DR Mission 2025

Written By Jenifer Gamber

Nearly 20 Years of Service in Montellano

For almost two decades, mission teams from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Arlington, VA have journeyed to the Dominican Republic to partner with our sister parish in Montellano and support the Colegio Episcopal Niño Jesús school community

From Foundation to Flourishing: Montellano School Expansion

What began as a modest education center—built from a cinderblock foundation—has grown into a vibrant institution serving 1st–6th grade students. Over seven mission groups, volunteers have contributed to:

  • Foundation repairs, hauling concrete blocks, rebar, and mortar

  • Painting, including joyful murals

  • Building bookshelves, picnic tables, benches

  • Groundskeeping tasks like tree planting

  • Hosting Vacation Bible School for parish children

Living Our Mission

These combined efforts in construction, education, and worship exemplify St. Peter’s core values: servant leadership, community, and faith in action. Daily group worship during mission trips helps participants reconnect with Jesus’ example of service and reflect deeply on their experiences

Empowering the Montellano Community

Our mission trips offer tangible benefits to the local community:

  • Education access: scholarships and school supplies

  • Economic impact: hiring local workers for construction and meal preparation

  • Community connection: bringing St. Peter’s parishioners and Montellano residents together for mutual learning and fellowship

This hands-on collaboration fosters mutual understanding, encourages youth engagement, and deepens our connection with our sister parish.

Join Us June 24–July 2, 2025

We’re thrilled to announce the return of our mission team to the Dominican Republic in June 2025! The group of 19 youth and adults will travel to Puerto Plata, partnering with Colegio Niño Jesús and Santa María Virgen in Montellano

Follow the journey: Beginning June 24, daily mission updates will be posted on our blog!

Jenifer Gamber