Last year I had the opportunity to serve in Santiago in the Dominican Republic on my first mission trip. During the week our team worked on several projects in the community, including laying rebar and pouring concrete for a home that would eventually become a place for people to gather and grow together in faith. The work was long and physically exhausting, but it was incredible to see how everyone came together to serve. By the end of the week we were covered in concrete and completely worn out, but we knew we had helped build something that would bless the community.
A week after we returned home, we received a video that showed people from the community gathered on the concrete we had poured, holding a Bible study together. Some of the same families whose homes we had painted were sitting there reading Scripture and praying together. Seeing that moment made the entire week of work worth it. What we thought was just physical labor was actually helping create a place for people to grow closer to God.
Another moment from that trip was much more personal. Earlier in the week I had some things weighing heavily on my heart, and even though I was serving and enjoying the experience, my mind kept drifting back to those struggles. On our last day, when we got back to the hotel, my key card wouldn’t work. Instead of going inside with the rest of the group, I ended up walking down to the beach where the others were gathered. That unexpected moment gave me time to sit, reflect, and really process everything God had done throughout the week. In that quiet moment, God reminded me why I was there in the first place—to serve, to grow, and to trust Him even when my heart felt heavy.
That trip showed me that God works in both the big moments and the quiet ones. Whether it was laying concrete with our team or sitting on the beach reflecting on the week, His presence was undeniable.
Prayer Requests
• That God would prepare the hearts of the people we will serve.
• That our team would serve with humility and love.
• That God would continue to grow my faith and use this trip to impact others.
• That our team would stay safe and healthy throughout the trip.
A week after we returned home, we received a video that showed people from the community gathered on the concrete we had poured, holding a Bible study together. Some of the same families whose homes we had painted were sitting there reading Scripture and praying together. Seeing that moment made the entire week of work worth it. What we thought was just physical labor was actually helping create a place for people to grow closer to God.
Another moment from that trip was much more personal. Earlier in the week I had some things weighing heavily on my heart, and even though I was serving and enjoying the experience, my mind kept drifting back to those struggles. On our last day, when we got back to the hotel, my key card wouldn’t work. Instead of going inside with the rest of the group, I ended up walking down to the beach where the others were gathered. That unexpected moment gave me time to sit, reflect, and really process everything God had done throughout the week. In that quiet moment, God reminded me why I was there in the first place—to serve, to grow, and to trust Him even when my heart felt heavy.
That trip showed me that God works in both the big moments and the quiet ones. Whether it was laying concrete with our team or sitting on the beach reflecting on the week, His presence was undeniable.
Prayer Requests
• That God would prepare the hearts of the people we will serve.
• That our team would serve with humility and love.
• That God would continue to grow my faith and use this trip to impact others.
• That our team would stay safe and healthy throughout the trip.
This is awesome!