July 2023
Meet The New North American Missionary Staff
It is always so inspiring to hear the different ways the Lord brings people to serve at Doulos. Whether it's a friend of a friend or a trip they took 10 years ago, we are always in awe of how God provides just the right people to do His work here.
Tim and Laura Stanley
Development / Chapel Coordinator -
3rd Grade Teacher
Fun facts: Laura was originally an art major in college and Tim won’t eat the inside part of a carrot.
Since living and serving in Jarabacoa from 2008 to 2011, we have dreamed about someday serving at Doulos. We’ve always loved the ways that Doulos emphasizes Christian discipleship and equipping students to become solid thinkers that will change the world. At the beginning of this year, we both sensed a call to serve in the D.R. and Doulos was at the forefront of our hearts and minds. We are so excited to serve as a couple at Doulos and for our three boys to attend.
The work of Doulos is important because young people need caring Christian teachers and staff that will invest in every area of their life.
Favorite Bible Verse: Mark 10:45
Lauren Ellis
Service Learning Teams Coordinator
Fun fact: There are nine kids in my family, and I am number six.
I first heard about Doulos when I was in elementary school. Ten years later, when my college friend told me she was moving to work at Doulos, I had no idea that I would be heading in that same direction. My plan included going to graduate school for physical therapy, working in a Midwest suburb, and enjoying time near my huge family. Instead, the next few years steered me across the globe as a "super senior" and launched me into the challenging world of short-term missions. As the Service Learning Teams Coordinator, I get to steward my gifts by helping groups understand how God shows His character and power through Doulos' mission.
The work of Doulos is important because it teaches students to interact with their community with biblical purpose.
Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:6-7
Timothy Bemenderfer
Intervention Assistant
Fun Fact: I never know what to say when people ask me where I'm from! I'm American, but I was born in Hong Kong. I've lived in Texas and Iowa, as well as three different places in China.
I spent half of my growing-up years as an MK (Missionary Kid) in China, where I got to witness and be a part of my parents' ministry to the Chinese. God worked, lives were changed, and my own life was changed. After our time in China came to an end, my family was contacted in 2022 by a Christian school in the Dominican Republic! Spoiler alert–it wasn't Doulos. It was during our time at this school that I learned about Doulos. One thing led to another and the school we were with shut down, I graduated high school (side note: I was homeschooled), we moved back to the States, and I wanted nothing more than to serve the Lord in full-time ministry. So I applied at Doulos and here I am in 2023!
The work of Doulos is important because it provides a unique, Christ-honoring educational environment for kids from Pre-K to 12th grade. We identify their genuine needs, prepare and equip them for the real spiritual and physical battles they're destined to face, and develop character and skills that they can use to bring God glory throughout their lives.
Favorite Bible Verse: 1 Timothy 4:12
Izzy Cazal
Middle School Science
Fun Fact: I have been involved in Young Life for over 8 years!
In the spring of 2023, I came to the Dominican Republic on a mission trip with Greater Holland Younglife and worked at Pico Escondido in Jarabacoa. During one of our days in Jarabacoa, our group came to do a tour of Doulos and I was inspired by the school's education system and their use of biblical integration in the classroom; I knew that Doulos was special from the moment I stepped on campus. At this point in my senior year of college, I had no idea what I was going to do after graduation; after visiting Doulos, I felt the Lord calling me to apply and see what He could have for me in the Dominican Republic. After sending in my application, I found out that Doulos had been praying for a new middle school science teacher and knew that the Lord had placed me as the answer to that prayer. I have now been in Jarabacoa for three weeks and have seen the Lord's faithfulness every day. I am so excited to be here!
The work of Doulos is important because it is equipping students to be God-driven disciples and leaders in their communities from the lens of the Christian faith.
Favorite Bible Verse: Colossians 3:1-4
Jaqi Cox
High School Science
Fun Fact: I swam with sharks, intentionally!
A friend I used to teach with came down to Jarabacoa last summer and worked with a family whose kids go to Doulos. When she got back she told me about her trip and how I should work at Doulos because they need a math/science teacher and that I would love it there. After a ton of prayer and opened doors from God, I signed on with Doulos, and left the U.S. for the first time!
The work of Doulos is important to me because we empower kids to be the world changers they were created to be.
Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 8:28
Cooper and Sheily Ezell
MS Bible/Calling Prep
High School Math
Fun Fact: Cooper's wedding band is a puzzle ring.
As Sheily was finishing her bachelor's to become a math teacher, her plan was quite safe. She never thought of traveling to another country, let alone with a newborn. But one powerful day at Cracker Barrel (yes - like the restaurant) the Holy Spirit spoke clearly to Cooper calling them to serve at Doulos. Sheily knew about Doulos through her church, but never imagined they would become missionaries, and she was surprised when she responded to her husband, "Sure, why not?" It can be a struggle to relinquish control but God has given them both the assurance that they will be ok. To serve Him means sacrifices and trust in Him. So they chose to trust Him and sacrifice the familiar to serve Him. Now the next chapter of their life begins!
The work of Doulos is important because it shows children that they have a greater purpose by following the Lord than living a life of vanity.
Favorite Bible Verse: Colossians 1:15-23 and John 15:13
Sydney Archer
High School English
Fun fact: I was on the Equestrian team for my university.
I am from Michigan and I heard about Doulos through word-of-mouth, even from all the way over there! I also didn't just hear about it from one person but from several separate individuals. I was looking to spend more time in a Spanish Speaking country and I was also hoping that it would involve teaching. I could tell God was guiding me here through all the people who I trusted and who had already had experiences with Doulos or Jarabacoa. I applied to work at Doulos and a week and a half later, I was here! Although it was a whirlwind of a process, I have felt the leading of the Lord throughout and He has given me peace. I can confidently say I couldn't be more thrilled to be here and that life with Jesus is always an adventure if you're willing to say "YES!"
The work of Doulos is important because of the long-term impact that Doulos is actively striving to create and has already created.
Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 8:28
New Staff Training
The new staff arrived two weeks early to learn how we bring the unique Doulos model of Christian Education to life. They had workshops, worked on their Spanish, and spent time getting to know each other and Jaraabacoa.
Your Piece Of The Puzzle
The news of the “challenge gift” is indeed exciting, and we hope everyone will join in to make it a reality. The photo above is a 332-piece puzzle. For us to hit our goal of $500k by January 1st, each piece of the 332 pieces would represent a very manageable $1,500.
How might you be part of putting this puzzle together?
You could:
Host a Dinner Party or Dessert Night
Challenge your youth group, mens/women's group, or co-workers to get involved
Organize a fundraising event (fun run, garage sale, chili cook off, car wash)
Share information and personal testimonies through email and social media
Start putting money aside to donate later this year
Have lunch with your pastor or local business owner
Click the link below and fill out the short form so we can provide you with whatever resources are needed to put this puzzle together.
Thanks to the response of newsletter readers like you, we ended the school year with EVERY student in our sponsorship program having at least one sponsor!
Next month we will have a new group of pre-k students needing their first sponsor. We will update the website soon, and keep you posted.
Please join us in praying for...
New Staff Transitions - It is both a whirlwind and a rollercoaster to transition from North America to serve at Doulos. Please keep the new staff in your prayers.
Teacher Workshops - The first two weeks of August will be filled with various training and planning sessions. Please be praying for clarity, team strength, and God's wisdom through the process.
Doulos ELT - Our Executive Director (Josh), School Director (Megan), and Operations Director (Amber) make up our Executive Leadership Team (ELT) for Doulos. Please keep the three of them in your prayers for protection, discernment, wisdom, and unity.
Transition Back to School - The first days of school set the tone for the entire year. Students arrive on campus having experienced a variety of things during the summer. Please be in prayer for the Holy Spirit to be working during this time.