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LoveServes International exists to bring about sustainable spiritual and community transformation by coaching national

pastors to develop healthy churches that equip Church members to meet the communities’ greatest needs through the

love of Christ.

Our Vision is to develop Healthy Churches in all nations equipping God’s people to make disciples, who make disciples. Our Mission is to walk alongside Pastors mentoring and coaching them to develop a healthy Church that equips its members to love God and love their neighbor. (Ephesians 4:12 “Equipping God’s people for works of service for the building up of the kingdom of Christ…”) What We Do:

MODEL Jesus while coaching pastors through church health process. Pastors and leaders realize their Biblical role as equippers (Eph. 4:12)

Coach churches to become healthy inside and become outreach focused with a vision for their community.

Train pastors to equip ALL the believers to use their spiritual gifts and natural abilities to form ministries to meet greatest needs

HOW we do it:

Nationals equipping nationals. Coaches are pastors that have successfully applied the principles they are teaching

Monthly coaching through regional networks

Utilize over 30 specialized workshops

Sustainable Model – Principle-based

Pastors & leaders begin leading by example

Spiritual gifts, talents and abilities identified in the Church to meet the greatest needs

Pew-sitters are inspired, equipped and motivated to become active ministers

Impoverished churches are taking ownership of the Great Commission

Cross-denominational collaboration

Churches not dependent on American resources

Community leaders see a relevant church and partner resources

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Key Indicators tracking growth- a ten-year history of the Natural Church Development and Holistic mission in the Dominican Republic.

Mission Trips

Helping without hurting

Purpose of this Trip is two-fold: First, to come along side and partner with a local church that LoveServes has

been coaching to complement one another in the body of Christ. To be used to reach the community in such a

way that it connects, builds and strengthens the relationships the local church has with the citizens of the

community. In contrast, we DO NOT want to “fix their problems” or “ride in on our white horse to save the

day”. Rather, we want to begin the process of building a mutual benefiting relationship that can most

effectively bring LONG-LASTING solutions to the community’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Humility

is paramount!

Quantity Indicators / Year Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Total

1 Number of pastors under NCD training 170 159 198 154 127 228 351 345 319 140 2,191

2 Number of church leaders under NCD training 478 552 549 449 381 684 1,053 1035 957 420 6,558

3 Number of NCD networks (4 –10 pastors) 22 15 28 24 19 32 54 52 47 29 322

4 Number of pastors at NCD networks 170 157 198 152 127 228 351 345 319 140 2,187

5 Number of churches that went through NCD Cycle #1 12 50 48 - 107 86 50 39 392

6Number of pastors training under Integral Mission

principles (how to start and run holistic ministries)141 113 146 100 87 140 165 320 228 96 1,536

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Number of church leaders training under Integral

Mission principles (how to start and run holistic

ministries

90 573 230 144 171 127 524 599 626 644 3,728

8Number of new holistic ministries formally started in

churches268 281 393 343 455 566 706 751 680 547 4,990

9Average number of new ministries formally started per

church2 2.5 2.69 3.43 5.22 4 4.27 2.35 2.98 2.39 N/A

*10Number of churches which have increased main

service’s average attending over 20%145 182 295 444 552 589 670 536 602 465 N/A

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Number of new believers added during current year that

have faithfully attended church main service last three

months

3,046 4389 6,026 6,261 7,607 10,740 10,134 11,792 12,112 9037 81,144

12Number of baptized believers between July 1st last year

and June 30 current year2,107 2577 3,528 3,306 3,320 4,742 4,088 5,449 5,996 4715 39,828

13 Number of pastors in discipleship N/A N/A N/A N/AN N/A N/A N/A N/A 37 29 29

14 Number of disciplers 54 54

LSI

INDICATORS FOR NATURAL CHURCH

DEVELOPMENT AND HOLISTICI MISSION

Until June 2016

* The data for the indicator number ten are given based on estimates.

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The second purpose of this trip is to expose American Believers to a unique ministry that has harnessed Jesus’

simple strategy to build His Kingdom. Eph. 4:12 “Equipping God’s people for works of service…”

Our hope is that you will be inspired by the testimony of the local church that you work alongside. Then begin

to see how God wants to use you to love and reach the people in your own community with the gifts and

talents God has given you. We also would hope you will become a strong advocate for LoveServes back in the

USA.

Doing things different on purpose:

Our Executive Director, Daniel Rodrieguez and our team are working hard to raise up national leaders and

breaking the entitlement or “welfare” mentality that is prevelant in so many Dominican churches and

communities. We understand American believers feel compassion for poor Dominican churches and want to

give of their resources. However, it is paramount that Dominicans don’t percieve Americans coming to take

over and assume responsibility for the success of the ministry and its projects. Dominican pastors and their

people are learning the value of being self sustained and reliant only on God. American resources must go

directly into training, coaching and the equipping of these leaders in order to transform their entire paradigm

as to their role and their churches’ role in the community. If you desire to donate beyond your time and work,

please discuss this with one of the LoveServes staff before doing anything further.

Motivation for helping:

Attitude is everthing. It is difficult at first to understand how to help when the goal is for the local church to be

the ones connecting with its community in order to ensure that the relationships established will be long term.

Since we don’t want to “take away” from the work that the Dominican believers are doing in their own village,

how then can we HELP them? We want you to see yourself as a partner, instead of the leader or the “rescue

help”. The key is all in the ATTITUDE and the motivation of your heart. Ask yourself some questions. What is

my motivation for helping? How do I describe poverty? If I was completely honest with myself, do I consider

myself superior in some way to the people in the Dominican Republic? If yes, how would this have an effect

on how I would help someone in poverty and/or minister to the lost? The RIGHT attitude MUST be humility.

The RIGHT motivation MUST be love. The RIGHT application MUST be partnership and collaboration. Being

Humble, Adaptable & Teachable (H.A.T.) is priority number one. So put your H.A.T. on and let’s go!

WHAT will YOU be doing?

Our LoveServes team has worked hard to do the leg work with the local church you will be partnering with. The local church has a vision and a plan to reach their community. In fact they are already doing it. Where you come in is joining the great work that God is doing in that specific location. However, we desire to see God use you in your gifts and talents. It is important to match you up with a ministry outreach that utilizes your area of giftedness. With that being said, it is also good to allow God to stretch you in areas you are uncomfortable so you can grow. You will most likely be helping Dominicans build a facility that will provide more ways and effectiveness in reaching the people in their community. Most trips involve some type of light construction project. This can include laying block, shoveling, pouring cement, laying foundations, painting etc. Carpenters, electricians, and plumbers are always in demand. Please let us know before-hand if there are any skilled tradesmen and TRANSLATORS coming on your team. Other ministries to be involved in are; children and teen outreach, feeding the hungry, helping the disabled, sick and elderly, gardening.

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Are you a Group Leader? Here’s how to prepare your group

1. We try to reach a minimum of 20 people on a trip (if you don’t have that many don’t worry, we can combine your group with another small team or other individuals in order to get to 20)

2. Team leader must meet with LoveServes Trip Coordinator to go over the specifics of the trip prior to meeting with your team.

3. Your team is recommended to meet 3-5 times to go over the training material led by the group leader to ensure proper explanation of our unique type of mission trip.

4. Read the book “When Helping Hurts” by Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert (buy on Amazon for $7-9.) 5. Email a list of all the participants names with age, and skill sets to: peter@loveserves.org 6. Have each member of your team APPLY ONLINE: http://loveserves.org/portfolio/join-a-missions-team/

and click on MISSION TRIP APPLICATION. 7. Email copy of passport to peter@loveserves.org as soon as possible or a minimum of 60 days prior to

leaving. 8. Trip Cost is $850.00 per person plus airfare and project costs. 9. Airfare: LoveServes DOES NOT book flights. Each person or group is to make their own airline

reservation. We will make recommendations as to which airport to fly into as well as the recommended time of arrival and departure.

10. Project costs typically range between $8,000 - $12,000. Raise these funds as a team, invite Churches/friends and family so they too can INVEST in God’s work.

11. When you register online for our trip immediately Mail $200 deposit or pay online to LoveServes International with “Mission Trip” and/or their name if someone is sponsoring them, in the memo Line LoveServes International 3310 US Hwy. 301 N. Ellenton, FL 34222

12. Balance of each person’s trip is due no more than 30 days prior to leaving

Workshops: Equipping is what we do as an organization. You might have a specific skill set that could be taught and

duplicated. For example: If you are an IT computer genius, you may be able to teach a number of key people

from the area churches computer skills in such a way that they could go back and teach groups of others the

same things. Other workshop ideas are: teen & children’s ministry, drama, music, business, accounting, and

english. The goal is to share ideas in your area of expertise, however being sensitive to the cultural context. It

is imperative that you remain humble and teachable in case your methods might need “tweeking” because of

the culture difference.

Important side note:

LoveServes International is known as AVI in the Dominican Republic. It is one and the same only different in

name. We changed the name in the US from AVI to LoveServes International for marketing purposes.

However, it made sense for the name to remain AVI in the DR being that it is well known and has a very good

reputation among the churches, denomination heads, and the Dominican government.

Expectations:

1. “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” (Phil. 1:27) 2. “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Heb. 13:16)

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3. “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” (Heb. 13:17)

4. “Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.” (Heb. 13:18)

Praise God, He is working and wants you to be involved in building up the Kingdom of Christ.

BEFORE YOU GO - Preparing for your trip

PASSPORT

All North Americans traveling to the Dominican Republic must have a passport. Check with your post office for a passport application, go to the U.S. Department of State web page: http://travel.state.gov/passport or the Passport Canada web page: www.passportcanada.gc.ca. If you are applying for a new passport, please allow 4 – 8 weeks for this process. All travelers should bring a photocopy of the first two pages of their passport in their carry-on luggage.

FLIGHT

Individuals/group are responsible for all airfare and travel arrangements to and from Dominican Republic. A LoveServes International representative will meet you at the airport in Dominican Republic and LoveServes driver and transportation will be waiting for you. Be sure to check with the airline for current restrictions, luggage weight limits, etc. prior to arriving at the airport. Don’t worry if you are an individual, we will make sure you are connected with your group.

MEDICAL/TRIP INSURANCE

LoveServes purchases International Trip Insurance for each person, however it is recommended you carry your own medical and/or airline trip insurance as well. COST of your Mission trip is $850.00 per person PLUS airfare and projects costs*.

PAYMENTS 60/45/30 days due prior to selected trip date

No later than 60 days prior to departure, a non-refundable deposit of $200 per participant must be mailed or paid online.

45 days prior to departure, the Construction/Project costs* are needed. Typically Project costs range anywhere from $8,000 - $12,000. Check with your trip coordinator for the amount to be raised for the project. (Please note: Raising the funds for the project is a team effort, we recognize not every team member has any more to give. This is a great opportunity for churches, friends and families to join in the cause)

30 days prior to departure, the trip BALANCE is due (Remaining $650)

USA mail- make your check payable to LoveServes international: 3310 US Hwy. 301 N. Ellenton, FL 34222 OR

Pay online at http://loveserves.org/donate/

Click on “designation” called Mission Trip Project Costs or Mission Trip.

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DOMINICAN FACTS:

The current population of the Dominican Republic is 10,713,532 as of Thursday, January 19, 2017, based on the latest United Nations estimates.

The Dominican Republic population is equivalent to 0.14% of the total world population.

The Dominican Republic ranks number 86 in the list of countries (and dependencies) by population.

The population density in the Dominican Republic is 223 per Km2 (577 people per mi2).

The total land area is 48,315 Km2 (18,654 sq. miles)

81.6 % of the population is urban (8,784,044 people in 2017)

The median age in the Dominican Republic is 26.4 years.

HISTORY of the Dominican Republic:

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WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR MISSION TRIP

Everyone is permitted one large piece of luggage. Check with your airline for weight limits. A second checked bag is allowed to bring ministry supplies, etc., however keep in mind that most airlines charge for a second checked bag. (Note: you may have a domestic flight that may charge for any checked bags) Most airlines permit a “personal item” such as a purse or backpack for free. Please check with the airline for current regulations and restrictions, especially with carry-ons.

4-5 sets of work clothes (long pants and t-shirts with sleeves are required on worksites; capri pants are acceptable for

women)

A 3-4 sets of clothes to wear after work and on day-off

- Finger-tip length shorts are OK at camp/lodging and on day-off

- No tank tops or sleeveless shirts in community where we will be working or ministering

1-2 outfits for church service (bring extra pair of shoes so you aren’t wearing work shoes to services)

- Men should wear long pants and collared shirt (light weight polo shirts are good)

- Women should wear skirts or dresses that reach past the knees, no tank tops or sleeveless shirts

1 pair of work gloves, but we recommend you bring two pairs

8 sets of underclothing

1 pair of sturdy work shoes, boots or sturdy tennis shoes

5 pair of work socks

Lightweight pajamas, please be conservative

Bandanas or “Cooling Towel” (Walmart carries them) for work site

Swimming suit - Please be conservative one piece for women or wear a shirt over, no speedos for men

Flip flops for the shower

A pillow and twin sheets for bunk beds (NOTE: Pillows are not considered “carryon” or “personal item” on airplanes –

so if it doesn’t fit in your suitcase just carry it)

Mosquito Net (our DR staff will have nets for rent $2)

Soap Brush or comb Toothpaste and tooth brush Shampoo

2 Towels for showers are recommended because it usually takes a full day for a towel to dry when hung

Razor and shaving cream Insect repellent Chap stick

Flashlight

Ibuprofen and other medications (baby powder or other skin protectant is good for keep from chaffing)

Sunscreen (SPF 15 and above is recommended)

Bible and pens (Mission Journal will be given to you in advance)

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Hat and sun glasses for the work site

Refillable Water bottle! (Insulated kind are best to keep cold)

Extra batteries

Anti-bacterial gel for cleaning hands or wipes

Some spending money for snacks and souvenirs and meals in the airports. $100.00 is usually plenty.

Optional Items

Camera and extra batteries (please remember to be sensitive when taking pictures)

Fanny pack or backpack to carry items to the work site and on day-off

Toys and activities for playing with kids in the community but not to give out. (Frisbees, tennis balls, jump ropes, bubbles, coloring books, crayons, fingernail polish, etc.)

Powdered Gatorade or small liquid bottles that you can add to water that has electrolytes and vitamins (ie, MIO)

Granola bars or other SEALED SNACKS, please remember that food attracts bugs, so all food must be kept in sealed bags or containers

Your work clothes may be subject to concrete, paint, sweat, mud, etc. Please do not wear work clothes that you don’t want

ruined. Long pants or capris are required at work sites. Wear work clothes that are cool and comfortable.

Do not bring any valuables. You are responsible for anything you lose. LoveServes does not recommend wearing jewelry in

the Dominican Republic. Wedding bands are fine.

Do NOT bring any illegal substances, tobacco or alcohol. We will send someone home if we find someone using these

during the week.

Our staff in the DR will exchange money for your group at the current rate. Airport rates are usually higher!

NOTE about PHONES AND INTERNET:

If you bring your cell phone – PLEASE check with your cell phone provider to find out what fees or charges you might be subject to when you go out of the country! You might consider a Temporary International calling card, because very high roaming charges will apply on your regular plan.

Always keep your cell in Airplane Mode

Internet is not readily available at the camp, but limited access will be provided by LoveServes to send an email or post on Facebook.