"I am in the Dominican Republic on a writing assignment to observe the remarkable growth of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Adventism has witnessed a tremendous increase in membership in this country—currently numbering 150,000. This number saw another increase earlier this year when 20,000 people were baptized as a result of a special evangelistic drive.
The history of the growth spurt in the country began in 1992. Maranatha Volunteers International (MVI) received a request from local Adventist church leaders asking Maranatha to assist them in their need for churches.
In their first large-scale project Maranatha embarked on a campaign to build 25 churches in the country. The project served as a catalyst for growth. Since then, most of the churches built have doubled in membership, creating multiple new groups from a single congregation. One church, La Caleta, has spawned 12 new groups.....
South American evangelist Alejandro Bullon filled the 15,000-seat Sport Palace stadium in Santo Domingo, the nation’s capital, with thousands more watching or listening on television and radio. Enthusiasm for the gospel is alive and far from waning.
Such growth is incredible news for the Adventist Church. But the question remaining to be asked is: Why? What’s behind the numbers, and what’s attracting the people?
According to a U.S. government publication, more than 25 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. Many reside in rural areas far past the city, where the arms of social programs don’t quite stretch.
Yet a growing number of Dominicans have found an alternative to rely on for help: the church. “Religion means we don’t have to depend on human government,” answers a woman when I ask why she thinks Dominicans are committed to church.
Many comment on the straightforward honesty of the Adventist faith, which doesn’t try to twist or undermine the Bible. Honesty is a great factor, and the simple truths of Adventist teachings have convinced many people to listen.
“Adventists preach what’s from the Bible, and we live what we believe,” says Pastor Solis. “Personal testimonies reveal the internalization of the beliefs.”
Cambita Garabito is a small town where the Adventist church is well known. This neighborhood is now quiet,’” says Wascar Ruiz, a lay preacher and member of the local church. “But I’m not surprised. It’s because of the gospel. People are attracted to the Adventist lifestyle. Ever since the church was built the membership has tripled.”
Even those who have not committed to Adventism recognize the benefits it’s had on their community. Milagro Delgado, a resident of the Cambita Garabito community, is not an Adventist, but she is familiar with the faith. “The Adventists keep the commandments like God commands,” she says, “better than other churches. It is a good religion. It’s changed the town a lot. People are staying away from the diversions of gambling and other vices that waste their time and money.”
But an unexpected benefit has come from the establishment of Adventist schools. They’ve become evangelistic tools. According to the Dominican Union Mission president, Cesario Acevedo, there are 18,000 students in Adventist schools, 70 percent of whom come from non-Adventist homes.
In the Dominican Republic the light is growing brighter."
AdventistReview-JulieZ.Lee
The history of the growth spurt in the country began in 1992. Maranatha Volunteers International (MVI) received a request from local Adventist church leaders asking Maranatha to assist them in their need for churches.
South American evangelist Alejandro Bullon filled the 15,000-seat Sport Palace stadium in Santo Domingo, the nation’s capital, with thousands more watching or listening on television and radio. Enthusiasm for the gospel is alive and far from waning.
Such growth is incredible news for the Adventist Church. But the question remaining to be asked is: Why? What’s behind the numbers, and what’s attracting the people?
According to a U.S. government publication, more than 25 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. Many reside in rural areas far past the city, where the arms of social programs don’t quite stretch.
Yet a growing number of Dominicans have found an alternative to rely on for help: the church. “Religion means we don’t have to depend on human government,” answers a woman when I ask why she thinks Dominicans are committed to church.
Many comment on the straightforward honesty of the Adventist faith, which doesn’t try to twist or undermine the Bible. Honesty is a great factor, and the simple truths of Adventist teachings have convinced many people to listen.
“Adventists preach what’s from the Bible, and we live what we believe,” says Pastor Solis. “Personal testimonies reveal the internalization of the beliefs.”
Cambita Garabito is a small town where the Adventist church is well known. This neighborhood is now quiet,’” says Wascar Ruiz, a lay preacher and member of the local church. “But I’m not surprised. It’s because of the gospel. People are attracted to the Adventist lifestyle. Ever since the church was built the membership has tripled.”
Even those who have not committed to Adventism recognize the benefits it’s had on their community. Milagro Delgado, a resident of the Cambita Garabito community, is not an Adventist, but she is familiar with the faith. “The Adventists keep the commandments like God commands,” she says, “better than other churches. It is a good religion. It’s changed the town a lot. People are staying away from the diversions of gambling and other vices that waste their time and money.”
But an unexpected benefit has come from the establishment of Adventist schools. They’ve become evangelistic tools. According to the Dominican Union Mission president, Cesario Acevedo, there are 18,000 students in Adventist schools, 70 percent of whom come from non-Adventist homes.
In the Dominican Republic the light is growing brighter."
AdventistReview-JulieZ.Lee
And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven,
having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth,
and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
Revelation 14:6