Faith, Fellowship, and Joy in Mozoví
by Jean Pritchard Nava
Today marked Day Three of Vacation Bible School (VBS) here in the Dominican Republic, where we welcomed children from both the local school community and the nearby village of Mozoví. Many of the children travel to the school each day on a school bus driven by Elison, a beloved member of the church community whom we’ve known since his childhood. It's been inspiring to reconnect—especially as Elison now feels called to explore seminary and pursue deeper service to the Church.
We were greeted at the airport on Tuesday afternoon by Padre Raúl, the school leader, along with Miquea Santivil from the Dominican Development Group. Padre Raúl has been present with us each day, joyfully opening each afternoon’s VBS session with music before handing the program over to the school’s talented and enthusiastic teachers.
Each morning, a dedicated team prepares the VBS crafts, while others continue the building and maintenance work around the school. Meanwhile, our games team keeps the children active and engaged, and our music team—which I’m grateful to be part of—helps bring the energy and spirit to life. Today, I found myself with a microphone, marching around the schoolyard singing “Marcharemos” alongside children, teachers, and team members. Ed and Jay joined in as strolling musicians, playing the chords we worked out on our first day with Peter, our music lead. Favorites like “Alabaré,” “Jesus Loves Me,” “Alelu,” and “I’ve Got That Joy in My Heart” (in Spanish) filled the air.
One of my favorite parts of the day is watching how attentively the children respond to both their teachers and our mission team. The Bible lessons are taught from a bilingual curriculum, and the crafts—like today’s Joseph’s coat of many colors and paper lanterns—bring those stories to life through creativity and hands-on learning. There’s lots of laughter, helpful demonstrations, and plenty of smiles as we navigate language differences together.
When asked what they are grateful for, the children name simple, heartfelt blessings: food, family, a bed to sleep in, clothing, and escuela Biblia (Bible School). It’s incredibly humbling and heartwarming.
I’m truly grateful to be here in the Dominican Republic, serving with this incredible Saint Peter’s mission team. The spirit of joy, faith, and community we experience each day is a gift I will carry with me long after this trip ends.
Jean Pritchard Nava is a longtime member of Saint Peter’s with a heart for mission. A former member of the Vestry, Jean serves on the Mission Commission.
