Helping build faith on island

From Florida-

With access to a computer, telephone and the nearby interstate, Dr. Bob Stevens is in his 12th year of spearheading a growth initiative within the Episcopal Church.

Operating out of DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center, Stevens directs the Dominican Development Group, a nonprofit corporation focused on building churches and schools in part of Hispaniola.

"We try not to impose our views on them," said Stevens, calling that a type of colonialism. "Their decisions dictate what we do."

Stevens had been involved in planning and development of church efforts in the Caribbean nation and worked as a missionary before assuming his current position in 1998. He now travels up and down Interstate 75 to mission meetings a few times a week to explain what he understands the people there need.

With upwards of 300,000 children and limited or no classroom space, the Dominican Republic's dearth of schools has been addressed by Stevens. He has led annual journeys to build churches to which schools are attached.

More here-

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100627/ARTICLE/6271021/2055/NEWS?Title=Helping-build-faith-on-island