About
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Rescue First Ministries is located on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic. The ministries was founded by Rick and Barb Sucher, who initially began their work in Southeast Asia, specifically the Philippines. After serving thee for nearly seven years, they felt called by God to change their course and move to the Dominican Republic in 2005, They initially worked on the South Coast, but in 2010, The Lord shifted their ministry to the North Coast, where it continues to thrive today.
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In 2019, after a seven-year battle with an autoimmune disease, adrenal insufficiency and finally
Covid-19 , Barb went home to be with Jesus. This was a challenging time for Rick, their family and ministry, However, God remained steadfast, providing guidance to both the Sucher family and the ministry during this period of changes.
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Rick has continued to pursue his calling, and in 2023, he was blessed to remarry a wonderful woman named Cindy. Together, they have a 12-year-old daughter named Serenity. The family is actively involved in the ministry and is dedicated to fulfilling God's calling for their work in the Dominican Republic. Their efforts include running nutrition and discipleship programs for children, overseeing an occupational trade school to meet both physical and spiritual needs, facilitating accredited Bible institutes in the Dominican Republic where students can earn an associate's degree in theology, and lastly hosting mission teams to impact the Dominican Republic for Jesus.
Things We Do
How We Make A Difference
Feeding Programs
Feeding the hungry
At all our feeding centers we make sure that the children are fed a nutritionist meal. All the kids at the center are not only receiving a meal but are also taught table manners, how to speak to others with respect and a bible story that comes with a value each week.
Short-Term Mission Teams
Serving people out of their bubble
We love hosting short-term mission teams! Teams come from all over the United States, and it’s an incredible opportunity for individuals to step out of their comfort zones and experience a new way of life. It’s a privilege for our family to witness the transformation not only in the lives of the people in the Dominican Republic but also in the lives of each team member who visits.
As we connect our partnering churches with local Dominican partners, we truly see God moving in amazing ways. Through activities like door-to-door evangelism, crusades, vacation Bible school, and various work projects, these teams make a lasting impact on the communities we serve.
Occupational Trade School
Providing New Life Opportunities
In partnership with the Dominican government, we administer a trade school that provides accredited certificates in various trades recognized throughout the Dominican Republic and 27 other countries in the Caribbean. Since 2023, we have graduated nearly 500 students in fields such as electricity, refrigeration, computers, furniture making, salon services, barbering, and baking. Many graduates go on to start their own businesses or secure better jobs, enabling them to earn a good income and support their families. In each class, we hold devotions and prayers, and every few months, we organize a potluck gathering to share our faith in Jesus in a personal way.
Children's Outreaches
Raising Up The New Generation
In the five communities we serve, where we support over 250 children, we provide both a nutritious meal and the word of God. We firmly believe that Jesus is the answer to the challenges these children will face. With the Holy Spirit guiding them, they will be reminded to resist temptations for easy money, knowing they are children of God. Our programs emphasize that every child leaves feeling extremely loved and valued. Our dedicated staff comes ready to invest in the lives of these children and share the light of God that resides within them.
Bible Schools
Raising Up Future Pastors
As partners with ISOM (International School of Ministry), we are planting Bible schools across the entire Dominican Republic. When we identify a need for a pastor within a community, we establish a Bible school to help train future pastors and leaders. Over the past 20 years of serving in the Dominican Republic, we have been blessed to see hundreds of new pastors and leaders emerge, making a significant impact for Jesus in their communities.
Making an impact in the Dominican Republic
Contact Rescue First Ministries
Los Castillios, Republica Dominicana
Pastor Rick Sucher: 727-851-5165