In January 2006, 2007 and 2008, John
Boyd, a member of Christ Church, joined the Albany diocese mission team to the Dominican Republic. The team stayed in
the DR for a week, providing medical care, working on construction projects, running a vacation bible school and teaching
sewing skills. For example, a High School that has been under construction is due to be finished and opened later this
year, providing much needed access to secondary education for children in rural villages. The team helped complete the
roof during this year's mission trip. As part of the medical team, John traveled to a remote village where team members went
door-to-door providing much needed medical care. In addition, John helped train young people as "first responders", equipping
them to assess villagers and notify the local priest when immediate medical treatment is needed.
The people of the Dominican Republic
are desperately poor and appreciate the mission team and the help they receive. They also have a great love for Jesus as their savior. John was transformed by the love of Christ he received in the
Dominican Republic and is eagerly awaiting his opportunity to return.
