Project Genesis

A Lutheran Mission in the Dominican Republic

Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

-Mark 10:14 

Project Genesis schools provide educational services and help spread the Lutheran faith in the Dominican Republic.

St. Michael Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL coordinates financial support, provides assistance
with facility construction and maintenance and encourages the mission team, school staff and students.
 

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Mission

The people of the Dominican Republic thirst for Christ and deserve a quality Lutheran education that will prepare them for life. The Project Genesis schools educate children in a Christian environment. Once the children graduate, they are equipped with the necessary skills to further their education or find a job. Currently there are approximately 150 students studying at the Concordia Lutherana School in Palmar Arriba, and 80 students currently at the pre-K school in Licey, which plans to add a grade each year. The Good Shepherd Lutheran Home, also in Palmar Arriba, serves physically and mentally handicapped children and young adults in a group home setting. The Good Shepherd Foundation is under the LCMS umbrella and is supported by Bethesda Lutheran Communities and sponsor donations.

Saint Michael Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, Florida, coordinates financial support, provides assistance with capital projects, and encourages the staff and students with periodic visits.

 

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History

Project Genesis started at St. Michael in 1998 when the church partnered with a home school in the Dominican Republic that offered street kids an education and opportunities otherwise unattainable to them. Over the years the project grew; helpers and teachers joined the staff and a school was added. The Genesis Project received generous donations, and a building and supplies were purchased in Palmar Arriba.

The Concordia Lutherana School in Palmar Arriba is now owned by LCMS and serves 150 students on average.

The mission has undergone rapid expansion in recent years as we witness God’s hand at work. A permanent mission team in the Dominican Republic established in 2005 and is presently led by Pastor Ted Krey who coordinates activities at a number of sites. Several new mission and worship sites have been started around the country accompanied by a mercy component, such as a group home, medical clinic, etc.  Our team also partners with other agencies and groups in the Dominican Republic to provide information and training on improved medical care and to combat sex trafficking, among other goals. A seminary was founded in Palmar Arriba in 2013 where we can offer theological instruction in our Lutheran faith. Students are taught via Skype and in-person visits by clergy from the Lutheran seminary in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Seminary graduates now form a vital part of the mission as ordained clergy to communities in their native land.
 

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For more information contact the Director of Missions Pat Ryan at 239-540-8520 or lryan1941@aol.com, or visit the

Lutheran Church Missouri Synod website for the Dominican Republic at http://www.lcms.org/dominicanrepublic

 

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Staff Profile: Johanny

Johanny Cruz was the first youth to learn the piano in Palmar Arriba.  Since then many youth have learned both the piano and guitar and lead the music at the church services.  Johanny was also one of the first confirmed members in Palmar Arriba.  Almost 18 years old, she has been a leader in the church (always called upon as the spokesperson to welcome visitors or bring greetings to other churches).  She is one of the youth who leads in the ministry to people with disabilities, called Amigos de Jesus.  Since she became a mem
 
ber her parents have also joined the church. Johanny’s mother is the principal of the Lutheran school in Palmar Arriba, and Johanny teaches the class of three-year olds.  She graduated from high school last year and is studying to be an accountant in the evenings. Pray to God for a young woman like Johanny to thrive in her studies.
 
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What You Can Do

SUPPORT A STUDENT

The cost to sponsor a student at the Genesis schools is: $35.00 per month, or $420.00 for an entire year.

You will receive the name and a picture of your student, and periodic newsletters. You will have the opportunity to send a gift (toy, game, etc.) to your student at Christmas. We hope you will prayerfully consider sponsoring one of these children.

 

Please make checks payable to:
Saint Michael Foundation
(memo notation “Project Genesis”)
Remit to:
Saint Michael Lutheran Church
Attn: Pat Ryan, Project Genesis
3595 Broadway, Fort Myers, FL 33901

 

Click here to “DONATE NOW” using a credit card.

 A donation of any size is gratefully accepted.

100% of your sponsorship money goes towards operation of the schools.