Luis and Julie Añil are missionaries in the Dominican Republic. Serving with Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru), Luis and Julie's primary ministry focus includes working with youth, journalists and local broadcasters, law enforcement and prison ministries.
The Dominican Republic is the 2nd largest country of the Caribbean, in size and population (after Cuba). And with a population of only 11 million, the Dominican Republic has been a significant source for Major League Baseball recruitment.
With the country's love of baseball, Luis and Julie use baseball as the primary gateway to reach the youth of the Dominican Republic. With 80 active players, the Dominican Republic is 2nd only to USA in producing MLB players, including over 700 players in total historically who have played in Major League Baseball from the Dominican Republic - including Juan Marichal, Sammy Sosa, Nelson Cruz, Manny Ramírez, Pedro Martínez, David Ortíz ("Big Papi"), Melky Cabrera, Robinson Canó, Felipe Alóu, Vladimir Guerrero, Ozzie Virgil, Julian Javier, and Albert Pujols. Therefore, baseball provides an ideal platform to connect with the youth of the Dominican Republic.
