Dominican Republic: President Fernandez donates campground to the Seventh-day Adventist Church

April 11, 2008 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic…[Libna Stevens/IAD Staff]

The president of the Dominican Republic met with Seventh-day Adventist leaders, local government officials, and church members to present an unusual decree declaring 31 acres of campground a public utility, then donated it to the church. The Najayo Campground, some 30 kilometers outside Santo Domingo in the historic San Cristobal province, was previously owned by a national university but used for decades by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

“I want to tell you that I have never participated in an act where I could perceive so much happiness in the faces of all gathered,” said President Leonel Fernandez. “I must tell you that I have been so impressed with the smiles here today.”

Dr. Fernandez presented the decree last month on the campground, where hundreds gathered to see and hear him.

“This is very unusual, to have the president intervene on behalf of a non-catholic denomination,” said Pastor Silvestre Gonzalez, executive secretary and spokesperson for the church in the Dominican Republic. “Only through his authorization was the property declared public utility of the state and donated to our church organization, and for that we are so thankful.”

In 2006, the church in the Dominican Republic established a public relations campaign to bring its ministries and activities to the attention of top government officials. Late last year, church leaders were successful in impressing the president with the mission of the 250,000-member church, its positive impact in the community and the involvement of its young people.

According to Gonzalez, the church never had legal possession of the land. Only a verbal agreement made with the university more than 40 years ago allowed the church use of the property and to build facilities there.

Gonzalez said the church plans to build new facilities to house the thousands of Adventist youth who use the land every year as a camping retreat.

“The Adventist Church is the second largest in the country with more than 60,000 active young people enrolled in Adventurer Clubs, Pathfinder Clubs, and Master Guides,” said Gonzalez. “For that and the church’s use of the campgrounds for more than 40 years, the president made the decision to intervene.”

“God’s name has been glorified with this historic gift for all Seventh-day Adventists in the country,” said Pastor Cesario Acevedo, president of the church in the Dominican Republic. Pastor Acevedo challenged the president to put his plans in God’s hands and work toward realizing the well being of every Dominican citizen.

“I know that it is not only because of the nature of the event that we are celebrating, but there is a natural kindness in each one of you that I know that is a result and a consequence of having God as a guide in your attitudes and your behavior,” said Dr. Fernandez. “I would like for that same spirit to be extended to the entire Dominican nation.”

Prior to the President’s arrival to the campgrounds, several Adventist groups took part in a special musical concert during the historic event.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Dominican Republic operates six regional offices, 1,027 congregations, 98 elementary and secondary schools, one university, one hospital, and eight radio stations.

To view additional photos of the event, go to http://photos.interamerica.org