Why Doulos Exists

In 2002, my husband, Chad, and I began dreaming of a new way to teach kids. We dreamed of a school where rich and poor could come together on a level playing field and learn together. We dreamed of a place where Protestants and Catholics would find community together under the name of Jesus. We dared to believe that Christian education could be explorative, exciting and experiential. We sought to make a place for service and responsibility in our daily learning.

We are finishing our fifth year as an organization and our fourth year as a fully functioning and growing PK-12 program in the Dominican Republic. The word that rises in my heart is that the Lord has compelled us to start Doulos. Without a shadow of doubt, we recognize that God is the captain of this ship and that we are merely deckhands. In the first few months of dreaming, I realized the daunting tasks ahead and I wanted to turn back. But the Holy Spirit compelled us, as well as a faithful group of friends and family who helped fund this project.

In August 2003, we had 63 students and an inexperienced group of teachers. Today, we have 160 students and a seasoned band of educators and fellow sojourners. I thank God for every volunteer and paid staff that He has led here to help build Doulos. I thank so many of them for enduring hardships and following through even when it was taxing and their future unknown.

Doulos exists for one reason: to equip future leaders for Christ. Our school is a platform for training. We are molding the minds, hearts and souls of future leaders for future challenges. We use relational discipleship. We use expeditionary learning practices. We see our students today as tomorrow's leaders. A great responsibility lies before us and we are up for the challenge. Thank you for being on board with us, too.