Presbyterian Mission Agency We could not have done it without you!

A Letter from Josey Saez and David Cortes, serving in the Dominican Republic

September 2020

Write to David Cortes-Fuentes
Write to Josey Saez-Acevedo

Individuals: Give online to E200519 for David Cortes-Fuentes and Josey Saez-Acevedo’s sending and support

Congregations: Give to D507587 for David Cortes-Fuentes and Josey Saez-Acevedo’s sending and support

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Dear Colleagues in Ministry,

We are writing to thank you for all the ways you have supported us over the years. We will conclude our ministry in mission service on September 17, 2020. We do this with grateful hearts for the care, hospitality, and generosity received from you.

Even though we will no longer be serving as mission co-workers in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean, PC(USA) will continue to serve our partners in the area. We also would ask that you prayerfully consider supporting the regional liaison position for the Caribbean. PC(USA) is hoping to fill the regional liaison position as soon as is possible.

We have so much to be grateful for. We remember arriving in Cuba to serve the Seminario Evangélico de Teología in Matanzas, Cuba, and later moving to the Dominican Republic to work with the Iglesia Evangélica Dominicana and the theological education institutions in the broader Caribbean. It was an exciting time, filled with many opportunities for learning, companionships, and the understanding that we were to walk with our partners in all their joys and struggles. David and I understood that our presences and partnership was one of mutual respect for Cuba and the Dominican Republic’s culture and faith.

Our goodbye Claremont Presbyterian Church and Emanuel Hispanic Presbyterian Church in Southern California. The Cuban and Puerto Rican flags. A symbol of brother and sisterhood.

Our send off at Claremont Presbyterian Church, Claremont California (2015)

Send off during the San Gabriel Presbytery (2015)

With Valdir Franca (Regional coordinator for the Caribbean and Latin America) at PMA commissioning service (2015)

With newly commissioned mission co-workers (2015)

With Jo Ella Holman (Regional Liaison for the Caribbean) (2015)

Visit to the Presbytery of Philadelphia with Executive Presbyter, Rev. Ruth Santana-Grace

Visit to our home Presbytery of San Gabriel in Southern California with Executive Presbyter Rev. Wendy Tajima and Rev. Bong Bringas

First graduation ceremony at the Evangelical Seminary of Theology in Matanzas, Cuba with Rev. Carlos E Hams, Rector (2016)

Picture taken by General Assembly commissioner (2016)

Vacation Bible school with El Redentor, Reformed Presbyterian Church in Matanzas Cuba

Visit with the good folks of Myers Park Presbyterian from Northern Carolina (Summer 2016)

Ordination of candidate Zorys Cresp, (Spring 2017)

Visit to the Santis Espiritus Reformed Presbyterian Church. Found Kendall Cox from Living Waters for the World visiting as well. Happy reunion!

With friends at the Louisville Furlough apartments where we stayed during our time in the US.

One of our many trips to visit friends and supporting congregations. Rev. Stephen Loch Bowie, Third Presbyterian Church, Rockford IL

One of the many graduation ceremonies, Evangelical Seminary of Theology in Matanzas, Cuba (2017)

Louisville Furlough apartments in Louisville KY. A gather of colleagues during our transition from Cuba to the Dominican Republic. Rev. Mari Bock, Evangelical Dominican Church (Peace Making), Jo Ella Holman, Mark Hare and Cesar Carhuachin (Summer 2019)

Arriving to the Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. (Feb 2020)

Our first sip of coffee at the offices of the Evangelical Dominican Church, Santo Domingo (2020)

David, at the offices of the Evangelical Dominican Church, Santo Domingo, DR

Solar oven ministry demonstration with Rev. Erasme. Evangelical Dominican Church, Santo Domingo, DR

David, teaching seminary students from the Evangelical Dominican Church, DR

Over the years, we learned the meaning of resilient faith. We shared our joys and struggles with each other, understanding our shared faith and hope. We will cherish our memories of our time with the students, pastors, church leaders, and many more brothers and sisters who witnessed to their faithfulness and dedication in so many ways. We will never forget the meals and the domino games we shared in our apartment in Matanzas with students and friends. Our hearts are filled with the memories of PC(USA) church partners who visited our apartment and shared their experiences with partner churches throughout Cuba. Yes, at times it was challenging, even lonely, yet we were able to come through those low times because we knew that we were not walking this journey and ministry alone. The Grace of God, care, love, and support of family and friends helped us stay the path.

The Iglesia Evangélica Dominicana welcomed us with open arms and much love. We regret that our time with them was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, while we were there, they witnessed to their love for Christ, their commitment to Christian Education, and their passion for serving and empowering the broader community. We were able to continue some work via the internet, but we missed participating in their worship services and fellowship with so much enthusiasm, energy, and warmth.

While we will be ending our service on September 17, 2020, World Mission is providing us with continued support to help us with our re-entry and transition back to the United States for the next several months based upon our years of service to the PC(USA). And so, we invite you to continue supporting us through your prayers and generosity.

Thank you for your ongoing love and support of PC(USA) and of the mission we all do together in the name of Jesus Christ. We could not have done it without you!

In Christ,
Rev. David Cortes-Fuentes, PhD
Elder Josefina Saez Acevedo (Aka: Josey)

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Tags: Dominican Republic