Summer Highlights from the Dominican Republic
God has continued to open doors to build relationships with local Haitian and Dominican pastors in the Dominican Republic. This summer has been filled with opportunities to serve these pastors and communities.
From locally led youth camps, service projects alongside HopeGo teams, grocery distributions for the Family Assistance Program, Vacation Bible Schools for hundreds of children, Damas Juntas Women’s Empowerment groups for women of all ages, and more, this summer has been filled with impactful ministry. A few highlights have been:
BRINGING THE CHURCH TO A SICK MAN:
A HopeGo team was visiting people in the community of Buena Vista in the Dominican Republic, and they met a man who was bedridden. He shared that he was unable to go to church because of his sickness, and they decided to bring the church to him! The team gathered around him and sang worship songs with him, and they encouraged him with God’s Word. His entire countenance changed and he was reminded of how deeply God cares for him.
EQUIPPING LOCAL PARTNER PASTORS:
Several partner pastors have been able to expand their ministry this summer and lead local events for their churches. A local pastor recently shared, "When you first came to the Dominican Republic, in our very first meeting, I felt the Lord say He would use Mission of Hope specifically to bring the Haitian and Dominican Church together." God is working in incredible ways through His Church and it’s a joy to be a part of His story.
UNITED TOGETHER TO PRAY:
At the recent Pastor Gathering, the room filled with Dominican and Haitian pastors at Pastor Pedro’s church. After the extremely challenging months that the people of Haiti experienced—consumed with unspeakable tragedies and devastating heartbreak caused by gang violence—pastors in the Dominican Republic were burdened to pray for their neighbors. Historically, the racial division between Haitians and Dominicans has been fraught with tensions. But time and time again, we see the unity that comes through the church. This gathering was no different. The pastors in the church were filled with the urgency to gather with other believers, encourage one another, share victories, shoulder burdens, and pray for men, women, and children experiencing unthinkable devastation just across the border.
From Haiti to the Dominican Republic, you play a vital role in helping people know Jesus. Thank you for your faithful support.
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Esterline’s story began in a place of deep fear and uncertainty. His mom was very sick, and their family had already spent everything they had trying to help her; going from place to place, even to a voodoo doctor, hoping something would work. But nothing changed. She was still just as sick, and they were left with no money and no answers. In the middle of dealing with his mother’s illness and his own desperation for her to get better, Esterline cried out to God. “If you save my mom,” he prayed, “I will follow you for the rest of my life.” Not long after, he asked his small group leader and their village champion to come to his home and pray. As they stood together and lifted up his mom, something powerful happened. Not just physically, but spiritually. In that moment, she chose to put her trust in Jesus.And things began to change. Day by day, her health started to improve… until she was completely healed. But the story doesn’t stop there. Esterline remembered the promise he made. He went to the village champion and said, “I need Jesus. I remember my promise to God.” And he chose to follow Him. Now, instead of fear filling their home, there is joy. Instead of searching for answers, they have found hope. Together, they go to church. Together, they worship. What started as desperation turned into a story of healing.
March was packed, and we can’t wait to tell you about it! Over the course of the month of March, 361 team members came alongside the work in the Dominican Republic, helping serve 1,535 people through medical care and reaching 746 more through Strategic Ministry Time. We welcomed over 2,200 kids into Kids Club, and most importantly, we celebrated 61 people who made the decision to follow Christ! While in the community of Los Higos, one of our teams spent time with a couple who are both battling cancer. After spending most of their savings on medication, they were often left without enough money to even buy clean drinking water. Through local church leaders, we were able to reach their home and give them a water filter that will provide safe, clean water for the next 10 years. As the team shared how the filter takes water that isn’t safe and transforms it into something clean and pure, they explained how Jesus does the same in our lives—washing, restoring, and making us new. Sitting there in their home, the couple was moved to tears. In that moment, both chose to accept Christ. We are so thankful for every team member that came down, ready to serve, share the Gospel and bring hope to every man, woman and child across the Dominican Republic.
Education in Haiti is not easy. It requires courage, resilience, and an unwavering belief that children are worth fighting for. James Petit Homme is a teacher passionate about education and child development. For years, he has faithfully served students through Mission of Hope, investing in their growth both inside and outside the classroom. But his commitment has been tested due to the unrest in Haiti. There was a time when violent unrest forced James and his fellow educators to leave their school building. Armed groups took control of the area, and what had once been a safe place for learning became unsafe overnight. At a time when reopening felt uncertain, the Lord faithfully answered parents' prayers. Determined not to let education stop, the school leadership found an alternative location in a neighboring town where classes could safely continue. Through the support of Mission of Hope and the faithful generosity of sponsors and donors, classrooms were set up, and students were welcomed back. “We did not give up,” James shares. “Mission of Hope did not let us sit idle. They continued to support us so we could keep serving children and the community.” Because of that support, James has been able not only to continue teaching but to grow in confidence, patience, and perseverance. He has experienced firsthand the strength that comes from hope and solidarity. He has seen how education can remain steady in the midst of chaos, and how a classroom can become a safe haven for students, no matter their circumstances.
