The Community of Consuelo
The community of Consuelo consists of 70,000 people, living in a rural area a few miles outside of San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic. The area historically has had a mix of Dominican and Haitian people. Surrounded by massive sugar plantations, this is an area of great physical and spiritual need.
In the heart of the wondrously fertile eastern plain of the island called Hispaniola, Consuelo was for centuries a sugar refining center in one of the major sugar producing countries in the world. Once a thriving trade center, Consuelo hit hard times after its last sugar refinery closed over 25 years ago. Unemployment and inadequate access to healthcare are persistent issues in Consuelo and in the region around it.
Within 20 miles of Consuelo are at least 10 bateys — rough villages housing migrant sugarcane field workers, mostly Haitian. Here living conditions are basic at best, and injury and illness are common events. In the DR, Haitians are generally ineligible for government health care or education.
The effects of generational poverty and lack of access to health care are key problems that DMA is working to address. Of even greater importance is to confront the spiritual darkness present in the form of voodoo and other practices, common to many in the area.
Dr. Julio Jimenez and the pastors of the Christian churches he has planted and mentored work daily to bring the hope and light of Jesus Christ to the people of Consuelo. DMA’s role is to strengthen and speed this ministry in Jesus’ name.
The first sanctuary of Iglesia Monte de Sion
Doctor Julio Jimenez and His Vision
Doctor Julio Jimenez Frias
Hearing a distinct calling, Doctor Julio Jimenez Frias answered the call to the pastorate and set about building a church from scratch. He soon had a vision for much more.
Doctor Julio Jimenez started his first church in 2005 in a tiny tin-roof shack, fulfilling the first part of a much larger vision which has been and still is being built out to the glory of God. So far, five churches, two schools, two daycare facilities, adult vocational training facilities, a bakery, culinary institute, a co-op market, and a water purification plant are in place and operating. Beyond all this, construction is presently underway on “Health & Life Primary Care Clinic” and a full Tier-3 hospital “Health & Life Medical Center.”
The founders of Dominican Mission Alliance have had the honor to observe firsthand this development over the past 15 years and are witnesses to the diligent stewardship of Doctor Julio and his team.
Julio and his wife Francisca remain in the community. The secret to their success is that they minister to the entire community — not just to church members. Such a simple, powerful principle.
A Beacon of Hope — What Has Been Built
From a single congregation to a full campus of services, Iglesia Monte de Sion is now an integral service provider within its community.
Five Churches
Starting from one tin-roof shack in 2005, Pastor Julio has planted and nurtured churches in Consuelo, Consuelito, nearby bateys, and San Pedro de Macoris.
Two Schools & Two Daycares
The “Vision del Rey” school, built in partnership with Compassion International, now serves all ages and grades from K–12, plus pre-K daycare for working parents.
Water Purification Plant
A community-run water filtration and bottling plant produces 20-liter containers of purified water, offering clients quality, safety, significant cost savings, and convenience.
Hospital Under Construction
Construction is presently underway on “Health & Life Primary Care Clinic” with footings poured and vertical steel placed — the next milestone in Doctor Julio’s vision.
Iglesia Monte de Sion Campus
The relatively sparsely populated northern corner of Consuelo is where you will find Iglesia Monte de Sion — settled in amongst literal hand-built shacks and many Haitian migrants. The campus has grown into a comprehensive hub of care, education, and community life.
Iglesias Monte de Sion’s Humble Beginnings- Consuelo, Dominican Republic
Services on Campus
- Church & sanctuary
- Water purification plant
- Pre-K daycare
- K–12 school
- Kitchen & cafeteria
- Bakery and store
- Adult night classes
- Vocational training
- Playground
- ER / clinic (started)
- Tier III hospital (future)
- Secure perimeter wall around all child protection areas
How the Vision Serves the Whole Person
Dr. Jimenez believes in training, empowerment, and extending the reach of ministry through the actions of others. The programs at Iglesia Monte de Sion are built to address the whole person — body, mind, and spirit.
Beginning with the Basics
A community-run water filtration and bottling plant produces 20-liter containers of purified water, offering clients quality, safety, significant cost savings, and convenience.
Agricultural experts also provide intensive hands-on instruction in sustainable farming practices focused on self-sufficient food production, executed on church-owned plots and wherever sufficient space is made available.
Child Education as a Cornerstone
A long relationship with Compassion International has benefitted many hundreds of students in the “Vision del Rey” school that Iglesia Monte de Sion slowly built up — beginning with kindergarten and now serving all ages and grades from K–12.
A daycare center which provides pre-K services is available to local parents, many of whom require childcare assistance to seek or maintain employment.
Adult Vocational Training
In night classes, qualified instructors teach marketable job skills in language, technology & computers, administration, and other fields.
A government-accredited baking and confectionary curriculum is a big part of the culinary training program. Most graduates are hired immediately by nearby hotels and resorts.
Improving Health in the Community
Iglesia Monte de Sion has six medical doctor members who dedicate much of their time to local health needs on a pro-bono basis. Some of these medical professionals will join the staff of the clinic and hospital.
The church currently conducts clinics and provides pre-natal and post-delivery care.
Julio and his wife Francisca remain in the community. The secret to their success is that they minister to the entire community — not just to church members. Such a simple, powerful principle.
— Introduction to Iglesia Monte de Sion
Pastoral Development & Church Planting
Dr. Jimenez believes in training and empowerment and is extending the reach of the ministries of the church through the actions of others. There have been several successful church plantings — in nearby Consuelito and other bateys, and in San Pedro de Macoris. The main church counts 200 local members who attend several options of service days and times each week, with all ages effectively engaged.
The Next Step
Build a Community Hospital
Construction has already begun — with footings poured and vertical steel placed. Now the vision needs hearts like yours to bring it to completion.
Phase 1 — Two-Floor Clinic
Will provide a very broad range of critical care services including:
- Emergency care
- Preventative care
- Obstetrics
- Cardiology
- Testing services
Phase 2 — Two Additional Floors
Will be added later to achieve the full Tier III designation, and will include:
- Surgery prep and recovery
- Kitchen
- Laboratories
The need for care is so great and the cost to build this clinic is so little. This vision needs hearts like yours — will you help us bring this project to fruition?