Constanza Partnership: Fellowship and Beyond

“When you are invested in the community, you are not just invested in the church, you are invested in the greatest need of the community.” -Josue Silverio

A small community in the DR, Constanza, has been a church partner of ours for a little over a year. Through this partnership and working with the River Church on their most recent mission trip, lives have been changed, both in Constanza and the US.

When Constanza first started out as a partnership, 7 different house churches met weekly. These house churches were set up by Pastor Rafael to bring the community together. Every week, churches would meet, and relationships continued to grow. The name of Jesus was preached, and people began to give their lives to Christ. When these groups met initially, there was barely enough juice and bread to go around at each meeting. Thanks to the partnership, church services can take place weekly and there is dinner provided at every house church; even birthday cake to celebrate people of the communities' birthdays. These house churches have become so much more than just a time of talking and breaking bread, but a time of intentional fellowship and growth within the community.

During the summer, there was a youth camp in Constanza where seven children came to know the Lord! Recently, the River Church traveled to Constanza and had the opportunity to spend a week with these kids, many were baptized and the church grew their relationship with the community. There was a time of teaching, eating, and overall companionship during this impactful week. The difference a community partnership can make is much greater than just sending funds internationally, but rather a chance to connect on a deeper level. Serving and loving the same God and getting to worship together is a blessing, and we are so thankful for this opportunity.

By partnering with a community in the Dominican Republic or Haiti, it is taking an active step into a relationship and a communal need. It is more than a donation, it is giving a “yes.” A yes to partnering with a community, like Constanza, for a year or more, and recognizing that there is a need to be met.

Nov 7, 2024

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End of Year Impact Report

By Mackenzie Bartolome • January 13, 2026

As we reflect on 2025, we are grateful for the ways God moved through faithful partners and local communities to bring nourishment, hope, and lasting transformation. Through Hope at the Table and other core initiatives, children and families facing hunger, poverty, and instability experienced tangible care and renewed hope. At a time when 5.7 million people are struggling daily to feed themselves and their loved ones, generosity made a measurable difference. With just 11 cents providing one meal, every dollar given helped deliver nine meals to families in need—filling empty plates with food and reminding communities they are not forgotten. Throughout the year, the impact extended far beyond meals. In 2025, 787 individuals professed their faith, 131 communities were served, and 278 pastors and leaders were trained to continue shepherding their people with wisdom and care. Discipleship programs equipped 2,645 women to grow in faith and leadership, while education programs served 11,000 students, investing in the next generation. Medical teams provided care to 7,945 individuals, and 24.6 million meals were distributed overall, including daily feeding programs that supported 101,356 children. Together, we have seen emptiness replaced with provision, despair met with joy, and hunger answered with hope. This work reflects the heart of Matthew 25:35: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” As we look ahead, we remain committed to serving alongside local churches and communities, trusting that generosity—rooted in love—will continue to change stories and lives in the year to come..

Carlen's Story

By Mackenzie Bartolome • January 13, 2026

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Hope Through Local Churches

By Mackenzie Bartolome • January 13, 2026

When *María watched her three children put on their new school uniforms and shoes, she called it a blessing from God. For weeks, the weight of uncertainty had pressed on her heart, she longed to send her children to school, but the cost felt far beyond her reach. What María received was more than a one-time gift. It was a reminder that she was seen, known, and not alone. Through one of our community partnerships, a local church—rooted in her neighborhood and moved by compassion—recognized the need and responded with dignity, love, and care. Made possible by faithful church partners and God’s provision, hope met her family right where they were. Today, Mission of Hope partners with 13 local churches across the Dominican Republic, equipping them to meet urgent needs while sharing the hope of the gospel. Through these partnerships, churches provide food, medical care, children’s programming, and women’s discipleship—walking hand in hand with families long after the moment of need, and helping them step into a future filled with hope. In the most recent program update: 393+ Bibles were distributed 109+ individuals accepted Christ 500+ people were reached through local churches 12 Damas Juntas women’s groups continued meeting and growing together These partnerships also enable churches to care for the whole person, supporting families during medical emergencies, providing meals for children, and creating spaces for prayer, discipleship, and evangelism. María’s children are now attending school with confidence, and she is supported by her local church. Praise be to God! *name changed for privacy