Excerpts from EAPE newsletters Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education, Tony Campolo, president & founder -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 1974 EAPE newsletter: Ralph and Barbara, who were married this past summer following Ralph's graduation from Eastern College, left recently to begin work at La Posada, Christian Medical Society headquarters in the Dominican Republic. EAPE is paying their travel expenses, and a salary of $150 per month. Ralph has ability in several areas where help has been desperately needed at La Posada. He is an experienced cook, having worked in this capacity at Eastern College, and at several summer camps. In the Dominican Republic he will be cooking for groups of up to 80 people, including medical personnel from the US who go out on Medical Group Missions. A ham radio operator, Ralph is taking along his own equipment which will enable La Posada to establish communication, not only with the city of Santo Domingo, but with Africa, Honduras, and Haiti. (MGM's are set up in these countries by Mr. Shannon from the Dominican Republic.) Since La Posada is an hour away from the city and has no telephone, the value of the radio can hardly be overestimated. Ralph is also a gifted mechanic. Those who know him say he can fix anything! There are five vehicles at La Posada that travel many miles on very rough roads. Having Ralph there to repair and maintain them will insure that they are ready to go when medical personnel need them. Barbara has secretarial capabilities which will be put to good use at busy La Posada. She will also help to run the summer camping program, and assist with maintenance. Pray for Ralph and Barbara. In sending them to the DR, EAPE has for the first time committed itself to maintaining missionaries with a regular monthly salary. Up until now much of our work has required only an initial investment. Dr. Mary Gordon, in the Dominican Republic, receives some salary from us, but she also works with other missionary groups. Ralph and Barbara just have us! Remember them especially, along with our other projects as you consider how you can help. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- May 1975 EAPE newsletter Ralph and Barbara have completed a six month term at La Posada, and we are happy to report that things could not have worked out better. John Shannon, director of the Christian Medical Society in the Dominican Republic, is thrilled with the way they have become a part of the program. His enthusiasm was matched by that of the Ralph and Barbara when I talked with them here in March. They were home for a visit and to pack up their belongings for a permanent move to the Dominican Republic, May 1st. Ralph has set up the ham radio station at La Posada, and been kept busy with repairs to the automobiles and trucks that play such a large part in the work there. Barbara has been helping in the pharmacy, testing eyeglasses, and assisting visiting doctors. She will also be helping with our correspondence from now on. During January semester break, five students traveled, at their own expense, to the Dominican Republic. They helped Ralph dig a new well, tested eyeglasses, and served in a variety of ways during their three week stay. The young people were: Len Davis, Newtown Square, PA; Janice Fetrow, New Cumberland, PA; John Fischer, Fanwood, NJ; Bob Mickel, Clinton, NJ; Jackie Parker, Bethlehem, PA; and Raymond Scull, Marlton, NJ. In 1974, $1016.00 was spent on travel expenses and salary to Ralph and Barbara, who began work at La Posada, September 1974. NEW ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPED BY RALPH: The mission station at La Posada has difficulty maintaining a steady flow of electricity. Ralph is laying plans for the development of an installation that will extract fuel from manure (you read correctly; we did say manure). After careful research, he has figured out a way to extract methane from this waste material and use it to run a generator. It is this kind of ingenuity that makes Ralph invaluable. SELF-HELP PROGRAM: EAPE is now engaged in economic development, and we are excited about this new form of Christian ministry. The basic idea is to provide employment opportunities for persons living in impoverished villages. During his January visit to the Dominican Republic, Dr. Campolo targeted four communities in which to begin. They were chosen because, in addition to their need for such a program, in each case there was a concerned Christian worker willing to become involved. We feel that it is imperative that we work only through people that we know personally, who share our commitment to Christ. Grace Santana, the wife of Christian Medical's Dr. Elias Santana, is our coordinator in Jarabacoa; in Tenares, Mr. and Mrs. Jose Bastico-Cosado; in Guatchupita, Tomas Marerro; and in Nigua, the leadership of the Christian Medical Society. Each of these parties was given five hundred dollars by EAPE to cover initial expenses. We are presently waiting for the first major shipment of goods from the Dominican Republic, and the program here in the US will begin as soon as it arrives. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- March 1976 EAPE newsletter Twenty students traveled to the Dominican Republic during January to "get a taste of mission work." They visited areas where EAPE is working, met our missionaries, and participated in an eye project that screened over 6,000 Dominicans and gave out over 4,000 pairs of eyeglasses. Hear what they have to say about their experiences: "While in the DR we saw many people like Padre Marerro and Dr. Elias Santana giving all their time and talent to work with the Dominican people. They were able to do so much with what little they had because they were so dedicated. But I realized how much more could be done if we, who have so much, would be willing to give our support to these people and let them know they are not alone in their work." Robin Sleicher, Loudonville, New York "I really thank the Lord for the opportunity I had to go to the DR. My eyes were opened to the physical and spiritual needs of so many people. Since the trip I have realized my responsibility to do anything that I can to help these people and others. My hope is to finish my education in nursing and go as a missionary when the Lord has fully prepared me." Judy Biebel, Plainfield, NH "The most vivid scene in my memory is the school in the slum of Guatchupita, where there is one teacher in a school system of 3,000 children. "Padre" moves from classroom to classroom, leaving an adult in charge of each group of 40 students. With a limited supply of books and other teaching materials, it is no wonder that the work gets discouraging. We would like to raise money for books and supplies for these children." Beth Zulker, Wayne, PA. What's new with Ralph and Barbara? Ralph is thrilled with the new bus. "You just can't imagine how much you have added to the program for us," he writes. Most of the vehicles that CMS has been using to transport medical mission participants are on their last legs. The bus will now be the main vehicle to transport medical personnel. Ralph has built a luggage rack on top and made the back of the bus into a pharmacy to dispense medicine at the village clinics. Speaking of clinics, Barb's been working in the baby clinic, and she writes, "getting smiled at and spit on by the babies." Continue to pray for them. They are doing a great job. The Self-Help Program, new in 1975, is making it possible for people in villages to earn money to support themselves by making sandals, purses, and other items. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- October 1976 EAPE newsletter, written by Jackie Parker Ralph and Barb have been assuming greater responsibility on the field. They coordinated two mini-medical projects this summer. One of the medical projects was in Tenares, our Self-Help village. It was exciting to see various Christian groups working together to bring the full gospel to the Dominicans. We were working as one body: holding medical clinics during the day, evangelistic services at night, and the whole while providing the villages with employment by marketing their hand-crafts. Jose Casado, the Dominican Christian who coordinates Self-Help, was almost in tears as he expressed his gratitude for our combined efforts in bringing Christ's love to his people. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- December 1976 EAPE newsletter Barb has been studying Spanish and Ralph has been working as an engineer. (When he can't get parts to fix things, he invents them!) Ralph is also a ham operator, keeping in touch with the US, and with Santo Domingo from La Posada on 400 watts. He and Barb assist the American doctors who visit La Posada, run "out trips" for MGM's and maintain the surgical van during trips. Ralph coordinates the Self-Help program in the villages, and is assistant pastor of a neighborhood church where he preaches four times a week. Recently he has started teaching grammar in a Saturday school set up by a Dominican church. It has been good having Ralph and Barb in the States for a short furlough. We ask your prayers for them as they go back to the DR. Especially pray for Ralph's mother, who is very ill. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- March 1977 EAPE newsletter Instead of attending the usual classes or hibernating at home this past Winterim, nine Eastern College students traveled with Jackie Parker to the Dominican Republic for two weeks. The first week they visited different Self-Help villages and got to see what various missionaries, doctors, and teachers were doing on the island. (They also had a chance to chat with the US Ambassador!) They were especially moved by the poverty and sense of helplessness in Guatchupita. (Guatchupita is one of our Self-Help villages.) In this slum there are over 40,000 people. A crude survey showed 72% of those living in Guatchupita are illiterate. Only 1,400 of the 10,000 children are able to go to school. The school goes up to sixth grade and there is no high school for miles. The children have no books. Paper, pencils, and ordinary school supplies are very hard to come by. There are a few beat-up desks gotten from an old school. The government gives no help at all. A Catholic priest, Thomas Marerro, is the only hope those kids have of getting an education. Our students were particularly charmed by Padre Marerro. He told them he believes the church should spend more time working from the "down-side up," and his whole life confirms that belief. The Eastern students visited a class of fifth graders. When they asked if the Dominicans liked school, the children gave an overwhelming cheer, but added they hated the lack of facilities. For instance, they pointed out that they spent four hours in a classroom where there was a large garbage hole behind the blackboard. The smell was unbearable and sickening, and on top of an empty stomach must have been very distracting. The few teachers they have in Guatchupita are poorly paid and frequently sick from lack of food. One teacher became ill and asked Padre Marerro for money for food. Marerro gave him what money he had, money he had been saving for books. (Consequently, EAPE has given Padre Marerro $200 to buy books.) The second week proved fascinating. Students worked closely with 70 other North Americans in an eye project. Most Dominicans do not have the finances to see doctors, and therefore, suffer from severe eye diseases. The Medical Group Missions of the Christian Medical Society has set up projects in various villages in which North American doctors perform eye examinations, operations, and dispense used eyeglasses to those in need for a very nominal fee. Sometimes, as many as 800 people a day are checked during the project. The students were able to see operations performed, helped dispense over 3,000 pair of glasses and some even helped in translating. They were able to act as missionaries, witnessing and distributing tracts when the situation arose. The students unanimously decided it had been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We thought you might enjoy reading some of their comments: "Hey, our sink drains! Can you believe it?" What does this have to do with the Dominican Republic? Well, it has a lot to do with it. You see, because the conditions of the people we were exposed to were so awful, and because we were working with them and experiencing some of their hardships, we began to appreciate some of the luxuries we Americans take for granted. These people are lucky if they have water that is within close walking distance, much less running water with sinks and toilets. We talk so much about Christianity, but we never have the opportunity to show it. Jesus didn't just preach. He fed the hungry and helped the sick. We saw practical Christianity in the truest sense of the word being lived out. (Jocelyn Boyd, Western Springs, IL) Over 80 doctors, nurses and families came to the Dominican Republic to help in the February general medical-surgical and dental project. Ralph led the team to a very poor, small town on the Haitian border. Not only did Ralph supervise the surgical van, he fixed the autoclave (sterilizer) for the local hospital. Also, he hooked up the surgical van to the hospital's electrical system when the van's generator broke down in the middle of a thyroid operation. The surgeons had to work by flashlight until Ralph could get it fixed. The anesthesiologist told us Ralph always had everything she needed before she even had to ask. She also said, "No one knows the importance of all he does." Ralph's responsibilities in the project helped him get over his mother's death. He talked to the surgeons and got a better understanding of her cancer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- July 1977 EAPE newsletter Ralph is busy taking care of mechanical problems at the CMS base, La Posada. He's got all the vehicles in great shape. This past week, he and MGM project director, John Shannon, completely re-insulated a freezer. This week, he'll be leading a group of surgeons to Barahona for a surgical project. He'll resume his preaching and scripture reading responsibilities at the nearby church after the surgical project. Barbara has been tackling the massive job of neutralizing and cataloging thousands of used eyeglasses. CMS just received a new computerized lensometer which makes Barb's job easier, but also dictates that a new system be established. Ralph and Barbara, who have served so effectively for the last two years under the support of EAPE will be working, henceforth, under the direction and support of the Christian Medical Society. EAPE has provided the funds necessary to keep them on the field although their work has been predominantly with CMS. Ralph has been the maintenance worker at La Posada, the rural headquarters of Medical Group Missions for the Dominican Republic. He has maintained trucks and jeeps, built buildings, fixed plumbing, maintained a ham radio station, cooked meals, and directed MGM excursions into many of the rural villages of the country. He has also started a small church close to La Posada where he preaches regularly and has reached many people with the story of Christ. Barbara has worked countless hours testing eyeglasses and preparing them for projects which provide eye care and glasses for poor people throughout the country. These two young people are worthy of our praise and must be supported in our prayers. We are happy that the Christian Medical Society, for whom they have done much of their work, is willing to assume the financial burden of their support. This frees EAPE to invest more money in some of its other projects. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- October, 1978 EAPE newsletter Ralph and Barbara return from the Dominican Republic: After four years of very faithful service for Christ and for the people of the Dominican Republic, Barbara and Ralph have returned to the United States. They plan to live in the vicinity of Spartanburg, South Carolina. Ralph gives this report: "Last year I would have felt guilty leaving. That would have left John Shannon by himself. As it turns out it was good we were there. However, there is another family there to help now, and we could leave without feeling bad about it. Of course it was hard to leave, and you can't get to know a people like the Dominicans and not feel bad leaving them, but we knew we had to." Ralph and Barbara have rendered invaluable service in the Dominican Republic. They have worked under John Shannon of the Christian Medical Society. Ralph has set up a radio transmitter that has facilitated communication between the capital city and the mission station located at La Posada. He has proven to be an expert mechanic, maintaining the trucks, buses and other vehicles which are such an integral part of the Christian Medical Society's program. Ralph has been in charge of maintenance at La Posada. He has kept the showers and toilets running, the kitchen refrigerators and equipment in operation and the electronic generators in high gear. He developed the water system for one of the neighboring villages and conducted preaching services in a small church near La Posada where he ministered regularly. So far as EAPE is concerned, he was our Dominican contact for the Self-Help program. It was Ralph who would visit the villages, collect the products that were made, pay the people for their labors and handle the shipping of the goods to the US. We are hopeful that Mr. Robert Jones who will be working for us in the Dominican Republic will be able to effectively take over where Ralph has left off in our Self-Help program. Barbara has made a very special contribution to the work of the Christian Medical Society. Most of you have been responsible for collecting old eyeglasses which we have forwarded on to the Dominican Republic from the EAPE offices. Barbara has been at the other end of the line. She was a primary figure among those who received the glasses, tested them in the lensometer and labeled them with their respective prescriptions. As you recall, when the Christian Medical Society has their "eye projects" they would go out to a village, test people's eyes and figure out what kind of glasses the people needed. With eyeglasses that Barbara helped to properly label, doctors were able to turn to an assortment of thousands of various kinds of glasses and to select the pair that most closely fitted the needs of their patients. It is difficult to count the tens of thousands of people whom Barbara assisted in getting eyeglasses who otherwise would have had to suffer with insufficient vision. In addition to participating in the eyeglass project, Barbara did so many other things to help La Posada function effectively, that it would be hard to list them all. We know that they will be desperately missed in the Dominican Republic, but we rejoice in their desire to become better qualified for Christian service on the mission field or wherever God will call them. We want them to know that we stand behind them in the days that lie ahead even as we have supported them in the past. |
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