Dear Friend,
With a heavy heart, I am writing to you from the Dominican Republic attempting to understand the current situation of a social upheaval happening in the country. As you may know, the Dominican Republic government is carrying out mass deportations in various communities around the country. This greatly affected our community of Monte Verde on April 24th. My heart is breaking as I report that the community we work in was destroyed, bulldozed. Our property and the little church next door are the only things still standing. All our supplies were stolen, including our solar panels, well pump, water tanks, and the roof off our pavilion.
At this moment Monte Verde is completely empty. It resembles a war zone. Every single soul has relocated somewhere else. Many parents were separated from their children, and we are assisting in the search for the children. The suffering is unexplainable. Women and children have been hiding outdoors in bushes for over a week to avoid being sent to Haiti, where they may never have set foot in the past and will face violence, and possible death. Pregnant women, immediately after giving birth, are being taken to Haiti only based on skin color. It is reported that 85 children from a nearby Christian school did not report for school last week, and the principal has no knowledge of their whereabouts. This is in addition to the children we were serving and who are missing.
At this time, we are planning to convene an emergency board meeting as soon as I return to the USA, to discuss our path forward regarding the mission of Outcast Redeemed. We are taking time to pray and ask God for his direction. We appreciate your prayers for us and the population we serve.
Please see the photos I have attached to this letter.
I am available to answer any questions you may have at this time. Feel free to email me with questions or comments, or an appointment to speak. I will keep you informed as information is available.
In Christ,
Dana Ladewig
