Dominican Brethren hold 19th annual conference.

La Iglesia de Los Hermanos (the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic) celebrated its 19th Annual Conference on Feb. 19-21 at the Mennonite campground (Betel) near San Juan de la Manguana. The theme for the conference, chosen by moderator Felix Arias Mateo, was "More than Conquerors" based on Romans 8:37.

Three new churches were accepted into the denomination, for a total of 21. A budget for 2010 also was approved. Catalice Mardochee was chosen to be moderator-elect.

Speaking for the new Brethren congregations in Haiti, pastor Altenor Jean from Port-au-Prince shared moving words of faith in the midst of suffering following the devastating earthquake. He thanked Dominican Brethren for their visits and prayers.

Tension was evident during the meetings as leaders struggled with financial and administrative concerns. Shawn Flory Replogle, representing the US Brethren as the moderator of Annual Conference, led in a closing service of anointing.

-- Irvin Heishman is the Church of the Brethren’s mission co-coordinator in the DR.

Source: 2/25/2010 Newsline