Opportunity Title: Theological Education Volunteer
Location: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
CRCNA Ministry: CRWM
CRCNA Partner: ICRRD (Christian Reformed Church in the Dominican Republic)’s Reformed Bible Institute
Number of Positions: 1
Expected Length of Service: One to four months
Dates Opportunity is Available: open, depending on field availability
Purpose: This program is designed to assist the Christian Reformed Dominican Country Team (DCT) on the field in accomplishing its approved plan. It responds to the expressed needs of the DCT and national partner organizations by fitting into the structures that are already in place, thereby adding value and strength to the approved plan without further stretching current field staff.
Specific Responsibilities:
1. Participate in short term teaching, administration and mentoring at the Reformed Bible Institute of the ICCRD (Christian Reformed Church in the DR);
2. Build relationships with the community by staying open and flexible to the culture around you;
3. Live and worship with the community during the project; Attendance and participation at a local ICRRD congregation is expected;
4. Complete recommended reading and orientation before departure to the country;
5. Provide the DCT and the community with an evaluation of the project;
6. Share your story or final report with your church, supporters, ServiceLink and CRWM.
Qualifications:
1. Mature Christian committed to serving Jesus Christ;
2. CRCNA member in good standing;
3. Theological degree or in-progress (position may serve as a seminary internship);
4. Significant Spanish ability required;
5. Able to work independently and meet their own living needs--volunteer will be able to consult with their on-field supervisor as needed, but should expect to act independently;
6. Cultural sensitivity and high moral standards are expected in areas of public testimony and personal conduct;
7. Flexible, adaptable and able to view life with a sense of humor.
Benefits:
1. Growth in your faith and relationship with God;
2. The chance to participate in a worthwhile missions experience;
3. Opportunities for professional development;
4. Preparation for future missionary endeavors;
5. A chance to learn from, serve and be served by people from a different culture;
6. Serve as an encouragement to Christians in the Dominican Republic;
7. Apply your current gifts and talents and discover some new ones;
8. Gain personal satisfaction by seeing first-hand how your prayers and contributions to CRWM have impacted communities in the Dominican Republic;
9. Assist in educating and raising awareness within North America about the social/political situation in the Dominican Republic;
10. Expenses directly related to this volunteer opportunity are tax-deductible.
Support Services Provided: ServiceLink and CRWM agree to provide:
• orientation materials as well as ongoing logistics and support to meet the needs of the volunteers, local community and CRWM’s country staff
• On-field supervision by a designated missionary, with weekly meetings
• On-field pastoral and personal counseling is available to volunteers on an on-going basis
• Opportunity to help volunteers link their individual/church’s mission and vision to work being done
Requirements of the Volunteer:
1. Complete and submit a CRWM volunteer application form;
2. Provide a current (within 2 years) criminal background check; including a vulnerable sector search;
3. Attend an orientation session in the Home Office (when possible, or by phone);
4. Adhere to ‘CRCNA Standards of Conduct’, ‘CRCNA Crisis Management Policy’ and any other applicable policies
and/or procedures;
5. Participation in CRCNA Dominican Country Team meetings, and the appropriate partner ministry meetings;
6. Cultural sensitivity and high moral standards are expected in areas of public testimony and personal conduct;
7. Follow the procedures as indicated in the appropriate agency manual;
8. Agree with and adhere to the CRCNA DCT’s vision, mission, and policies;
9. Raise all of the needed support and ministry-related funds;
10. Fulfill cultural and ministry orientation as prioritized and provided by the DCT at the beginning of field assignment.
Financial Obligations of the Volunteer:
Please note that costs are estimated and listed in US funds. Estimate is for a single person; assume 1.5 times this amount for a couple, and double this amount for a family with one to three children)
• Travel to country - varies; typically $600-$800 r/t
• Food & lodging - $800/month
• In country transportation - $200/month
• Tourist visa - $10
• Orientation/language learning $100
• Administrative expenses/communication (on-field) $50/month
• Ministry expenses $200-$300
TOTAL Estimated funds needed - dependent on length of stay, plus cost of airfare
Additional Costs – depending on each individual
• Vaccinations, and prescription medication
• Medical and travel insurance
• Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond date of return)
• Communication (i.e. cell phone, internet)
• Tourist trip - if so desired
How to Apply:
If you are interested in applying for this volunteer opportunity, please complete a World Missions Volunteer Application Form and submit it to Lisa Sochacki (lsochacki@crcna.org).
For more information on this or any other opportunity, please email us at volunteer@crcna.org.
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