Dominican Republic
About this trip
Experience a life-changing mission trip to the Dominican Republic with It Is Written! The Southeastern Conference has invited us to conduct evangelistic meetings and a medical clinic in their territory.
Every person who attends the trip will find an area to serve no matter your age or skill set. There are many people who need Jesus in this region, and your service there will make an impact for eternity!
There are four components to this trip:
1) Evangelistic meetings at 10 sites, presented by select volunteer mission participants.
2) Light construction projects. These projects will have activities that any person can participate in.
3) There will be medical clinics almost every day. Any medical profession or skill will be utilized on the trip. Physicians, dentists, physical therapists, nurses, technicians, and any other medical profession are needed. Non-medical support team members are also needed to assist in the clinic in various capacities.
4) Children's programming. Those who are passionate about children's ministries will have an opportunity to minister in the nightly VBS program while adults attend evangelistic meetings.
Dominican Republic Information
Country Overview1. 25% of the Dominican Republic's land and shoreline are preserved as national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries.2. The Dominican Republic is a very sustainable nation because it produces nearly all kinds of food served at breakfast, lunch, and dinner across the country.3. Baseball is by far the most popular sport in the Dominican Republic. There are over 100 players of Dominican origin across American professional baseball leagues.4. It's the site of the oldest colonial settlement in the Americas and home to Christopher Columbus’s first New World landing point in 1492.5. The Dominican Republic is the only country in the world with a Bible on the flag.CapitalSanto DomingoPopulationDominican Republic - 11.2 millionSanto Domingo - 1.1 millionLanguageThe official languages are Spanish and English, although Spanish is primarily spoken.ReligionCatholic (52%) and Protestant (21%)ClimateWarm, tropical weather year-round, with the temperature generally staying between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit throughout most of the country during the time we are there.CurrencyThe Dominican Republic uses the Dominican Peso. We will exchange money upon arrival for those who wish to do so.PowerUses types A and B for electrical outlets, which is the same as the United States. There is no need for convertors.Time DifferenceDominican Republic is in the Atlantic Time Zone, which is one hour ahead of Eastern.Food and WaterFood is on U.S. standards. Drink only unopened bottled water or other drinks unless you confirm that it is purified. Unopened water bottles are always safe. Do not eat street food.
Volunteers Needed
- 10 evangelism speakers, preferably experienced (translators provided)- 20-30 medical professionals - medical, dental, vision and others- Construction volunteers- Children's program leaders/helpers- Support staffThe cap on this trip is 50 participants.
Travel Information
Please follow these instructions carefully when booking your flight:
1) Your flight should depart from your airport of choice in the U.S. to Américas International Airport (SDQ) on May 21.
2) Once you arrive, you will be collected from the airport by a member of our team.
3) Your flight from SDQ should depart on June 1 from the airport back to your home unless you arrive early or stay later for personal reasons.
4) If you would like to arrive early or stay late for personal leisure, you are responsible for all arrangements, accommodations, and expenses. Please notify us if you choose to do so.
5) Please send your itinerary to Cathy Q once you have it.
6) Should you need help booking your flights, you may contact Butler Travel in Oregon. They are an Adventist-owned travel agency and can help for a minimal fee. It Is Written is unable to assist you with booking flights. We encourage you to utilize their professional services to get the very best pricing and flights to meet your needs.
Butler Travel is open Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. PST and can be reached at (503) 879-5005.
Entry Requirements
1) A U.S. Passport is needed to enter the country. If you are from another country, please check the requirements for your particular country from Dominican Republic immigration.
2) COVID vaccines or testing are NOT required to enter or exit the country.
Accommodations and Meals
1. It Is Written seeks to provide the very best accommodations for reasonable pricing. The mission field will require flexibility and sacrifice. Still, we strive to maintain safety and a comfortable and restful experience.2. Accommodations will be at a local hotel TBD. We will inform you of the final details in our zoom meetings including hotel amenities, etc.3. Please do not book your own hotel reservation. It Is Written will do that for the entire group unless it is before or after the trip dates.4. Participants will have roommates unless you elect to cover the extra cost of your own room, which you must pay for before departure. This cost varies per trip, so you must contact the office for the amount. It is not guaranteed that a single room will always be possible. This will always depend on local availability.5. Local transportation is provided to and from the airport and all trip destinations.6. Three vegetarian meals are provided each day. Due to local limitation, vegan meals are not always an option, although often vegan selections are available. We do our best to have options for both.7. We are unable to accommodate gluten-free or other similar needs. It is often difficult to obtain these items in other countries. However, the food is usually fresh and simple, so these challenges are not as typical as they are in more developed countries. You are welcome to bring any food items that will meet your needs while there. We encourage you to bring a variety of snacks such as crackers, granola bars, peanut butter, etc. No fresh produce may be brought into any country from another country, although fresh fruit and vegetables are in abundance locally. Be sure to pack any liquid items above 3 oz in your checked baggage.8. Any food purchases outside of the three provided meals are the participant's responsibility.9. Most hotels we stay at provide laundry services for a fee.
Early or Late Arrivals and Departures
If you plan to arrive early or stay longer, you are responsible for making all of your hotel and transportation arrangements.Other details will be shared on scheduled zoom meetings. We will have 3 zoom meetings before departure. We will email you with details and instructions as the time approaches.
Medical Requirements
Check online for the recommended vaccines and medicine list and consider visiting your doctor 4-6 weeks before the trip for any further medical advice you need. The CDC can provide helpful information and recommendations. Each recommendation is a personal choice at the discretion of the individual. Participants should consult with their personal physician and make responsible decisions. It Is Written is not responsible for the results of any personal medical decisions.
Payment Deadline
Please register and complete your fee payment as soon as possible. The final deadline is May 1, 2025.If you need an extension beyond this date (due to extenuating circumstances) or have any questions, please call us at the office. Please note that if you are granted extension time, you must pay the remaining fee before departing the country, or your spot will be forfeited, even if you have booked your ticket.If you are viewing this information beyond the deadline and have interest in the trip, please call us. There may still be vacancies left.You will receive an email sometime following your trip registration. We are working on a new system for processing, but for now please know that if you submitted your application, we have it. We will connect with you soon. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the office.
Cancellation Policy
If the participant cancels before we have paid for the accommodations, internal flights (where applicable), travel insurance, and meal healdcount plans, we give a full refund.If a participant cancels for any reason after the accommodation and reservations have been made we give a 25% refund. Because these factors vary for each trip, you will need to call the office and discuss these details with us as soon as you need to cancel.
Available Packages
Adult
Available until May 1, 2025
The price covers food, housing, transportation, and travel insurance once you have arrived in the country. It also assists with supplies and expenses for the medical clinic and evangelistic meetings. So, your fee covers all of your in-country expenses, and it supports the medical and evangelism work we will do while there. You will also receive a custom It Is Written mission trip T-shirt and mission gift box willed with exciting gifts useful for your mission experience!
Your plane tickets, personal and excursion expenses, or additional baggage fees are separate from this cost. Most people bring $200-$400 for personal spending, but it is at your discretion.
Available options
Child 8-14 years old
$750
Deposit: $50
Children ages 8-14 room with parents or chaperone.
Child Birth-7 years old
$175
Deposit: $50
Children up to 7 years old room with parents or chaperone.