On Tuesday morning, November 18, history was made as the official new clinic groundbreaking for the REVOLUTION campaign took place in San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic.
Dr. James Diller and Dr. Osvaldo Canario share the shovel to kick off the construction project
At around 9:00am, guests arrived on the land of the new site for the Christian Clinic for Integrated Health, just a few kilometers further west from its current location. A tent and chairs greeted guests as well as a table in the shade where dark, sweet Dominican coffee was provided in the typical miniature plastic cups. There was a great deal of old friends reuniting, picture-taking, and general excitement as both American and Dominican guests mingled in the Caribbean heat before the ceremony began. An estimated 200 people were in attendance for the ceremony.
The ceremony itself was a meaningful time of reflecting and sharing from Dr. Osvaldo Canario (Clinic Director and ACPSI Executive Director), Pastor Steve Shaffer (long time SRI volunteer and team leader), Patricia Tatham (SRI Board President), Joe Zimmerman (SRI Executive Director), Pastor Jose Ramon Rodriguez (ACPSI President), and Dr. James Diller (surgical team leader and visionary from SRI’s early days). The official ceremony lasted for about an hour, then snacks were provided on site and the group later enjoyed a Dominican meal together at the guesthouse.
SRI supporters travelled from across the DR and USA to be a part of this special event. Those coming from the States enjoyed time together catching up, sharing stories, and touring several local sponsored schools. Thank you so much to all who came to participate in this moment in SRI history and thank you to all who could not attend but prayed for the event and followed the social media updates from home! Please continue to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the most current updates each week! Also, take a look at the REVOLUTION Clinic Groundbreaking photo album and comment on your favorite pictures! We will be posting an uncut video of the ceremony soon and it will be followed later by an edited highlight video in early 2015. Stay tuned!
We would like to continue to thank the donors who have made this project possible. Thank you for the gifts that continue to come in, for the pledges that are being fulfilled and extended, and for the prayers and words of encouragement that have been expressed. This is a team effort and the support has been incredible. We have recently shared a unique, new way to support the REVOLUTION through our Gift Catalog.
The Gift Catalog is a perfect way to support the REVOLUTION campaign by putting items for the clinic on your Christmas list or by purchasing from the catalog for those hard-to-shop-for friends and family members! Please consider giving a gift that makes a difference this Christmas and click here to learn more and get shopping!
We would also like to share with you our monthly fundraising update. Please see our current total as of 11/30/14:
With Christmas around the corner and as 2014 comes to a close, please remember the REVOLUTION project in your end of year giving! To make a contribution, please call us at 419-956-4077 or donate online! Thank you for your continued prayers and support!