What happens when you say “yes” to the Great Commission, beyond the walls of your church, beyond your city, and beyond borders? For our team of 79, that “yes” took us to the Dominican Republic, where we partnered with Mission of Hope to serve the local community and empower the next generation. But this wasn’t just a trip. It was a turning point.

Whether your church is considering its first missions trip or looking to strengthen existing partnerships, here’s what we learned, what we lived through, and what we believe every church, no matter the size, can do to activate global impact.

The Mission Behind the Trip

Our primary focus was two-fold: to equip and empower the next generation and to serve the local church and surrounding communities. From the city streets to rural churchyards, our heartbeat was simple…to meet people where they were with prayer, presence, and the love of Jesus in action.

Choosing the Right Partner

We didn’t want to “drop in” and leave. We wanted to build something lasting. That’s why we chose to partner with Mission of Hope, an organization known for its commitment to excellence, its passion for church advancement, and its deep roots in the region. Their leadership and infrastructure allowed our teams to serve effectively without disruption, and their values aligned deeply with ours. It wasn’t just a good partnership, it was a God partnership.

Advice to churches: Choose a partner who is already doing the work well. Honor their strategy, and build with them, not just through them.

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Who We Served and How

We served neighborhoods in and around Santiago, a region rich with both Dominican and Haitian culture. Our teams partnered with local churches, both Haitian and Dominican, to host children’s ministry and sports activities in the afternoons, share the Gospel through door-to-door evangelism, and pray for families in their homes and neighborhoods. Through simple conversations and acts of kindness, we built bridges that transcended language and culture.

In Jarabacoa, we saw one of the most powerful moments of the trip unfold. A woman who had lived with scoliosis for years, unable to walk properly, was healed in Jesus’ name. The very next day, she walked on her own to church for the first time in years and chose to be baptized. It was a moment we’ll never forget.

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The Impact We Saw

Throughout the week, we witnessed salvations and rededications, families reconciled, and physical healing. Children in the community received clothing, and faith was stirred across generations as people encountered Jesus through love and intentional outreach. One story still echoes in our hearts: the miraculous healing and baptism in Jarabacoa were proof that the Gospel isn’t just preached, it’s lived.

What Worked Logistically

Our preparation made a world of difference. Before the trip, we held Zoom calls and in-person meetings to align expectations, cover travel details, and spiritually prepare our hearts. We also gathered for meals together, breaking bread as a way to build camaraderie and unity. Our fundraising strategy was clear and accessible, and travel and lodging ran smoothly thanks to the support and coordination from our local partners.

Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of team chemistry. Break bread before you break ground.

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What We Learned

We learned to prepare well but hold our plans loosely. Flexibility was crucial, and spiritual leadership often emerged in unexpected places. One of the most valuable decisions we made was scheduling our post-trip debrief before we even departed. That space for reflection, storytelling, and honest conversation became the soil for future growth.

One thing we wish someone had told us: Plan your return before your departure. Debriefing is where the seeds of the next mission take root.

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Leadership Development

This trip didn’t just impact the communities we served…it impacted us. We saw leaders rise up to share devotionals, lead prayer moments, and boldly evangelize, often in unfamiliar settings and across language barriers. Many tapped into spiritual gifts they hadn’t yet exercised at home. It was a clear reminder: the mission field activates the leader within.

Sustaining the Mission

The mission didn’t end when we landed back in Miami. We remain committed to supporting Mission of Hope and staying connected to the churches we served alongside. We’re continuing to raise support through giving, prayer, and future sponsorships. Even those who couldn’t go were part of the story; every prayer, every dollar, every encouragement helped send us. Mission trips are never a solo act.

If you stayed, you still sowed.

Resources for Other Churches

As we reflect on all God did, we’re compiling practical tools that can help other churches begin or strengthen their own mission efforts. These will include planning checklists, team devotionals, fundraising templates, and debrief resources. Whether you’re leading your first trip or your fifteenth, we believe that when you say yes, God shows up.

The Great Commission isn’t just a call to go. It’s a call to grow in faith, in unity, and in the way we love the world. When we step out in obedience, we find that God does far more in us than we ever imagined He’d do through us.