Project ID: DR0001-65019

In fall 2005, two missionaries arrived in Santiago, Dominican Republic, with one contact name in hand. They aimed to plant Lutheran churches inclusive of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This grassroots endeavor resulted in incorporating an NGO, Good Shepherd Lutheran Homes(HLBP), in 2009. 

HLBP models excellent care for people with IDD, and encourages institutional change in governmental facilities throughout the country. Since 2011, six orphans with IDD have received individualized attention at a group home adjacent to the Lutheran mission church in Palmar Arriba. These young adults are baptized and involved in the worship life of the Church, attending events and activities as they have opportunity. 

To date, HLBP’s example has inspired three government facilities to take baby steps toward affirming every human being’s God-given value. The changes impact hundreds of abandoned adults with IDD. 

And lastly, the Dominican Republic Lutheran Mission’s congregations have become training grounds for loving the least of these, most notably through Friends of Jesus, an outreach to families touched by IDD. Perhaps the most sweeping change brought about by HLBP has been in the hearts of members: learning to care for others in body and soul.

GOOD SHEPHERD
LUTHERAN HOMES

Checks should be made out to: LCMS
Memo line: DR0001-65019

Mail to:
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Mission Advancement
P.O. Box 66861
St. Louis, MO 63166-6861

Contact: jonah.burakowski@lcms.org

Experience Making a Difference

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