In 2005, God miraculously brought together dentist Willy Gaspar and Jim Pressnell, ex ditector of Central American Lutheran Mission Society(CALMS). Gaspar and a group of friends and colleagues has seen the film "Luther". They were interested in studing Lutheran theology and wanted to participate in the formation of a Lutheran church in the Dominican Republic. On the day Rev. Walter Trescher Ries Jr. and LCMS World Mission outreach missionary Danelle putnam were installed, Gaspar and a group of 13 came to Santiago from Santo Domingo for the worship service.
Now two years later, Gaspar told the partners how they have seen the power of the Word of God manifested in their marriage and their family life.
Today, Willy is one of three men enrolled in studies with Ries to become a Lutheran pastor for the emerging Dominican Lutheran church body. Willy is envolved in his community in Las Americas (Santo Domingo), about 300 families.
In this picture is a confirms in Santo Domingo (October 2006). The first is Ramon (one of three students), Willy and his wife Santa, Yanela and pastor Ries.
