Ministry in the Dominican Republic – Background

Children’s Relief International (CRI) partners with Errol and Igraima Zimmerman in the mountain town of Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic. Together, we share the light of Christ in Word and deed among both local Dominican families and Haitian refugees living in deep poverty.

Through Light & Grace Ministries (LGM), the Zimmermans operate the Institute for Christian Education and Training (IFEC) — a Christ-centered Pre-K serving forty Dominican children — and an after-school tutoring and discipleship program for eighty Haitian refugee children. These programs offer academic support, daily meals, and biblical teaching, planting God’s Word deeply in young hearts while offering steady employment and discipleship for Dominican and Haitian staff.

Beyond education, the Zimmermans lead two local churches: Iglesia Nueva Vida del Montaña (New Life of the Mountain Church) and Light & Grace Bible Church, a new congregation serving the Haitian and Dominican communities in Jarabacoa. Their vision is to strengthen these churches through solid biblical teaching, discipleship, and community outreach — ensuring they are led and sustained by local believers.

Through these initiatives, CRI and the Zimmermans seek to embody holistic, gospel-centered transformation — sharing Christ’s light with the poor of our time in both Word and deed.

Role Summary

This missionary role offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to serve alongside the Zimmermans to strengthen and expand gospel-driven ministry in Jarabacoa.

Missionaries in this role will collaborate with CRI leadership, the Zimmermans, local churches, and community partners to advance Christ-centered discipleship and outreach through:

• Word and Deed ministry integration across education, church, and community life

• Discipleship design and training for staff, volunteers, and youth

• Mentorship of short-term teams and interns serving in Jarabacoa

• Long-term missionary development and on-field care pathways

• Empowering the local church through leadership training and sustainable ministry systems

The focus is not on isolated programs but on helping to build a robust discipleship culture—one that multiplies faithful leaders, deepens spiritual maturity, and empowers both local and international workers to live out the light of Christ.

Ministry Outcomes & Alignment (CRI’s C.A.R.E. Framework)

This missionary role directly advances CRI’s four organizational outcomes:

Care – Strengthen ministries that meet physical and spiritual needs through Word and Deed initiatives including education, discipleship, church planting and community outreach.

Awaken – Share stories and testimonies that awaken faith and generosity among churches and supporters, inspiring new participation in global missions.

Raise – Mentor and disciple local believers, interns, and short-term teams—equipping them to serve with excellence, humility, and joy.

Enable – Build systems that prepare and support future missionaries, enabling sustainable long-term ministry both locally and internationally.

Opportunities to Contribute and Grow Ministry Impact

Strengthen Discipleship & Leadership Formation

• Develop and lead Bible-based discipleship programs for adults, staff, and youth.

• Mentor emerging leaders within Light & Grace Bible Church and the Mountain Church.

• Foster a culture of prayer, humility, and community engagement.

Equip Teams and Interns for Word & Deed Ministry

• Prepare and lead short-term mission teams and interns serving in Jarabacoa.

• Model CRI’s best practices for cross-cultural service and partnership.

• Help develop training tools that multiply the impact of each visiting team.

Support Educational and Evangelistic Ministries

• Partner with LGM staff to strengthen Christian teaching and student discipleship.

• Encourage teachers and volunteers through mentoring and spiritual formation.

• Assist with outreach programs that connect families to local churches.

Build Relationships & Collaborative Partnerships

• Serve as a vital link between CRI’s U.S. Home Office, the Zimmermans, and local partners.

• Collaborate with community leaders, churches, and NGOs to expand gospel impact.

• Support the development of Project Life (widow and elder care) within the community.

Empower Gospel-Centered Development

• Integrate biblical teaching into all areas of ministry and daily life.

• Model a Christ-like presence that unites Word and Deed for long-term transformation.

• Help support the local Church initiates the Zimmermans are leading. 

• Strengthen and Support ongoing evangelism and outreach opportunities 

Spiritual Life & Formation

• Engage regularly in CRI’s Ascend Prayer rhythm and practice.

• Complete CRI’s Hero’s Handbook formation exercises as part of ongoing growth in humility, gratitude, and faithfulness.

• Participate in the CRI community through prayer updates, retreats, Study Halls, and collaborative devotionals with staff and partners.

• Agree with CRI’s Statement of Faith.

Qualifications & Characteristics

• Spiritual maturity and vibrant faith in Christ; agreement with CRI’s Statement of Faith.

• Bachelor’s degree required; additional Bible/theological training strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in discipleship, education, ministry leadership, or missions.

• Experience mentoring teams or interns; cross-cultural experience preferred.

• Eagerness to learn, adapt, and invest in local relationships and language (Spanish).

• Strong communication, organizational, and relational skills.

• Commitment to humility, adaptability, perseverance, and servant leadership.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.

Training & Onboarding Pathway

• Complete CRI’s Big 8 Missionary Preparation Program (convictions, mission, strategies, goals, journey, endorsement, asking, explaining).

• Attend Support Raising Boot Camp and CRI On-Ramp Training.

• Receive pre-field orientation and cross-cultural training.

• Engage in Spanish language learning (supported by CRI).

• Receive ongoing coaching, accountability, and spiritual care through CRI leadership.

• Annual home assignment for rest, reporting, and church engagement.

Reporting, Accountability, & Success Indicators

Reports to: CRI President
Collaborates with: The Zimmermans and the CRI Word & Deed Department

Indicators of Success:

• A thriving discipleship culture within Light & Grace Ministries and partner churches.

• Growth in local leadership and sustainability of ministry programs.

• Effective integration of Word & Deed ministry across educational and church contexts.

• Consistent, timely communication with CRI staff and donors.

• Increased participation in short-term teams, interns, and future missionaries.

Ministry Environment & Support

• Serve in Jarabacoa alongside the Zimmermans, local staff, and CRI’s Home Office.

• Flexibility to innovate based on emerging needs and God-given opportunities.

• Raise your own support (salary and ministry funds) through church, family, and donor partnerships—training and coaching provided by CRI.

Location: Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic
Type: Full-Time Missionary Role | 2–4 Years (initial term, renewable)