those living in under-resourced communities to bridge cultural gaps and build long-term relationships that allow us to introduce Jesus as the ultimate source of hope.

The community of Quinigua lacked a place where its young people could practice sports, build relationships, and introduce the gospel. We dreamed about building a sports court at our ministry center here in Santiago for a long time. Today, this dream is a reality.

Our Sports Site Leader, Josue Thelusmond, joined SI a year ago with a clear vision in mind: to disciple young men through the practice of sports. The sports court of Quinigua is the perfect place to carry out that vision, where young people from the community can practice sports, enjoy community, and experience the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

I want to thank you for dreaming with us and making the sports court in Santiago a reality. Your faithful support speaks high of your commitment to the extension of the Kingdom among the poor. And for that, we are thankful.

On behalf of the Santiago staff, I send our love and blessings over you.

Alvaro Linan
SI Santiago Field Director