Missions Partner Spotlight: FCA Dominican Republic

This month, we are focusing our Missions Partner Spotlight on FCA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC! FCA exists in the Dominican Republic to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the evangelism and discipleship of coaches and athletes. FCA DR has a team of 13 individuals currently working in 6 major areas of the DR—Higuey, La Romana, San Pedro de Macoris, Boca Chica, Santo Domingo, and Dajabon.

The Dominican Republic has the second-highest number of baseball players in Major League Baseball. Every MLB team has a training academy in the DR and every town has a baseball field of some sort where kids and youth can be seen playing at all times of the day. Baseball offers many young boys and their families a glimmer of hope and small chance of overcoming poverty, and as a result many boys as young as age 13 drop out of school to focus all of their attention on baseball, hoping to someday play for the big leagues. Statistics, however, say that only 2% of Dominican baseball recruits are actually able to make it far enough with the MLB to make a living. This leaves many young men at 19-22 years old with little education, no other work skills, and no job prospects outside of the world of baseball. Some become coaches or assistant coaches, others find temporary jobs in the tourism industry as butlers and waiters, some go on to complete their education and seek other job training, and still others struggle their entire lives to make a real living and find real purpose.

FCA DR has a ministry strategy of “to and through the coach.” Baseball coaches, specifically, work with anywhere from 25 to more than 100 athletes weekly. Many of their athletes come from broken homes and end up spending more time with their coaches than with parents, teachers, or other adults. Coaches become pillars in their communities; and we believe if we can reach and disciple the coaches and their families in the Gospel, they can in turn disciple their players and families, which in turn can change an entire community.

1. PRAY FOR THE MHCC TEAM GOING TO SERVE WITH FCA DR SEPTEMBER 27 THROUGH OCTOBER 2. MHCC is sending its first mission trip team from the body since before the COVID-19 pandemic! Pray for this group of 14 as they go to assist Miguel, Rose and their team at the end of this month.

2. PRAY FOR FUNDRAISING FOR A MINISTRY MINIVAN. Fundraising for a ministry van has been difficult so far, with only $7,000 raised of the approximately $25,000 needed. You can donate here (Please put "for ministry vehicle purchase" in the comment).

3. PRAY FOR MORE STAFF AND FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPAND TO INCLUDE A FULL NON-BASEBALL SPORT PROGRAM. FCA DR needs to find and train more staff to come on board full time, but it can be difficult to find people with a heart ready to dedicate to full-time ministry. Pray for the Lord to appoint and prepare new workers and to provide the opportunity for FCA DR to expand some of its other sport offerings into full programs.