RMI is “Mobilizing Global Partnerships to Transform Lives in Christ.”
RMI is “Mobilizing Global Partnerships to Transform Lives in Christ.”
RMI was founded in 1987 as an evangelical faith-based mission to facilitate C3 Church Partnerships, or Connected Church-to-Church Partnerships, that are long-term, strategic, and life-transforming for everyone involved. RMI worked in Haiti for 36 years before beginning its ministry in the Dominican Republic in 2024.
C3 Partnerships are exciting, reciprocal, cross-cultural, intimate, in-depth, ongoing, practical and spiritual relationships between evangelical churches located throughout the United States, Dominican Republic, and Haiti.
RMI also provides many ways with various partners to engage the body of Christ to minister cross-culturally one to another. The purpose of these partnerships and ministries is to resource the church for more effective ministry into their own lives and into the lives of those in their community.
To be effective and to avoid common pitfalls as a church engages in cross-cultural ministry, RMI provides comprehensive training before teams engage in ministry, as well as strategic guidance for the partnership, constant support, and many opportunities for personal involvement by the entire congregation. RMI facilitates this ministry via a dedicated and well-trained staff as well as providing an infrastructure that can support all that the partnership desires to accomplish.
RMI considers the Gospel to be the unsurpassed agent of radical life change. (We want everything we do to proclaim Christ.)
RMI values the Church as God’s chosen agent to enable life change. (We mainly work in and through the local church, both here in the US and overseas.)
RMI mobilizes church to church partnerships to effectively engage in transforming and ministering to one another and into their communities as part of Christ’s body. (Sister Church Partnerships are our foundational ministry.)
RMI believes that Christ is honored and pleased by service that requires sacrifice on the part of the server.
Stage 1
An 18-year-old Shirley Fry (Shoemaker) spent her summer in Haiti on a short-term mission trip after her first year at Philadelphia Bible Institute. Despite no preparation in Haitian culture, language, or medical training, she worked with an interpreter to hold simple clinics, children’s Bible clubs, and other ministries. Shirley fell in love with the Haitian people despite many hardships.
After two trips to Haiti, Shirley met Herb Shoemaker at The King’s College in New York. They married in 1956, and Herb attended Columbia Bible College, where their son Dan was born. Following basic training in missions and dental work, the family went to Haiti as career missionaries.
Stage 2
Stage 3
The Shoemakers first lived in Thomazeau, then moved to Les Cayes in southern Haiti. Herb served as Director of Institute Biblique Lumiere and established the TEE (Theological Education by Extension) program, which continues to this day. Shirley served as Superintendent of Women, supporting numerous ministries and hosting visiting teams.
The family returned to the US so Dan could attend high school. During this time, Shirley and Herb reflected on their experience with short-term mission teams and their challenges. They envisioned church-to-church partnerships for in-depth, ongoing, and reciprocal relationships.
Stage 4
Stage 5
Shirley, Herb, their son Dan, and his wife Deb founded RMI. Dan and Deb led the Haitian side of the ministry, and Shirley and Herb ran the US side, recruiting Sister Churches and sending teams to Haiti. The RMI Retreat Center at Zanglais, Haiti, was also established during this period.
Dan became President of RMI, and Debbie took over as Director of Communications. Herb retired as President in 2006 after serving an additional year to ensure a smooth transition. Dan and Deb relocated to Lehigh Acres, FL, where the International Office was moved.
Stage 6
Stage 7
RMI establishes their ministry in Santiago, Dominican Republic and the first RMI missionaries arrive
Reciprocal Ministries International, Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Contributions are solicited with the understanding that RMI has complete discretion and control over the use of all donated funds.
RMI is a member in good standing with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.
RMI phones are answered live Monday through Friday 8:30 - 3:30. For calls outside those hours please leave a message with our automated service.